Hawaii isn’t just for newlyweds and lovebirds, it’s an amazing vacation destination for the whole family! Our friends at Two Sisters Travel have the scoop on visiting the islands with the kiddos. They’ve shared their tips on planning the perfect Hawaiian family vacation, answering your questions like which islands to visit, how long to stay, & more! 
What islands to visit?
There are 8 main islands that make up Hawaii, each one offers a different landscape, “personality”, & things to see/do.
Oahu, Big Island, & Maui are the most popular islands. Oahu, is a more commercialized hub of activity & home to popular spots like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, & Pearl Harbor. Maui is more relaxed and offers more untouched natural beauty. If you’re looking for adventure Big Island is your spot with an active volcano & lava flow at Hawaii Volcanoes Park.
PRO TIP: See more of Hawaii by island hopping. Inter-island flights don’t cost a fortune and this will give you an opportunity to experience more of what this tropical paradise has to offer!
How do we survive the long flight?
We can’t deny that traveling to Hawaii from any east coast city is a loooooong trip. But, I can promise that the 9+ hour flight is well worth every agonizing minute after you arrive. 
PRO Tip: Break up the trip by spending 2-3 nights in Los Angeles. Take a day or two there and explore the City of Angels, maybe even spend a day at Disneyland.
What are your favorite resorts for families?
Accommodations in Hawaii vary from villas to condo suites to standard hotel rooms. Several resorts offer kid-friendly amenities, including special activities & entertainment. My favorites for the whole family are Grand Wailea & Aulani.
The Grand Wailea in Maui has recently opened a brand-new, 20,000 sq. ft. kids facility, the Rock, that is a resort in a resort, just for kids. They offer everything from lei making classes to video games, even a Lego wall.
Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu is situated along the private beaches of Ko Olina and away from the bustling Waikiki area. The kids club at Aulani is included and offers exceptional programming & amenities for kids of all ages. When you combine this with Disney’s legendary service, your family will be treated to a memorable vacation.
PRO Tip: There are NO all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii. Budget for daily food spending.
What are some of the things to see/do/experience?
Hawaii is best known as the land of beautiful beaches, surfing, volcanoes, pineapples, the people, & its iconic place in history. There’s something for every member of the family to enjoy on a Hawaiian vacation. A few of our top must dos are visit Pearl Harbor, see the lava flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, take a surf lesson, & experience an authentic luau.
PRO Tip: If you’re visiting Oahu, you don’t want to miss the Polynesian Cultural Center. Hands down one of the most authentic luaus on all the islands!
How many nights should we travel for?
If you’re making the haul half way across the globe (or at least what seems to be), you’ll want to stay 6-nights minimum, this would be touring at a much faster pace. Spending 9-nights would be ideal for enjoying the trip at a more leisurely pace.
These are just a few general tips to kick-start the planning for a family-friendly Hawaiian vacation.
If you’re feeling inspired or you’ve already been dreaming/planning to cross this off your bucket list contact Two Sisters Travel for a no-obligation quote. They will customize the perfect trip that matches your family’s style, preferences, & budget. Smarties we’ll see you in Hawaii!
Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel
843.284.3241
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1 comment
Hi there. I am looking to travel with my 4 year old Christmas – New years, I’m thinking about a week. I would like to go somewhere warm with lots for me to do with him as he is an adventurer at heart. I was thinking Hawaii with stays including The Grand Waiea and Disneys Aulani Resort with lots of excursions like helicopter rides, waterfalls, a Lava flow destination, surf lessons (for him, maybe me), snorkling and such but am hesitant because its the most expensive time of the year to go and also the rainiest. It would be heartbreaking to spend a month or more income on a trip that gets rained out. Did I mention that I am single mom and also celebrating my 40th (shhh) birthday?
I also have considered Atlantis and am open to ideas. I do not want a trip that is cookie cutter with no adventure. It would also be nice to get a spa day in while he is off on his own chaperoned play day.
Any suggestions? Can you help me plan this once in a lifetime, dream trip?