Choosing the Best Hawaii Island For Families
The time has finally come: that big family vacation just cannot wait any longer! Which is the best Hawaii island for families? We’re running down some options to help you decide which Hawaiian island is the best for your first trip.
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Why Travel To Hawaii This Year?
Time for some real talk.
There’s been something gnawing at me on social media lately, and no, I’m not talking about politics.
According to your Facebook, Instagram, and Tweets, I must be the only person on earth who has not been to Hawaii.
And quite possibly, I may be the only person who isn’t there right now.
It seems like every day, someone new is saying Aloha and showing their feet in the sand. I’m a little jealous, folks!
How is this possible? I can’t be alone, right? Please tell me it’s not just me!
And if you say it’s because I spend all my time and money at Disney, shut yo mouth! (That’s mostly aimed at my husband who sometimes reads my blog and makes those comments- ahem, love you, dear!).
A Hawaiian vacation is as American as The Brady Bunch and Scooby Doo. Heck, even the kids from Saved By the Bell made it to Hawaii.
And, yet, I’ve never been.
Which means my kids have never been either.
Does that mean I’m a failure as a mom?
Probably not, but I think this is one of those vacation spots that shouldn’t be overlooked.
I have major FOMO going on right now- fear of missing out– which is surprising since Hawaii hasn’t been high on my travel list, mainly due to the time in the air it takes to get there.
I’ll be honest: a 13-hour flight from the east coast with kids just doesn’t sound appealing to me.
But then I see pictures like this, and I think, yeah, I could manage thirteen hours on a plane.
Best Hawaii Island For Families (2023)
I know I’m not the only one who hasn’t been, despite what my Facebook feed feels like.
And with some of the best times for Hawaiian travel coming up during the Christmas holidays and Spring Break, I felt I should investigate the options.
You know, FOR THE KIDS!
Since these are also some of the most popular times to visit, booking lodging really can’t wait.
Especially when you add in the Moana factor.
Do not underestimate the power of a Disney movie, right, Norway?
So which is the best Hawaii island for families in 2023?
PICKING THE RIGHT HAWAIIAN ISLAND
Each Hawaiian island has a different vibe, tourist highlights, and stunning geography.
To give a few examples: Oahu is the most populous island and is home to North Shore and Diamond Head.
The Big Island of Hawaii offers active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
Maui has fantastic beaches, with picture-perfect sunsets.
And Kauai is breathtaking with excellent hiking trails.
In short: you have options. Lots of options!
I’m not sure there is a wrong choice, but you still have to narrow it down. Here are my top four choices for the best Hawaii island for families.
Best Hawaii Island For Families: Maybe It’s OAHU
To start, check out Oahu.
If you are arriving by air, you are likely to fly into Honolulu Airport on Oahu as it’s often the least expensive option.
And that’s one thing you will quickly learn: getting to Hawaii isn’t cheap!
All major airlines fly here from the mainland, and many international airlines are serviced here as well.
One draw of Oahu is the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor.
For my family, this would be a must-see.
Not only are we former military, but my grandfather joined the Navy soon after December 7, 1941.
Plus, I’ve always wanted to see the waves at the North Shore and mayyyybbe spot Steve McGarrett, aka Alex O’Loughlin, and the Hawaii 5-0 crew filming, preferably wearing their bathing suits.
Even if we don’t stay on this island, we will be sure to visit.
Because: Steve. Mc. Garrett.
(yes, yes, I know… they no longer film this show- but… sigh… )
HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND
With 11 of the 13 climate zones located on one island, the Big Island is certainly unique!
There’s so much to do and see here that you can find something to satisfy everyone.
This island boasts the largest mountain in the world Mauna Loa (by volume) and the tallest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea. Yes, it’s bigger than Everest when it is measured from its base on the sea floor to its peak.
Plus: active volcanoes. That’s not something you see every day!
And truthfully, the draw of seeing lava flowing from active volcano sites appeals to my “look kids, learn something!” side.
I think I’d score some cool mom points with this outing.
I can hear it now: “lava and real-live volcanoes… Mom rocks!”
Yes, kids, I do.
MAUI
Maui has a bit of everything with touristy sights balanced with good beaches and hikes.
It is usually recommended for a first trip- and it’s certainly less touristy than Honolulu over on Oahu.
During the Christmas to Spring Break season, you can see whales during migration season from the beaches. Now that would be cool for my Virginia kids to witness.
Some advice I’ve been given is to book activities ahead of time such as the Old Lahaina Luau, zip lining, snorkeling, and driving the Road to Hana.
And you can bet we won’t forget the shaved ice!
The Best Hawaii Island For Families: KAUAI
Kauai is a favorite because it is the least touched island.
Friends report Kauai as having the most ‘Hawaiian feeling’ of all the islands.
It offers an authentic atmosphere with guava plantations, a lighthouse, and waterfalls to explore. The large waterfall scene in Jurassic Park (the original) was filmed on Kauai; you can visit the falls.
Since we are (still) living in that dinosaurs-are-coolest-things-ever phase, I know the family would geek a bit visiting here.
Hiking and seeing so much green (oh my word- so much green!) would be a top priority for us on Kauai.
WHERE TO STAY ON YOUR HAWAIIAN FAMILY VACATION
Whichever island you choose, the right place to rest your head at night will set the tone for the trip.
We’ve narrowed down our choice and are looking at booking in Kauai for our first stay.
Yes, I know you expected to hear Aulani, and it’s a very close second. in fact, we may have to squeeze in a few days there as well!
Kauai just feels like a strong contender for the best Hawaii island for families.
So I think the first trip will be to Kauai and we will look at a condo.
We like to have some room for our big family to spread out with some comforts of home like a washer and dryer.
And I love having a full fridge for all those Mommy-beverages I will consume while on vacation.
Frothy drinks with fresh pineapple and maybe an umbrella sound pretty Hawaiian to me!
More Hawaii Posts You’ll Love
- Save Money On Your Hawaiian Vacation
- Review of Alohilani Resort
- Native Hawaiian Cast As Moana
- First Timer At Aulani Review
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
I haven’t been to Hawaii either. Should I report my mom to the Council on Bad Parenting for that? She did take us to Disney in 1995 so maybe she’s exepmt. LOL
It’s over 14 hours to get from Boston to Hawaii so seven sounds like an easy trip to me! And you gain all those extra hours for sleeping with the time zone change.
This is true. You do gain some time going in that direction!
Hi Patty!
Looks like you had a fantastic time. Did you get a chance to take any coffee plantation tours? I am addicted to Hawaiian coffee even though it’s a bit expensive. The more tours I go on in Hawaii, the more I wish I didn’t have to leave! 😀
Cheers,
Tara
Hawaii is not cheap, regardless, so we wanted the more unique experience, which is undoubtedly Maui. We feel like we really have our own island. This summer will be our 7th trip to Maui and we have found new things to do each year and haven’t broken the bank. We travel wisely and stay two weeks–which never feels like enough!