Planning a Family Vacation in Hawaii – Which Hawaiian Island is Perfect for Your Next Family Adventure?

The Hawaiian Islands are always a popular choice for family vacations. They offer island adventures, fun in the sun and sand, and the opportunity to get away from the stress back home. But how are you supposed to easily decide which Hawaiian Island to choose for your next family vacation?? After all, there are many islands that could perfectly fit your vacation needs! Thankfully, out of the 137 official Hawaiian Islands, there are only 6 that you need to know the basics about when planning your next Hawaiian family adventure.

I cover the basics about each of those Hawaiian Islands below. This should make it a little bit easier for you to choose one that will be perfect for your family vacation in Hawaii.

The 6 Hawaiian Islands to Choose from when Planning Your Next Family Vacation in Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii

You can easily sink your toes in the sand on any of the Hawaiian Islands during your next family vacation. However, many people choose the Big Island of Hawaii, because it is the largest of all the islands. Your days can begin and end at the beach, as you watch the sun rise and set over the water. If your family loves the beach, it is best to stay in the areas along the Kona coast or over in Waikoloa. And if relaxation in sleepy towns is your preference, Hilo has you covered with mom-and-pop shops, as well as a laidback vibe.

There are 12 different climate zones on the Big Island of Hawaii, so you will want to be prepared for all your family adventures. Shorts and t-shirts will work near the beaches and in the coastal jungles. However, winter apparel is a must when you venture out towards the snowy peaks up near Mauna Kea.

The most popular attraction on this island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This feature alone is the number one reason why families like yours choose this island for their family vacation in Hawaii over all the others.

Oahu

The island with the largest population is Oahu. The huge number of locals make it the ideal island when your family wants to learn the most about Hawaiian culture and traditions. If you are truly seeking local culture, you must plan to spend part of your Hawaiian family vacation in neighborhoods like Kaimuki and Kapahulu, along with a few others. And if all you want to do is surf during this Hawaiian vacation, simply venture over to Oahu’s North Shore. That is the surfing mecca of the entire world!

While you can shop anywhere on the island of Oahu, the most charming treasures are located in the boutiques in the beach towns. Kailua is a personal favorite for shopping, however, you will also find amazing shopping opportunities over in Waikiki and Ala Moana Center.

The popular attractions on the island of Oahu include Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor. And trust me, you don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy a visit to either destination!

Maui

You won’t get too much downtime when you choose the island of Maui for your next family vacation in Hawaii. There is simply too much to do on this gorgeous island! Your days can be filled with activities that include touring local farms, exploring historic towns, or hiking to see the natural beauty of the landscape.

The luxury resorts scattered around Maui will ensure you have everything you need to create the perfect getaway for your family. The kids can sleep in while you get in a round of golf. Or you can walk along the soft sand at Kaanapali Beach early one morning.

Haleakala National Park must be on your list of things to do while vacationing in Maui. However, the highlight of your family vacation should be taking a drive along the Road to Hana. This is one awe-inspiring adventure your entire family will never forget!

Kauai

The beauty of Kauai is in the eye of the beholder. You may fall in love with the mountains that seem to rise higher and higher over the landscape during this family vacation in Hawaii. Other family members may prefer the beaches where the water can lap over their feet during long walks, or the lush rainforests filled with mist and wild animals. Since parts of the island of Kauai are still undeveloped, you will find undisturbed beauty throughout your adventures.

The high-end resorts are the perfect place to begin and end your day in Kauai. However, the rest of your time should be spent exploring Mount Waialae and Hanalei Bay. The one place you will not want to ignore while on Kauai is the Napali Coast. As you stand on the cliffs, high above the ocean, you can watch the water from the falls hit the water below. Kauai is definitely an outdoor lover’s paradise in Hawaii!

Molokai

Molokai is also considered paradise, but mainly for those people who are looking for simple beauty. There is no pomp and circumstance on the island of Molokai. You won’t find massive skyscrapers, action-filled shopping centers, or traffic lights either. Instead, Molokai offers solitude amongst lush rainforests, sandy beaches, and hillsides.

The main attractions on Molokai include Kalaupapa Peninsula and the Valley of Halawa. As you wander around these destinations on Molokai, you will be stunned by the peace and quiet that seems to be everywhere. This is the perfect Hawaiian Island for your family vacation in Hawaii if you are seeking to get away from the true hustle and bustle of the real world.

Lanai

Another tranquil Hawaiian Island is Lanai. This island is one of the smaller Hawaiian Islands and used to be one large pineapple plantation. While you will still see signs of that plantation around the island, much of it has been replaced with luxury options your entire family will love.

Imagine checking into a five-star resort before heading out for a family adventure along the Munro Trail. Other thrilling activities include 4×4 tours of the remote shorelines, horseback riding, and shopping in Lanai City.

The one destination you must visit while on Lanai is Hulopoe Bay. This protected marine reserve is an excellent place to see spinner dolphins, as well as many other sea creatures.

These are the 6 main Hawaiian Islands you can choose from when you are planning your next family vacation in Hawaii. Hopefully, it will be easy for you to choose which island is perfect for your family adventure. But I have a feeling you will want to visit more than one of the Hawaiian Islands, because they all offer something unique.

The good news is it is simple to see more than one Hawaiian Island during family vacations! Whether you choose to fly into Hawaii or take a cruise, you have options when it comes to island hopping. A cruise is usually the easiest, because the ship will take you to multiple islands. But you can also choose to take inter-island flights between the Hawaiian Islands. There is even a ferry that will take you from the west coast of Maui over to Lanai.

I will go over all your options with you, as we are planning your perfect family vacation in Hawaii!

So, are you ready to book your next family vacation in Hawaii?

If you are ready to book your next family vacation to Hawaii, I would love to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by

clicking here. You will then be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

If you aren’t quite sure which Hawaiian Island is going to be perfect for your family yet, or haven’t narrowed down your travel dates, you can easily sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure we stay in touch, and you receive the travel information I share in the future.