Traveling on an Empty Stomach

Is Hawaii a good destination for families with young kids?

Absolutely! That is if your kids like to be outside, swim, explore nature, enjoy epic playgrounds, and devour the best shave ice ever!

Any location in Hawaii is an excellent destination for families with young kids. With its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and endless outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children can explore the wonders of nature through hiking trails, visit volcanic formations, and even experience a traditional luau. The warm and welcoming local culture adds to the charm of the islands, making it a memorable and educational experience for the whole family. Plus, Hawaii offers plenty of family-friendly resorts, complete with pools, water slides, and kids’ clubs, ensuring that parents can relax while the little ones have a blast. With delicious food, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures, Hawaii truly has it all for families with young kids.

How many days do you need to enjoy the best of Hawaii?

The number of days needed to enjoy the best of Hawaii largely depends on the specific activities and destinations you wish to experience. However, to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of the islands, a minimum of seven to ten days is recommended. This will allow you to explore multiple islands, such as Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, and engage in activities like snorkeling, hiking, visiting historical sites, and experiencing the local culture. With more time, you can venture off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and truly soak in the aloha spirit that Hawaii has to offer. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, spending a decent amount of time in Hawaii will ensure that you make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.

Big Island & Kauai 10 Day Itinerary

Seeing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a must-do for our volcano-loving seven year old so we made sure to fly into the big island for two nights. That left us with eight days to explore Kauai on and off the beaten path!

Recommended Books for Planning Your Hawaii Vacation

I personally love Lonely Planet’s travel guides! Here are the two books I used to plan this epic family adventure!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you.

Lonely Planet Kauai Travel Guide (2022)

Lonely Planet National Parks of America (2021)

Big Island (Island of Hawaii) Itinerary

• Day One: Arrival – Traditional luau; we chose Voyagers of the Pacific Luau since we were staying at the Royal Kona Resort)
• Day Two: Road trip to Volcanoes National Park (two hour drive from Kona), dinner at Broke Da Mouth Grindz in Kona

Kauai Itinerary

• Day Three: Arrive in Kauai (we stayed on the south shore in Poipu), walk to see the sea turtles at Brennecke’s Beach, dinner at Puka Dog and back to the beach for sunset
• Day Four: Poipu & Hanapepe – Poipu beach (more sea turtles!), Waikoma Shave Ice, a short road trip to see Hanapepe Overlook, Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, a quick treat at Popo’s Cookies, and then sunset / exploring at Glass Beach
• Day Five: Wailua, Kapa’a, Lihue, & Poipu – Kayak adventure on the Wailua River to swim at Secret Falls, Java Kai for the necessary afternoon caffeine, Wailua Shave Ice, Kamalani Playground and Lydgate Beach in Lihue for swimming and snorkeling, then dinner at Da Crack in Poipu
• Day Six: North Shore / Hanalei Bay – Road trip to the north shore, Holey Grail Donuts, Small Town Coffee, Hanalei Farmer’s Market (Saturdays 9:30-12pm), Maniniholo Dry Cave, found the best snorkeling in Tunnels Beach, quick dinner to go then a long drive home
• Day Seven: Poipu / South Shore – Morning hike from Shipwreck’s Beach on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, lunch at Kauai Poke Co, (a much needed nap), then early dinner at Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, sunset swim at Poipu Beach
• Day Eight: Waimea – A morning swim at the Airbnb pool, lunch at Porky’s, then exploring Waimea Canyon State Park – Waimea Canyon Trail, Red Dirt Falls, Kalalau Lookout, Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, then a quick stop at The Right Slice Pies (dessert needed after an epic day), ended the day with a pool swim at sunset
• Day Nine: Poipu & Kalaheo – Shopping day in Poipu & in Kalaheo (Warehouse 3540), lunch at Big Monster Sushi, more shopping, visit to Spouting Horn and then dinner at The Dolphin in Poipu
• Day Ten: Poipu & Lawai – Morning swim at Poipu Beach, coffee and snacks at Little Fish Coffee, exploring Makauwahi Cave (with short hike), Culinary Market in Poipu (Wednesdays 3:30-6:30), Dinner at Kiawe Roots (reservations recommended)
• Day Eleven: (morning departure) We decided to fuel up before a long flight by grabbing poke at Fish Express in Lihue

Places We Went in 10 Days

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Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? I’d love to answer any questions you may have! Just leave a reply!