We receive many inquiries from parents and families who are concerned about travelling to Hawaii on a vacation with children. That means it is time for me to report on this beautiful topic in this blog 🙂
If the long flight of about 19 hours would be pure flying time, you could say that Hawaii is the perfect destination for families with children The flight itself is already very long - with or without children. At some point, you want nothing more than to finally arrive 🙂 However, the flight is also very exciting for the little ones. Seeing how many different cultures and people are on their way to foreign countries, flying above the clouds, the hustle and bustle on board of a plane and having their own TV at every seat - that's probably the most exciting thing about flying for kids!
It is important, depending on the age of the child/children, to look for an entertainment program in advance. Colouring books, magazines, a new little game, audiobooks, a downloaded app or even 2-3 movies are a good idea. A pillow, a cosy blanket and toys are also very important. During an overnight flight, it's also a good idea to take your pyjamas with you and let the kids put them on so that the evening bedtime rhythm is maintained.
Many airlines offer the possibility to book "Baby Baskets".I've been thinking about borrowing small baby cribs for the flight, which you can put the little ones in for a better night's sleep. These baby cribs can be hung on the airplane wall in front of you 🙂 Children usually cope with jet lag much better than adults do.
Hawaiians, who call children "Keiki", love the little ones very much. Wherever you go, children are greeted in a friendly manner and a conversation about them comes up quickly. In the restaurants, there are "Kids Menus" on the menu almost everywhere, special drinking cups, small toys and colouring materials to help the kids pass the time while waiting for their meal. On the promenades and at the refreshment stops, there are often performances by Hawaiian musicians or dancers, who inspire the children with their show and often encourage them to join in.
Most hotel rooms have a sofa bed and/or a baby crib (for a small extra fee). Many hotels, especially the larger ones, offer babysitting services and great childcare. Sometimes there are even children's camps, where the children can do many exciting activities such as making your own blumenleis building a bodyboard, hula courses and much more. At the Hilton Hawaiian Village / Oahu, the children's program is quite extensive.
There are many great attractions and places that make children's eyes sparkle. Besides interesting museums, zoos, water parks and numerous playgrounds, it is especially the unique Hawaiian nature, with its fascinating flora and fauna which inspires young and old alike.
Hawaii's beaches are very diverse. It is recommended to visit shallow waters with babies and toddlers, such as Lanikai Beach on Oahu. There are hardly any waves here, so it's lovely to cool off in the ocean with your baby in your arms and get them used to the fresh water. For older kids, of course, the waves on their own are an adventure. There are always lifeguardson the public beaches. They watch out that nothing happens and inform about the waves and currents. The flags on the beach indicate the degree of waves or the current and warn of too dangerous water conditions. Hawaii has made surfing popular. How could it be otherwise that you will find surfboard rentalsalmost everywhere, where surfboards, body boards, boogie boards and stand-up paddles can be rented.
I have listed a few more tips on what to experience with children in Hawaii. In addition to that, I have listed hotels that offer great deals especially for children.
Snorkeling is also very popular with the older ones. Get them one of the "cool" swimming shirtsfor longer snorkeling session to prevent the risk of sunburn on the back.
O'ahu,
Delicious pineapple ice cream! The largest maze in the world, even in the Guinness Book of Records! To practice at home beforehand, there is a maze here with us. | Every day 9:30 -17:30 Uhr | Eintritt Plantation Garden Tour Erwachsene 8 $, Kinder (4-12) 7,25 $ | Kreuzung Hwy. 80/99 | Wahiawa
Hanauma Bay Marine Education Center
Das moderne Center an der schönsten Schnorchelbucht Hawaiis ist vor allem auf Kinder ausgerichtet und erläutert die Ökologie eines Korallenriffes, danach wird geschnorchelt (Öffnungszeiten 6:45-16:00 Uhr, Einlass nur bis 13:30 Uhr) | Montags u. Dienstags geschlossen | Eintritt 5 $, Kinder unter 13 Jahren frei | Hwy. 72 | Honolulu. Halbtägige geführte Touren (ca. 4 Std.) mit Einführungskursen im Schnorcheln oder Tauchen (Kinder ab 12 Jahren) werden von Hanauma Bay Snorkel Tours angeboten (Kosten 90 $ + Eintrittspreis 25 $)| https://www.hanaumabaysnorkeltours.com/
Ein 100000 m² großer Vergnügungspark mit imposanten Wasserrutschen, mit Meerjungfrauen schwimmen, langem Drift-Kanal, Wellenpool und viel Action für die Kids. | Die Öffnungszeiten variieren je nach Saison, aktuelle Zeiten findest du auf der Homepage | Eintritt 53,99 $ + Tax, Kinder über 2 Jahre 49,99 $ | 400 Farrington Hwy. | Kapolei, near Makakilo City on western Oahu | https://www.wetnwildhawaii.com/?utm_source=moto&utm_medium=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxYOiBhC9ARIsANiEIfbx0qcDUEFN-wrSsw2zlEEivTIYL6rmWqTIp3-XPW1OTmj51cIUYH8aAhDNEALw_wcB
Ca. 1400 Tiere in naturnahen Gehegen, Streichelzoo für Kinder (Keiki Zoo) und abenteuerliche Twilight Tours für Kids ab 5 Jahren jeden Samstagabend. | Tgl. 10:00 -16:00 Uhr, Kasse schließt um 15:00 Uhr| Eintritt 19 $, Kinder bis 2 Jahre frei, Kinder 3-12 Jahre 11$ | Kapiolani Park | Honolulu | Gute Website mit Tierspielen und Videos: www.honoluluzoo.org
O’ahus Aquarium, der Sea Life Park Hawaii, steht ganz im Zeichen der Erhaltung der Weltmeere. Die Kleinen können hier so einiges über das Meer und dessen Bewohner lernen. Es gibt sowohl Shows bspw. mit Delphinen, als auch Ausstellungen. Auf dem Gelände befindet sich auch ein toller Spielplatz für die Kids. In einem sogenannten Discovery Touch Tank können die Heranwachsenden den Unterwasserbewohnern nahekommen. Gegen einen Aufpreis ist es im Park auch möglich, mit Delphinen zu schwimmen oder aber auch bei der Fütterung der grünen Meeresschildkröten zu helfen. Ein Highlight ist der Unterwasser-Panorama-Tunnel | Eintritt Erwachsene 39,99$, Kinder über 12 J. 24,99$, Kinder unter 12 J. 19,99$, Kinder bis 3 J. frei. Adresse: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimānalo. Nähere Infos unter https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com.
Wer gerne etwas in die Kultur Hawaii’s und deren Bewohnern und Vorfahren eintauchen möchte, bekommt im Polynesian Cultural Centre einen sehr lebhaften Einblick. Hier kann man beispielsweise lernen, wie man ohne ein Netz Fische fangen kann, wie der hawaiianische Hula getanzt wird und wie traditionell gekocht wurde. Es werden den Besuchern zahlreiche und beeindruckende Shows mit Feuertänzen und nachgespielter Geschichte geboten Wer im Voraus bucht, spart 10%. Adresse: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie. Eintrittspreise: Erwachsene 79,95 $, Kinder 63,96 $. Nähere Infos unter https://www.polynesia.com/.
Im Children’s Discovery Center gibt es jede Menge zu entdecken für die Kleinen. Das interaktive Lernzentrum fördert das Erfahren mit allen Sinnen. So gibt es dort dauerhafte Ausstellungen, die darauf abzielen, den Kids das Erleben mit den verschiedenen Sinnen stärker ins Bewusstsein zu rufen. Die Kinder können hier beispielsweise im “Fantastic You” den menschlichen Körper näher kennenlernen und erkunden, im “Tot Spot” für Kinder bis 5 Jahren finden die Kleinen jede Menge Sinne anregendes Spielzeug. Der Ort hat aber auch Bereiche zu bieten, die den Kindern Hawaiis Geschichte und dessen Natur erlebbar näher bringen. Adresse: 111 Ohe St, Honolulu. Eintritt 12 $, Kinder unter 1 Jahr frei. Nähere Infos unter http://discoverycenterhawaii.org/.
Small hikes with kids on Oahu
Lulumahu Falls Trail (Honolulu) - The Lulumahu Waterfalls are not far from Waikiki. The trail is about 2 miles long and the same distance must be walked back, it is not a loop trail. (Total walking time is about 90 minutes). The hike is manageable even with small children. It is best to pack enough food and water because there is only nature on-site ;) Sturdy shoes should also be worn in any case. The hike starts at the Old Pali Road parking lot, before the Pali Lookout on the Pali Highway, and it will take you through a bamboo forest, past Honolulu's water supply company and a water reservoir called Nu'uanu Reservoir. Since the waterfall is on private government land, you will need a day use permit, which must be paid for in advance. More information under: https://trails.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html.
Likeke Falls Trailhead (Kaneohe) - An approximately 1.5 mile hike (round trip 3 miles). Parking is available at the Ko'olau Golf Club, near a church. At the beginning of the trail, you will pass a fence and a graffiti-covered water tank. This waterfall is easy to reach even with small children, but sturdy shoes and enough food are a necessity.
hotels.
The Aulani Disney Resort is located a bit off-track in southwest Oahu in a more exclusive residential area called Ko Olina. Every evening, there is a program, e.g. live music, a hula show or disney movies. For children, this hotel is the BOMB. It offers seven different pools, a cave, a salt water pool and lagoons. There are waterslides and pool parties for the kids. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks or paddle boats can be rented at "Makiki Joe's".
The Sheraton is located directly in Waikiki. It is central and it is not far from one of the many restaurants in the evening. The hotel offers two water slides, a large pool and not to forget, the sea right at the door 😉 There is the Helumoa playground and a children's camp. The hotel has a program for children regularly, for example making a bodyboard, going on excursions and so on.
Feel free to take a look at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. There are water slides, animals on the premises and Camp Penguin. A visit to the zoo, an excursion to the aquarium or the sandcastle battle are offered by the childcare workers.
A large aquarium with coral reefs, turtles, rays and sharks. A lot to learn. Children can touch and try out many things. | Daily 9-17 Uhr| Eintritt 39,95 $, Kinder unter 13 J. 26,95 $ | Hwy. 30 | Maalaea Harbor | www.mauioceancenter.com
Maui Golf & Sports Park
Ob Minigolf, Klettern, Bungee, Extreme-Trampolin oder Bumperboat fahren – dieser Park bietet spaßige Aktivitäten im Freien für die ganze Familie und ist täglich geöffnet. Der Park ist angebunden an das Resort Wailuku. Tgl. 10-16:00 Uhr geöffnet. Die Attraktivitäten werden einzeln gezahlt, du kannst aber auch Pakete kaufen, Infos auf der Homepage. Adresse: 80 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku. https://www.mauigolfsportspark.com/.
Fishpipe Hawaii at Kihei Resort
It gets quite original with the Fishpipe Hawaii. Hier könnt ihr die Erfahrung machen, euch in einer riesigen aufblasbaren Polymerkugel zu bewegen, die mit ein wenig Wasser gefüllt ist. Ein Spaß für Groß und Klein. Adresse: 777 S Kihei Rd, Kihei.
Boo Boo Zoo (The East Maui Animal Refuge)
Der sogenannte “Zoo” ähnelt den Streichelzoos, die wir aus Deutschland kennen. Es ist ein Hof, auf dem typische Nutztiere wie Pferde, Ziegen, Gänse und Hühner gehalten werden. Der Hof ist eine Art Gnadenhof, der auch alte oder gebrechliche Tiere aufnimmt, um sich um sie zu kümmern und ihnen einen schönen Platz zum Leben zu bieten. Am Hof ist es den Besuchern gestattet die Tiere zu füttern und zu streicheln. Einmal wöchentlich finden Exkursionen statt, an denen die Kinder nahegelegt bekommen, wie man die Tiere versorgt und ihnen wohltut. Diese Touren sind kostenlos, Spenden sind natürlich gerne gesehen. Anmeldung erforderlich. Adresse: 25 Maluaina Pl, Haiku. Nähere Infos unter: https://www.eastmauianimalrefuge.org/.
Hikes with children
Waihou Spring Trail (also called Nā Ala Hele Trail) - In Upcountry Maui (Makawao), where the climate is more temperate, you can take this 2-mile loop trail through eucalyptus forests even with little children. It is best to stock up on food and drinks in one of the numerous restaurants in Makawao. At the springs themselves, it can be slippery and too dangerous for the kids. Older children can certainly discover a lot while climbing here. Address: 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao.
About the hotels.…
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Resort, is a great water park, with 4 different water slides. An 1800-square-meter children's camp offers PlayStations and a video arcade.
The Hyatt Regency has a beautiful outdoor area to offer. Waterfalls, rope bridges and a 45m slide make children's eyes shine. Flamingos and colorful parrots are always encountered here.
Kamalani Playground
Ein großer Abenteuerspielplatz mit niedlicher Holzbrücke, bunter Kachelkunst und einem Meerespool | Lydgate Park | Kapaa | www.kamalani.org
Privater botanischer Garten mit Skulpturen. Für die Kinder gibt es eine Eisenbahn, ein Labyrinth sowie Dschungeltunnel und -rutschen. | Mo-Do ab 8:30 -16:00 Uhr, Fr 8:30 – 15:00 Uhr | An Wochenenden geschlossen. Self-guided Tour ab 20$ | 4101 Wailapa Rd. | Kilauea | Anmeldung für Familien mit Kids unter 13 Jahren: Tel. 828/0525 | www.naainakai.org
There is a lot for kids to discover at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. For example, a water slide and a saltwater lagoon, where you can even go canoeing. The pool area covers a whole five hectares.
At Kalapaki Beach on Kauai is the Marriot Kauai. Hier sind die Wellen klein und das Wasser ist perfekt, um mit Kindern zu schnorcheln. Es gibt einen Miniclub im Hotel und einen 26.000 Quadratmeter großen Pool – Wow!!! Das ist nicht nur für die “Kleinen” was 🙂
Keauhou Bay is ideal for snorkelling with kids: shallow, with lots of colourful fish and turtles. | free entrance | at the south end of Alii Dr. | Kailua-Kona. Click here for more information.
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
A true paradise for children as well as adults is the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. The huge property in the middle of the tropical rainforest is home to about 150 animals and 75 different species. Water buffalo, peacocks, rhinos, monkeys and much more live here. A special highlight is the Bengal white tiger called "Namaste". Open daily from 10-15h. The entrance is free. Address: 800 Stainback Highway, Hilo. Current info under: https://www.hilozoo.org/.
Hikes with kids on Big Island
Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail - The section between Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach ist ein knapp 4 km langer Hin- und Rückweg, der vom Schwierigkeitsniveau her als einfach einzustufen ist. Es ist mehr eine Wanderung als ein Hike und führt an der Küste entlang über die Felsen. Festes Schuhwerk ist ein Muss. Geparkt werden kann jeweils bei den Stränden und den dazugehörigen Parkspots.
For children, Big Island is just great, there is something to discover everywhere. Due to the many hiking trails and paths, the kids can also walk a few meters alone and discover without you having to worry. For the older ones, the volcano adventures are of course priceless. A tour to the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea is a must-do.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village near Kailua-Kona is called the "Disneyland" on Big Island. There is a huge pool area and since the village is so large, you move around by streetcar and canal boats.
But no matter how and where... Hawaii also enchants children. The pleasant climate and friendliness of the people, Hawaii's nature and wildlife on land and in the sea. Children are stimulated in their natural joy of discovery and can see and experience things on the islands that they otherwise only know from books.
If you have been to Hawaii with kids and have any tips that we can add, tell us about it!
