Summer Adventures with Kids in Hawaii
We pulled these 114 summer adventures out of our full catalog of kid-friendly spots in Hawaii. Every listing has the ages it suits, what it costs, how long to budget, parking notes, and what to pack.
114 adventures found
Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
Eleele, HI
NatureBoat tour along 4,000-foot sea cliffs with waterfalls, sea caves, and dolphins. Paid entry. Best …
Waimea Valley
Haleiwa, HI
HikingPaved botanical garden walk to a swimmable 45-foot waterfall. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A …
Kipahulu Campground
Hana, HI
CampingOceanfront bluff-top camping at the end of the Road to Hana, a short walk from the Pipiwai Trail and …
Road to Hana Bamboo Forest (Pipiwai Trail)
Hana, HI
HikingMagical bamboo forest hike to a 400-foot waterfall at the end of the Road to Hana. Paid entry. Best …
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Hana, HI
HikingBlack sand beach with sea caves, lava tubes, and blowholes on the Road to Hana. Paid entry. Best …
Wai'anapanapa State Park Cabins
Hana, HI
LodgingSimple state park housekeeping cabins at the Hana black sand beach, one of the few affordable ways …
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingActive volcano with lava tubes, steam vents, and a massive caldera. Paid entry. Best from about age …
Namakanipaio Campground
Hawaii National Park, HI
CampingDrive-up tent camping in a eucalyptus grove inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, minutes from the …
Imiloa Astronomy Center
Hilo, HI
ScienceHilo center pairing Mauna Kea astronomy with Polynesian wayfinding, plus a full-dome planetarium …
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
Hilo, HI
NatureWorld-class stargazing at 9,200 feet with free evening telescope programs. Free. Best from about age …
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Honolulu, HI
MuseumWalk the deck and interior of the battleship where WWII ended, from the surrender plaque to the …
Bishop Museum
Honolulu, HI
MuseumHonolulu's state museum of Hawaiian history with a walk-through erupting volcano, planetarium, and …
Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, HI
HikingIconic volcanic crater hike with panoramic Waikiki and ocean views. Paid entry. Best from about age …
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Honolulu, HI
SwimmingSnorkel with colorful fish in a volcanic crater bay with protected reef. Paid entry. Best from about …
Hawaii Children's Discovery Center
Honolulu, HI
Indoor-PlayOahu children's museum in Kakaako with a mini TV studio, a pretend supermarket and a walk-through …
Manoa Falls Trail
Honolulu, HI
HikingRainforest hike to a 150-foot waterfall through a tropical jungle near Waikiki. Paid entry. Best …
Akaka Falls State Park
Honomu, HI
HikingEasy paved walk to a jaw-dropping 442-foot waterfall through tropical jungle. Paid entry. Works from …
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua, HI
SwimmingAward-winning white sand beach with turquoise water and gentle waves. Free. Works from toddler age. …
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Kailua-Kona, HI
SnorkelingSnorkel with giant manta rays gliding below you in an unforgettable night encounter. Paid entry. …
Kualoa Ranch
Kaneohe, HI
NatureJurassic Park filming location with horseback riding, ATVs, and zip lines. Paid entry. Best from …
Lydgate Beach Park
Kapaa, HI
SwimmingProtected rock pools for safe snorkeling and a massive playground on Kauai east side. Free. Works …
Wailua River Kayaking
Kapaa, HI
KayakingKayak up a jungle river to a 120-foot hidden waterfall with swimming. Paid entry. Best from about …
Molokini Crater Snorkeling
Kihei, HI
SnorkelingSnorkel in crystal-clear water inside a volcanic crater with 150-foot visibility. Paid entry. Best …
Poipu Beach Park
Koloa, HI
SwimmingAmerica's Best Beach with a protected keiki pool, monk seals, and sunny south shore weather. Free. …
Haleakala National Park Sunrise
Kula, HI
NatureSunrise from 10,023 feet above a volcanic crater that looks like Mars. Paid entry. Best from about …
Polynesian Cultural Center
Laie, HI
NatureInteractive Pacific Island cultural park with hands-on activities and evening luau. Paid entry. Best …
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Naalehu, HI
NatureVolcanic black sand beach famous for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on shore. Free. Works from …
Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea (Kauai), HI
HikingGrand Canyon of the Pacific with 3,600-foot colorful canyon views and rim trails. Paid entry. Best …
Aiea Loop Trail
Aiea, HI
HikingShaded forest loop with Pearl Harbor views and WWII airplane wreckage. Free. Best from about age 5. …
Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Trail
Captain Cook, HI
SnorkelingSteep hike down to world-class snorkeling in a marine sanctuary with dolphins. Free. Better for ages …
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Farm
Captain Cook, HI
NatureGuided tour tasting 60+ exotic fruits straight from the tree on a family farm. Paid entry. Works …
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Captain Cook, HI
KayakingKayak across a marine sanctuary to world-class snorkeling with dolphins and turtles. Paid entry. …
Garden of Eden Arboretum
Haiku, HI
NatureJurassic Park filming lookout in a tropical botanical garden on the Road to Hana. Paid entry. Works …
Maui Zipline
Haiku, HI
Aerial-AdventureFamily zipline course through tropical scenery with lines for kids as young as 5. Paid entry. Best …
Twin Falls Maui
Haiku, HI
HikingEasy waterfall hike with swimming at the first stop on the Road to Hana. Free. Best from about age …
Halawa Valley Cultural Hike
Halawa, HI
HikingGuided cultural hike through an ancient valley to a 250-foot double waterfall. Paid entry. Better …
Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
Haleiwa, HI
NatureReliable spot to see Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on a North Shore beach. Free. Works from …
North Shore Shark Cove
Haleiwa, HI
SwimmingExcellent tide pools and snorkeling in a rocky cove on the North Shore. Free. Best from about age 5. …
North Shore Surf Lessons
Haleiwa, HI
SurfingLearn to surf on gentle summer waves with certified North Shore instructors. Paid entry. Best from …
Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Hana, HI
SwimmingCascading waterfall pools flowing from jungle to ocean in Haleakala National Park. Paid entry. Best …
Kalalau Trail (First 2 Miles to Hanakapi ai Beach)
Hanalei, HI
HikingDramatic cliff-hugging trail to a wild Na Pali Coast beach. Paid entry. Better for ages 8 and up. A …
Tunnels Beach (Makua)
Hanalei, HI
SwimmingPremier snorkeling through reef tunnels with Bali Hai mountain backdrop. Free. Best from about age …
Kilauea Iki Trail
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingWalk across the floor of a volcanic crater through hardened lava in Volcanoes National Park. Paid …
Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingWalk through a 500-year-old lava tube surrounded by prehistoric tree ferns. Paid entry. Works from …
Pololu Valley Trail
Hawi, HI
HikingSteep trail to a remote black sand beach in a dramatic cliff-lined valley. Free. Better for ages 6 …
Hilo Farmers Market
Hilo, HI
NatureHawaii's biggest farmers market with 200+ vendors, exotic fruits, and tropical flowers. Free. Works …
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
Hilo, HI
NatureFree factory tour with macadamia nut samples, orchards, and nature trail. Free. Works from toddler …
Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Hilo, HI
MuseumFree NOAA visitor center on Hilo Bay with a 2,500-gallon reef tank and life-size monk seal and …
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo, HI
MuseumHilo Bayfront museum on the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis with survivor accounts, photographs and a wave …
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
Hilo, HI
NatureEasy drive-up 80-foot waterfall with morning rainbows in the mist. Free. Works from toddler age. …
Richardson Ocean Park
Hilo, HI
SwimmingProtected tide pools and black sand beach where sea turtles feed in calm water. Free. Best from …
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Honaunau, HI
NatureAncient Hawaiian place of refuge with carved figures, temples, and sea turtles. Paid entry. Best …
Kalopa State Recreation Area Cabins
Honokaa, HI
LodgingGroup cabins and tent camping in cool misty native ohia forest above the Hamakua Coast, a half hour …
Waipi'o Valley Lookout
Honokaa, HI
NatureDramatic 1,000-foot cliff lookout over the sacred Valley of the Kings. Free. Works from toddler age. …
Hawaii State Art Museum
Honolulu, HI
MuseumFree downtown Honolulu museum of contemporary Hawaii art with a hands-on family gallery, activity …
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu, HI
MuseumCourtyard-built Honolulu art museum with a world-class Asian collection, free child admission, and …
Iolani Palace
Honolulu, HI
MuseumThe only royal palace on US soil, with guided tours of the throne room and the upstairs room where …
Koko Crater Railway Trail
Honolulu, HI
Hiking1,048-step staircase up a volcanic crater with panoramic coastal views. Free. Better for ages 8 and …
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Honolulu, HI
MuseumRestored seaplane hangars on Ford Island still bullet-scarred from 1941, holding a Japanese Zero, a …
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Honolulu, HI
MuseumWalk end to end inside a real WWII submarine at Pearl Harbor, past stacked bunks, torpedo rooms and …
Waikiki Aquarium
Honolulu, HI
AquariumSmall Waikiki aquarium of Hawaiian reef life with monk seals, giant clams, a jellyfish gallery and a …
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, HI
SwimmingIconic Hawaiian beach with calm water, surf lessons, and endless activities. Free. Works from …
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Kailua, HI
HikingShort steep hike to WWII bunkers with stunning views over Lanikai Beach. Free. Best from about age …
Maunawili Falls Trail
Kailua, HI
HikingJungle hike to a swimmable waterfall pool through lush windward forest. Free. Better for ages 6 and …
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kailua-Kona, HI
SwimmingBest beginner snorkeling on the Kona Coast with shallow reef and sea turtles. Free. Best from about …
Byodo-In Temple
Kaneohe, HI
NatureBeautiful Japanese temple with koi fish, peace bell, and dramatic mountain backdrop. Paid entry. …
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Kaneohe, HI
NatureFree 400-acre botanical garden with dramatic mountain backdrop and camping. Free. Works from toddler …
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden Camping
Kaneohe, HI
CampingPermit-only weekend tent camping on garden lawns beneath the Koolau cliffs, one of the few quiet …
Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kauai Coastal Path)
Kapaa, HI
BikingScenic oceanfront bike path along Kauai east coast with beach stops and whale watching. Free. Best …
Electric Beach (Kahe Point)
Kapolei, HI
SwimmingUnique snorkeling with dolphins, turtles, and rays in warm power plant outflow. Free. Better for …
Ko Olina Lagoons
Kapolei, HI
SwimmingCalm man-made lagoons with protected swimming perfect for young children. Free. Works from toddler …
Anini Beach Park
Kilauea, HI
SwimmingCalm protected lagoon beach with the longest reef on Kauai, perfect for young kids. Free. Works from …
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea, HI
NatureHistoric cliff-top lighthouse with nesting seabirds and winter whale watching. Paid entry. Works …
Secret Beach (Kauapea)
Kilauea, HI
NatureStunning hidden beach accessed by a jungle trail on Kauai north shore. Free. Better for ages 6 and …
Allerton Garden (National Tropical Botanical Garden)
Koloa, HI
NatureJurassic Park filming location with ancient trees in a spectacular valley garden. Paid entry. Best …
Spouting Horn
Koloa, HI
NatureNatural ocean blowhole shooting water through a lava tube with an eerie moan. Free. Works from …
Kalaupapa Lookout
Kualapuu, HI
NatureView from the world's highest sea cliffs down to the historic Kalaupapa Peninsula. Free. Works from …
Ali i Kula Lavender Farm
Kula, HI
NatureScenic lavender farm on Haleakala slopes with ocean views and lavender treats. Paid entry. Works …
Hosmer Grove Campground
Kula, HI
CampingFirst-come tent camping at 6,800 feet in Haleakala, which turns the brutal predawn sunrise drive …
Hosmer Grove Trail (Haleakala)
Kula, HI
HikingEasy shaded loop through a unique forest with native bird watching at 6,800 feet. Paid entry. Best …
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Kula, HI
HikingCool mountain forest of redwoods and pines on Haleakala that feels like the Pacific Northwest. Free. …
Sliding Sands Trail (Haleakala)
Kula, HI
HikingHike into a volcanic crater through a Mars-like landscape of cinder cones. Paid entry. Better for …
Baby Beach Lahaina
Lahaina, HI
SwimmingUltra-shallow protected beach perfect for toddlers and babies. Free. Works from toddler age. About …
Camp Olowalu
Lahaina, HI
CampingOceanfront camping and glamping with excellent snorkeling right off the beach. Paid entry. Best from …
Ka'anapali Beach
Lahaina, HI
SwimmingWorld-class 3-mile beach with snorkeling at Black Rock and nightly cliff diving. Free. Works from …
Olowalu Reef Snorkeling (Mile Marker 14)
Lahaina, HI
SnorkelingExcellent shore snorkeling with guaranteed sea turtles over a massive shallow reef. Free. Best from …
Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Laie, HI
CampingBeachfront camping with a wadeable offshore island on the quiet North Shore. Paid entry. Works from …
Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo)
Lanai City, HI
NatureOtherworldly red rock formations on Lanai's back roads (Keahiakawelo) - free to visit, but a 4WD …
Hulopo'e Beach Park
Lanai City, HI
SwimmingPristine marine preserve beach with dolphins, snorkeling, and amazing tide pools. Free. Works from …
Kauai Museum
Lihue, HI
MuseumSmall Lihue museum of Kauai history with koa canoes, Niihau shell lei, and a relief map explaining …
Kauai Tubing Adventure
Lihue, HI
TubingFloat through century-old plantation tunnels on inner tubes with headlamps. Paid entry. Best from …
Wailua Falls
Lihue, HI
NatureDrive-up 173-foot double waterfall famous from Fantasy Island opening credits. Free. Works from …
Papohaku Beach
Maunaloa, HI
SwimmingNearly 3-mile-long white sand beach that you will likely have all to yourself. Free. Best from about …
South Point Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)
Naalehu, HI
HikingHike to one of only four green sand beaches in the world at the US southernmost point. Free. Better …
Lava Tree State Monument
Pahoa, HI
HikingEerie forest of lava-molded tree columns from a 1790 eruption. Free. Best from about age 3. About an …
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Papaikou, HI
NatureOcean bluff tropical garden with waterfalls, exotic plants, and Jurassic Park scenery. Paid entry. …
Pepe ekeo Point Lookout
Pepeekeo, HI
NatureScenic drive through a tropical corridor with one-lane bridges and ocean views. Free. Works from …
Queen's Bath
Princeville, HI
HikingDramatic ocean-filled lava pool for experienced families in calm conditions only. Free. Better for …
Keawa'ula (Yokohama Bay)
Waianae, HI
SwimmingRemote end-of-the-road beach with mountain backdrop and access to Ka ena Point trail. Free. Best …
Leeward Coast Dolphin Watching
Waianae, HI
NatureBoat tours to see wild spinner dolphins and sea turtles along the leeward coast. Paid entry. Best …
Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve
Wailea, HI
SwimmingSnorkel over lava reef in a protected marine reserve with abundant sea life. Free. Better for ages 6 …
Big Beach (Makena State Park)
Wailea, HI
SwimmingMassive golden sand beach with turquoise water and dramatic cinder cone backdrop. Free. Best from …
La Perouse Bay
Wailea, HI
HikingCoastal hike across Maui last lava flow with dolphins, petroglyphs, and tide pools. Free. Best from …
Ulua Beach
Wailea, HI
SwimmingSheltered beach with excellent easy snorkeling and frequent sea turtle sightings. Free. Best from …
'Iao Valley State Monument
Wailuku, HI
HikingPaved walk to the iconic 1,200-foot Iao Needle in a lush valley. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. …
Maui Ocean Center
Wailuku, HI
NatureWorld-class aquarium with underwater tunnel, touch pools, and turtle lagoon. Paid entry. Works from …
Maui Tropical Plantation
Wailuku, HI
NatureTram tour through a working tropical fruit farm with tastings and zipline. Paid entry. Works from …
Nakalele Blowhole
Wailuku, HI
HikingNatural ocean blowhole shooting water 100 feet high on a dramatic lava coast. Free. Better for ages …
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Waimanalo, HI
HikingPaved coastal cliff trail to a lighthouse with winter whale watching. Free. Best from about age 3. …
Tide Pools at Makapu'u
Waimanalo, HI
NatureNatural lava rock tide pools and swimming holes on the coast near the lighthouse. Free. Best from …
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo, HI
SwimmingLong uncrowded stretch of soft white sand with turquoise water and mountain views. Free. Works from …
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Waimea (Big Island), HI
SwimmingBig Island's best white sand beach with crystal-clear water on the sunny Kohala Coast. Paid entry. …
Koke'e State Park
Waimea (Kauai), HI
HikingHighland trails and Na Pali Coast cliff-top lookouts in a mountain forest park. Paid entry. Best …
Koke'e State Park Camping
Waimea (Kauai), HI
CampingMountain camping at 3,600 feet above Waimea Canyon with cool forest air and stargazing. Paid entry. …