HAWAII
KAUAI
Closest Airport
Lihue Aiport [LIH]
Kauai is a good low-key spot. There aren’t an overwhelming number of activities, but there are parks, beaches, and things to see and do for the whole family. We stayed in a VRBO and cooked meals there. This worked great because dining options are limited and have very short hours compared to other islands, so it was helpful to be able to make food when we needed to. We were also walking distance to beaches with turtles, running trails near the VRBO, and a short drive to the town/stores. If you want to program each day with activities, this may not be the right destination. However, for a more laid-back trip with kids, this worked great.
Access: A beautiful drive along the coast led to the plantation. It didn’t require a reservation, though we were told it filled up early. We arrived when it opened and bought tickets.
Layout: We followed the self-guided tour, which had good signs and was very informative. It was a good path to follow and easy to navigate with a stroller. Interactive stations at the kids’ level were throughout, so they could view and touch drying coffee beans and learn about the process.
Amenities:
There is a small café with very limited seating. Almost all of the items are coffee or dessert, so plan accordingly to get a seat, and if you have a little kiddo, as they don’t have much for children.
The bathroom was small, so I ended up changing our daughter in the car because that was easier.
Not much shade along the path, and it felt very warm, even early on in the day (as to be expected).
Access: Winding drive up the mountain to access the park. Signage was good enough, but not great. Phone service didn’t work for us (AT&T) at all, and we had two cars and got separated, so it was a bit tricky. There aren’t easy places to pull over for the first part of the drive up, so if the baby needs something, have it within arm’s reach.
Layout: Overlook is somewhat stroller-friendly, but there are steps and rocks, so carrying the baby is the way to go. Steep drop-offs in parts, so keep kiddos close.
There are lots of roosters running around; they don’t bother anyone, but could be scary for kids who don’t like them.
The views of the canyon are absolutely stunning! Really fun to go see it. We didn’t do a full hike, but there are several available.
Amenities: There’s a big park with picnic tables right off the main entrance road. It has some shade and a lot of parking and space to run. We stopped here and ate the picnic we brought. Food options within the park are limited, so bring what you want. There is a small coffee shop and a café also.
Parking at the lookout is crazy. There are not many spots, and there are a ton of people. They also ticket actively, so if you think you can sneak a quick peek and not pay, you’re wrong. We don’t know who was patrolling, but we got a warning note after 10 minutes. We paid. We were told that if it isn’t displayed, they check back and ticket.
Bring more water than you think, it was pretty dry and hot with the wind.
Smith’s Luau:
Access: Must drive and park. They have a very easy process to park you in the first open spot.
Layout: Very large property (3 acres with gardens, ponds, bridges, animals-it’s really amazing!). Bring a stroller if you have kids as even the walk from the parking lot is a bit far, then inside its on multiple acres with gorgeous gardens and a path that winds through all of the different areas of the property. The dining pavilion is in the center and restrooms are a short distance from there. Adjacent to the restrooms is the Luau performance amphitheater. Strollers cannot go into this area, you park them outside and walk up the stairs to enter.
Amenities: Kids 3 and under were free when we went. Food and drinks are included, as is the show. Worth the price.
Turtle Cove Beach
Access: Some parking in a lot, street parking, or walk from area.
Layout: Small beach cove with a barrier makes it very warm, calm waters. A large playground on cushioned ground is nearby. Picnic structures with tables are behind the beach with views of the water, just across the street from Puka Dog.
Amenities: Shower area to rinse off. Didn’t use the bathrooms so cannot comment on those.
Closest Airport
Lihue Aiport [LIH]
MAUI
Closest Airport
Maui [OGG]
(With Kids, NO car) Car rental prices were insanely expensive so we opted to go without and it was great for our 6 days on the island.
Lodging:
We stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club & Resort, just a short walk to Whaler’s Village. It was wonderful. We had a 1-bedroom with a partial kitchen. Our room had a wraparound balcony looking at the beach and the golf course behind. There was construction at the time we were there (May 2025) that was very loud in the common areas, but we were on the top floor in the corner so it didn’t bother us in the room, but would advise looking at the updates as it is definitely major renovations. The pools were exceptional, great for kids and adults with 3 separate pool complexes + a kids play area (water-themed pirate ship splash zone). The main area had adult and kid slides, a cave and several levels making it an adventure to swim around that our girls loved. The other pools were much quieter and more shallow, having different levels so the kids could wade around. All looked directly onto the beach and the ocean, which were stunning. Beach towels were provided and very easy to change out. The hotel had lifesized games, a kids activity calendar, Polynesian displays (hello Moana voyager artifacts! Huge hit with our kids who looked at her canoe and oar each day). Bathrooms are all around the property making it very easy (we did potty-training while there and it was a big success).
Getting Around:
Airport: Without a car, we used Uber to/from the airport. We brought our Britax click-lock seats which are so easy to snap into any car with the seatbelts. The drivers were literally amazed. It took about 45 minutes from the airport and cost $80 each way. Uber/Lyft was hit or miss during our stay as sometimes they showed up right away, other times they were 20+ minutes, we didn’t ever really need them so it was fine, but something to be aware of.
Island: In West Maui we used the 29 Bus (West Maui Express) for our day trips and to get to the Safeway grocery store just down the road. It costs $2 each way for adults or $4 for a day pass (kids ride free). Cash only, they don’t have change on the bus so bring singles. The buses were clean, on time and had easy to navigate stops. We took it to the Aquarium and back and it was amazing because the ride was along the coast and the girls had so much fun on the adventure. We also took it up to Kapalua and back to go to dinner. In addition, there is a free Kanaapali shuttle that stops at several hotels in the area on a pre-fixed schedule. It didn’t work for where we wanted to go but was a cute trolley and was on-time from what we saw.
Kanaapali:
Whaler’s Village: The tourist hub of the area, it has a small ABC shop (very pricey), shops and plenty of dining so we didn’t need to venture far away. There is also a play structure in the lower level that our kids had fun exploring. The area is very busy with all the tourists staying nearby as this is also the food hub. We tried two beachfront dining locations to start but the birds (small finches, pigeons, sparrows) were incredibly aggressive, jumping up and picking french fries off of our daughter’s plate while she was eating. It scared her so bad we had to leave. The staff was very kind and helpful but it’s a real problem apparently and birds do that all over so if you have nervous kids, consider eating indoors or under an awning where they come less.
Maui Ocean Discovery Center: Donation-based admission. Located in Whaler’s Village on the third floor.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Kids under 4 are free. Right near the harbor and a set of shops and restaurants, the Aquarium is very well-designed and nice. We spent 2 hours there and felt like that was adequate time. They have two indoor exhibits (one that takes you into the different levels of the ocean with excellent viewing windows) and the other that combines a history area with an underwater tunnel where sharks, fish and rays swim all around you. It was very tranquil and well-designed. They have a distinct focus on ecology and conservation that made it educational. There are several outdoor exhibits as well, one with rescued sea turtles next to a display on the impact of trash on ocean animals that really resonated with our 4 year-old. They also have a small touch-tank and another large fish tank. There is a small, dated play area near the café. They do not keep any dolphins or whales on property per Maui law, however they have a theater that shows a movie on their migrations as whales are present in the ocean at certain times of the year. Overall, a bit expensive but a very impressive, nicely made aquarium.
Westin Luau: Kids under 4 are free. It was a great performance, very commercial and located at the hotel. The timing was a bit strange, a lot of waiting at the start, slow service and no food, then they did the pig ceremony and rushed everyone through the line as they started the Luau performances so we watched some of them from the line which was disappointing. They did have a kids food area with plastic plates, silverware and cups and “kid” food items. Our kids eat what we eat at ages 2 & 4, but for picky eaters they had chicken nuggets, French fries and other more American food options through the colorful balloon arch. The food was good in general, it just felt rush and mass produced. The fire juggling at the end was incredible and very exciting for kids and adults alike.
Closest Airport
Maui [OGG]
OAHU
Closest Airport
Honolulu [HNL]
Dole Pineapple Plantation Tour:
I adore Dole Whip so this was a dream for me. You first take a cute train tour of the pineapple fields and learn fascinating statistics (like how long it takes for ONE pineapple to grow-because each plant only produces one pineapple in 18 months!). Then you return to the train depot and can enjoy the corn maze, scavenger hunt and other interactive stations. This is perfect for little kids and even slightly older kids. Top off the visit with a Dole Whip the size of your head and everyone goes home happy. You do have to drive from Honolulu though, so a car makes that easiest.
Water Fall Hikes:
A range of levels from the easy to reach Rainbow Falls to off-the-beaten path. One we did was not a traditional tourist hike, my cousin was stationed at the base and took us on this adventure. It is definitely not little-kid friendly, we had to crawl under a fence at one point at the trail has not been well-maintained, but if you have older kids who don’t mind some off-roading, it is a very private, special hike without a whole lot of foot traffic.
On the North Shore past Turtle Bay, this center features interactive exhibits, a cultural museum, dance demonstrations and a market with souvenirs and local crafts. They offer luaus some nights if you’re staying up that way.
Maui’s Hook:
We took a drive around the whole island and on the East side came across Maui’s hook, a giant statue plunked right in the land. This was before Moana, however, with kids, it is clearly because of Moana.
A steep, but manageable trail that is well-paved and heavily trafficked. We arrived for the sunrise and there was a stream of people doing the hike, it felt like being in a parade far more than experiencing nature. There were rock steps and a paved path. Bring lots of water and arrive early to get parking (seemed to fill up). The views were great, but it was a crunch of people trying to snap a photo, so it didn’t feel as peaceful as other hikes.
Luau:
We attended the Luau at the Queens Waikiki Luau and it was good. All of the performances were inside on a stage, unlike the one we saw on a different island that used the ocean as the backdrop, food was good but not great. Overall, the kids were somewhat entertained by the dancers, but it felt a little lower-quality than some of the other experiences on different islands. There were fire jugglers that did a good job at the end. There are several options around the island so I would find the one that is most convenient and in line with what you are looking for.
Closest Airport
Honolulu [HNL]