Sun, beaches, sports, shopping, great food and cheap! The list goes on. It is fair to say that Hawaii is a fantastic location for families and should definitely be on your list for your next family vacation. Although Hawaii is often thought of an island, in actuality it is a collection of islands each offering a different experience for your family. Tripadvisor has a great article listing the different islands that make up Hawaii and the offerings of each.

Many people travel to Hawaii with an idea of one thing – to relax. This is what Hawaii offers vacationers every year, but there is so much more to experience in Hawaii (especially on the Big Island), whatever your needs are or however old your kids are.

With so much to offer, Hawaii has something for everyone. But the question remains, what does Hawaii have to offer YOUR family. Read below to find out what Hawaii offers to suit whatever type of vacation you want.

Educational

Hawaii offers a great range of museums that are great for kids as they are so interactive. A great point of reference is the Pearl Harbor Memorial, where you can reflect on hardships of the past and pay your respects. The Discovery Center is also a fantastic place for kids to use their 5 senses to gain an understanding of their environment.

Hawaii also offers educational experiences as part of some walking tours, so to learn a bit more about America’s fiftieth state, and a bit more about our country as a whole, this offers a great opportunity.

Adventurous

A more well known aspect of Hawaii’s offerings is a great range of adventure offerings, including swimming with sharks! If that’s not quite what you’re after, the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park offers a range of activities including volley ball and other sports for kids, with a spa and retreat for parents. This is also a great place to eat and revive as well.

Hawaii also offers a range of adventure based water sports including parasailing and jet skiing when the weather is right. Just make sure you keep a whole day free because once you get on, you may never want to get off!

Hawaii also offers a great range of golf courses dotted all over, which can be the perfect way for adults to spend a rare day alone whilst their kids enjoy a day in the kids club.

Relaxing

The key to a relaxing family holiday in Hawaii is picking the right accommodation. Of course, this also means that you need to pick a location that provides you with what you need close by so that you don’t have to leave too often (your vacation should be spent relaxing after all!). Luckily, there are lots of accommodations that are located close to all you need for a relaxing family vacation.

We have an onsite restaurant, a beach within walking distance and offer meals onsite. We also offer activities including morning exercise, yoga and free use of a nearby gym and pool for guests. Our aim is that once you get to Cedar House in Hawaii, you wont need to leave until the end of your vacation.

Indulgent

If you need an excuse for pure indulgence, Hawaii can deliver. Although it can be hard to truly indulge when you are with a family, Hawaii’s lower prices and family friendly offerings allow for a holiday of complete indulgence without breaking the bank.

Hawaii has some fantastic shopping malls where you can spend your hard earned money, with the opportunity to save big on some great brands. Waikele Premium Outlets is one such mall that offers exceptional products at discount prices, so that you can pick up something for the whole family. Ala Moana Shopping Centre is another fantastic mall that has a Japanese department store with a replica Japan, which the kids are sure to love.

One mustn’t forget food when on a vacation. For many of us, it’s the real reason why we travel. Hawaii offers everything from top end boutique restaurants to beach side eateries. For the family, a visit to Uncle Claus House of Pure Aloha is a must. This dessert restaurant will impress the kids (and you) with its delicious range of desserts and great service.

The food

Continuing on the food… you could very well say that Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, and that is also evident in the local cuisine. Food in Hawaii is ethnically diverse — aside from the traditional Hawaiian cuisine, there is also a wide range of different cuisines from other countries: Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino and American. You may be looking for your classic mac n’ cheese that is your favorite back home, but of course you should try something different and unique to complete your Hawaiian experience. Don’t be afraid to sample traditional Hawaiian staples such as poi, laulau and poke — they are actually delicious and healthy! Contemporary Hawaiian cuisine presents a fusion of different flavors, so you might also want to try manapua, loco moco, plate lunches and the Spam musubi — did you know that Spam is the most popular and beloved food among the Hawaiians?

For your sweet tooth, try native Hawaiian delicacies such as kulolo (sweet coconut bars), haupia cake, or other sweet fusion treats such as halo-halo, guri guri, malasada and mochi. Kids and adults alike will definitely love shaved ice (there is also a boozy version of it for adults).

Nature escape

If your idea of the perfect family vacation is an escape from the daily grind of city life, then you’re not alone. Hawaii has some sensational destinations for you to get off the beaten track and truly enjoy its fantastic landscape. Oahu has many of the best nature walks, including the Koko Crater Arch, which is only up to a 1 hour hike, so is perfect for families with younger kids who just can’t go as far as older ones. A trip to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park should also be included. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the often forgotten parts of mother nature, and is truly an eye opener for the whole family.

As you can see, no matter what type of vacation you want, Hawaii will deliver.