When finding and planning fun activities, think of itineraries that are suitable for all ages. Fill your day with these memorable experiences your family still talks about back home.
Check out rare marine life (Maalaea, Maui)
Visit an aquarium with colorful displays of living reef habitats, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks and more. Maui Ocean Center, mauioceancenter.com.
Visiting Historic Buildings (Honolulu, Oahu)
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Take a tour of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial where visitors can learn more about World War II in the Pacific. Pacific Historical Parks, pacifichistoricparks.org.
Enjoy a Tasty Luau (Kapaa, Kauai)
At family-friendly luaus in the Wailua River Valley, sample traditional Hawaiian fare such as kalua pig and poi baked in an imu (underground oven), enjoy hula performances, Tahitian drumming, and dramatic Samoan fire knives You can watch dances. Smith Family Garden Luau, smithskauai.com.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of the Pacific Islands (Laie, Oahu)
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Visit six Pacific Island villages and see exhibits representing Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. Dine at an authentic luau and watch “Her: Breath of Life,” an award-winning show of singing, hula and fire dancing. Polynesian Cultural Center, polynesia.com.
Swim with Dolphins (Waikoloa, Big Island, Hawaii)
Get up close and personal with dolphins during an interactive experience at the Dolphin Lagoon at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Dolphinquest, dolphinquest.com.
Visit the Lavender Fields (Kula, Maui)
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Stroll through a beautiful farm where 45 varieties of lavender are grown and shop for soaps, lotions, teas and jams at the gift shop. All made with farm lavender. Self-guided tours are available. Alii Kula Lavender, aliikulalavender.com.
Learn about Hawaii’s heritage of exploration (Hilo, Big Island)
Explore the full dome planetarium, home to exhibits, family-friendly activities, and the show Mauna Kea: Between Earth and Sky. “Imiloa Astronomy Center, imiloahawaii.org.
Visit the Rainforest Exhibit and Explore East Asia (Honolulu, Oahu)
The Keiki Discovery Center is popular with local families, offering fun activities and hands-on educational exhibits. Our favorite is the “Your Rainbow World” gallery, which focuses on East Asian culture. Kids can catch fish, sing karaoke, dance the lion and eat pretend sushi. Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, discoverycenterhawaii.org.
Family Hiking (‘Aiea, Oahu)
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The whole family can enjoy hiking the Aiea Loop Trail (99-1849 Aiea Heights Drive). Don’t forget water, snacks and bug spray!
Go Whale Watching (Lahaina, Maui)
Maui’s whale watching season runs from November to May, with a peak from January to March. Take your family on a boat to see whales for the first time. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars. PacWhale Eco-Adventures, pacificwhale.org.