Screen time for American kids reached record levels in 2024. Children ages 8-12 now watch between four and six hours per day, while teenagers average up to nine. Family vacations offer an essential break from the relentless digital noise, and with 53% of families planning to travel this year, Hawai’i ranks No. 1 as the ultimate destination for family bonding.
Known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and endless family-friendly adventures, Hawai’i is more than a vacation spot; it’s a sanctuary where families can reconnect, recharge, and enjoy a screen-free escape.
“The island of Hawai’i offers families a rare chance to experience nature’s beauty up close—from exploring the diverse landscapes of the island’s many national parks and sites to snorkeling and swimming alongside vibrant marine life,” said Scott Pauli, Island of Hawai’i Visitors Bureau executive director. “The island of Hawaiʻi is a place where travelers of every age and interest level can learn, explore, and appreciate the wonder and meaning of our world together, all while having fun on the Hawaiian Islands’ youngest and largest island.”
Why does the Aloha State top the list of dream vacations for families?
Unlike theme parks and other commercialized, crowded destinations, Hawai’i’s unique landscape offers endless opportunities to create meaningful experiences together. From the tranquility of luxury resorts to adrenaline-inducing activities, the Hawai’i Islands offer many options for tailor-made family fun.
My husband and I recently spent a week with our teen and tween daughters on Hawai’i Island, doing what so many families hope to do: spend uninterrupted quality time together.
One of the first steps to making the most of our trip was deciding where to stay, as the right accommodations set the tone for a truly memorable vacation.
Accommodations: Knowing Where To Stay Matters
America’s 50th state comprises 137 islands, yet only four are popular tourist destinations: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawai’i Island. Each offers unique experiences, and choosing the right one is a key step in planning an epic vacation.
Choosing a hotel or resort can also make or break the vacation ambiance. With 171 hotels and resorts in Hawai’i, this choice can feel overwhelming. But the right accommodations can elevate your experience, creating the perfect backdrop for your family’s adventure.
Families staying a week or more might consider staying at two hotels or resorts. We split our stay between a luxury resort and a waterpark-style resort, giving us a balance of refined relaxation and fun-filled activities for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Fairmont Orchid: A Five-Star Experience
Ranked by U.S. News & Report as one of the Top 10 Hotels in Hawai’i, the intimate atmosphere at the Fairmont Orchid is a respite for families whose daily life consists of busy schedules and little time together.
The resort exudes peace and tranquility, inviting guests to experience “Hoʻonanea,” a Hawaiian term meaning to kick back and mellow out.
Families can start the day with a sunrise canoe ride, unwind at the open-air Spa Without Walls, or engage in hands-on cultural learning experiences, among many other options.
The resort’s 10,000-square-foot pool is ideal for hours of family fun. Guests also have exclusive access to a private bay, where snorkeling and canoeing are available.
“As a tūtū (grandmother) myself, it fills my heart with joy to see generations of families come together and enjoy each other’s company on vacation here,” shares Director of Hawaiian Culture, Kaʻiulani Blankenfeld. “We design our activities to be ‘ohana (family) friendly, and I especially love teaching parents and their keiki (children) how to dance hula together and share the beauty of the Hawaiian culture as they create lasting memories.”
The Fairmont Orchid’s recent multimillion-dollar renovation included refreshing all guest rooms, adding to its upscale appeal.
Hilton Grand Vacations: Where Families Go To Have Fun
We spent the latter half of our vacation at Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii Resort, where opportunities to play were plentiful.
“Hawai’i Island has so much to offer families, and we’re proud to be their home away from home while exploring the islands, says Frederick Lau, General Manager at Ocean Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. “It’s our vision to provide conveniences and amenities so guests can spend their time enjoying the ocean views and making memories around Waikoloa.”
The resort’s expansive grounds include multiple pools, a water park with a 175-foot slide, and a four-acre lagoon where guests can swim, kayak, and snorkel.
One of the resort’s unique offerings is Dolphin Quest, where guests can book an interactive dolphin encounter, one magical experience our family will never forget.
The 62-acre resort offers air-conditioned monorails every 10 minutes and a museum walkway with more than 1,800 Asian art pieces.
Golf enthusiasts can try out three nine-hole courses. Other amenities include the ocean-side spa, a fitness center, and reservable cabanas for a day at the pool.
Most Popular Family Activities
With more than 100 public beaches, water lovers can spend their entire vacation snorkeling, diving, and soaking in the island’s natural beauty. However, there’s more to Hawai’i Island than beaches and lagoons.
“One of the many beautiful things about Hawai’i is the endless ways to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. From days spent splashing in the surf and playing in the sand, exploring National Parks, or ziplining over rainforests, there is something for kids of all ages, “shares Monica Fish, who lived in Hawai’i as a child and recently brought her young children to visit the Aloha state.
Morning Snorkel Tour
There are plenty of guided experiences available for families who prefer them. Family-owned Fair Wind Cruises has been crafting family memories for over 50 years, making them a trusted choice for a morning snorkel tour.
“It’s wonderful to see families out here just enjoying each other,” shares Captain Jon Hale of Fair Wind Cruises. “Parents and kids are laughing, exploring, and spotting fish together—everyone’s right there in the moment, totally present. Watching families create those memories out on the water is one of the best parts of what we do.”
On our tour, the Fair Wind team provided snorkeling equipment, a quick breakfast, and a savory plant-based lunch, aligning with their dedication to eco-friendly practices. We were delighted to explore coral formations and see the incredible array of colorful underwater sea life.
Night Swim With Manta Rays
Kick up the excitement level on a night swim with Hawai’i’s graceful manta rays, often mentioned by tourists as one of the best things to do on the island. Anelakaia Adventures offers hourlong small group excursions, an ideal way for families to share an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Zip and Dip
True adrenaline lovers will appreciate the thrill of treetop ziplining, an adventure Umauma Experience has perfected.
We experienced the Zip & Dip excursion, where guests fly at 65 mph on multiple long lines over 14 beautiful waterfalls. The panoramic Pacific Ocean views are incredible, and we enjoyed our family time on this one-of-a-kind tour. Afterward, we enjoyed an hour of swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in a private area of the Umauma River.
Experience a Traditional Luau
Few Hawaiian activities are more traditional than a luau, and Hawai’i Island has nearly a dozen. Both Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii Resort offer luaus, and we had the opportunity to experience both.
The Fairmont’s Hawaiiloa Luau is intimate and authentic, strongly emphasizing storytelling and traditional practices. We appreciated that the smaller, family-friendly atmosphere allowed us to feel close to performers and enjoy Hawaiian culture.
The Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton is a high-energy, beautiful tribute to Hawaiian history. It features dramatic fire dances, live music, and elaborate costumes, bringing Hawai’i’s legends to life in a way that captivated our family.
For a different kind of Hawai’i experience, book early for the Paniolo BBQ Sunset Dinner. This historic working cattle ranch offers stunning views, live country music, and foot-stomping fun for the whole family.
Visit Hawai’i Island’s Most Popular Attraction
While beautiful beaches and popular excursions get much publicity, the biggest tourist attraction on the Big Island is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP). In 2023, 1.6 million people visited the park, making it one of the top 15 most visited parks in the United States.
“My family and I love the Big Island of Hawai’i because we can do so many things together,” says travel writer Alicia Richards. “HVNP was a hit with our kids because it’s so unique.”
HVNP has two of the world’s most active volcanoes, showcasing lava trails, rainforests, and even deserts.
