25 Best Things to do in Hawaii with Kids 2022 (Hawaii on a Budget)
Finally! The 25 best things to do in Hawaii with kids, and Hawaii on a budget are here. You can stop your research, because this post will have everything you need to know to have an incredible, and inexpensive, trip to Hawaii with kids.
When we decided to embark on a year of world traveling, Hawaii was not on my bucket list. For me, Hawaii was a stop between North America and Oceania and a blip on my radar. However, NatureGal chose Hawaii as her number one place to visit. So, I started researching how to make Hawaii on a budget with kids happen for our family. Then, we put our plan into action.
If you know our World Adventures Travel family, then you will know that we Worldschool and Unschool our kids. Traveling to Hawaii is not only a vacation, but an opportunity to learn about world history and cultures. This year we have been reading through historical fiction and non-fiction books about early humans, the ice age, the Beringia Migration, and more. Things to do in Hawaii with kids must always include this rich and fascinating history, especially the cultural immersion opportunities!
Don’t Forget These Travel Items
To make your traveling and adventures seamless, don’t forget to bring along our all time favorite gear. I’m all about making my life as a TravelMom easy. Here’s what I bring:
- Daypacks for the kids with a chest clip and hip belt to minimize the weight on shoulders (and reduce whining!)
- Daypacks for the adults
- Dry Toiletries! Never, ever travel with liquids if you can help it.
- A VPN to protect your information while you are away and using your computer
- Worldschooling musts; colored pens, sketchbooks, kindle kids.
25 Things To Do In Hawaii With Kids on a Budget
Oahu: Things to do in Hawaii with Kids on a Budget
1. Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
3. Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve
4. Byodo-In Temple
5. Hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Oahu, Hawaii with Kids
A visit to Hawaii is one of our favorite things to do in Hawaii with kids. As a result, the gold sand beaches of Oahu will be calling your name after spending time here with your family. While much of this island can feel overrun with tourists, traffic, and crowds, these disturbances can be easy to avoid. Hidden gems, cultural experiences, incredible beaches and so much more are the reasons why you should visit Oahu, Hawaii with kids.
To access a detailed post on visiting Oahu, Hawaii with kids click here. You will find educational field trips, how to understand the island and where you are on the island, where to stay and how to get around.
The Big Island: Things to do in Hawaii with Kids on a Budget
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Punalu’u Beach (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles!)
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Big Island Bee’s Tour
- Hilo Farmers Market
There are so many more things to do on the Big Island with Kids! Check out our post here for all the best activities for your family trip to the Big Island.
The Big Island, Hawaii with Kids
If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii with kids, and you enjoy white sand beaches, whale watching, volcanoes, and waterfalls, this is the Island for you. Five shield volcanoes created The Big Island, and two are still active. Be sure to check if there is activity before you explore.
The Big Island, is well, Big. Its the biggest of the 137 Hawaiian islands. However, it is also one of the least populated and perfect for a calm and relaxing vacation.
Find the Top 10 Things to do on the Big Island with Kids.
Maui with Kids on a Budget
- Haleakalā National Park
Book a tour on an Outrigger Canoe
- Attend a Luau (Want to see a fantastic Luau for free? Read more about visiting Maui with kids)
- Maui Ocean Center
- Eat at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop and Eat at Ululani’s for Shaved Ice
Whalers Village for Free Movies Under the Stars
Snorkel off Ka’anapali Beach (just rent a mask and snorkel!)
Road to Hana
- Whale Watch
Visiting Maui, Hawaii with Kids
Maui has so many fun things to do in Hawaii with kids! It is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, and is nicknamed the “Valley Isle.” It is the classic vacation island, and while it is also a playground for the rich and famous, it can be incredibly budget friendly too. From lush flora, to volcanoes, and the most picturesque beaches on Earth, Maui is one of our favorite places to visit.
Imagine an island divided by two major volcanic zones. The most well known volcanic area, names Haleakala, is found on the eastern side of the island, with a valley between it and the western side. The center valley, nicknamed the “valley isle,” is where you will find yourself flying into from the Kahului airport.
Read all you need to know about The Best Things to do in Maui with Kids.
Kauai on a Budget
- Explore the Exquisite and Family Friendly Beaches of Ke’e, Poipu and Makuna
Take a Boat Tour to the mostly inaccessible North Shore
Visit Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
- Ride the Kauai Plantation Railway
- Luau at the Smith Family Gardens
- See the famous Spouting Horns, where water spouts 60 feet in the air through lava tunnels!
Read the full list of things to do in Kauai with kids!
Kauai, Hawaii with Kids
A visit to Kauai should be top of your list when looking for things to do in Hawaii with kids. Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, has the longest coastline of beaches of all Hawaiian Islands. However, only about 30% of the Island is accessible by car. On this Island you can explore the varied landscape by foot, by boat, by car, and more. And you might just see dozens of wild chickens on the loose too!
Why Should you Visit Hawaii with Kids?
Hawaii is a trip of a lifetime, and you should definitely try to spend time in at least 2 of the major Islands we reviewed above. A trip to Hawaii can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like with something for every one in your family! Lush landscapes, varied weather, beaches, boats, railways, hiking, waterfalls and more!