The Polynesian Cultural Center wins with kids

One of Oahu's top attractions provides glimpses into the cultures of Polynesia (Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fimi, New Zealand, Marquesas and Tonga). Each one maintains a separate village, where visitors are regaled with information about celebration and survival in ancient days. Demonstrations, performances, narratives, and even a luau are presented, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the spectacle and character of the past.
Photo courtesy of The Polynesian Cultural Center

No family trip to the Hawaiian Islands would be complete without attending a luau, and this one on Maui features traditional Hawaiian food, an open bar, hula dancing, and flower leis, all in a recreated Hawaiian village right on the oceanfront.
Photo courtesy of Old Lahaina Luau

Fair Wind specializes in snorkeling cruises in the waters of the Kona Coast and historic Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook Monument. These family friendly tours take place aboard the Fair Wind II, equipped with staircases for easy water entry, two 15-foot waterslides, a high-jump platform and a variety of floatation devices for a safe and fun snorkel.
Photo courtesy of Fair Wind Cruises

You don’t need any diving experience to explore Hawaii’s underwater world in a Submarine Scooter. This family friendly adventure from Island Water Sports takes visitors under the surface of Oahu’s Maunalua Bay aboard self-propelled, eco-friendly scooters.
Photo courtesy of Island Watersports Hawaii

Waikiki Beach Services has been outfitting water sports on Honolulu’s iconic stretch of sand since 1955. Here families are welcome to try out one of Hawaii’s signature sports, once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, the outrigger canoe.
Photo courtesy of Waikiki Beach Services

You don’t have to get wet to enjoy Hawaii’s underwater beauty. Atlantis Submarines takes visitors on family friendly adventures beneath the sea off the shores of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, offering a close-up view of marine life, sunken ships and tropical reefs from the safety and comfort of an air-conditioned submarine.
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Submarines

Families looking for an adrenaline rush will find it at The Umauma Experience. This Big Island aerial adventure park features a 9-line zipline course extending for nearly 2 miles. Zip past 14 waterfalls while soaking up the ocean and rainforest views.
Photo courtesy of The Umauma Experience

Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to catch your first wave, and Moniz Family Surf provides lessons for all skill levels, with a guarantee that you’ll stand up and ride a wave during your first lesson. It’s a favorite activity among families traveling with teenagers.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Families in Honolulu looking for a break from the beach can take a tour of this ukulele factory dating back to 1916. Free hour-long tours give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how these instruments are made.
Photo courtesy of Kamaka Ukulele

The Maui Ocean Center is home to one of the largest displays of live Pacific corals in the world. Kids can come face to face with a variety of Hawaiian marine life, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.
Photo courtesy of Maui Ocean Center