There are few travel destinations on Earth that are better suited to family trips than Hawaii, and for good reason! From aquatic activities in the clear blue waters to fascinating historical and cultural attractions, Hawaii is full of things to do that will appeal to both children and adults.
For those who enjoy sightseeing, there are a wide variety of helicopter tours available in Hawaii, all of which can allow you to see the island chain’s sprawling jungles, epic volcanoes and serene beaches safely from above. While most of the volcanoes are dormant, the active ones emit a steady stream of lava straight into the ocean. Other natural phenomena to be seen from the air includes magnificent waterfalls, majestic hills, and peaceful jungle enclaves. Best of all, many of the helicopters that are used for these tours are constructed with a large amount of glass so that you can have an unrestricted view of the sights below.
Want to check out the fishing in Hawaii? You can do that and much more on one of the many boat tours available there. Spend a day out on the ocean sport fishing, and the chances are pretty good that you will end up catching a marlin or another big-game fish. In a more relaxing vein, go on a dolphin adventure tour and watch as these intelligent creatures put on a show for you in their ocean home. Kids in particular truly enjoy the playful nature of Hawaii’s friendly dolphins. Many families, in fact, become so enamored with the natural beauty of this tropical paradise that they wind up buying a home in Hawaii and moving there!
Snorkeling and scuba diving both offer the opportunity to experience the magnificent beauty that lies beneath the crystal blue waters of Hawaii. Sights to behold include beautiful coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, eels, and sea turtles. Snorkeling tours are also a great opportunity to do some whale-watching. If you so choose, take the next step from snorkeling, and actually take a swim with the dolphins. These majestic creatures will sometimes even play games with swimmers. Snorkeling in Hawaii also offers the chance to capture many amazing once-in-a-lifetime photographs, both above and below the water line! Kids will love being able to show photographs they took of tropical fish to their friends back home.
For those with a true appreciation for geology, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world. At the park you can see the effect of millions of years worth of volcanic activity on both the geological formations present as well as the unique flora. However, you will see much more here than just volcanoes and flowing lava; the park is also home to many of the island’s native animals, such as the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. The park allows many rare plants and animals to live in this distinct natural environment, untouched by society, which is a truly beautiful sight to see.
The Pearl Harbor Memorial pays tribute not only to those sailors who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, but also to everyone who served in World War II. There are many memorials, museums, and exhibits to be seen at this Memorial, such as the USS Arizona Memorial, sitting above the USS Arizona, which was sunken in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Missouri is another battleship memorial, and there is also a submarine memorial nearby called the USS Bowfin. Also at the Memorial is the Pacific Aviation Museum, which allows you to glimpse into the history of aircraft used in the Pacific War.
If you are more interested in gardens and plants, the National Tropical Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction. These spectacular gardens and preserves cover almost 2,000 acres. Here, you can experience the beauty of many rare tropical plants, as scientists work hard daily to keep them from becoming extinct. This is also yet another wonderful opportunity to take some amazing photographs, as these gardens contain some absolutely gorgeous plants that you will not see anywhere else on Earth. This attraction also serves as a great way to introduce children to concepts like biodiversity and conservation.
Luaus are a great way to experience true Hawaiian culture, right down to the lei that you will get to wear. Enjoy authentic Hawaiian music and dancing as you feast on a lavish meal of pig, sweet potatoes, fish, rice, and other succulent dishes. You will likely find an open bar when you attend a luau, so enjoy some fruity tropical drinks that can only be found in Hawaii. The children can even get brightly-colored tropical fruit punch, if they so desire. Sunset is when luaus always take place, and they usually last for around three hours.
As you can see, there are many activities to be enjoyed by the whole family in Hawaii. No matter what your interests are, or what ages you all may be, you will have no problem finding plenty of fun things to do. The hardest part is choosing between all of these exciting activities!