10 Best Family Beaches in Hawaii — Kid-Friendly Beach Vacations!
Hawaii is a stunning state with a tropical island backdrop with some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet surrounding it.
Hawaii beaches are popular with domestic and foreign tourists because of their immaculate shorelines, gorgeous ocean, and exciting watersports.
Many water sports are available in Aloha State, including windsurfing, surfing, submarine tours, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, boogie boarding, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and much more.
The coastlines of this island paradise will undoubtedly have a terrific adventure waiting for you and your loved ones, regardless of your age.
So get ready to be amazed and brace yourselves as you discover the best family beaches in Hawaii and create lifelong memories.
- Waikiki Beach — Honolulu
Due to the rivers and springs that formerly sprouted in the area, this well-known beach is affectionately known as The Gathering Place.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Waikiki Beach is a lovely spot to start if you or your family members want to learn how to surf. It’s an excellent site for surfing.
Surf and swim in the seas while admiring Mount Leahi’s stunning backdrop.
Here, the water is pure and unclouded.
Hawaii’s most remarkable and stunning marine life may be seen up close and personal if you go snorkeling with your tribe.
Visit the nearby main strip if you want to embark on an adventure with your family.
Shopping, fine dining, and strolls around the streets are all enjoyable activities.
Some of Hawaii’s top family resorts, such as the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, are also close to Waikiki Beach.
Expert Tip
The best seasons to visit Waikiki Beach are April to May and October to November because fewer people are there during these months.
- Poipu Beach — Koloa
You may enjoy two beaches in one when Nukumoi Point, a tombola, divides Poipu Beach’s two bays.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This coastline has two intriguing aspects.
In addition to the fact that it has a crescent form, you occasionally see Hawaiin monk seals; nevertheless, you should keep your distance as they are wild creatures.
Bodyboarding, snorkeling at a nearby stunning reef, a dolphin-sighting excursion with Blue Dolphin Charters, sailing, and rafting are all enjoyable activities to do with your loved ones.
The waves are mild, the water is relatively shallow, and the lava rocks protecting the sandbar make the left side of the shoreline an excellent beach for families with young children.
This beach will take care of your needs for parking, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Expert Tip
The left side of Poipu Beach is your best choice if you prefer a shallower beach with little to no waves.
Go to the western side of Poipu Beach if you want to enjoy more waves for bodyboarding and other water sports.
- Hapuna Beach — Waimea
The midsummer panorama of white sands, the exhibition of exposed lava rocks that they once buried in the cliffs, and the crystal-clear blue waters are only a few of the most beautiful aspects of Hapuna Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
One of the most excellent places for a family beach vacation in Hawaii is Hapuna Beach.
It has nearby pavilions that you can hire for family get-togethers, accessible restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue stations where you can dine and prepare your meals together.
Surfing, snorkeling, and bodysurfing are exciting things you can do here.
The silky, sugary white sand makes for the ideal place to sunbathe and tan.
Camping and pitching a tent at the beach for the night is one of the kid-friendly activities in Hawaii. These activities give you more time to spend at the beach building elaborate sandcastles and sculptures or burying one another.
You can cuddle while gazing at the stars at night.
Expert Tip
You should travel early in the year if you want your family to experience the beauty of migrating whale pods.
- Ka’anapali Beach — Kaanapali
Kaanapali Beach, with its three miles of sugary-white sand and crystal-clear water, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the US.
Why We Recommend This Beach
One of Hawaii’s prettiest family-friendly beaches is this prominent location.
Magnificent hotels surround this beach.
Ask for their “Keiki” programs, kid-oriented activities like arts and crafts, if you plan to stay at one of the hotels.
You may do whale watching, surfing, boogie boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving, and kayaking while on vacation at this fantastic beach.
Snorkeling is one of the most well-liked activities since you may observe gorgeous sea turtles and lovely fish up close.
Expert Tip
The ideal location for snorkeling is very close to Ka’anapali Beach at Black Rock.
Additionally, you can try cliff jumping there, which is exciting.
- Hulopo’e Beach — Lanai
Manele Bay, sometimes called Shark’s Bay locally, is home to the crescent-shaped beach known as Hulopoe.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit Hulopo’e Beach for a beautiful and peaceful family vacation in Hawaii.
This peaceful beach is far from the bustle of the city, the hordes of tourists, and the throngs of vendors.
When you come here, the only sounds you’ll hear are those of nature and the sea.
Sit back and unwind by the water’s edge while enjoying the sun’s warmth, reading a book, or watching your kids play and create sandcastles.
Keep an eye out for dolphins, monk seals, and sea turtles while you swim in the cold, refreshing water.
Expert Tip
Because there is only one restaurant in the region, be sure to bring extra food, snacks, and drinks for your entire family.
- Waimea Bay Beach — Haleiwa
Families with older kids will enjoy visiting this well-known surfing location.
It has turquoise waters, fine, fluffy sand, and verdant mountains in the background.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you have active teenagers who adore going on thrilling excursions, take your next family vacation at Waimea Bay Beach.
At Waimea Bay Beach, a sizable rock is ideal for climbing before leaping into the glistening seas.
Your loved ones should also attempt snorkeling, body surfing, boogie boarding, and many other activities.
This beach offers on-site facilities and showers, picnic tables for eating your meals comfortably, and lifeguards on duty to keep your family and other guests safe.
Expert Tip
One of the most stunning beaches in the US is Kaanapali Beach, which has three miles of sugary-white sand and crystal-clear water.
Summer is the best time to visit if you want safer conditions for your family, especially for your younger children, as the waters are much more peaceful, tranquil, and transparent.
- Baldwin Beach Park — Paia
Baldwin Beach Park offers a substantial stretch of white sand beach and clear waters on Maui’s North Shore.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Baldwin, one of the top family-friendly beaches in Hawaii, offers your little ones two safe swimming areas: Baldwin Cover in the east and Baby Beach in the west.
You can find shallow waters with minimal to no waves in both locations.
Along with the relatively tranquil waves, dedicated lifeguards are always on duty to keep your loved ones safe.
This shoreline has everything you need for your weekend family excursions in Hawaii, including restrooms and showers for cleaning up after a long day and barbecues and picnic tables for a nice meal.
Expert Tip
If you enjoy boogie boarding and surfing, go to this beach in the winter when the shore breaks grow pretty significant.
- Lydgate Beach Park — Lihue
Lydgate Beach Park in Lihue is Hawaii’s safest beach because of its contained swimming area by a jetty and watchful lifeguards.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Due to its shallow and unpolluted seas and the jetty’s protection from heavy waves and rip currents, Lydgate Beach Park is one of Hawaii’s best toddler-friendly beaches.
Additionally, lifeguards are on duty to offer additional safety when swimming.
Lydgate Beach Park is the most excellent location to see the splendor of daybreak if you arrive early enough.
Expert Tip
Lydgate Beach Park’s two “pools” are its main features.
The inner pool is the most fantastic option to keep your children in shallow regions.
However, head to the outer pool to engage in water sports and experience more giant waves.
- Ko’Olina Beach — Kapolei
Located in Kapolei, this picturesque 2-mile beach is constructed of four artificial lagoons and has the name “fulfillment of joy.”
Walkways connect these lagoons by the palm palms.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A lovely family-friendly beachfront is Ko’Olina.
Reefs shield the ocean from powerful waves and rip currents, making it safe for your children to swim there.
Not just swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding are fun things to do on this beach.
They provide a variety of boating experiences, including whale viewing, diving tours, and dinner cruises, and they have a natural marina.
Expert Tip
Very little parking is available, and it is first come, first served.
I advise arriving early to secure the finest position closest to the beach.
- Hanauma Bay State Park Beach — Honolulu
This beach, known as The Curved Bay, is located inside a volcanic cone and features crystal-clear, azure water.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The most well-liked snorkeling beach outside of Waikiki is Hanauma Bay.
By exploring the waters, you may experience the breathtaking beauty of the bay, including green sea turtles and a variety of vibrant fish like parrotfish.
On one of Hawaii’s top family beaches, you may enjoy beachcombing, strolling with your loved ones, swimming, and snorkeling.
Expert Tip
The water is the cleanest and calmest in the morning, making it safer for young kids to swim.
You’ll also see the colorful fish better in the clear waters.
