Must See Places in Hawaii with Kids & Teens

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collage image of must see places in Hawaii for families from CaptivatingCompass.com

Explore Hawaii With Kids & Teens (2025)

Hawaii with kids and teens is packed with exciting family fun. There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found on this beautiful island of the United States. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Hawaii inspire you as you explore these must see places in Hawaii with kids and teens.

Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about in Hawaii. These Hawaii family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Hawaii. If you want to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Hawaii with kids and teens.

Hawaii With Kids & Teens – Island Hopping!

Are ready to let your family experience the best must-see places in Hawaii? If that’s the case, then a Hawaii with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS) you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

Want to do specific activities in Hawaii but have no idea which island has the best of the best?  Use these lists to get ideas and helpful tips about the best surfing, scuba diving, exotic beaches, and much more!

Do you have a particular activity in mind? Granted, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that all the 6 major islands of Hawaii have all of these activities in one shape or form. 

To help you navigate it all, remember, an “(s)” indicates it may only be available during certain seasons. 

Pro Tip: Always check conditions & availability, especially for water activities.

Hawaii’sBest Hiking

  • Kauai – Na Pali Coast (s) 
  • Kauai – Waimea Canyon
  • Big Island – Mt. Kilauea

Best Surfing (Advanced) (S) 

  • Oahu – North Shore
  • Kauai – Hanalei Bay
  • Maui – Honolua Bay

Best Surfing (Beginner) (S)

  • Oahu – Waikiki
  • Kauai – Kalapaki Beach
  • Maui – Launiupoko Park

Hawaii’s Best Scuba Diving

  • Maui – Molokini
  • Maui or Lanai – Lanai Coast
  • Big Island – West Coast

Best Windsurfing / Kite Surfing (S)

  • Maui – Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)
  • Maui – Kanaha Beach (beginner) 
  • Oahu – Kailua Beach

Hawaii’s Best Snorkeling

  • Oahu – Haunama Bay
  • Maui – Kaanapali (Black Rock)
  • Kauai – Lydgate Beach & Tunnels

Best Shopping

  • Oahu – Aloha Market & Waikiki
  • Maui – Lahaina
  • Big Island – Kailua Kona

Hawaii’s Best Exotic Beaches

  • Maui – Red Sand Beach (Hana)
  • Big Island – Punaluu Black Sand Beach 
  • Big Island – Mahana Green Sand (s)

Best Experiences for Nature Lovers

  • Kauai – Na Pali Coast
  • Big Island – Kilauea Volcano
  • Maui or Lanai – whale watching (s)

Hawaii – Historical Sites & Parks

For kids and teens, these are some of the best must-see places in Hawaii you can add to your itinerary. As a homeschooling travel guru, these are the best ways to use the world as your classroom while your kids decide which is the best island to visit. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is a great place to learn about marine life, lava flows, and native Hawaiians, in addition to these historic sites. Keep reading for all the details.

Choose the best time for your family to visit. Include a scenic drive or guided tour. Below are some of the best tourist attractions for kids and teens that Hawaii has to offer. Whether you explore an entire island, to hop from one island to another, ensure you stop at a visitor center to get the latest opening times for your daily adventures.

Museums & Galleries

  • Pearl Harbor: Sea harbor and historical landmark on the island of Oahu.
  • USS Missouri: Historic battleship in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu.
  • USS Arizona Memorial: Historic battleship in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu.

Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums

  • Kualoa Ranch: Natural reserve and cattle ranch in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu.
  • Honolulu Zoo: Zoo in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu.

Add These To Your Must-See Places in Hawaii Itinerary

There are so many must-see places in Hawaii and so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. It really is the perfect place to homeschool, travel and learn. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Hawaii.

Hawaii Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Hawaii by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Hawaii State Study pack into your pre- and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Hawaii – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Hawaii State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about the must-see places in Hawaii at home (virtually) or on the road. This United States study worksheet pack will provide opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s national historic landmark, its pristine beaches, and the local culture of this popular spot to explore with your family.

Learn About Hawaii’s Famous People

  • Liliuokalani – Last Monarch of Hawaii
  • Sanford B. Dole – Business/Politician 
  • Kamehameha I – King of Hawaii
  • Father Damien – Missionary
  • Barack Obama – President

Learn About Hawaii’s Famous Landmarks:

  • Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail 
  • Haleakalā National Park
  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 
  • Kalaupapa National Historical Park 
  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial 
  • Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
  • Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site 

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The Hawaii State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online. 

Hawaii Family Travel Questions Answered

When is the best time to visit Hawaii with kids?

Hawaii is a great year-round destination, but the best time to visit with kids is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid, and winter (November-March) can be rainy, especially on the north shores.

What are the best things to do with kids in Hawaii?

Hawaii has something for everyone, but some of the most popular kid-friendly activities include the following. More details of each of these are found in this post.
🌟Beaches: Hawaii has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with soft sand and clear water. Many beaches also have lifeguards and amenities like restrooms and showers.
👉Luau: A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast with food, music, and dancing. Most luaus are family-friendly and offer activities for kids, such as lei making and hula lessons.
🌟Polynesian Cultural Center: The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum that showcases the cultures of Polynesia. Kids can learn about different Polynesian customs and traditions, and even participate in some of the activities, such as making a tapa cloth or throwing a spear.
🌟Aquarium: Hawaii has several aquariums where kids can learn about marine life and see animals like sharks, turtles, and dolphins up close.
🌟Hiking: Hawaii has many hiking trails for all levels of experience. Some trails lead to waterfalls, while others offer stunning views of the coastline.

How to get around Hawaii during your vacation:

The best way to get around Hawaii depends on which islands you are visiting. If you are only visiting one island, you can rent a car and explore at your own pace. However, if you are visiting multiple islands, you will need to fly between them. There are also several inter-island ferry services available.

Must-see places in Hawaii make a great destination for families, with a variety of activities and attractions to appeal to all ages. By following these tips, you can plan a safe and enjoyable vacation for your family.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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Use The World As Your Classroom

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Hawaii was the 50th state to enter the union. But what about the other 49 US States? Learn about them all! California, New York, Alaska, & Massachusetts are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

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