Playing by the ocean on the weekend is the best activity for the family. But the experience can be stressful unless you’re at the best spot for your baby. Before you head out, check the following options for a hassle-free, fun day at the beach.

Launiupoko Beach Park on the west side has it all. Complete with a “wading pool,” picnic benches, bathrooms, trashcan, showers, and shade, this excellent family-friendly beach is hard to beat.  Lounge in the shade with your baby while the older kids surf with dad. When it’s your turn to ride some waves, rest assured that the baby will be safe in the wading pool with dad at low tide. Forgot diapers? No problem! Lahaina town is a few minutes’ drive along the highway.

Ho’okipa Beach Park on the north side. During summertime, waves are usually small or non-existent at Ho’okipa Beach Park. A shallow tide pool forms over the sand on the shore, making it an ideal place to sit with a baby in the shallows. This scenic beach with rocky points at either end boasts a rugged landscape of dazzling beauty. There are trees and pavilions with picnic benches for shade, public bathrooms, and porta-potties. Two lifeguard stands make this a safe bet for any family.

Hana Bay Beach Park on the east side. Set in a deep bay, Hana Bay Beach Park is one of the friendliest beaches for a young family on this side of the island. It has picnic tables, pavilions and is a hub of activity for this kick-back town of Hana. Stop for a quick photo op with the baby at the top of the road that leads down to the gorgeous bay with its black sand. Push baby along the pier in a stroller and look back at the gorgeous greenery hugging the coastline. This beach is a must if you’re in Hana.

Kamaole Beaches on the south side. The three Kamaole beaches stretching along the south shores of Kihei have several amenities perfect for a young family. Parking, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards make this beach an easy choice. While there are a few rocks in the water, there are no big reef shelves here, making entry into the water easy. A big bonus about Kamalole beaches is their proximity to cafes and stores across the road.

Fun, water, and relaxation await you by the ocean this summer. Choose the best location for your baby’s needs, and your entire family will have an ideal day beachside!–RG