Why not travel in Hawaii for your next family vacation? Each island is different and offers experiences found nowhere else in the world, so here are some activities that will make Oahu and Kauai a great vacationing experience for the whole family. 
Kauai has a lot to see, and the single road that encircles the island makes each excursion a long adventure. Kapaa is a great starting point with affordable rentals and easy access to the beach and waterfalls. Start with a leisurely bike ride along the Lydgate Bike Path that curves along the coastline with rocky scenery and deep blue waves. Rent a bike on Kuhio Hwy from the many bike rental shops and the whole family will be off on a easy and safe bike path! There are bathrooms at the half-way point, and the beach there makes for a cool break, so bring something to swim in.
After the bike ride, the 20-mile long Wailua River that flows from the 5,148-foot Mount Waialeale offers plenty of family fun. The river features two popular and accessible waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls. Opaekaa (rolling shimp) Falls is an easy drive to a beautiful scenic point about 2 miles up Kuamoo Rd. and with a short walk up the hill there is another great view of the Wailua River. Wailua Falls can also be driven to and seen from Maalo Rd. But the best way to see the river is to rent a kayak or canoe and paddle! There are plenty of rental shops and easy access to the river. The kids will get a work out and experience Hawaii the way it is supposed to be experienced.
A great day trip from Kapaa is out to the north shore of Kauai for more beaches and hiking. Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali trail are world renown, so head out that way for a great family day. Hanalei has a quaint town of shops and eateries, while also sporting the most beautiful bay in all of Hawaii. Head to the pier where all the locals hang out, and you can walk the beach, have the kids jump off the pier, and even rent kayaks to go up river. Driving to the end of the road will take you to the trail head of the Na Pali Coast Trail, where a hike to Hanakapia’ai Stream (2 mi.) will give the family a good taste of what the Na Pali Trail is all about. The stream flows into the ocean and there’s nothing like an ocean swim followed by a dip in the cool stream waters to make you feel like your in the best place on earth.
If mom and the kids want to kick back in Hanalei town, dad can always hit up the two golf courses in Princeville which both have great views of the ocean. The Princeville Course and Makai Club Course offer kama’aina rates, and Princeville’s hole 7 is spectacular. The Makai Club offers a Sunset Golf Cart Tour in the late afternoon which is a guided tour with refreshments that’s fun for the whole family.
Another day trip from Kapaa to Waimea Canyon will give the
family a mountain experience not found anywhere else in the state. 14 miles long and 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is a geological wonder and the panoramic views of the different layers of erosion are mesmerizing. The Iliau Nature Loop is a short hike that will allow the family to stretch their legs after the long drive and see excellent view of both Waimea and Waialae Canyons. Drive on to Kokee State Park where there are views down Kalalau Valley and the ocean beyond. Hike the Kawaikoi Stream Trail, a 2 mi trail that follows both sides of the stream and is considered the most scenic mountain stream trail in Hawaii.
Oahu is called the gathering place for good reason, there are a lot of people. But even with the crowds, Oahu has a lot to offer in natural scenery and experience. The beaches are beautiful, the hikes plentiful, and kids will love the hustle and bustle of an island that has a large city.
Diamond Head is visible from Waikiki, and offers a great hike to start the day. There is an entry fee of $5 to drive into the park, and from there the stairs begin up to the rim. It’s a one hour walk to the top, where the sights are far reaching, from the ewa plain through to Waikiki on one side, and all the way to Koko Head on the other. The sight is a fabulous ending to the uphill climb.
Makapuu Lighthouse also has a walk that ends in quit a view. Contrasting the city filled view of Diamond Head, Makapuu point lies in the raw, beaten drama of ocean versus rock. The parking lot off the highway above Makapuu Beach Park is where the Ka’iwi Scenic Shoreline Trail begins. It’s a 1.25 mile paved road that lead to the lookout which overlooks the Makapuu Lighthouse, and has extended views to the north of the island.
Another excursion day consists of travelling over the Pali to the Windward side, which has slower feel than Waikiki. The first stop is the Pali lookout just before the tunnels. It’s a great vantage point to see all of the windward side, from Waimanalo to Kaaawa. The walk is close to the parking lot, so it’s a quick and exciting view, especially when it’s windy. Kailua and Lanikai Beach offer different experiences as Kailua Beach is a great place to rent kayaks and paddle out to the nearby island, or walk the 2 mile beach, while Lanikai presents a more secluded shoreline with calm blue water and intimate beach found behind a quite neighborhood. Lanikai also has a great hike above the houses that reaches up to the old pillboxes left over from WWII. The trailhead starts in the neighborhood across from the Mid Pacific Country Club, and climbs steadily to beautiful views.
