What to Do in Hawaii for a Week: Family Itinerary
When we first started planning a Hawaii vacation, I had no idea how hard it would be to choose which island to visit. Every one of the main Hawaiian islands has something amazing for families—from black sand beaches and lava fields to gentle snorkeling bays and lush rainforests that feel like you stepped into Jurassic Park.
Here’s a breakdown of the best activities and highlights for families on each island based on our personal experiences and the trips still on our wish list.
How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for Your Family
Before our first trip to Hawaii, I had no idea how hard it would be to choose which island to visit. I pictured white sand beaches and palm trees—and thought maybe they’d all feel the same. But the truth is, each of the main Hawaiian islands has its own personality, landscapes, and vibe. Some are better for easy beach days with toddlers, others for volcano hikes or wildlife encounters, and some are perfect if your kids love Jurassic Park and wild rainforests.
We’ve now visited multiple islands (and keep going back to Maui), so I wanted to share what we’ve learned to help you decide which one is right for your family. There’s no single “best” island—but there might be one that’s best for you based on what your family loves to do.
Here are a few questions to help you narrow it down:
Is this your first time in Hawaii?
If yes, then start with Oahu—it has a little of everything, plus lots of easy access and familiar comforts.
Are your kids excited about volcanoes, lava, and outer space?
Head to the Big Island for wild landscapes, stargazing, and national parks.
Do you want relaxing beaches with a touch of luxury and adventure?
Maui’s got you covered—whales in the winter, turtles in the summer, and great family resorts.
Is your dream vacation slow-paced with waterfalls, jungle hikes, and movie-worthy scenery?
Kauai is your island—it’s green, quiet, and absolutely stunning.
You can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. But if you're trying to plan what to do in Hawaii for a week and want to make the most of your time, it helps to know what each island does best.
Below, I’ll walk you through the highlights of Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai, then share two sample 7-day itineraries—one that pairs Oahu & Kauai, and another that pairs Maui & Big Island—to help you decide which combo might be a better fit for your family’s travel style. Mix and match to your pleasure!
OAHU – Best for First-Timers, History Buffs & City Vibes
If it’s your first time in Hawaii, Oahu is a fantastic place to start. It’s the most developed of the main Hawaiian islands, which means easy access to activities, restaurants, public transportation, and accommodations—whether you’re staying at a beachfront resort or a vacation rental a few blocks from the ocean.
Oahu offers a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, fun hikes, famous surfing spots, and plenty of cultural experiences. There’s a good reason it’s called the main Hawaiian island—you can dip your toes into Hawaiian life here without feeling like you’ve been dropped into the middle of nowhere. Our kids loved the mix of beach time and sightseeing, and we appreciated that things were close together and easy to get to, especially in and around Honolulu.
Here’s what we loved most (and what we recommend for families):
Oahu Highlights – Quick Family Guide
Waikiki Beach – Famous, lively beach with gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers and kids. Tons of food, shaved ice, and beachfront hotels.
Diamond Head Crater – Easy, scenic hike with big pay-off views over Waikiki. Best done early to beat the heat and crowds.
Pearl Harbour – Powerful and educational for older kids (ages 7+). Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and museum exhibits. Reserve ahead.
North Shore – Laid-back escape with sea turtles, food trucks, surf culture, and small-town charm. Great day trip from Waikiki.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Protected snorkeling spot with calm waters and colorful fish. Requires a reservation. Great intro to marine life.
Sunset Beach – Ideal for watching surfers in winter or enjoying calm water in summer. Don’t miss the actual sunset—it’s stunning.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden – Peaceful, lush, and free. Kids can run on trails and feed ducks while parents enjoy mountain views.
Honolulu Zoo & Waikiki Aquarium – Easy outings for young kids right in Waikiki. Great for quieter days or avoiding mid-day sun.
Our Oahu Tips:
Stay in Waikiki if you want walkability and lots of amenities
Rent a car for at least a day or two to explore the North Shore and other sites
Use sunscreen (reef-safe!) and hydrate often—Oahu gets hot!
Book Pearl Harbour and Hanauma Bay in advance
Plan around traffic—it’s real, especially during rush hour
Big Island – Best for Volcanoes, Stargazing & Adventure
The Big Island, officially called Hawaiʻi Island, is a dream for families who love nature, science, and a little adventure. It’s the largest of the main Hawaiian islands, and you can feel the difference the moment you land. This isn’t a place for lounging all day at the same beach. Here, you can watch the earth steam from an active volcano, walk through a rainforest to a waterfall, then snorkel with manta rays all in the same trip.
It’s not as busy or polished as Maui or Oahu, and you’ll definitely need a rental car (ideally with unlimited miles!). But what you get in return is pure magic—open roads, black lava fields, towering waterfalls, and wide-open beaches with hardly another soul in sight.
We loved how different the entire island felt from one side to the other. Kona is dry, sunny, and beachy. Hilo is lush and green, with more local flavor. The island is also home to some of the best stargazing in the world, rare wildlife, and truly unforgettable adventures.
Big Island Highlights – Quick Family Guide
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Explore lava fields, steam vents, and volcanic craters. Great family hikes like Kīlauea Iki Trail and the Thurston Lava Tube.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Jet-black sand and a high chance of spotting sea turtles basking on the shore. A cool, unique beach stop.
Mauna Kea Visitor Center – World-class stargazing at 9,200 feet. Telescopes, free talks, and unbelievably clear skies. Bring warm clothes!
Snorkeling with Manta Rays – A safe, magical night snorkel off the Kona coast. Giant rays glide right under your float board. Unforgettable for kids 8+.
Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls – Easy, paved walks to dramatic waterfalls surrounded by tropical rainforest. A must if you're near Hilo.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout – A scenic stop with views over dramatic cliffs and farmland. You can hike down or just enjoy the panoramic view.
Kona Coffee Farm Tour – Short tours with chocolate tastings, farm animals, and ocean views. Surprisingly fun for the whole family.
Hilo Farmers Market – Colorful stands with fruit, snacks, crafts, and the best shave ice we had on the island. Great for lunch on the go.
Maui – Best for Beach Lovers, Whales & Relaxed Adventure
Maui is our family’s favorite Hawaiian island—and the one we keep going back to. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with some of the most beautiful beaches, kid-friendly snorkeling, and jaw-dropping scenery in all of Hawaii. Whether we’re floating in the calm waters of Napili Bay, spotting humpback whales in the winter, or tackling the twists and turns of the Road to Hāna, there’s always something new to explore.
What we love most about Maui is how balanced it feels. There’s enough going on to keep active kids engaged, but not so much that it ever feels rushed or overwhelming. You can start your morning watching the sunrise from the top of a volcano and end it with shaved ice at the beach—and never spend more than an hour in the car.
It’s also incredibly easy to navigate. Whether you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea, Ka’anapali, or up in Paia, you’ll find soft sand, great food, and warm water just minutes from your door.
Maui Highlights – Quick Family Guide
Ka’anapali, Napili, & Wailea Beaches – Calm, swimmable beaches perfect for kids with soft sand and easy snorkeling just offshore.
Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour – Half-day boat trip to a crescent-shaped reef with incredibly clear water and colorful fish.
Turtle Town – A reliable spot to snorkel with sea turtles. Calm waters and sandy entry make it ideal for families.
Whale Watching (Winter Months) – Maui is the best island to see humpback whales between December and March. You can spot them from shore—or even better, on a boat tour.
Haleakalā Sunrise – A chilly, early-morning adventure that ends with an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds. Reservations required.
The Road to Hāna – A full-day scenic drive with waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava tubes, and rainforest hikes. Best for older kids or patient car travelers.
Iao Valley – A peaceful, scenic park with a short paved trail and lush mountain views. Great for low-key days.
Old Lahaina Luau – A traditional Hawaiian feast with music, storytelling, and hula dancing. Culturally rich and surprisingly fun for kids.
Kauai – Best for Nature Lovers, Waterfalls & Jurassic Park Vibes
Kauai is often called the Garden Island, and from everything we’ve read and heard—it absolutely lives up to the name. It’s the greenest, rainiest, and most untouched of the main Hawaiian islands, with dramatic cliffs, misty jungles, and hidden beaches around every corner. It’s also the filming location for parts of Jurassic Park, which instantly earned it a spot on our kids’ travel wish list.
Unlike Oahu or Maui, Kauai isn’t about resorts and shopping. It’s slower-paced, more rustic, and perfect for families who love hiking, waterfalls, and exploring outdoors. If you’re okay with occasional rain (and a bit of driving), you’ll be rewarded with views that feel like something out of a movie.
We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but it’s at the top of our list for our next trip to Hawaii—especially once our kids are ready for more active days and less structured fun.
Kauai Highlights – Quick Family Guide
Waimea Canyon – Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with easy lookouts and short hikes that even little legs can handle.
Napali Coast Boat Tour – Incredible sea cliffs, waterfalls, and dolphins. Most tours include snorkeling and snacks. Worth it in calm weather.
Hanalei Bay – A wide, family-friendly beach on the North Shore with gentle surf in summer. The nearby town is charming and low-key.
Wailua Falls & Opaekaʻa Falls – Both are drive-up waterfalls, great for quick scenic stops and family photos.
Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge – Easy walk with beautiful views and native seabirds. Great for younger kids and a peaceful break from hiking.
Allerton & McBryde Botanical Gardens – Lush, educational gardens with shaded trails and wide-open space for kids to explore.
Kalalau Trail (First Mile) – For adventurous families, this coastal trail offers some of the most iconic views on the island. Just the first mile is manageable for older kids.
Poipu Beach Park – One of the most popular white sand beaches on the south shore. Great for toddlers thanks to the protected swimming area.
Two Perfect Hawaii Itineraries for Families: Which One Is Right for You?
After breaking down the best highlights of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, you might still be wondering—how do I fit it all into just one week?
Honestly, you can’t do everything in seven days (we’ve tried!), but with the right combo of islands and a little planning, you can have an incredible, well-balanced vacation. We’ve put together two sample 7-day itineraries based on our own experiences and research—both designed specifically for families.
Each one pairs two islands that work really well together. One focuses on history, culture, and lush scenery. The other leans into wild nature, volcanoes, and marine wildlife. If you’re flying from the mainland, it’s totally doable to see two islands in one week, especially with short inter-island flights (usually under 1 hour).
Here’s what we recommend, depending on your family’s travel style:
Itinerary #1 : 7-Day Oahu & Kauai Combo
This one is best for families who want variety, iconic sights, and incredible landscapes.
This itinerary blends big city energy, famous beaches, and cultural history on Oahu with quiet jungle adventures and coastal cliffs on Kauai. You’ll get a little bit of everything—sunsets, hikes, snorkeling, turtles, waterfalls, and even a WWII history lesson. It’s especially great for first-time visitors who want to see both the polished and peaceful sides of Hawaii.
It’s not a “rush-around” kind of trip—each stop gives you space to explore without being overscheduled. Inter-island flights are quick (about 40 minutes), and we recommend flying to Kauai midweek to avoid the crowds.
Day 1 – Arrive in Oahu
Check in near Waikiki Beach at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Grab dinner at a beachfront restaurant
Sunset stroll and perhaps enjoy shave ice on the sand!
Day 2 – Honolulu Highlights
Hike Diamond Head Crater in the morning
Lunch and souvenir shopping in Waikiki
Relax at Waikiki Aquarium or hit the beach
Day 3 – History & Snorkeling
Afternoon snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Day 4 – North Shore Day Trip
Road trip to the North Shore
Visit Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Haleiwa town
Spot sea turtles at Laniakea Beach
Day 5 – Fly to Kauai + Settle In
Morning flight to Lihue Airport
Check in near Princeville at the Hanalei Bay Resort
Explore Hanalei Bay and walk around town
Day 6 – Canyon + Waterfall Adventure
Drive to Waimea Canyon State Park
Scenic lookouts and easy trails
Stop at Wailua Falls on your way back
Day 7 – Napali Coast Finale
Take a Napali Coast boat tour (half-day tour with snorkeling if possible)
Enjoy a final beach afternoon or dinner with a view
Itinerary #2: 7-DayMaui & Big Island Combo
This one is best for families who love nature, wildlife, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
This is our favorite combo for an active and unforgettable Hawaii vacation. You’ll start on Maui, where mellow beach days, whale watching, and the famous Road to Hāna set the tone. Then you’ll hop to the Big Island, where lava fields, active volcanoes, and nighttime manta ray swims give your trip an epic finish.
This itinerary is packed with bucket list experiences, but there’s still time to breathe. We’ve built in down time at beaches, cozy evening meals, and slower afternoons to balance out the early mornings and big hikes.
Day 1 – Arrive in Maui
Check in near Ka’anapali or Wailea, Stay at the Wailea Beach Resort or The Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort
Unpack, settle in, and hit the beach
Fish tacos and mai tais for dinner (or mac & cheese for the kids 😉)
Day 2 – Snorkeling & Beach Play
Morning Molokini Crater snorkel tour
Relax at Turtle Town or Napili Bay in the afternoon
Day 3 – Road to Hāna Adventure
Full-day road trip: waterfalls, Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, lava tubes
Pack snacks, swimsuits, and be ready for winding roads
Day 4 – Haleakalā Sunrise + Chill
Early morning drive to Haleakalā National Park for sunrise (reservations required)
Nap and beach play in the afternoon
Day 5 – Fly to Big Island + Explore South Coast
Arrive in Kona if you want more beach time or Hilo if you want to be closer to Volcanoes national park
Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Check in near Volcanoes National Park
Day 6 – Volcanoes National Park Day
Hike Kīlauea Iki Trail (a highlight!)
Explore steam vents and lava tubes
Catch the crater glow if it’s active after sunset
Day 7 – Manta Rays or Stargazing
Relax in the morning—beach or pool
Option 1: Book a night manta ray snorkel tour near Kona
Option 2: Drive up to Mauna Kea Visitor Center for stargazing at 9,200 ft
Final Tips for Island-Hopping Families:
Use Mokulele, Southwest, or Hawaiian Airlines for short inter-island flights (usually 35–50 minutes).
Leave plenty of time at the airport, especially if you're traveling with car seats or strollers.
Keep your travel day light—don’t try to do too much right after flying between islands.
For these itineraries, we recommend splitting 4 days on your first island, 3 on your second—but you can flip that depending on what interests you most.
Book popular activities in advance, especially Pearl Harbour, Haleakalā sunrise, and Napali Coast tours.
No matter which island combo you choose, Hawaii is the best place for a family vacation. Our personal favorite is Maui (we’ve spent the most time there!), but every island offers its own kind of magic. Whether you’re hiking lava fields, whale watching in the ocean, or just watching the kids jump over waves on a sunny beach, you’ll come home feeling like you’ve experienced something truly special.
