Oahu & Maui Family Adventures
Iconic landmarks, world-class beaches, and perfect family basecamp islands
Written by a Local Family Expert
Jade KawanuiOahu: Your Family's Adventure Basecamp
Oahu blends cosmopolitan energy with legendary natural beauty perfectly. From Pearl Harbor's historic sites to the North Shore's iconic surf breaks, Oahu offers dynamic activities for diverse family interests and ages.
Must-Experience Oahu Adventures
🎢 Coral Crater Adventure Park
Premier adventure destination with 6-zipline course, side-by-side ATVs, and 60-foot Adventure Tower. Perfect for families with automatic braking systems safe for kids 6+.
🏛️ Pearl Harbor
Powerful educational experience with USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Free advance reservations required.
🌺 Polynesian Cultural Center
Immersive journey through Polynesian cultures with distinct "villages," demonstrations, and spectacular evening show "Hā: Breath of Life."
🏄♂️ North Shore
Summer brings calm waters at Waimea Bay. Laniakea Beach offers frequent green sea turtle sightings. Winter waves are massive for viewing!
Best Oahu Beaches
🏖️ Kuhio Beach (Waikiki)
Man-made breakwaters creating calm, shallow lagoons perfect for young children.
🏖️ Kailua Beach
Soft white sand, turquoise waters, and gentle waves ideal for swimming and kayaking.
🏖️ Lanikai Beach
Powdery sand and calm, clear waters with picturesque Mokulua Islands views.
Maui: Volcanic Wonders & Upcountry Charm
Maui captivates families with diverse landscapes, from Haleakalā's otherworldly summit to lush Road to Hana rainforests and sun-kissed Kaʻanapali beaches.
🌋 Haleakalā National Park
Witnessing sunrise from 10,023-foot summit provides bucket-list memories. Reservations required 3 AM-7 AM. Dress warmly for alpine cold!
🌿 Road to Hana
Legendary drive through 600+ curves and 59 bridges. Key stops: Twin Falls, Waiʻānapanapa State Park (black sand beach), Wailua Falls.
🐠 Maui Ocean Center
750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with sharks and rays, plus immersive 3D Humpbacks of Hawaii experience. Great for rainy days!
🤿 Molokini Crater
Partially submerged volcanic caldera with crystal-clear waters. Many boat tours combine with "Turtle Town" for green sea turtle sightings.
Continue Your 'Ohana Adventure
🏝️ Quick Info
- Best For: First-timers
- Oahu Highlight: Pearl Harbor
- Maui Highlight: Haleakalā sunrise
- Best Beaches: Waikiki, Ka'anapali