Our Favorite Family Friendly Beaches in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its beautiful shorelines, but each island has a mix of beach types, from high surf craggy shores suitable for experienced surfers, to calm, white sand beaches that are great for novice swimmers. If you are traveling with children you’ll want to choose a beach that everyone can enjoy.  Here are some of the best beaches on each island for family vacations.

Kauai – Bring your kids down to Poipu Beach on the south shore.  The main beach at Poipu Beach Park offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, and boogie-boarding.  There is also a natural wading pool.  Directly to the west of the main beach is the appropriately named Baby Beach.  This is a small crescent shaped inlet that offers very quiet shallow water.  It’s a great choice for toddlers and babies.  Note: Poipu Beach has lifeguards and bathrooms but Baby Beach does not, so come prepared.

Maui – Launiupoko Beach on the west side of the island, is a great choice for small children.  There is a natural pool created by lava outcroppings, which has calm waters for wading and swimming.  Older kids might want to try surfing or SUP (stand up paddling).  There is ample parking, a picnic area with barbeques, and bathrooms with shower facilities.  Launiupoko also has some great views for whale watching in the winter months.

Oahu  – If you’re staying on Oahu you’re probably close to Waikiki Beach, which is a great place for families.  The surf is calm, which makes it perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities.  Older children can take surfing or kayaking lessons, while the younger set will have a great time splashing around in the shallows.  Most of the beachside resorts provide picnic tables and bathrooms, but there are also restaurants within walking distance. 

Hawaii – If you’re on the Big Island take the family to Kamakahonu Beach, also called King Kam Beach.  It’s right in Kailua Kona, next to the King Kamehameha Hotel.  The beach is open to the public and there are food options and bathrooms on the hotel grounds.  There are also lessons available in snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, and the calm surf makes it kid friendly.  A surf and boogie board rental shop is right on the beach.  If you get tired of the water, take a walk over to the heaiu, which was a historic temple built by King Kamehameha the First.

The great thing about Hawaii is the fact that there are a lot of great beaches for families so it won’t be hard to find one that you will like.