Swaying coconut palms, gorgeous beaches, the feel of the sun on your skin – that’s what usually springs to mind when thinking of Hawaii. As well as being a great place to sunbathe, the state is a pretty exciting destination to practice water sports, get up close to wildlife and meet some very unique people.Its amazing landscape filled with canyons and volcanoes is awe-inspiring for all ages. What I think is really great about choosing Hawaii for a holiday is that you can achieve a good balance between keeping you and your partner and the kids happy, since the bulk of attractions will appeal to you all.

This means you don’t need to compromise on having an indulgent break to make sure the children are well entertained. On that front, I’d also recommend travelling to Hawaii as part of a cruise. After all, this means you can avoid long flights that would usually leave kids grumpy and have fun while you travel instead. Plus, you can take the opportunity to be pampered!

Below, you’ll find a few ideas for making the most of your visit to Hawaii.

Explore Big Island’s Volcanic Landscape

One of the most exciting trips for all will be a day out in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a 133,500-hectare site that’s home to some incredible peaks – including one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Seeing Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983, is an unforgettable experience. This volcano produces between 230,000 and 600,000 cubic metres of lava each day – something that means the landscape here is constantly changing. Another highlight is the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a 500-year-old cave that you can walk through. Formed by an underground channel of molten lava, this massive chamber leads you to a wonderful rainforest landscape.

Go Whale Watching

Provided you’re visiting Hawaii between December and early May, I think whale watching is an activity that’s pretty hard to beat. After all, seeing these massive and majestic creatures is a rare experience – and one that’s bound to really wow your kids.

Humpback whales come to Hawaii’s waters during this period to breed and rear their young. Typically, the best time to see them is between January and early April, while a boat trip usually improves your chances of spotting them – though occasionally you can see these giants splashing about from the shore.
As a quick trip, the Auau Channel (which runs between Maui, Molokai and Lanai) is often the top place to see whales, so it’s worth looking for boat trips that head here.

Hit The Beach

Going to the beach has long been a simple way to spend time together as a family, whether it’s a slightly blustery beach in the UK, or the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii. Of course, if you’re going to the latter you’ll have countless options of places to go, though it’s best to opt for those that have a reputation for being family-friendly.

On Oahu, for example, Kailua Beach is a good bet, since it’s not only well suited to families but also offers some fantastic activities, like surfing. So, if you’re travelling with older kids who have a sense of adventure, they’ll have plenty to occupy them too. On Kauai, Lydgate Beach Park is great for snorkeling, while One Alii Beach Park on Molokai is also fab for parents and kids.

Where to Stay on Hawaii Island aka the Big Island

Luxury

• Four Seasons Resort Hualaila
  72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive
  Kaupulehu, HI

Mid Range

• The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
  N Kaniku Drive Kohala
• Kamuela, HI

Budget

• Oceanfront Legacy
  31-196 Hawaii Belt Road
  Hakalau, HI

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