Hawaii is the perfect destination for family vacations, offering many family-friendly beaches with something for everyone to enjoy. From soft sandy shores to calm, crystal-clear waters, the islands are filled with the best beaches for families looking to relax, explore, and enjoy the waves. Whether your big family loves swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the sun, these beaches are great for big families and offer lifeguards, picnic spots, restrooms, and play areas. These beaches were picked because of the availability of nearby big family friendly hotels and vacation rentals.
Each island offers its unique charm and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether your family wants to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, hike through volcanic craters, learn to surf in crystal-clear waters, or simply bask under the warm Hawaiian sun, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories. Let’s explore these gorgeous beaches by island.
- Oahu: Best Family Beaches on the Gathering Isle from Honolulu to North Shore
- Maui: Top Family-Friendly Beaches on the Valley Isle – Perfect for Swimming & Snorkeling
- Big Island (Hawaii): Must-Visit Family Beaches from Black Sand to Safe Swimming Coves
- Kauai: Great Family Beaches on the Garden Isle and Kid-Friendly Swimming Spots
Oahu: Best Family Beaches on the Gathering Isle from Honolulu to North Shore
Oahu is often called “The Gathering Place” and serves as Hawaii’s most populous and visited island, welcoming millions of tourists each year. Known for its perfect blend of urban excitement and tropical paradise, Oahu offers families an ideal mix of history, culture, and adventure. The island is home to the bustling capital city of Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach, but it’s also rich in historical significance with sites like Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Families will enjoy visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, where they can experience authentic Hawaiian culture through interactive exhibits and spectacular performances. The North Shore provides another family-friendly highlight, where during winter months you can watch professional surfers tackle massive waves, while summer brings calm waters perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles.
1. Ala Moana Beach Park, Oahu
Situated among Hawaii’s renowned swimming sites, Ala Moana Beach Park boasts a natural coral reef just offshore, creating an idyllic setting for swimming enthusiasts. For those new to swimming in the ocean, it is advisable to stick to the eastern end of the beach, where the sandy bottom is free of sharp coral fragments. The park has bathrooms, shaded picnic spots, and a playpark designed for young children. Activities include bike rentals, paddle boarding, and kayaking. During the summer months, a concession stand offers refreshments and lifeguards patrol the beach.
Ala Moana Beach Park is highly regarded for its turquoise blue waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. The park’s expansive grounds offer walking paths, tennis courts, and music pavilions. In addition, the park is conveniently located near Ala Moana Shopping Center and Kaka’ako Shopping Area.
2. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu
Kailua Beach Park on Oahu is a well-developed beach with white sand, crystal blue waters, and stunning scenery, making it a popular choice for families. The park offers restrooms, beach showers, and picnic spots. Families can rent kayaks or try boogie-boarding in the gentle waves. Downtown Kailua is a five-minute drive away with shops and great restaurants. Kailua Beach Park is known for its water sports, including kayaking and windsurfing. Families with small children can swim near the boat ramp where there is a lifeguard on duty. Don’t miss the chance to catch a breathtaking sunrise at this beach.
3. Sunset Beach Park, Oahu
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Sunset Beach Park is a great beach for families. While surfers flock to this beach during the winter months for its world-famous waves, it also offers a serene summer experience, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, caution is advised when entering the inviting blue waters, as strong currents, including the notorious Sunset Rip, can be present. Even when the ocean appears calm, the nearshore waters exhibit a noticeable alongshore current.
During the winter season, Sunset Beach Park hosts internationally acclaimed surfing contests such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The waves can reach impressive heights of over 30 feet, making it a paradise for surfers. To the west of Sunset Beach, you’ll find Ehukai Beach and Banzai Pipeline, two additional popular surfing destinations.
4. Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Waikiki Beach, located on the island of Oahu, is one of Hawaii’s most renowned and picturesque beaches. With pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it offers a truly exceptional beach experience. Beyond its natural beauty, Waikiki is a well-developed area, with restrooms, concessions, and showers conveniently located across the road.
If your family is interested in surfing, snorkeling, or other water activities, the beach has several equipment rental businesses. Lifeguards are present year-round..
It’s worth mentioning that Waikiki has a rich history tied to Hawaiian culture. The beach was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, who enjoyed activities like surfing on longboards. Today, Waikiki caters to tourists from around the world.
5. Waimea Bay, Oahu
Waimea Bay, located on the island of Oahu, is a stunning destination with picturesque beauty and is a prime spot to witness expert surfers tackling the waves. While the ocean conditions at Waimea Bay can be challenging, families with younger children can still enjoy the soft sand along the water’s edge. For added safety, lifeguards are on duty. The beach offers convenient amenities such as showers, restrooms, and shaded areas for picnics.
Maui: Top Family-Friendly Beaches on the Valley Isle – Perfect for Swimming & Snorkeling
Maui, affectionately known as “The Valley Isle,” is consistently ranked among the world’s best islands and is a great choice for families seeking relaxation and adventure. The island is distinguished by its diverse landscapes, from the moonlike crater of Haleakala National Park to the lush Road to Hana with its waterfalls and black sand beaches. What makes Maui especially family-friendly is its abundance of calm, swimmable beaches and the numerous opportunities for marine life encounters.
Families flock to Lahaina for the Pacific Whale Foundation’s educational whale watching tours (best during winter months), while the Maui Ocean Center offers an incredible aquarium experience year-round. Another must-do family activity is attending a traditional luau, where kids can learn about Hawaiian culture while enjoying local cuisine and entertainment under the stars.
1. Baldwin Beach, Maui
Located on Maui’s scenic North Shore, Baldwin Beach is a good beach choice for both families and surfers. The beach has multiple areas, each offering different wave conditions, ranging from gentle swells to challenging surf breaks. To ensure a safe swimming experience, protected areas can be found at both ends of the beach, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Amenities include restrooms, public showers, picnic spots, and barbecues. It’s advisable to pack a cooler with refreshments since snack availability may be limited.
2. Hamoa Beach, Maui
Hamoa Beach is breathtakingly beautiful and has ideal conditions for surfing and bodyboarding. During the summer months, the sea is generally calmer, creating fantastic conditions for swimming, as long as the surf is not too intense. The beach is also a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering guided tours that allow visitors to swim alongside graceful rays and vibrant tropical fish.
3. Ho’okipa Beach, Maui
Ho’okipa Beach, located on Maui’s North Shore in Hulopoe Bay, is a haven for ocean sports enthusiasts and a sanctuary for wildlife. This stunning beach features glorious white sand, making it perfect for family fun. Adventurous family members can take on the thrilling waves through surfing and bodyboarding. Ho’okipa Beach attracts professional surfers who come to compete in major competitions, while the Maui Sports Federation sponsors various annual events.
Ho’okipa Beach is also the home of monk seals and other wildlife. Visitors can witness the surf break formed by the reef system spanning the bay. It’s important to exercise caution while swimming as no lifeguards are present. Outdoor showers, limited restrooms (which may have lines), and picnic facilities are available for visitors’ convenience. Families can also enjoy cookouts using the barbecue grills provided.
4. Hulopoe Beach Park, Lana’i
Hulopoe Beach, located in Hulopoe Bay on the southern coast of Lana’i, is a crescent-shaped beach renowned for its pristine white-gold sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. The beach offers restrooms, permanent picnic tables, and parking. It boasts a gentle sea, perfect for families with children who can explore the captivating tide pools. No lifeguards are on duty.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pu’upehe (Sweetheart Rock) a short hike away from the beach. Towering 80 feet above the ocean, Pu’upehe is a majestic rock formation that stands like a natural lighthouse off the southern coast of L’na’i. Families can enjoy a short, scenic hike from Hulopo’e Beach to view this iconic landmark, where they might spot graceful long-tailed tropic birds soaring overhead and native seabirds nesting along the rocky path. While the 20-minute hike is relatively easy and manageable for families, extreme caution should be exercised near the cliffs and loose rocks along the trail. The area is especially magical at sunset, when the sky paints the landscape in brilliant colors,
5. Kapalua Bay, Maui
One of the best things about Kapalua Bay is that it has mostly calm waters throughout the year, making it safe and enjoyable for everyone. Lifeguards patrol the area and there are amenities like storage facilities, restrooms, and showers, so you can spend the whole day by the shore without any worries.
To get to Kapalua Bay, take Highway 30, the Honoapiilani Highway. When you reach Napili, take a left onto Napilihau Street. Then, make a right onto lower Honoapiilani Road. You’ll spot the Kapalua Bay parking lot on your left.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will be in their element here, surrounded by beautiful coral, plenty of fish, and even the occasional sea turtle sighting. If swimming is more your thing, the calm bay offers a delightful experience, especially in the morning when the winds are gentle. And if you’re up for a scenic walk, the Kapalua Coastal Trail will take you along the coast, offering breathtaking views and passing by a bird refuge on its way to Ironwoods Beach.
SUP rentals, boogie boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas, are conveniently available right on the beach. So you can soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean to the fullest. And when hunger strikes, head to Merriman’s restaurant, located at the south end of the bay.
6. Napili Bay, Maui
Napili Bay, a crescent-shaped bay on Maui’s west side, offers a well-developed beach experience. The bay is known for its tranquil waters and marine life, making it a highly recommended spot for swimming and snorkeling. Exploring the bay’s vibrant reef, you might even have the chance to encounter local sea turtles and tropical fish.
While enjoying your time at Napili Bay, it’s important to note that there are no lifeguards present. To make the most of your visit to Napili Bay, consider bringing your snorkeling gear. While there isn’t a direct gear rental service on the beach, Snorkel Bob’s in Napili Village provides convenient equipment rental options. Remember to apply reef-safe sunscreen, as it’s now mandatory in Maui to protect the coral reef ecosystem.
7. Wailea Beach, Maui
Wailea Beach, situated in Maui, boasts clear waters, soft sand, and a gentle entrance into the ocean. During the summer months, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on guided snorkeling tours, immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater world. In the winter, treat your crew to unforgettable whale-watching cruises, where you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Paddleboarding is another popular ocean sport that allows you to explore the scenic coastline at your own pace.
Restrooms and showers are conveniently available, and lifeguards patrol the area..
Big Island (Hawaii): Must-Visit Family Beaches from Black Sand to Safe Swimming Coves
The Big Island, officially named Hawaii, lives up to its nickname as the largest and most geographically diverse of the Hawaiian islands. What makes this island truly unique is its active volcanoes within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where families can witness the raw power of nature through steam vents, lava tubes, and sometimes even flowing lava at Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
The island offers an incredible range of climate zones, from tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains at Mauna Kea. A visit to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation visitor center provides a fun and educational experience, while nighttime manta ray snorkel tours off the Kona Coast offer an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. The island is also famous for its unique black and green sand beaches, making beach-hopping an exciting family activity that can’t be experienced anywhere else in Hawaii.
1. Hapuna Beach, Big Island
Hapuna Beach, situated on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i, spans a half-mile. The beach showcases pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Lifeguards are on duty year-round and the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, while the shallow areas provide a delightful space for young family members to paddle and splash.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely picnic under the shade trees or grab a bite at the beachside cafe, which offers light meals and snacks. For added convenience, beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards are available for rent. Restrooms are available.
Hapuna Beach has gained recognition as one of America’s best beaches, praised by sources like The Travel Channel and Conde Nast Traveler magazine. During the summer months, the waters are calm and suitable for swimming and snorkeling, while experienced surfers can catch thrilling waves during the winter season.
2. Kahaluu Beach Park, Big Island
Kahaluu Beach Park is a snorkeler’s paradise with vibrant blue waters teeming with tropical fish. It’s a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving. Those looking for adventure can take surfing classes, catering to adults and teens. The park offers convenient amenities such as restrooms, beach showers, and a covered picnic pavilion. Visitors can bring their own food or indulge in delicious fast food from a food truck near the pavilion. If you’re planning a cookout, you can conveniently pick up barbecue supplies from a nearby grocery store. Kahaluu Beach Park is a must-visit for its abundant marine life and exciting activities.
3. Kauna’oa Beach (Mauna Kea), Big Island
Known for its population of captivating manta rays, this beach is over a quarter of a mile long with a sandy bottom and a depth of less than 10 feet. Snorkeling and diving in this area are particularly rewarding, especially during the Manta Ray Night Dive experience. The beach has restrooms, showers, and picnic spots. However, it is important to note that lifeguards are not present on duty at any time.
While it is a public beach, you’ll need to ask the gate attendant for entry. Note that the parking lot is small, holding only about 30 cars and there is a parking fee. We recommend arriving early in the morning to score a parking spot.
4. Kamakahonu Beach, Big Island
Kamakahonu Beach, also known as the “Children’s Beach,” is a smaller beach for families who want to dive and snorkel. The beach provides a calm and sheltered environment, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. Dive instruction and equipment rentals are available. However, please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach.
5. Spencer Beach Park, Big Island
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Spencer Beach Park is a sheltered beach ideal for families with younger children who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere over rough surf.
Spencer Beach Park provides restrooms and outdoor showers. The park features a pavilion with electrical outlets, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, providing ample space for gatherings and outdoor dining. While lifeguards are present at certain times, it is recommended to check the schedules for their availability.
Enjoy the calm waters and reef barrier by swimming and snorkeling. Snorkelers will appreciate the shallow reef, which teems with colorful tropical fish and even sea turtles. Additionally, the beach serves as a prime spot for whale-watching during the winter months when humpback whales migrate to the area.
Nearby attractions include Pelekane Beach, situated north of Spencer Beach, which is considered sacred and is home to the Pu’ukohola Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple. Hapuna Beach State Park, with its pristine white sand and ample recreational opportunities, is a short drive away. Visitors can also explore the Ala Kahakai Trail, which offers stunning coastal views and access to various beach parks along its route.
Kauai: Great Family Beaches on the Garden Isle and Kid-Friendly Swimming Spots
Kauai, known as “The Garden Isle,” is Hawaii’s northernmost island, celebrated for its lush tropical landscape and laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for families seeking a more relaxed Hawaiian experience. The island’s most distinctive feature is the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, with its dramatic emerald cliffs rising from the ocean, best experienced through family-friendly boat tours or, for families with older children, helicopter tours.
Kauai’s natural wonders also include Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” where families can enjoy easy hiking trails and spectacular lookout points. What makes Kauai particularly special for families is its abundance of gentler beaches with protected swimming areas, like Lydgate Beach Park with its rock-enclosed swimming ponds. A visit to Wailua River, Hawaii’s only navigable river, offers families unique opportunities for kayaking adventures and visits to the fascinating Fern Grotto.
1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai
Hanalei Bay can be enjoyed with water sports activities, including windsurfing, kayaking, and more. The beach’s main attraction is the historic Hanalei Pier, which provides access to the calmest waters in the area. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. To avoid parking challenges, it is recommended to plan a visit on weekdays.
Families will enjoy the shallow waters near the pier on the east side that’s perfect for children to swim and play, while also providing ample parking, bathroom facilities, and plenty of space to spread out on the expansive beach. The scenery includes dramatic mountain backdrops, creating a stunning panoramic view that makes this beach one of Hawaii’s most picturesque family destinations.
2. Kalapaki Beach, Kauai
Kalapaki Beach is perfectly situated between a marina and dramatic mountain scenery, creating a scenic and accessible getaway. While the river outlet can make the water less clear at times, the calm eastern side is ideal for swimming, while the western side attracts both bodyboarders and intermediate surfers. Rentals are available beach catamarans, surfboards, and stand-up paddleboards. Lessons are also offered year-round. The beach provides picnic facilities, restrooms, and showers. It’s important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so exercise caution when swimming.
Located close to the airport, Kalapaki Beach is a convenient place to relax while waiting for flights. It’s easily accessible, with parking available in the lot or on the street. The beach is known for its friendly atmosphere, gentle waves, and a slope that is suitable for all ages.
3. Lydgate Beach Park, Kauai
Lydgate Beach Park, located on the East side of Kauai adjacent to the Wailua River, offers a serene and family-friendly environment with its calm waters and lifeguards. The beach features two rock-enclosed ponds, creating a safe haven from ocean waves while allowing small reef fish to swim through crevices. This unique setup guarantees a fun snorkeling experience with a variety of tropical fish to admire.
Lydgate Beach Park provides full facilities, including restrooms and showers, and a playground. The park also offers picnic spots and a paved coastal path spanning 2.5 miles for scenic walks along the shoreline.
4. Poipu Beach, Kauai
Poipu Beach on Kauai is a perfect destination for first-time snorkelers. This small, sheltered beach has crystal-clear waters and golden sand, inviting visitors to explore its underwater wonders. With a barrier reef protecting the area, Poipu Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty.
Beyond its natural beauty, Poipu Beach offers restrooms, showers, and picnic spots. Although the reef protects the waters, strong currents and waves can occasionally break on the reef. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult the on-duty lifeguard for up-to-date safety information and to stay within the marked swimming area.
Visiting Poipu Beach between December and May offers the chance to see humpback whales who frequent the area during these months, providing an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures.
For those seeking more adventure, Poipu Beach provides surfing lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, and even fishing excursions are available.
Hawaii’s breathtaking beaches, diverse activities, and rich cultural experiences make it a dream destination for families. From the bustling energy of Oahu to the tranquil charm of Kauai, the adventure-filled Big Island to the idyllic shores of Maui, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii.
Whether your family is exploring the lush trails and pristine beaches while staying at big family cabins in Hawaii State Parks or discovering the islands in comfort on a Hawaiian cruise, the islands have something for everyone. To make your trip even easier, check out our Hawaii Big Family Hotel Listings to find the perfect place to stay and ensure your family is comfortable while you experience all the beauty and wonder Hawaii has to offer!
