The lure of Hawaii is legendary. The mountainous islands in the Pacific are a wonderful family destination with perfect weather year-round and an endless number of activities to enjoy together. Hawaii is a safe and welcoming place to bring your family on vacation. Many families decide they’d like to enjoy the islands for an extended period of time and see if island life is a long-term prospect. Here are a few activities that families can enjoy after they’ve been in the islands for a while:
1. Water Activities
Once you’ve arrived in the islands you’ll know that the heartbeat of Hawaii is in and around the water. Snorkeling is a favorite pastime of newcomers and old hands alike. There is an art to it for people who have been there for some time. The tourists go to the same places every time but locals or people who have been in Hawaii for longer periods know that the great snorkeling spots are harder to find. For example, Two Step outside of Kona on the Big Island is not marked anywhere on the road, and you have to know to turn to your immediate right before the start of the path to the Place of Refuge. Two Step is one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots on the island and is ideal for snorkeling with kids because it is in a safe and sheltered area. Every Hawaiian island has quiet coves and secret places like Two Step and the longer you stay the more you will learn about their locations.
Another unique activity for families is visiting the hot ponds. These volcanically-heated bodies of water are warm and beautiful. They are best experienced in the evenings when the air has cooled off and the stars are out. They are still very popular during the day, and Ahalahnui Hot Pond is one of the best places to bring your kids so they can splash around in the crystal-clear water.
2. Paintball
Paintball is an exciting activity made even better by the island experience. There are options for extreme paintball and a wide variety of courses to choose from. They also have gun choices for all skill levels, whether you are out for an afternoon of fun or interested in tactics and weapons training. They often have package deals for families interested in challenging each other to a paintball match. This is great exercise for the entire family, and with a backdrop of the islands where adventure films like Jurassic Park were made, paintball in Hawaii is one of the coolest activities you can partake in as a family visiting the islands.
3. Exploring the Land
Families who are new to Hawaii will be amazed at the incredible geographic variety of the islands. The Big Island alone has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, so it is possible to ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon during the winter months. Multiple possibilities abound for land exploration and this is a good chance to learn about the islands themselves. You can take a hiking tour of the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park and view Kilauea Caldera, which is still producing lava. You can hike the bamboo forests of Maui or walk the beach in Waikiki on Oahu. There is also the incredible opportunity of viewing the stars at one of the clearest places on earth at the top of Mauna Kea, where some of the world’s most advanced telescopes are located. The islands are extremely rich in unique flora and fauna. The islands are home to plants like the silversword that exist in no other place on earth. You can hike to rainforest waterfalls, discover secluded beaches, or ride horses through paniolo country. Hawaii offers more than most destinations simply due to its diversity.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a great place for families because of its endless array of activities and its safety as a holiday destination. There are so many wonderful things to see and do in the islands that it can be difficult to narrow down what you’d like to experience together. Anything you choose is sure to be memorable, and if you have chosen to extend your stay in the islands you are sure to have enough time to do everything you had dreamed about. In the end, you and your family may decide that you love island life and you’ll take that next big step in making Hawaii your home.
