Family vacations in Hawaii can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on the pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Hawaii family vacations.
Hapuna Beach
is a half-mile long, white sandy beach that offers excellent snorkeling and paddle boarding when the ocean is calm. When the surf is up, you can try boogie boarding or bodysurfing in the crystal clear water. Lifeguards are often on duty at this sunny beach, and you will find showers, restrooms and picnic tables conveniently located next to the beach.
Address: Hapuna Beach Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743Phone: 808-587-0300Hours: Open dailyPrice: Free admission
Maui Ocean Center
The
features over 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits that will teach you all about the unique ocean environment found around the Hawaiian islands. The ocean center also has a special Hawaiian history exhibit where you can learn more about the Native Hawaiian's relationship with the ocean, navigation information and fishing techniques.
Address: 192 Ma‘alaea Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793Phone: 808-270-7000Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and open until 6 p.m. during July and AugustPrice: Adults, $22.95; children, $16.65; seniors, $20.25
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
After driving several miles through the scenic
, you will have the opportunity to take a self-guided walking tour of the Mauna Loa factory. You will see workers carefully sorting macadamia nuts, machines dipping the nuts in chocolate and nuts being sprayed with honey or Maui onion. After the factory tour, you can visit the Mauna Loa gift shop and eat freshly baked macadamia nut cookies.
Address: 16-701 Macadamia Rd., Keaau, HI 96749Phone: 808-966-8618Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through SaturdayPrice: Free admission
Whale Watching at McGregor Point
The whale watching season in Hawaii spans only from December to April each year. Whales come all the way from Alaska to give birth in Hawaii's warm, shallow waters. You can frequently spot them from McGregor Point without bothering mother or calf during the breeding season.
Address: Honoapiilani Hwy., Kihei, 96761Phone: N/AHours: Whale watching is December through April dailyPrice: Free admission
Bishop Museum
The
has many revolving exhibits, but they are known for their extensive collection of Native Hawaiian artifacts, information about Hawaiian lore and daily life. The museum also features the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame and a science center that has displays on volcanology and oceanography.
Address: 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI, 96817Phone: 808-847-3511Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through MondayPrice: Adults, $17.95; children over 4, $14.95; children under 3, free; seniors, $14.95
Imiloa Astronomy Center
The
features a planetarium with multiple shows and guided tours through the entire astronomy center. With a number of interactive displays that blend modern astronomy with Native Hawaiian history and lore, the planetarium is a must-see attraction for all family vacations in Hawaii.
Address: 600 Imiloa Pl.. Hilo, HI 96720Phone: 808-969-9700Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through SundayPrice: Adults, $17.50; children under 4, Free; children 12 and under, $9.50; Seniors, $15.50
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Hawaii where you can visit an active erupting volcano. You can hike on the Kilauea Iki trail that takes you through a lush rainforest at the summit of the Kilauea Volcano. Just a short walk from the trail, you can visit the Thurston lava tube, tour the Jaggar Museum and visit the park rangers at the visitor's center.
Address: Hawaii Belt Rd., Volcano, HI 96778Phone: 808-985-6000 Hours: Open all yearPrice: Car, $10; pedestrians $5
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