There’s no place on earth quite like Hawaii, and this the best place for you and your family to have a relaxing Fourth of July vacation. Whether you enjoy viewing the beautiful scenery, or going for a swim in the warm and tranquil water, you’ll find everything you need to relax on these beautiful islands. The culture of Hawaii is also extremely family friendly, and you’ll feel right at home in the neighborhood of your Hawaii vacation rental. Imagine you and your kids swimming with dolphins, hiking past dramatic cliffs, or watching humpback whales. Plus, vacation rentals are abundant and provide amenities you won’t find at a regular hotel, making it easy to travel with small children. No matter what activity you choose, you’ll be making family memories to last a lifetime. Charge your camera and pack the sunscreen, and don’t be surprised if Hawaii becomes your new Fourth of July family vacation tradition.
1. Honolulu
Honolulu is the State Capitol and the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Here, you’ll find world-class shopping, historic landmarks, and a flourishing arts and culture scene. Honolulu has it all. Visit one of HawaiiÂ’s most historic places like Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archive and the treasured artifacts of the Bishop Museum or an iconic landmark like the Aloha Tower, the King Kamehameha I Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the historic Hawaii Theatre. Whether you’re looking for traditional Hawaiian cuisine, luxurious resorts, or just some fun in the sun, you’ll find it in Honolulu.
2. Waikiki
Waikiki is located on the south shore of Honolulu, but this world-famous neighborhood is so special it had to be included on this list as its own destination. What was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki is now OahuÂ’s main hotel and resort area. along the main strip, Kalakaua Avenue, you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities, and resorts, but Waikiki is most famous for its beaches. Take a surf lesson or visit one of the family-friendly attractions like the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium.
3. Napali Coast
Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the Napali Coast is truly majestic, featuring panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The only way to get to this magical place by land is via the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. It can be challenging and sometimes treacherous, so this one is best for families with older kids. Families with young ones can still enjoy Napali Coast by taking a boat tour from Port Allen or even an air tour.
4. Papohaku Beach
Papohaku Beach, also known as Three Mile Beach, is one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches at about three miles long and 100 yards wide. If you don’t want to spend your entire vacation at a vacation rental, this is a great spot for camping with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as picnic and restroom facilities. It’s the perfect place for your family to unplug and reconnect with each other and the great outdoors.
5. Hulopoe Bay
Hulopoe Bay was once known as America’s best Beach, and once you see its stunning pearl-white sand and crystal blue waters, you’ll easily agree. The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the best spot on the island for snorkeling and swimming, but one of the highlights of Hulopoe Bay is its large tide pools located at the eastern side of the bay. The tide pools are well protected by volcanic rock, making them easy to explore. Help your kids look out for hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish.
6. Haleakala National Park
This park, stretching across MauiÂ’s southern and eastern coastline, is home to Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala. Meaning “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, this mountain rises 10,023 feet above sea level. The park itself is comprised of over 30,000 acres of public land. Travel to the highest peaks of Haleakala by hiking or horseback riding, or visit the lush tropical areas full of waterfalls and streams closer to sea level.
7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the home of Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. Here, you can watch the landscape change before your very eyes. Founded in 1916, the Park encompasses 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea and includes 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests as well as a museum, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and two active volcanoes.
8. Old Koloa Town
The historic and picturesque Koloa district spans from Old Koloa Town to KauaiÂ’s beautiful South Shore in Poipu. Getting here is just as magical as the destination itself. The gateway to the area is a stretch of Maluhia Road lined with eucalyptus trees first planted a century ago called the Tree Tunnel. Once you’re in Old Koloa Town, you’ll find old-fashioned storefronts and charming local gift shops. Stop by the Koloa History Center to learn about the townÂ’s heritage or explore the Koloa Heritage Trail, which covers 14 cultural, historical and geological sites from Old Koloa Town to Poipu.
9. Pearl Harbor
Chances are your kid’s area already learning about World War II in history class. Why not make history come alive with a visit to Pearl Harbor? Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and was originally named for the pearl oysters once harvested there. It’s also the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. At the USS Arizona Memorial, you can learn about this historic attack and pay your respects to the brave soldiers that fell that day.
10. Waimea Canyon
Known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon, on Kauai’s West Side, is not as big or old as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but you still won’t see anything like it. Waimea Canyon stretches 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, and provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. Take the main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, to the Waimea Canyon Overlook, to get dramatic views of Kauai’s interior. Then, continue down the road into the mountains and Kokee State Park, where there are plenty of trails for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Ready to plan your trip? Start exploring the places you can stay in Hawaii.