Hawaii is a dream location to vacation, until it’s 3pm and there’s no shade or restroom on the beach and you realize your kid is getting sunburned. After traveling there with a baby and now toddler, we’ve found a couple beaches that are great for all day adventures. So, here’s a list of family friendly beaches I’ve visited and loved with a little one.
Hapuna Beach:
This is one of the largest beaches, which is great because there is usually plenty of space to play. It’s located near Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s easy to get there and if you don’t want to pay $10 for parking, enter through the Hapuna Beach Hotel and ask for one of their beach permits. They almost always have some available. Why I love it:
- clean
- loud (lots of families, so you don’t feel bad that your toddler is screaming and having a good time)
- plenty of space
- easy access, very short walk involved
- close amenities – you can buy smoothies at the hotel pool bar and there are plenty of public restrooms and showers.
- shade available
Mauna Kea Beach:
This is probably my personal favorite beach for a family day. Why I love it:
- gorgeous views
- clean
- access to shaded and grassy areas
- food and snacks available
- bathrooms and showers are plentiful
- beautiful areas to pop your babe in the stroller and go for a walk (we did this a few days and let our toddler nap in her stroller in the shade)
A Bay:
This is perfect if you want a waveless bay. Why I love it:
- Very calm waters
- Lots of activities available (water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, whale watch tours, catamaran trips, etc.)
- almost always turtles on the beach
- great snorkeling
- lots of restrooms, food and snack options available.
OAHU
Aulani Resort
Built for families, this man-made bay is practically perfect. Why I love it:
- No waves, very calm waters
- Lots of activities on the beach – you can even take a sandcastle making class
- Nice food and restroom options
- Great walking path along the beach
- There’s dole whip at a tiki stand on the beach! What more could I ask for?
Lanikai Beach
Voted one of the best beaches in the world for obvious reasons. Why I love it:
- calm waters
- clean
- seriously beautiful
- Note: it can be tricky to find. You will know you are close when you see Lanikai on pillars. There are several pedestrian walkways down to the beach through residential neighborhoods.
MAUI
Ka’anapali Beach
Beautiful, huge beach in the heart of Maui. Why I love it:
- Most of the big resorts are along this beach
- Easy naptime accessibility
- Shade available
- Plenty of room
- So many fun restaurants and shopping spots are also on this beach, so it’s a great central location.
If you have any questions about beaches, let me know and comment below. Don’t mind me going to daydream about Hawaii now.
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