Between packed schedules and glowing screens, the years with little ones move fast. Hawaii family vacations are among the few times when everyone slows down together, and we want those days to count.
At Chase โN Rainbows, our Hawaii vacation rentals span Maui, Oสปahu, Kauaสปi, and Hawaiสปi Island. The beaches in Hawaii range from world-class surf breaks to reef-sheltered coves where a toddler can wade all afternoon, so we put this guide together to help you plan around the best family beaches in Hawaii.
Before You Let the Kids In the Water
Even the best family beaches in Hawaii change with the season, the weather, and the location, so itโs worth checking the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureauโs ocean safety guidance before you go. After heavy rain, the Hawaii Department of Health advises staying out for 48 to 72 hours once the rain stops and the beach has had full sun, and skipping any water that looks brown or murky.
Our 5 Picks for the Best Family Beaches in Hawaii
These five rank among the best beaches in Hawaii for young family members and span all four islands:
Kapalua Beach, Maui
Kapalua was the first Maui beach named Americaโs Best Beach, back in 1991. A lava point wraps each end of the crescent, so the water stays calm when nearby shorelines turn choppy, and the gentle sandy entry suits young children. Watch for honu surfacing past the reef line. There is no lifeguard on duty, so check conditions before anyone goes in.
Kamaสปole Beach Park I, Maui
In the heart of Kฤซhei, the largest of the three Kamaสปole parks offers one of the best family beaches in Hawaii. It is ideal for swimming and features a lifeguard tower, picnic tables, grills, open lawns, restrooms, and showers. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views that extend across to Kahoสปolawe, Lฤnaสปi, and West Maui.
Lydgate Beach Park, Kauaสปi
Huge boulders set in a semicircle form Morganโs Ponds, one deep enough for confident swimmers and one shallow for keiki. That barrier blocks strong currents and seasonally high surf, making Lydgate one of Kauaสปiโs safest year-round swimming sites. It also boasts lifeguards, restrooms, a picnic area, and the wooden play structure at Kamalani Playground.
Kaimana Beach, Oสปahu
Sans Souci is French for โwithout a care,โ a name this stretch has carried since 1884, and it still fits. Considered one of the best beaches in Oสปahu for families, it is shallow, sandy, free of strong currents, and staffed by a lifeguard, with restrooms and showers on site. Snorkeling is good close in.
Kahaluสปu Beach Park, Hawaiสปi Island
In the Keauhou area of North Kona, just south of Historic Kailua Village, this bay is known for the honu that frequent its shores. Calm water and lifeguards on duty make it one of the best family beaches in Hawaii for a first snorkel, and the Kahaluสปu Education Center works here to promote reef etiquette, so children learn to look without touching. The beach closes occasionally during coral spawning.