Private Family Experiences

Question

Hello!

We are looking at taking our family of 6 (four kids 1,6,8 and 10) to Hawaii in April. We do not have a preferred island, which is part of the issue! While we absolutely want to stay somewhere nice, we do not plan to stay only on a resort the entire time. Therefore, we are trying to pin down and island first.

Our family loves experiences. Cooking, farm, nature, cultural etc. since we have such a wide range of ages between our kids, we are looking for experiences we can book for a private group. Hoping for some ideas of where we might be able to achieve this best.

TIA!

Answer

It sounds like you’re looking for a more immersive family vacation experience that goes beyond traditional resort stays, with a focus on unique cultural, nature, and farm-related activities that your entire family can enjoy together. Hawaii offers a variety of private experiences tailored to different age groups, so you’ll find plenty of options. Here's a breakdown of the best islands to visit and the types of experiences you can book for your family:

Best Island Choices Each Hawaiian island offers a unique mix of activities, so the decision on which one to choose will largely depend on your preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:

Oahu - Oahu is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse range of activities. While Waikiki is a bustling area, Oahu also offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature and Hawaiian culture, making it great for families with young children. Oahu’s attractions include Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Maui - Maui is fantastic for families seeking a mix of outdoor adventures, luxury, and cultural activities. With its scenic beauty, Maui has great options for hiking, exploring volcanoes, or enjoying farm-to-table experiences. The Upcountry region of Maui is perfect for farm tours, and the island also offers private snorkeling and whale watching tours during the spring months.
The Big Island (Hawaii Island) - The Big Island is known for its vast diversity in landscapes, ranging from volcanoes to lush rainforests and black sand beaches. It’s ideal for nature-loving families who want to experience the island’s raw beauty. You can book private volcano tours, stargazing experiences, and even visit coffee farms. It’s perfect for more adventurous families.
Kauai - Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai offers stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and private tours. If your family enjoys nature and exploration, Kauai has plenty of opportunities for private guided hikes, cultural experiences, and farm tours in a tranquil, less-commercialized environment.

Private Family-Friendly Experiences

Farm Tours Many farms in Hawaii offer private tours where you and your family can learn about local agriculture and food production. These tours often include hands-on activities like picking fruit, feeding animals, and cooking with farm-fresh ingredients.
- Kauai's KCC Farmers Market & Farm Tours - Take a private tour through local farms on Kauai, where your family can explore the island’s rich agricultural history, sample local produce, and even participate in cooking classes.
- O'o Farm (Maui) - A private farm tour on Maui’s Upcountry offers a personalized experience where you can learn about sustainable farming and enjoy farm-to-table meals with your family. Perfect for kids to explore and understand where food comes from!
Cultural Experiences For a deeper dive into Hawaiian culture, several islands offer private cultural workshops where families can learn about traditional arts, music, and dance.
- Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) - Although the center is a well-known attraction, they also offer private family tours that include traditional Hawaiian performances, games, and a hands-on lei-making workshop for children. They can also arrange private luaus for your family.
- Hula & Ukulele Lessons (Maui) - Enjoy private lessons in hula dancing or ukulele playing, which can be fun and educational for kids of all ages. Some hotels and tour providers on Maui offer family-friendly packages that include these activities.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures There are many private guided tours available to explore the natural wonders of Hawaii, from volcanoes to waterfalls, which are great for families with a wide range of ages.
- Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) - Take a private tour of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where your family can explore the volcanic landscape and learn about the island's geological history. Kids will enjoy seeing active craters, lava tubes, and unique wildlife.
- Helicopter Tours (Maui or Big Island) - For a thrilling family experience, you can take a private helicopter tour to see the island from above, including waterfalls, volcanic craters, and lush rainforests. The ride offers breathtaking views and is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone.
- Snorkeling & Whale Watching (Maui) - April is a great time for whale watching on Maui. Many companies offer private boat tours that combine whale watching with snorkeling, where your family can spot marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Private Beach Experiences Several resorts and tour companies offer private, family-friendly beach activities. These often include everything from paddleboarding to kayaking, allowing you to explore the coastline in a private, relaxed setting.
- Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (Oahu, Maui, Kauai) - There are private lessons and rentals available for families interested in learning to kayak or paddleboard. These can be arranged on quieter, more secluded beaches for a peaceful experience.
- Private Beach Picnics (Big Island, Maui) - For a truly relaxed experience, several companies can set up a private beach picnic for your family, complete with catered meals and beach games, offering a private and laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the island's natural beauty.

Since you have a wide range of ages in your family, it’s helpful to consider activities that allow flexibility and are engaging for kids of all ages. Booking private tours gives you the ability to customize the experience based on your family's interests, so you can ensure everyone stays engaged and has a great time.

For the best experience, reach out to local tour companies or concierge services ahead of time to tailor a private tour package that suits your family’s interests. The islands you choose will depend on whether you prefer a more nature-focused experience or a blend of cultural and adventure activities, but all of Hawaii’s islands offer fantastic opportunities for families to enjoy a mix of educational and fun experiences.

Enjoy your trip and have fun exploring Hawaii with your family!