Hawaii · United States · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Hawaii
The five most common family mistakes in Hawaii are trying to island-hop in a single week, underestimating the Road to Hana, staying only in Waikiki, using sunscreen that harms coral, and not booking Hanauma Bay in advance. Pick one or two islands, treat Hana as a full day, and book reservations early.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Island-hopping in one week
Each Hawaiian island has its own character, and every hop means an airport transfer, packing, a flight and a new rental car. In a week, you lose at least a day to each move and see very little on either island. Most families do better with one island for a week, or two islands for ten days or more. Oahu suits first-timers with its beaches, Pearl Harbor and city. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island each offer more nature. Decide what you want most, and pick the island that matches.
- 2
Underestimating the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a scenic highway on east Maui, with hundreds of curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls and short walks. It is only around a hundred kilometres, but it takes most of a day, and children who get carsick will find it hard. Start early, eat breakfast before you go, pack snacks and water, and stop often. Choose just a few stops rather than trying them all. Be ready to turn around before Hana. Check your rental car agreement, as some roads beyond Hana have restrictions.
- 3
Only staying in Waikiki
Waikiki is convenient, with beaches, hotels and restaurants, but it is also crowded and busy. Oahu has calmer, quieter areas that can suit families better, including Kailua and Lanikai on the windward side, and Ko Olina's sheltered lagoons on the west. The North Shore has big waves in winter but is calm in summer. Hiring a car for a few days lets you explore. Stay in Waikiki for a few nights if you like it, then move to a different shore, and check surf conditions with lifeguards before swimming.
- 4
Forgetting reef-safe sunscreen
Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients linked to coral damage, and the aim is to protect reefs that children snorkel over. Buy mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide before you arrive or on the islands, and apply it well before getting into the water. Hats, rash guards and shade also help, because the sun is strong. Read labels carefully, because some products marked reef-friendly are not. Pack extra, as it is easy to run out.
- 5
Not booking Hanauma Bay ahead
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine nature preserve on Oahu, a curved bay with shallow reef and many fish, which is one of the easiest places for children to snorkel. Entry is limited each day and requires an advance online reservation, and the preserve closes on some days of the week. Reservation slots open a short time ahead and sell out quickly in busy periods, so check the official website and book at the first opportunity. Visit early in the morning, take an educational video, and bring your own mask or rent one.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to May and September to October are the shoulder months, with good weather and lower prices than peak. December to March is the busiest time and has humpback whales offshore, but also big north-shore surf. Summer is dry and warm.
- How long
- Seven to ten days works for one or two islands. Two weeks allows three islands without rushing, with at least four nights on each.
- Getting around
- Rent a car on every island except in central Honolulu. Book early, since rental cars are limited in busy periods. Inter-island flights take less than an hour but add airport time. Public buses on Oahu work for city areas.
Good to know
- Book snorkelling and boat tours early in the trip, so a day of bad weather can be rescheduled.
- Never turn your back on the ocean at lava rock shores or unguarded beaches. Waves can be sudden.
- Leave nothing valuable visible in a parked car. Car break-ins at trailheads and beach lots are common.
Frequently asked
How many islands should you visit in Hawaii on a first family trip? +
One or two is enough. Seven to ten days on a single island gives time for beaches and sights without packing and flying repeatedly. Oahu is a popular choice for first visits because of its range of activities.
How long does the Road to Hana take? +
The drive is around two and a half hours each way without stops, but with waterfalls, walks and traffic, it becomes an all-day trip. Start early and plan your stops in advance.
What sunscreen is allowed in Hawaii? +
Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safest choice for coral reefs, and are widely available in shops.
Do you need to reserve Hanauma Bay? +
Yes. Entry is limited and requires an online reservation made ahead of time. It also closes on some days each week, so check the official website for the current rules before you plan a visit.
