Fall Activities for Families in Hawaiʻi | Top Family Fall Things to Do

Fall is a fantastic time to plan your Hawaiʻi getaway. With cooler shoulder-season rates, lighter crowds, comfortable weather, and a full calendar of fun, this is one of the best windows of the year for families.

In this comprehensive guide to Fall Activities for Families in Hawaiʻi, you’ll find island-by-island ideas, detailed recommendations for lodging, dining, ocean adventure, and a full sample 3-day sample itinerary to make planning with children a breeze.

Sunflower Fields & Pumpkin Patches

Photo by Derek Owens

Oʻahu

Head to Waimānalo Country Farms on the Windward side, where the fall harvest festival offers a pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, hay-rides, and farm games for kids.

Maui

At Kula Country Farms you’ll find seasonal pumpkin-patch events and photo-friendly flower fields high above the valley. It’s a beautiful experience for children to explore in cooler upcountry air.

Big Island

Holoholoween‘s annual harvest event is the best way to celebrate fall in Hilo! Harvest pumpkins, hop on a hay ride, bounce in the bouncy castle, or enjoy some time with farm animals at the Petting Zoo.

Kauaʻi

While there are no pumpkin patches on Kauaʻi, there are still local celebrations to be found! Kekaha Neighborhood Park typically holds an annual Harvest Festival with pumpkins, entertainment, hayrides and more. Check their Facebook Page for posts with more information as the time of year nears.

Free Hula Shows & Cultural Performances

Photo by Vincent Camacho

Oʻahu

Make the most of free hula shows around Waikīkī that are perfect for kids of all ages. The Royal Hawaiian Center offers several free holiday and cultural events on a weekly basis.

Maui

Visit Lahaina Cannery Mall in Lahaina for free entertainment evenings, with hula and live music under the stars.

Big Island

At the resort zone of Kona Village or local visitor centers look for “luau lite” nights with open-air hula and storytelling suited for families.

Kauaʻi

In Poipu or Kapaʻa town, community lei-making or hula nights are often held outdoors. Check local town calendars when you arrive.

Snorkel Tours & Ocean Adventures

Oʻahu

For a safe, memorable snorkeling and wildlife experience, join Iruka Hawaii’s family-friendly tours. Their Oʻahu outings combine snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish, and for older children or confident swimmers even a dolphin-watch element. Their crew is experienced with children, provides life jackets, floating mats, and snorkeling instruction.

Big Island

Iruka Hawaii also offers tours in Kona that include a fast inflatable speedboat to chase wildlife, snorkel stops, and a unique onboard hot-dog BBQ lunch. For families who want adventure and some grill fun, this is one of the few tours that blends speed, sea life, and kid-friendly lunch.

Maui

Consider calm-water snorkeling at Molokini Crater via family-friendly operators who keep group sizes moderate and explain snorkel basics.

Kauaʻi

Beaches such as Anini Beach Park or Poipu Beach Park have shallower reef zones and swim zones for families; some tours include beginner-friendly gear and life-vest options.

Safety Tips for Families:

• Confirm that tour operators provide life vests in appropriate sizes for children and have crew trained in water safety.

• For snorkel gear: test the mask fit on land before going in, ensure children can breathe through the snorkel, and keep floaters available for younger swimmers.

• Choose tours or reef zones with gentle currents and clear water. Fall often offers calmer seas, too.

Try Surfing (Beginner-Friendly Lessons)

Photo by Jess Vide

Oʻahu

On the south shore, instructors at Hawaiʻi Surf & Sea in Haleiwa or South Shore Surf School offer group lessons for kids 6+ and parents together.

Maui

In Kihei, Maui Go Surf has family-friendly lessons with multiplatform boards and calm cove breaks.

Big Island

On the Hilo side, look into Hawaii Island Surf & SUP for younger child-friendly surf spots and instructors experienced with families.

Kauaʻi

In Poipu, Endless Summer offers kids’ surf lessons on gentle mornings in the fall.

Fall conditions often mean smaller crowds and calmer waters, which is an ideal time for kids to give surfing a first try.

Family-Friendly Beaches

Photo by Jacub Gomez

Oʻahu

• Kailua Beach the Windward side: clear, shallow water, beach park facilities, restrooms. Parking is very limited.

• Ala Moana Beach Park: large grassy areas for picnic breaks, lifesaving stations, calm protected lagoon.

Maui

• Napili Bay: gentle waves, friendly staff on the beach, ideal for young children.

Big Island

• Hapuna Beach: wide sand, lifeguards, walking distance from families-friendly resort dining.

Kauaʻi

• Poipu Beach Park: natural ocean pool, gentle surf in fall, convenient restrooms and snack stands.

Kid-Friendly Lodging

Photo by Kindel Media

Oʻahu

Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa: Located in Ko Olina, this resort features a 7-acre pool area with lazy river, water slides, toddler splash zone, complimentary kids club (ages 3–12), and calm lagoon-style beach. It’s perfect for families with young children.

Maui

Families love Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for its ocean-view rooms and kid-friendly tide-pools with turtles.

Big Island

Stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village where there’s a lagoon, fish-and-stingray feed station, and easy access to snorkel tours departing nearby.

Kauaʻi

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu: Families praise its walkable condos, multiple pools, and shade-friendly lawn space for children.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Photo by Nadin Sh

Oʻahu

• Duke’s Waikiki: Beachfront, semi-casual, open patio. It’s ideal for kids to watch the waves while parents relax.

• Eggs ‘n Things: Fun breakfast spot for families. Kids love the mochi waffles, and it’s relaxed atmosphere.

Big Island

• Island Lava Java: Oceanfront with kid-sized menu options and shaded outdoor dining by the surf.

Maui

• Kihei Caffe: Casual, big portions, relaxed vibe. It’s great for famished kids after morning snorkel.

Kauaʻi

• Brennecke’s Beach Broiler: Beach-front dining, kids’ menu and plenty of space for diners with toddlers.

Sample 3-Day Fall Family Itinerary

Day 1: Oʻahu (arrival day)

• Morning: Check into Aulani Resort, enjoy lazy river and splash zone.

• Midday: Light lunch at Eggs ‘n Things, then beach time at Kailua.

• Evening: Free hula show at Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound.

Day 2: Oʻahu (snorkel + wildlife)

• Morning: Join Iruka Hawaii catamaran dolphin snorkel tour to see turtles, fish, and dolphins!

• Lunch: Picnic or casual stop at Duke’s Waikiki.

• Afternoon: Wind down at Ala Moana Beach Park, kids play, parents relax.

• Evening: Relax resort-side, kids club if you want some quiet.

Day 3: Oʻahu (adventure or island-hop alternative day)

• Option A: Surfing lesson at South Shore (beginner-friendly family surf school).

• Option B: Catamaran snorkel or day-trip to nearby island.

• Evening: Final treat stop for malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery and sunset stroll on Waikīkī.

If your trip spans Big Island, Maui, or Kauaʻi, simply swap days accordingly with local snorkel tours, beach visits, and kid-friendly dining above.

Fall offers an ideal travel window for families, with fewer crowds, gentler weather, better deals. And Hawaiʻi delivers a blend of adventure, culture, and beach-time perfect for young explorers. From pumpkin patches and free hula shows to snorkeling with Iruka Hawaii and relaxing at family-friendly resorts, the islands have something for every type of family. Use this guide as your roadmap to the best Fall Activities for Families in Hawaiʻi, and start planning the memories you’ll talk about for years.

Mahalo and have an incredible trip!