Which area of which island for late January with kids

Question

We are attempting to plan a weeklong trip to Hawaii with a family mix consisting of 6 adults and 3 children/babies 7 and under. We would like to be able to swim in the ocean and snorkel and have a pool for the kids. We would like to avoid serious touristy scenes and also be able to walk to the beach and not have to load up in the car all the time. I know we're late planning and don't have unlimited funds but would love suggestions. We have been to Hawaii several times but not recently and love Princeville but know that beaches there would likely not be safe or easily accessible with kids and we'd be more likely to get a lot of rain. Thanks for suggestions!

Answer

For a late January trip with a family that includes young children, safety, convenience, and accessible beaches are key considerations. Given your priorities—swimmable beaches, snorkeling, a pool for the kids, minimal driving, and avoiding highly touristy areas—some islands and areas stand out more than others.

1) Maui is generally considered the most family-friendly island for this type of trip, especially for kids. It has numerous calm beaches with nearby accommodations, plenty of vacation rentals or resorts with pools, and safe snorkeling spots.

Recommended areas in Maui:

Kaanapali / Lahaina: Offers a long, sandy beach with calm sections suitable for kids. Many resorts have pools and kid-friendly amenities. Lahaina town adds a charming local feel without being overwhelming.
Napili / Kapalua: Quieter than Kaanapali, with calm waters perfect for children and snorkeling. There are several condos and resorts within walking distance to the beach.
Wailea: South Maui offers calm beaches, upscale resorts, and condos with pools. The area is a bit more expensive but very walkable with kids.

2) Oahu is another option, particularly if you want more cultural activities and accessible beaches, but Waikiki can feel very touristy. For a more relaxed experience:

Kailua / Lanikai: Beautiful, calm beaches that are excellent for children, snorkeling, and swimming. Fewer tourists, and local rentals are available, though fewer large resorts with pools.
Ko Olina: Man-made lagoons with calm, shallow waters, great for toddlers, and resorts with pools and amenities.

3) Big Island (Hawaii) offers natural beauty but can be challenging for families who want easy beach access. Kona side has some beaches suitable for kids (e.g., Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach), but accommodations tend to be spread out, requiring more driving. Hilo side is lush but rainy in January.

4) Kauai is beautiful but rainier in January, and many northern beaches (Princeville, Hanalei) can be rough and unsafe for young children. South shore areas like Poipu offer calmer beaches and kid-friendly resorts, but weather can be more variable.

Additional tips for planning:

Book accommodations with pools and easy beach access to reduce the need for driving every day.
Look for vacation rentals or condos with kitchens to accommodate meals for kids and keep costs manageable.
Late January may have some rainy days, so having indoor activities (aquariums, museums) nearby can be helpful.
Check beach conditions before booking; some areas may have strong currents even if they look calm.

In summary, for minimal driving, safe swimming/snorkeling, and kid-friendly amenities in late January, Maui’s Napili/Kapalua, Kaanapali, or Wailea areas are probably the best balance of convenience, calm beaches, and family-friendly amenities. Ko Olina on Oahu is a strong alternative if you prefer Oahu but want calm waters and less crowded areas.