The Island of Hawai’i (commonly called the “Big Island”) is a fantastic destination that offers so much variety for families traveling with kids. Beautiful beaches, lava spewing volcanos, historic and cultural landmarks, lively farmers markets, and plenty of places to unwind; the Big Island is remarkably diverse.
My young kids and I have visited the Big Island numerous times. This has been possible thanks to family that hosts us. The Big Island can feel a bit off the beaten path compared to other Hawaiian islands, especially if you come during off-peak times. This can be really nice when you have little ones in tow.
Where to Stay on the Big Island
Where you should stay depends on what type of weather and experiences you are looking for. The Big Island is packed with climate diversity, ranging from tropical rainforest to sun-drenched dessert and a lot in-between. It is not uncommon to be sunbathing on the beach and see snow on the tops of the mountains.
If your family is seeking warm sun and minimal rain, then check out the west side, around Kona or the Kohala Coast. If lush rainforest is what you are after, then the east side around Hilo might be a better option (just know that with the beautiful greenery comes significantly more rainfall). Climbing inland from the coasts, you quickly reach cooler temperatures and more temperate climate zones.
When I first visited the Big Island I was surprised by how much lava rock there is. This is most notable on the dry, Kona side of the Island. This side of the island is covered in fields of black lava rock, with most of the green vegetation located down in the irrigated resort areas or higher up the hills. The lava rock is a constant reminder of the the very active geology of the Hawaiian Islands.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is a great option for families!
We stay in Waikoloa Beach Resort, a resort community on the Northwest side of the Island, about 25 minutes north of the Kona airport. Waik0loa Beach Resort has hotels and many vacation condos available for rent.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is great for families with young kids. There are plenty of beaches nearby, as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment geared toward vacationers with kids.
The King’s Shops in Waik0loa Beach Resort has a children’s museum (the Hawai’i Keiki Museum), family friendly miniature golf at Kings’ Shops Lakeside Putting, and offers events such as a Polynesian presentation with fire and dancing. The Queen’s Marketplace (also in Waikoloa Beach Resort) offers weekly events, including hula shows, ukulele lessons, and concerts. This is also where you can find our favorite Hawaiian shaved ice at the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
If you want to explore Hilo, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and the rainforests and waterfalls on the eastern coast, that is very doable as a day trip from Waikoloa.
For us, Waikoloa Beach Resort is a nice balance between luxury and affordability. Some higher-end options on the Kohala Coast include Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea, and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Getting Around the Big Island
There are Ubers that can take you to and from the airport if you aren’t staying far. But you will definitely want to rent a car if you are planning to explore much of the Big Island. Depending on where you are staying and what you want to see, expect some long-ish drives. For example, it takes about two hours to get from Kona to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Things To Do on the Big Island
1. Beach Time
The Big Island has so many beautiful beaches, and they aren’t all flat stretches of white sand. You can find lava rock beaches, black sand beaches, and even a green sand beach. It is definitely worth checking out some of the different beach types. But if you are looking for beautiful stretches of white sand for your kids to dig in, you have plenty of great options.
Hāpuna Beach at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is a large white sand beach that is a great place for boogie boarders to catch some waves. Always pay attention to the currents and know what to do if you get caught in one.
Spencer Beach is another great option. It is smaller than Hāpuna, but the waters are calm with minimal waves, which makes it great for families with young kids.
The beaches of the various resorts are also beautiful options. The resorts do not own the beaches; the Big Island’s beaches are public property.
***Beware: Watch out for thorns from the long-thorn kiawe. The thorns from this invasive species of shrub/tree can be several inches long and you do not want to step on one. While the main sandy areas of popular beaches should be clear of them, some of these trees and shrubs do exist around the edges of the beaches. I highly recommend you and your little ones wear something on your feet when walking up to the showers and avoid walking under these trees if you see them.
2. Resort Day at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Overview of Activities at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Waikoloa Beach Resort is a large resort community about 25 minutes north of the Kona airport. Here is a list of some activities your family may enjoy at Waikoloa Beach Resort:
- Explore the Hilton (more on this below)
- Swimming in Anaeho’omalu Bay
- The sand is not as fine as some other beaches in the area, so it is harder to build perfect sand castles. But this bay is very calm and great for young kids to swim in.
- Shopping, dining and entertainment at the Queens Marketplace and the Kings’ Shops
- Check their websites for a schedule of weekly cultural events.
- Golf and miniature golf
- Explore the ruins of an ancient fishing village along Anaeho’omalu Bay, by the Marriott
- Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve and the King’s Trail
- Take a short walk through fields of lava rock where you will find ancient petroglyphs. Time this early in the morning or just before sunset because it gets really hot mid-day on the black lava rock. If you are up for it, you can also walk the King’s Trail, which is a stretch of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. This ancient footpath may be difficult to explore with very young kids because it is not paved. If you do choose to walk the King’s Trail, wear good walking shoes because lava rock can be sharp, and, again, avoid the heat of mid-day.
- Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.
- Hawai’i Keiki Museum (children’s museum)
- Lava Lava Beach Club
- End your day in Waikoloa Beach Resort with dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club on Anaeho’omalu Bay. You can sit on the open air deck or out on the sand under the light of tiki torches. The restaurant offers live music (and sometimes a hula dancer) and views of beautiful sunsets. Sea turtles come to these waters and you can often find them on the shoreline. If your kids get the wiggles, you can let them loose on the sand or they can practice their hula skills. The food is fine, but the atmosphere is fantastic.
Water day at Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a large resort hotel within the larger Waikoloa Beach Resort that offers a lot of entertainment for families. Day passes are available for purchase, which means you don’t have to stay at the Hilton to enjoy its multiple pools and water slides, saltwater lagoon, and dolphin pools. Despite it’s name, the Hilton is located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, not up the hill in Waikoloa Village.
There are trams and a boat that take visitors from one end of the Hilton complex to the other. The Hilton has a large art collection that is free to view as you wander through the resort halls and grounds. My little ones enjoy popping in for a visit just to ride a tram or boat and walk past the dolphin pools.
If you purchase a day pass, young kids are free. The day pass gives you access to the Hilton’s many pools, water slides, and the salt water lagoon. The calm lagoon is open to the sea and hosts an abundance of sea animals. You can find eagle rays, turtles, jumping fish, and more sea life in these waters.
The turtles that swim through the busy lagoon do not seem to be afraid of people. They will swim right by you, and sometimes it even seems they are swimming at you. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about respecting nature. These sea turtles are wild and it is important not to touch them. Let them swim by you and enjoy the moment, but give them space.
You can also book dolphin encounters. There is there is a grassy lawn and a deck that you can also just watch them from for free.
3. Learn about the Big Island’s history and Native Hawaiian culture
It is never too early to start teaching your kids some history and exposing them to historical and cultural sites. Many of the resorts are built on lands that have significant archaeological and cultural importance. Petroglyphs, ancient fish ponds, caves in the lava tubes that once served as shelters, and ruins of old structures and villages are all viewable while walking through resort properties such as Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Lani (more information on Mauna Lani provided below).
When it comes to exposing young kids to these sites, it can be as simple as pointing out and talking about the Petroglyphs in the lava rock that are located along the resort paths (there are signs with some information scattered about). What images do they see? Or describing what the ruins that you stumble upon might have looked like long ago. You can explain what the fish ponds are and how they were used.
There are also many state and national historical parks on the Big Island, such as Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Lapakahi State Historical Park. These parks offer more robust visitor information and, at some places, staff members that engage with visitors, give presentations, and answer questions. Depending on their age, your young kids might not recall all the information that you learn during your visit, but you can certainly start teaching them at a very young age about respecting historical and sacred sites. I talk with my little ones about how some people feel a deep connection to the place and it is important to tread carefully, speak softly, and not touch. It is not ours to disturb.
4. “Fish Pedicure” in the Fish Ponds at Mauna Lani
For a truly unique experience that will hopefully have your kids giggling, try a natural fish pedicure. Head to Kalāhuipua’a Historical Park at Mauna Lani resort. The Park has paved trails that take you on a fascinating walk through lava fields, past ancient petroglyphs and a lava tube cave, until you reach the historic fish ponds.
Nestled back behind the fish ponds, off a side dirt path, is a clear pool with tiny fish. Instantly upon dipping a foot into the water, the fish come nibble on the dead skin on your feet. The fish are very tiny and gentle and it just feels like a light tickle. Our young kids really enjoy the experience when we go. There are signs posted asking visitors not to wear sunscreen and other lotions as they can pollute the water and harm the ecosystem.
Once you have had your fish pedicure and have admired the impressive fish ponds, the paved path will take you to the ocean. You can complete your morning with some beach time at Mauna Lani’s two white sand beaches. These beaches are great for young kids because the waters are very calm. If you are still up for a little more walking, there is a black sand beach just a few minutes north that often has sunbathing sea turtles.
5. Waimea (Cowboy town)
Parker Ranch and Farmers’ Market
Who would have thought you could find a thriving, centuries-old cowboy culture in Hawaii? The town of Waimea is located a couple thousand feet above sea level and has a more temperate climate. Here you will find green rolling hills, beautiful residential gardens, and cattle ranches. Waimea is known for its ranching and cowboy culture. Parker Ranch is the most famous of the ranches and is open for visitors during certain events and through pre-booked self-guided tours.
You can also visit Parker Ranch during the weekly farmers’ markets that are hosted at Pukalani Stables on Parker Ranch (separate from the farmers’ market that is hosted at Parker School). The farmers’ market at Parker Ranch is a fun one and has a lot of wonderful products made by local artisans, as well as produce and other food options. Chickens roam freely throughout the market and there is often live music.
Farmers’ Market at Parker School
Waimea Town Market at Parker School is a great place to find local produce, baked goods, and products made by local artisans. The market has a great selection of food if you are looking for a bite and lots of repeat favorite vendors. There is often live music that gets my little kids dancing. The Waimea Town Market is always a great time!
Anuenue Playground
This large, colorful playground is an awesome place to check out if you have kids in the playground stage. We like to tie this in with a visit to the Waimea Town Farmers’ Market across the street at Parker School.
6. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hilo
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is spectacular. Being able to witness a volcanic eruption is an incredible experience. The eruptions are sporadic, somewhat unpredictable, and seeing one during your stay is far from a guarantee. But the park is still fascinating and there is a lot to see.
Many visitors choose to stay in the Hilo area or in the town of Volcano for at least part of their stay. The drive from Kona or the Kohala Coast is doable as a day trip, but it can be quite a long day for young children. You know your family best. What feels better? Packing up to change accommodations partway through your time on the Big Island, or one long day for the kids? Either way, make sure to check out Hilo while you are on that side of the Island, as well as the waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails.
7. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
Shave Ice at OBISIC
I highly recommend that any families visiting the Big Island try some Hawaiian shave ice. These are not the crunchy and nauseatingly sweet rainbow snow cones you ate as a kid. Hawaiian shave ice is incredibly smooth and fine and can be served over a scoop of ice cream and topped with other sweet things, like coconut cream or condensed milk. The Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.’s Hawaiian shave ice melts in your mouth. My favorite order at OBISIC is any combination of tropical fruit flavors paired with their macadamia nut ice cream. The line can be a bit long if you go during peak times, like right after lunch, but even then I think it is worth it. OBISIC’s shave ice is such a treat.
Malasadas
Malasadas are Portuguese sugar covered donuts that are very popular throughout the Hawaiian Islands. These deep fried, round balls of dough do not have a hole. Malasadas can be found all over the Big Island at roadside food trucks, standalone bakeries, and farmers’ markets. The original way to serve malasadas is with a coating of plain sugar. But you can choose to switch it up with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or a filled malasada. My carb-loving children really enjoy these sweet pastries.
8. Manta Ray Night Snorkel
This is such a cool experience. Whichever company you book through will take you on a boat out to a snorkeling site near Kona. When you get there, you and fellow snorkelers slip into the water and swim out a short distance away from the boats. Massive lights are installed on the sea floor that attract the plankton that manta rays feed on. The abundance of plankton attracts the manta rays. As you float on the top of the water (holding onto a group flotation device) the manta rays swoop through the waters directly below, eating the plankton. Despite their size, the manta rays are so graceful. Sometimes they swoop up and down and around in a circular pattern, coming within inches of snorkelers. It is so neat to witness these giants so close up.
When my husband and I went, our tour left the marina at sunset and enjoyed a beautiful view, complete with breaching whales, on the way to the snorkeling site. There is a later tour option, but the earlier time slot is nice because you get the sunset.
This incredible experience is probably best for older children (check the age restrictions, but last I saw some companies had age limits such as only confident swimmers age 7+ were allowed in the water). Some companies will allow infants and young children to ride along in the boat if yours are up for a late night and someone wants to stay back. Supposedly the manta rays are viewable from the boat. We have not taken our kids yet, but look forward to sharing the experience with them on a future trip to the Big Island.
Money Saving Tips
A vacation in Hawaii is not cheap. But there are ways you can save some money.
1. Stay in a condo and cook some meals
There are so many beautiful condos and houses available for rent on the Big Island. There is also a Costco, Target and Walmart in Kona.
When we travel, we like to eat our own breakfasts. It’s usually easier than going somewhere with multiple people and young kids. Everyone can eat on their own schedule when they wake up. That automatically cuts down the number of meals out by a third. We often will pick one meal to eat out, alternating between lunch and dinner. Sometimes after long days, bedtime can be a bit tough or the kids are really dragging by that hour, so a simple dinner at the condo after a hearty lunch out is all our family needs. Other times, if we are coming back to the condo for naps it can be handy to have lunch food around. In that case maybe we will go out to dinner after nap time. Either way, finding ways to reduce the number of meals you need to buy out at restaurants will definitely save you money.
2. Have some fun drinks on hand
Not to be a party pooper, but drinks are expensive when ordered out! Stocking your accommodation with fun drinks for the whole family and bringing water bottles wherever you go can save you some money.
3. Have fun at a full service resort but sleep nearby
The Hilton at Wiakaloa Village has so many family friendly activities and acres of water fun. But you don’t have to stay at the Hilton to enjoy all that the resort offers. You can book dolphin encounters, enjoy meals at the restaurants and bars, walk the grounds, book a spa treatment, and purchase day passes to the pools, but save on the cost of a room. The same concept applies to so many other resorts (except they don’t all offer pool day passes). You can enjoy the amenities and soak in some of that resort luxury without the cost of a hotel room.
Beaches are public. So you can enjoy the resort-like feel of many of the resort beaches even as a day visitor.
These family friendly activities and tips are just a glimpse into all there is to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether you are there for one week or a longer stay, there is plenty to keep you busy. I am confident you and your family will enjoy your time on the Big Island! Safe travels!
For information on what to pack for your next trip to Hawaii, check out my Hawaii Packing List for Families with Young Kids.
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