We recently spent a week on the Island of Hawai’i, also known as the Big Island, the largest and the youngest in the Hawaiian island chain. Although we had been to Hawaii five times before, this was our first time on the Big Island, and we were really eager to explore a new destination. What we had already learned after visiting 3 other Hawaiian islands is that all of them are breathtaking and have something unique to offer.
The Island of Hawai’i is 4,028 square miles big but, in fact, is the least populated island in the chain, comprising only 14% of the state population. Also, it’s not a secret that the Big Island has a feature distinguishing it from other Hawaiian islands – it is home to five separate shield volcanoes, with three of the volcanoes still active!
Did you know the island has four different climate zones, ranging from tropical wet to tundra, making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet?
Undoubtedly, this incredible island is a great travel destination for any traveler, including the little ones. So let’s dive into the top 10 kid-friendly things to do on Big Island, Hawaii.
What to pack for Hawaii?
To help you prepare for your journey to St. Kitts and Nevis, we’ve put together a comprehensive family packing list that covers everything you’ll need to make the most of time on the islands.
1. Go to the beach
Let’s start with the most obvious activity on the Big Island – going to the beach. Big Island offers different types of beaches, rocky or sandy, with white, black, and even green sands!
White sand beaches on the Big Island
Hāpuna State Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
Hāpuna State Beach is located on the western side of the island (around a 40-minute north of Kona) and is one of the most expansive white sand beaches on the Big Island. The beach has a vast parking lot with a $15 parking fee (free for residents), public bathrooms, and a picnic tables area. Here, you can enjoy some waves, so bring your floats and boogie boards.
Kamakahonu Beach
Kamakahonu Beach is a small white sand beach located by the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kona. This beach is in a secluded area, sheltered from the waves, and is perfect for the little ones.
Black sand beaches on the Big Island
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
This black sand beach is located on the eastern side of an island and is approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Hilo. This unique beach is a result of the volcano eruption and is absolutely beautiful.
It did not quite look like a swimmable beach (or maybe we just were there at the wrong time with rougher waves), but there were people sunbathing. It is also a very well know beach to spot the green sea turtles!
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
This is a brand new black sand beach created from the volcano eruption in 2018 and is also located on the Hilo side of the Big Island.
Top family-friendly travel tips for stress-free trips
Traveling with kids can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be challenging. From organizing and packing everything you need to keep your kids entertained and comfortable during flights and road trips, there are many factors to consider.
Continue reading →
2. Discover Petroglyphs
Ancient Hawaiians used to carve symbols on the lava rocks, leaving behind stories. Nowadays, these petroglyphs can be found all over the Big Island, but their exact purpose remains a mystery. There are quite a few locations to see the petroglyphs on the island, and we were lucky enough to visit two of them.
Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
This site (free of charge and with plenty of parking) is located on Kohala Coast near the Mauna Lani Resort. To find the Preserve, park at Holoholokai Beach Park, go back a few minutes inland, and look for the trailhead on the left side. The path starts paved but turns to dirt in the forest.
Trailhead: Holoholokai Beach Park parking lot
Round-trip Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Time: 1 hour
Level: Easy
Elevation: 88 feet
The hike itself is relatively short (about 1.2 mi out and back) and took us about 1 hour to finish. Witnessing petroglyphs dating back to 1200 AD was such an exciting experience, and we definitely recommend it.
Note that it was incredibly hot at 10:30 in the morning already, and the lava rocks on the trail didn’t make an easy hike for the girls (so wear the appropriate shoes).
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Just a short hike from the visitor center of the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park towards the beach, you can find an ancient petroglyph area within the wooden boardwalk. There is a sign there, so you will not miss this spot.
Although this site’s petroglyphs were not as well-preserved as the ones at the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, observing the signs left by ancient Hawaiians was still a very interesting experience.
3. Visit erupting Kīlauea volcano
Visiting the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and witnessing the erupting Kīlauea volcano was definitely the highlight of our trip!
Everything you need to know about visiting National Parks with kids
After visiting 20 National Parks with our kids and experiencing their unique beauty, we have put together a guide detailing the essentials of planning and participating in park programs to ensure a rewarding family adventure in the National Parks.
Continue reading →
We were lucky that the volcano started erupting a week before our planned trip since seeing the lava in the volcano’s caldera was on our bucket list (obviously, when it is safe to do so). Read more about visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park here!
💡 Good to Know
To ensure that you get the best view of the erupting Kīlauea volcano, check the current conditions of the volcano at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through the live webcam before heading out to the park. And then, check in with the Park Ranger at the Visitor Center to inquire about the best current spot to observe the eruption.
Many people opt to go at night to see the “glow” of the lava, since the National Park is open 24 hours, so plan your trip accordingly.
4. Have a sunset dinner
Watching the sun set over the ocean while enjoying a meal is a perfect combination. One of our favorite things to do is have a sunset dinner on the beach, and the Big Island certainly did not disappoint us.
Here are a few restaurants that offer sunset dinners on the Big Island: Kamuela Provision Company, Lava Lava Beach Club, and Kai Eats and Drinks.
As reservations are highly recommended at Kamuela Provision Company, Lava Lava Beach Club is on a first-come, first-served basis only – so plan on arriving at least one hour before the sunset if you want to be seated at the golden hour!
5. Go snorkeling
Finding a perfect snorkeling spot on the Big Island was not a problem. Honestly, it felt like every beach we visited boasted various sea creatures. I have to admit, it was surprising to see bright and colorful fish when you would simply walk along the ocean.
Waiulua Bay at Hilton Waikoloa Village, where we stayed at, was an excellent spot for snorkeling already, so we did not go specifically for snorkeling that often. Another great spot was the Kailua Pier, right by the small, kid-friendly Kamakahonu white sand Beach.
💡 Good to Know
Remember that most of the time, the bottom of the ocean is covered in lava rocks. We highly recommend investing in water shoes for a more enjoyable experience. You can also purchase the water shoes at one of the ABC stores (a chain of convenience stores in Hawaii).
The locals also swear by the Two-Step Beach (about 40 minutes south of Kona) being one of the best spots for snorkeling on the Big Island, but we have yet to visit this beach.
6. Spot a sea turtle
Encountering wildlife in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience. Among the amazing creatures, the magnificent green sea turtle stands out as a must-see. We must have seen dozens of sea turtles on this trip; it was truly fascinating!
Best places to see green sea turtles on the Big Island, Hawaii are:
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Kahalu’u Beach Park
- Honokohau Beach
- Waiulua Bay at Hilton Waikoloa Village
- Carlsmith Beach Park
Remember always to keep your distance; that disturbing sea turtle is illegal under state and federal law, and you can be ticketed or fined.
7. Explore Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
If you happen to be in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, do not skip exploring Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). You can venture through a 500-year-old lava tube that was once the path of a river of lava with temperatures reaching 2,000° Fahrenheit (1,093° Celsius)!
Enjoy a short paved walk from the parking lot to the entrance of the Lava Tube through the rainforest. The Lava Tube took us around 10 minutes to finish. The girls we really excited and even asked us to go through the tunnel once again. Make sure to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes; it is wet and slippery inside.
8. Visit the historic Kailua-Kona Ali‘i Drive
Check out the historic Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, with its colorful buildings, restaurants, and shops. Take a moment to enjoy an açaí bowl, grab some lunch, or try the shave ice at the Scandinavian Shave Ice place.
If you’re seeking a cultural experience, consider visiting Hulihe‘e Palace. It showcases a collection of artifacts from the reign of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani, including koa wood furniture, featherwork, Hawaiian quilts, and antiques from Hawai‘i’s royal past.
9. Visit Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
This National Historical Park has free admission and shows a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian history. You can take a short hike (remember that it is incredibly hot and the path is covered in small lava rocks), passing a small area with ancient petroglyphs to the beach to see the ancient Fish trap.
As you gaze out at the ocean, you’ll notice the ‘Aiʻōpio Fish trap (made out of lava rocks) that was once used to catch reef fish for sustenance. The beach is also a popular spot for sea turtles, who come here to feed on algae.
At the end of the beach, an ancient heiau (temple) remains just as it was when the region was inhabited by Hawaiian settlements.
10. Experience the beauty of the waterfalls
The Big Island is home to numerous beautiful waterfalls, and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit at least one of them. Rainbow Falls, a stunning rainforest waterfall, is located in Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island. It can be easily viewed practically from the parking lot, and there is no charge to access the lookout area.
There is a viewing platform within a few minutes walk to check out the waterfall from above.
Another popular waterfall is ‘Akaka Falls, located 25 minutes from Hilo. To reach this 442-ft. waterfall, you must take a short hike through the rainforest. Please note that a small parking fee is required per vehicle.
Bottom line
We had a blast exploring the Big Island of Hawaii. The island is so full of natural beauty and fascinating cultural experiences. From witnessing the eruption of the majestic Kīlauea volcano to learning about ancient Hawaiian traditions, there was never a dull moment. We enjoyed the delicious local cuisine and meeting friendly locals.
There were certain things, of course, that we simply couldn’t fit into our tight schedule and limited time, such as swimming with manta rays, visiting coffee farms, or exploring other National Historic sites. This can only mean one thing – we will definitely be coming back!
