Big Island Hawaii With Kids | Info, Tips & Things To Do
Are you embarking on an adventure to Big Island with kids and looking for family things to do?
Hawaii is a breathtaking volcanic paradise with stunning beaches, thrilling outdoor activities, and endless opportunities for adventure-seeking families.
Our kids chose Hawaii as one of their dream destinations and we decided to include it in our plan for our family gap year. We spent two weeks in August exploring Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii, and they did not disappoint!
Our Big Island road trip highlights included witnessing lava spewing from a volcano, hiking lava tubes, and seeing some of Hawaii’s unique natural wonders.
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Planning A Family Trip To Hawai’i?
Book Transport: Flights and Hire Car
Accommodation: Booking.com
Tours and Activities: Viator or Get Your Guide
Big Island Hawaii With Kids: Overview
While renowned for year-round sun, sea, and surf, Hawaii offers many other reasons to visit, making it a fantastic destination for families with kids.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Big Island, also known as Hawai’i, is the largest Island in the American state of Hawaii and is well known for its volcanic activity.
It offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are suitable for children, making it an unforgettable vacation full of fun and excitement for the whole family.
We loved exploring Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, jumping between jungles, beaches, and volcanoes! On our week-long trip, we particularly enjoyed snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and learning about Hawaiian culture and history through interactive experiences. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals make it an ideal destination for a family adventure.
Things To Do On the Big Island Of Hawaii With Kids
Visiting Hawaii’s Big Island with kids should be a fantastic experience filled with adventure and natural wonders. Here are the best things to do to make the most of your family trip to Hawai’i.
Go Stargazing on Mauna Kea
‘Big Island’ is well known for its clear skies with minimal light pollution and has some of the world’s best stargazing. Although it is possible to see the stars clearly when you are away from populated areas, higher elevations offer the ultimate vantage points.
We visited the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station and learnt about the night sky and the volcano’s cultural significance. In the evening, we ventured up to the summit to view an incredible sunset. Family Tip: Best for older children.
➡️Take a guided stargazing tour to get unparalleled views of stars and planets.
Family Hike To Pololu Valley
The Pololu Valley hike is an unforgettable family adventure. Nestled along the North Kohala Coast of the Big Island, this is one of our first and most treasured hikes on the island.
The outlook offers stunning panoramic views of towering cliffs, green valleys, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is relatively easy, suitable for kids, and it is a great way to discover the island’s rugged beauty.
The trail leads you to Pololu’s black sand beach, where you can relax, play, and soak in the serenity of this pristine paradise. The ocean offers great surf but has treacherous undercurrents. Family Tip: Avoid rushing your visit to appreciate the beauty.
Explore Volcano National Park
Exploring the wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with kids is a must-do when visiting the Big Island. Home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, our kids enjoyed watching lava spurt during our visit.
The park has so much to offer. Be sure to check out the available daily tours and Junior Ranger program. Our family learnt so much about geology and the history of the park and the island from our Guide.
We drove along Crater Rim Drive to admire panoramic views of volcanic landscapes, watch steam vents, and witness the incredible power of nature.
After taking a casual hike through the rainforest to see the Thurston Lava Tube, we observed where the lava met the ocean and walked on volcanic terrain on the family-friendly Kilauea Iki Trail.
Family Tips: We highly recommend taking one of the daily free Ranger tours in the Park. Arrive early or plan to see the entire park in more than one day.
Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay is an adventure that promises marine encounters for the whole family. The protected marine sanctuary offers a safe and enchanting environment for kids.
Kids will love the adventure of accessing the bay, which is only possible by boat or foot. We hiked to Captain Cooks Monument to access the bay, but many families arrived by kayak and boat.
The calm, clear waters are perfect for spotting colourful fish, coral reefs, and even dolphins or sea turtles if you time your visit right. Family Tip: Arrive early in the morning when it’s quieter, and there is a higher chance of dolphins.
Although other family-friendly snorkelling spots exist on the Big Island, like Honaunua – Two Steps and Kahalu’u Beach Park, but Kealakekua Bay was by far our preferred experience.
➡️Check out this popular boat snorkelling tour at Kealakekua Bay
Hike to Papakola Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea is a green sand beach near the southern tip of the Big Island that families should not miss! The unique beach has emerald sand created by olivine crystals caused by volcanic activity. Green sand can only be found in four destinations in the world, and this is one of them!
We hiked three miles in direct sun across rugged terrain, which added to the adventure. Make sure you wear a hut, sunscreen and sunglasses and drink plenty of water.
On arrival at Papakōlea Beach, we were covered in orange sand, and our kids headed straight into the ocean to cool down. Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents, and you should not go deeper than your waist. Family Tip: Take plenty of water as there are no facilities to fill up again.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a breathtaking natural wonder, whether viewed from the rim or on the sand. It is greenest in direct sunlight but is worth seeing even when it is cloudy.
Kona Night Manta Dive or Snorkel
A unique family experience in Kona is swimming with manta rays. The Big Island offers year-round opportunities to dive or snorkel with manta rays at night.
As night falls, manta rays glide gracefully through the water, drawn to plankton, which is attracted by the glow of lights.
From the purpose-built platoons, our children were captivated by the sight of manta rays moving just inches away from them in their natural habitat.
➡️ Click here to book your magical Manta Night Snorkel
Explore Lava Tubes
Exploring lava tubes with kids on Big Island is one of our top things to do in Hawaii.
Numerous natural tunnels have formed by flowing lava over past volcanic eruptions, offering a fascinating insight into the island’s volcanic history.
Bats now call them home, but our family loved exploring the unique formations and imagining the lava flowing through them.
Families can safely navigate through these underground wonders with guided tours available at locations like the Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Kazumura Cave. Family Tip: Take a flashlight and wear closed-toe footwear.
See Epic Waterfalls
Due to the tropical climate, there are many waterfalls that families can explore across the Big Island.
Take a family-friendly hike through lush rainforests to discover hidden gems like Akaka Falls, where cascading water plunges 442 feet into a gorge below. Rainbow Falls is best visited early in the morning to see rainbows as the sun shines at the right angle through the water.
There is something mesmerising about these natural landscapes that captivates the interest of most family members.
➡️See the highlights of Hawai’i on a tour of the Big Island with kids
Explore Volcanic Black Sand Beaches
A family adventure to unique volcanic shores on the Big Island will delight the kids.
Hawaii was our first experience on black sand beaches. The contrast of the black sand against the rolling tide made for a perfect family photo to capture the moment.
There are a few to choose from, such as Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Pololu Beach, and Kehena Black Sand Beach. They are perfect for building sandcastles, taking a stroll, relaxing, spotting wildlife or exploring the rock pools with kids.
Hike Through Lava Field
Hawai’i has a long history of volcanic eruptions. The power and beauty of nature can be witnessed firsthand across the Island in many hardened lava fields.
Our family found the landscape interesting as we trekked across rough and rugged lava next to a road in the south of the island where houses once stood.
We also took a guided tour at Volcano National Park, which further sparked our kids’ curiosity with folk tales about the geological history. We learnt that in Hawaiian, lava is referred to as “pāhoehoe” (pronounced pah-hoy-hoy) or “ʻaʻā” (pronounced ah-ah). The former is smooth, and the latter is very rough lava.
Take A Family Surf Lesson
Hawaii hoasts pleasant sea temperatures with consistent waves, perfect for surfing year-round.
Family-friendly beaches like Kahalu’u Beach Park or White Sands Beach Park have great beginner surf, so you can learn to surf with your kids on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Although we didn’t surf on the Big Island, we enjoyed riding the waves at Waikiki Beach, Ohau.
➡️Book family surf lessons at Kahalu’u Beach
Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Visiting Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park with kids is an enriching and educational experience for the whole family.
This sacred site on the Big Island offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture. Visitors can explore reconstructed temples, sacred grounds, and historical artefacts.
Kids can embark on a fascinating journey through history as they learn about traditional Hawaiian practices and the significance of this place as a sanctuary of refuge. It is located next to a popular snorkelling location, perfect for a day trip.
Spot Hawaiian petroglyphs
Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs are scattered throughout the Big Island.
We explored the intricate rock carvings at Volcano National Park, where our kids tried to determine the stories behind the symbols.
Both the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve and the Waikoloa Petroglyph Field are great places for families to visit to indulge in the island’s cultural heritage and explore more Petroglyphs.
Stroll Hilo Farmers Market
If you are in Hilo, the Farmers Market is certainly worth a visit. It is open daily, but there are more stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The Hilo Farmers Market showcases the island’s locally grown food, tropical flowers, handmade jewellery and crafts. It is also a great source of local information, we ended up on a free farm tour that turned out to be both great fun and very informative!
Take your time to stroll through colourful stalls of exotic fruit and enjoy some traditional fresh produce.
Where To Stay On The Big Island With Kids
Despite its name, Big Island is actually not that big. The options for accommodation include family-friendly resorts, farm stays, and vacation rentals. We did a road trip around the island and stayed in four areas, which worked well to split the drive between things to do.
Hilo
📍Arnott’s Lodge is a budget-friendly option close to Hilo town centre. We stayed in a six-person apartment with a basic kitchenette. It is within easy access to some of the Big Island’s most iconic waterfalls and botanic Gardens and is walkable to many beach parks.
Kailua-Kona
📍The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kailua-Kona is a clean, comfortable and family friendly hotel that offers great value for money. Breakfast is excellent, and the beach is a short walk away. The area is best for outdoor activities, including snorkelling at Captain Cook’s monument or with Manta Rays near the Outrigger Resort.
Waimea
📍 Waimea Plantation Cottages open up onto the ocean, perfect for families. The simple rooms were clean and comfortable, which exceptional service.
Volcano Village
📍Volcano Acres Ranch B&B is a beautiful and welcoming homestay setting located a 10-minute drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We stayed in the six-person bungalow and had fruit and pancakes delivered to our door for breakfast. The Ranch has a variety of farm animals that our kids enjoyed feeding each morning.
Getting Around Big Island In Hawaii
Big Island is the largest Hawaiian Island. It has two major cities, Hilo in the east and Kailua-Kona in the west. Navigation around the island is straightforward, with just a handful of main roads.
By Air
International flights into Hawai’i arrive and depart from either Hilo or Kailua-Kona. Despite the short distance, internal flights can also be taken between both towns.
By Car
Renting a car is the most convenient way to travel on Big Island, enabling families to explore at their own pace. Reaching the more remote locations is also easier on a road trip than with public transport or taxis. Most major car rental companies have outlets at the airports in Hilo and Kona.
For our week in Hawai’i, we hired a convertible 4×4 Jeep. The Jeep worked really well for us, especially in areas where we were not on tarmac roads. However, do check your rental conditions allow travel on all terrains before venturing off-road.
➡️ Book Your Car Rental here for accessing the best of Hawai’i
By Bus
Public buses operate by Hele-On Bus. The route connects major towns and attractions around the island. Tour companies offer guided excursions to popular attractions, from hotels to meeting points.
By Taxi or Uber
Taxis and Uber rideshare services are widely available in Kona and Hilo, but they may be less common in rural areas. Although convenient, they are not cheap; Uber is more affordable than a taxi.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Hawai’i
We would go to Hawaii any time of the year as it is a well-rounded island with plenty of things to do for families.
However, the best time to visit the Big Island of Hawaii with kids is typically March-April or September-October when the weather is mild for outdoor activities, crowds are smaller, and accommodation prices are more reasonable. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable vacation experience for active families.
FAQ | Big Island Hawaii With Kids
Kona and Hilo offer different experiences, and neither is better. Kona offers sunny beaches, resorts, and nightlife, while Hilo provides waterfalls, lush rainforests, and a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
Plan to spend at least seven days on the Big Island to truly experience its diverse landscapes and attractions. This allows ample time to explore volcanic wonders, scenic beaches, lush rainforests, and cultural sites without feeling rushed.
The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. It is also famous for having one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors from around the globe come to witness its awe-inspiring eruptions and lava flows.
Yes! Hawai’i offers many family-friendly activities, from exploring volcanoes and unique beaches to world-class snorkelling. It’s a destination filled with unforgettable experiences that kids, teens and adults alike will treasure.
Final Thoughts | Big Island Hawai’i With Kids
Big Island has it all whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or some Hawaiian culture.
This is a top family destination, with no shortage of activities to keep kids entertained and engaged, including snorkelling, waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and stargazing.
Hawai’i has the perfect climate for exploration, and with the island’s rich culture, you are assured a memorable visit. We were so impressed by our visit that we would even consider a move to the Big Island.
