By: Anna Trosper
July 30, 2024

Hello,

Anna here with Wishes Family Travel. I am a personal travel planner and I have helped many families plan great trips to the Big Island. Are you planning a trip to the Big Island with kids and want to find the best kid-friendly attractions, activities, restaurants, and more? You’ve come to the right place.

The Big Island is home to some amazing adventures that will thrill your whole family - from exploring lava tubes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or hiking through lush rainforest trails at Akaka Falls State Park or swimming next to dolphins at Dolphin Quest.

I’m excited for you because I know how much fun it can be when you have a great travel agent who knows where to find all of these hidden gems!

So, let me help make your vacation an unforgettable one by giving you my personal recommendations on just a few of the what-not-to-miss experiences while visiting each area of this incredible island.

1. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

When you’re on the Big Island, it would be a shame not to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This beautiful park features tons of lava tubes and hiking trails through interesting rock forms that can only be found in this place!

2. Snorkel with Manta Rays

One of the coolest Big Island snorkeling tours actually happens at night. This is an opportunity to go swimming with Manta Rays in Kona. It’s a unique opportunity that you won’t find anywhere else in Hawaii.

3. Go on a Cultural ATV Ride

One of the newest Big Island adventures is the Aloha Adventure Farms ATV tour. It launched in 2019 and it’s one of the coolest jungle treks for families with kids ages 5 and older. My clients who have done this loved it. Here, you’ll drive up trails and stop at 4 Polynesian villages to participate in hands-on cultural activities. And if your kids are at least 8 years old, you can also add on a Polynesian wood carving workshop!

4. Tour a Chocolate Farm

The Big Island is famous for its delicious and locally-made chocolate. And many of the Big Island chocolate farms have tours and tastings available.

5. Play at Hapuna Beach

When it comes to the best beaches for kids on the Big Island, Hapuna Beach in South Kohala is a top destination.

Not only does this area have tons of sand and shade from palm trees, but there are also professional lifeguards who will keep your little ones safe during their vacation here!

You can buy food or drinks at nearby stores while enjoying a restful time under an umbrella with friends.

6. Hike to Akaka Falls

One of the best kid-friendly hikes on the Big Island is Akaka Falls. It’s located at a Hawaiian state park and it’s an easy, paved trail that takes you to one of the best Big Island waterfalls. Along this loop trail, you’ll cross a bridge and see lots of tropical plants and flowers.

7. Get Malasadas

Hawaii is famous for its malasadas, which are Portuguese-style donuts. They look like oversized donut holes, and they are usually rolled in sugar and cinnamon. The best place to get malasadas on the Big Island is at Tex Drive In on the Honoka’a Coast. They have the tastiest and most affordable malasadas with a variety of toppings and fillings.

8. Enjoy a Big Island Luau

No trip to the Big Island is complete without a Luau. One of the best Big Island luaus is the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort. They have dancing from all across the Polynesian islands. If you’re staying anywhere in Waikoloa, the Legends of Hawaii luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a great luau for kids. It’s also located right in front of the ocean with beautiful sunset views. My clients have loved this one.

9. See Rainbow Falls

One of the best waterfalls on the Big Island is Rainbow Falls right in Hilo. There’s no hiking involved, which makes it the easiest Big Island waterfall for kids. You simply park and walk a few steps to have an incredible view of Rainbow Falls. There are a few different viewing platforms.

10. Look for Petroglyphs

Kids will love exploring ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs on the Big Island. They are ancient rock carvings that depict animals, people, and things. There are tons of top spots to find these rock carvings, including in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park among other places!

These are just a few of the fun things your family can do on the Big Island with kids. There are so many Big Island activities and attractions that are kid-friendly that I can’t list them all. Besides, I don't want to give all my secrets away! LOL

So, I hope this helps you with your decision to travel to the Big Island with your family. There is so much to see and do! I would love to help you plan your Big Island adventure. I can also help you find just the right spot to stay on the island. You can contact me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com. You can email me any questions you might have. I would be happy to talk with you.

‘Til then, Mahalo!

Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii with Kids