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Heads Up: I sometimes include affiliate links to places I love and trust. Booking through these links won’t cost you extra, and it helps me continue providing free resources to parents like you. Mahalo nui loa, I appreciate you very much!
This travel guide was designed as a best-of-the-best booking resource and pairs well with my free DIY Hawaii Planning Guide. For more on Big Island’s geography, climate, and vibe, check out Big Island With Kids: The Ultimate Guide.
Flights and transport
Flying to Big Island
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) is the primary airport for the Big Island, serving inter-island, domestic, and international flights.
Skyscanner has been my go-to travel search engine for years because it’s unbiased and offers the best prices to Hawaii with no hidden fees.
Tip: set up price alerts for specific dates and routes!
shuttles
If you don’t rent a car, a private or shared shuttle service can take you from the airport to your accommodation.
🌺 For a warm island welcome, reserve a flower lei greeting! Some companies even make candy leis for kids.
Renting a car
The Big Island is, well, big! A rental car is essential for exploring.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental is a dependable company with no hidden fees, I love these guys. They offer discounted rates through all major car rental companies, and there are no prepayment, cancellation, or extra driver fees.
Before you book, read more about how to get around Big Island.
Hotels and Resorts for Families
The Big Island offers a range of family-friendly accommodations in Waikoloa and Kailua-Kona.
More of Our Favorites: The Best Family Hotels on Big Island
VRBO is ideal if you’re traveling with a large group or want to enjoy family-friendly conveniences, like a kitchen or washer and dryer
Kid-Friendly BIG ISLAND
Tours and Activities
The Big Island is home to many of our favorite tours and activities! Take your pick. There truly is something here for everyone. Tip: If you’re not renting a car, look for tours that offer hotel pickup and drop-off!
Ages 10 and Under
Ages 10 and Above
Free and Inexpensive Activities
Keep Exploring: Things to Do on Big Island with Kids
Best Big Island Luaus with Kids
A luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture, food, and storytelling.
Waikoloa
Hawaii Loa Luau
Kids 5 and Under are Free!
Located at the at the Fairmont Orchid Resort, this luau is my top choice for families. It has great kid-friendly pre-show games and activities, Samoan fire dancers, an open bar, and an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner featuring a table full of kid’s food.
Kona
Island Breeze Luau
Kids 3 and Under are Free!
Conveniently located in downtown Kailua-Kona, this Polynesian luau is held at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Set on beautiful Kamakahonu Bay, it features a Royal Court presentation, open bar, full dinner buffet, fire knife dancing, and pre-show activities with the cast.
Kona
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
Kids 5 and Under are Free!
Held at the Royal Kona Resort, this oceanfront luau overlooks beautiful Kailua Bay. It features a shell lei greeting, an imu (underground pig) ceremony, traditional hula dancing, and a fire-knife dancing show. Complimentary drinks and a full buffet dinner are included.
Family Resources
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but these resources should make your vacation a breeze!
Big Island Babysitting Services
If your hotel doesn’t have a kid’s club, consider hiring Big Island Nannies Aloha for an overdue date night!
Big Island Baby Gear Rental
If you know that a high chair, hiking backpack, or Pack ‘N Play will make your life easier, consider renting one and having it delivered from Baby Quip Big Island!
Big Island Family Photography
Many families regret not booking a photoshoot in paradise, so I highly recommend capturing your vacation memories! Cadence is a compassionate, Hawaii-loving mama with tons of experience working with families.
Best Big Island Spas
No vacation is ever complete without a little “me-time”. Take some time to relax at a spa!
Best Resort Spa on the Big Island
Hualalai Spa at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This Four Seasons spa feels like a jungle oasis. They offer various treatments and massage options, outdoor cabanas, salon services (including kids’ mani/pedis), and a gorgeous garden with therapeutic amenities (available to all hotel guests regardless of treatment).
Best Boutique Spa on the Big Island
Lighthouse Spa
This unpretentious spa is located in central Kona, making it possible to pop in while your family grabs lunch down the street. It’s not the most glamorous spa on the island, but I received one of the best massages of my life here for a fraction of the cost of a resort spa!
