Curious about visiting the Big Island with kids? I’m a Hawaii travel planner and mama of two, and I’m here to help you determine if Big I is the right fit for your family.
Should You Visit the Big Island With Kids?
Yes! Our family keeps a special place in our heart for the Big Island. This is a great choice for adventurous families who want to experience a slice of paradise, somewhat off the beaten path.
Big Island’s rich culture, ever-unfolding land mass, and opportunity for adventure allow you to experience Hawaii without crowds and overdevelopment. Not only does the Big Island see less tourism in general, but there’s a lot more room to spread out here.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of blog posts?
Check out our Busy Mom’s Guide To the Big Island
The Big Island is twice the size of all the other islands combined! It has five volcanoes and eight of the world’s thirteen climate zones. It’s possible to experience tropical, desert, and tundra climate zones, all within a short drive.
The Big Island has waterfalls, zip-ling, snorkeling, camping, zoos, ATV farm tours, tons of kid-friendly beaches, and world-class resorts. Did I mention lava??
(Yes, you can actually bring your kids to an active volcano here. I don’t know about you, but it beats the stories I told as a kid returning from spring break..)
What Is There To Do on the Big Island With Kids?
You can read about our favorite family-friendly activities on the Big Island here.
If you’re short on time, here are my top ten recommendations:
- Visit Volcanoes National Park
- Night Snorkel With Manta Rays
- Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument
- Polynesian Cultural ATV Tour
- Learn How to Surf
- Mauna Kea Summit Sunset Tour (13+)
- Mountain to Ocean Horseback Ride
- Ride in a Real Submarine
- Zipline Over Waterfalls
- Big Island in a Day Tour
What Is the Best Kid-Friendly Resort on the Big Island?
Many resorts on the Big Island allow kids, but only a few cater specifically to children and offer things like kid’s clubs, baby pools, and waterslides. Accommodation will eat up the majority of any vacation budget, so don’t settle when choosing a place to stay!
You can read all about our favorite kid-friendly resorts on the Big Island here. If you’re short on time, these are our top picks.
- The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- Mauna Lani
- Hilton Waikoloa Village
- Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
- Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
How Many Days Do You Need on the Big Island?
There’s a lot to do and a lot of ground to cover on the Big Island! I recommend a whole week to maximize your sightseeing potential while providing everyone in your crew with proper downtime.
But, let’s be real, you may not need a full seven days if you plan to do nothing else but drink Mai Tais by the resort pool. (Save this girl a seat.)
Is the Big Island Expensive?
A vacation in Hawaii is not cheap, however you slice the pie. After factoring in hotels, rental cars, dining, and activities, a family of four can expect to pay around $10,000-$15,000 for a ten-day vacation.
If you’re on a strict budget, Oahu will be your best option. However, Big Island trails close behind when it comes to your ability to pinch pennies. Simple things like using points to fly, staying in a condo, and cooking your own food can make a huge difference.
While we recommend staying on the west side (Kona), it’s important to note that staying on the island’s east side (Hilo) will make your money last longer.
Is the Big Island Safe?
Yes. Hawaii continues to boast a lower crime rate than the rest of the United States. However, the Big Island does have a slightly higher rate than the other Hawaiian islands. Places like downtown Hilo represent a less privileged community and pose a higher risk for crimes like theft.
Be sure to lock your rental car and keep valuables out of plain sight when parked. This is especially true when visiting popular visitor destinations like beaches and waterfalls.
The biggest threat in Hawaii comes from natural elements. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and apply it regularly, and use this blog to determine what beaches best suit your family’s level of comfort in the water.
Remember simple guidelines like “Never turn your back to the ocean” and “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
Volcanic Eruptions
Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting every two or three years. Luckily, these volcanoes are located within Volcanoes National Park, and most of the Big Island is not in immediate danger from an eruption.
Staying on the west side (Kohala/Kona) will ensure you are safe from any potential threat, as the Kohala volcano is now extinct. When visiting other parts of the island, check updates to see if a volcano is erupting and if it’s safe to go see the lava for yourself!
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Big Island?
I recommend visiting Hawaii Island during its “off-season.” April, May, September, and October will provide ideal ocean conditions, picture-perfect weather, and the best availability for Big Island accommodations.
Humpback whales visit the islands yearly to mate and give birth. It’s my favorite time of year! If you want to see them in action, visit during peak whale season: January-March (Maui provides the best views).
If your main interest in visiting the Big Island is seeing Volcanoes National Park, please know there is no special time of year to see lava. Volcanoes don’t erupt on a schedule, but the park is absolutely worth a visit!
What Part of The Big Island is Best For Kids?
If you are traveling to the Big Island with kids, stay in Kona or just north of it on the Kohala Coast. It’s hot and sunny and this side of the island is where most of Big Island’s family-friendly restaurants and resorts are located.
Places like Hilo and Volcanoes National Park are also great for kids and offer one-of-a-kind experiences for the whole family, but you don’t necessarily need to stay there the whole time. I suggest making Kona your landing pad and taking day trips to see the rest of the island.
People often refer to the Big Island as the “Kona side (west)” or the “Hilo side (east).” But it’s actually made up of six distinct regions: Kona, Kohala, Hilo, Hamakua Coast, Puna, and Ka’u. The entire island is incredibly beautiful and diverse.
[It’s important to note that Big Island is, well…big. When it comes to Big Island transportation, plan to rent a car. If you’re staying in Kona, it will take an hour and a half to get to Hilo and over two hours to get to Volcanoes National Park. Luckily, there are many kid-friendly things to see and do along the way.]
Keep reading to learn more about what part of the Big Island you want to explore.
Kona
15 minutes to Kona Airport
1 hour 45 minutes to Hilo Airport
Kona is a sunny, lively seaside town with everything you hope for while on vacation: great beaches, restaurants, shopping, and good vibes. This is where you want to be while visiting the Big Island with kids!
The Kona district covers over two-thirds of the west side of the island and is divided into North Kona and South Kona. Lively Kailua-Kona connects the two.
North Kona
North Kona is just south of the Kohala region, where many kid-friendly resorts and condos reside.
We love North Kona because it has our favorite beach to visit with young kids: Kikaua Point Park Beach, accessible from Kukio Golf Resort. Three miles south, you will find the famous Kua Bay (Manini’owali Beach), known for its sparkling, turquoise water. Kua Bay is a great spot for older kids who can handle bigger waves.
Visiting the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm was one of the coolest experiences we’ve ever had as a family! Kids (and adults) six and up have an opportunity to hold a live seahorse!
North Kona is also home to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, a terrific national park for kids!
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is the epicenter of Kona and where most of the action takes place. Once a sleepy fishing village, Kailua has grown exponentially over the years and is now what you might expect a Hawaiian seaside town to be. Find endless restaurants, shopping, farmer’s markets, and activities along the pedestrian-friendly Ali’i Drive.
[FYI: There is another famous town on Oahu named Kailua, so to avoid confusion, the Big Island refers to this town as “Kailua-Kona.”]
The most popular activity in this area is an evening snorkel tour with Manta Rays. These gentle giants don’t hurt humans and are drawn to the underwater spotlights that light up plankton. The Travel Channel says, “It’s one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime.”
Kona is famous for its coffee. If you want to visit a coffee farm with kids, check out Mountain Thunder for a self-guided tour. Exploring and sampling the delicious 100% Kona coffee doesn’t take much time out of your day, and kids love to wander around the property and check out the lava tubes!
If you really want to make your kid’s day, consider riding in a real submarine or visiting the Hawaii Keiki Museum. Reward yourself with some good food and craft beer at Kona Brewing Company. This is by far the best (and most kid-friendly) brewery on the island!
Kid-Friendly Kailua-Kona Beaches
There are so many incredible kid-friendly beaches on the Big Island, and you’ll find many in Kona. These are our family’s favorites:
King Kam Beach: an easy beach to relax at with littles. It’s in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, making it walkable to most things on Ali’i Drive. This is an excellent spot for small children because it’s free from waves. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and watching the sunrise.
Old Airport State Recreation Area: This is a popular beach with locals and a semi-rocky shoreline. The southernmost point is referred to as “Keiki (kids) Beach” because it’s free from waves and has plenty of tide pools to explore.
Magic Sands Beach Park (La’aloa Beach Park): Magic Sands is another incredibly convenient beach if you’re staying in the Kailua area. It has small waves and gets its name from the disappearing beach in the winter when high tide rolls in. Use caution if it’s disappeared, as this can sometimes expose the sharp lava rock underneath.
South Kona
South Kona is located on the Big Island’s southwest shore. It’s more humid here, making it the perfect climate for growing Kona coffee. It also provides some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Just down the way is Kahalu’u Beach Park, one of the best places to snorkel, with lots of fish and green sea turtles. This is a great beginner spot, but you do have to navigate over some lava rock to get in the water. This is a great place to take kids who are interested in beginner surf lessons. Then, grab a bite in the adorable community of Kainaliu.
Further south, you will find Kealakekua Bay, home to the famous Captain Cook monument, Painted Church, and one of the best snorkeling spots in the state! However, access to the bay requires a very hot, semi–strenuous hike that can be challenging with young kids. Check out this Captain Cook snorkel tour if you want to skip the stress. It’s great for ages six and up.
End your South Kona tour at Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a beautiful historical site that’s a great place to learn more about Hawaiian Culture. This was once where people who broke the Kapu (forbidden) laws fled to stay safe! Structures from the 1600s still stand today.
Kohala
30 min-1 hour from Kona Airport
1.5 hours from Hilo Airport
Kohala is located at the island’s northernmost tip, where the Big Island first began! This extinct volcano created some of the most majestic beauty that the Big Island bestows.
The Kohala region is now separated into North Kohala and South Kohala.
North Kohala
In North Kohala, you will find the charming little town of Hawi and seven stunning valleys, including Pololu and Wapi’o Valley. These valleys have easy-to-access lookouts that are attainable with kids. Hawi is home to little shops and art galleries and is a great place to stop on your way to the Pololu Valley Lookout. This is a terrific area to explore some waterfalls.
North Kohala also features the Lokahi Garden Sanctuary, which offers kid-friendly farm tours and healthy lunches.
South Kohala
South Kahola is made up of Waimea and the Kohala Coast.
Waimea town is the heart of the Big Island’s cowboy (Paniolo) country. It’s quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by gorgeous, green rolling hills. Waimea offers weekly farmer’s markets with dozens of local farmers and food trucks. We love Big Island Brewhaus, a great place to stop for outdoor dining. And you’ll find one of the best playgrounds on the island (Anuenue Playground) at Waimea Park.
The Kohala Coast contains some of the best beaches and snorkeling that the Big Island has to offer. It is also home to ten golf courses and Hilton’s Waikola Village: a massive resort community built on lava rock overlooking Waiulua Bay. Waikoloa Village has every creature comfort you could ask for and features plenty of shopping and dining.
Kid-Friendly Kohala Coast Beaches
These are our favorite kid-friendly beaches on the Kohala Coast:
Spencer Beach Park: a small beach with calm water, free parking, shade, bathrooms, showers, and a picnic area.
Hapuna Beach Park: a large, golden sand beach with incredible sunsets and some fun waves for bigger kids to play/boogie board in. There are showers and bathroom facilities.
Waialea Beach (Beach 69): a protected marine sanctuary great for snorkeling and letting little ones play. The water is typically calm here in the morning. Be on the lookout for small rocks and coral. There are bathrooms and showers.
Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay): a crescent-shaped beach popular with families that features a calm, protected bay. There are bathrooms, showers, and free parking. There’s even a Beach Hut that offers snorkels, paddle boards, and beach cabanas for rent. Visit one of our favorite places to eat on the island, Lava Lava Beach Club, located on the south end of A-Bay.
You can check out our other favorite Big Island beaches here.
[It’s important to note that the winter months on the Kohala coast can present some big swells that make it unsafe for swimming. If you’re visiting Kohala in the winter and want to swim/snorkel in some calmer waters, venture to South Kona.]
Hilo
1.5 hours from Kona Airport
15 minutes from Hilo Airport
Hilo is the capital of the Big Island. It’s three times the size of Kona and houses over 20 percent of the island’s residents. This is also where you will find the University of Hawaii Hilo campus, giving the town a young, laid-back vibe.
[ While visiting the Big Island, we love to spend a night or two in Hilo to explore the town and have easier access to Volcanoes National Park (only 45 minutes from Hilo). If you plan to visit Volcanoes National Park with kids, this can be a great way to break up the adventure while also seeing the island’s east side.]
The east side of every Hawaiian island is the rainy side, and Hilo is no exception, averaging 275 rainy days a year! It has a reputation for being the wettest city in the United States! That’s not to say the sun doesn’t shine here because it does. Most rainfall occurs at night, but you’d be wise to pack a jacket.
Onekahakaha Beach Park is the best family-friendly beach in Hilo, with calm waters and a lifeguard tower. Rainbow Falls is a great waterfall to visit with kids because of its easy visibility from a paved parking lot. Go early for a chance to see rainbows reflecting off of the water!
Hilo is also home to the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, the only rainforest zoo in the United States! My kids love wandering around this small (free!) zoo with a playground and a botanical garden.
My favorite excursion in Hilo is visiting Coconut Island, a small island in Hilo Bay that can be reached by a footbridge. This is a great place to bring a picnic and swim or explore! I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time we were there.
If it’s raining, check out the Imiloa Astronomy Center!
Downtown Hilo
Hilo’s downtown vibe is slow and relaxed. The buildings are colorful, and you will find art in murals, galleries, and by wandering through bookstores. There’s a local vibe here, and with that also comes “island time.” People tend to move at their own pace.
Most family-friendly activities on the Big Island exist outside of Downtown Hilo, but a few hours spent wandering around can be fun for everyone.
Grab a bite or a gift at one of the many cute, locally-owned shops. Then, let your kids indulge in cartoon-esque ice cream at Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack and/or get their wiggles out at Hilo’s small climbing gym. Downtown Hilo also features the best farmer’s market on the island (open every day, but the big days are Wednesday and Saturday)!
Hamakua Coast
The Hamakua Coast is on the Big Island’s north shore, just above Hilo. You won’t find many sandy beaches here; instead, there are numerous waterfalls, mountain hiking trails, and oceanside cliffs. This region receives around 84 inches of yearly rainfall, creating sweeping green valleys and lush tropical rainforests.
[If you are traveling from Kona to Hilo, a shorter path (Saddle Road) runs through the middle of the island. The Hamakua Heritage Corridor requires an extra 30 minutes of drive time.]
While it would take you numerous days to explore the Hamakua Coast, you can still experience its beauty just by driving the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, which will lead you through charming plantation towns, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Big Island’s most famous waterfall: Akaka Falls. This is a great waterfall for kids because of the paved path (lots of stairs, not stroller-friendly).
If your family wants to try zip-lining over waterfalls, the Hamakua Coast is the perfect place!
Kalopa State Recreation Area is a terrific area to explore and picnic. Be sure to save your appetite for the little town of Honoka’a, home to Tex Drive-In and Hawaii’s famous malasada (fried donut). These are some of the best malasadas we’ve ever had and trust me, we’ve tried a lot!
Puna
2 hours to Kona Airport
30 minutes to Hilo Airport
Just south of Hilo, you’ll find the free-spirited, colorful region of Puna. Countless fruit, flower, and macadamia nut farms exist near miles of gorgeous, underdeveloped coastline. Lava has repeatedly devastated this fertile land, and many iconic places to visit have been swallowed and now exist only under volcanic rock.
Please move slowly and be as respectful as possible as you explore this area. People are still recovering from the devastating Kīlauea rupture of 2018.
It’s safe to say that it’s brave to call a place like Puna home. The residents here are warm, stubborn, and resilient beyond belief. They chose to live off the beaten path and, many of them, completely off-grid.
Step back in time and grab a bite to eat in the colorful town of Pahoa, or visit the iconic Makuʻu Farmers Market, which brings together over 150 vendors and 3,000 people in attendance on Sunday mornings.
Check out Lava Trees State Park, which was once covered by lava in the 1700s, leaving tall lava molds of previous tree trunks frozen and still standing. The whole situation feels very Dr. Suess-like. The 0.7-loop trail only takes about 30 minutes and is easy for kids of all ages.
If anyone in your family is interested in the destruction that lava can leave behind, drive around Kalapana and Kaimu to witness the humble rebuilding of history. If you happen to be in the area on a Wednesday evening, do not miss an opportunity to check out Uncle Robert’s Farmer’s Market, which turns into a full-on party around 6 pm. This is a great place to get a feel for what makes the people and culture of Hawaii so special and unique.
Ka’u
2 hours to Kona Airport
1 hour 20 minutes to Hilo Airport
Located at the southernmost tip, Ka’u is the wildest and most untouched part of the Big Island. It’s also the largest. This region alone is bigger than the entire island of Oahu (but still has less than 6,000 residents)! It’s quiet, rural, and home to artists seeking solitude and families who have been here for generations.
Many people venture to this region to visit Punaluʻu Beach, one of the best black sand beaches in the state. Black sand beaches are formed with tiny fragments of lava rock. This water can be challenging to swim in most of the year, but this is a great place to picnic and spot sea turtles. Just be sure to keep your distance!
Volcanoes National Park With Kids
Ka’u is also home to Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. If you’re wondering if visiting Volcanoes National Park with kids is possible, the answer is yes!
[It takes over two hours to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kailua-Kona. Most families make a day trip out of it. We prefer to break the journey up by staying in Hilo for a night and visiting Volcanoes National Park from there, as it’s only 45 minutes away.]
Determining what to explore in Volcanoes National Park depends on many factors, including your kids’ age. I recommend putting aside an entire day for it, but if your kids are young, a half-day will suffice. (Kids must be 13 and up to visit Mauna Kea’s summit.)
Check the weather before you go to ensure it’s not raining or too foggy to get a good view from the lookouts. And be sure to bring extra layers! It can be a full 20 degrees colder than Kona. Snow can often be seen on the top of Mauna Kea’s summit!
Not all hikes at Volcano National Park are kid-friendly. I recommend exploring the Kīlauea Iki Overlook/Trail and the Thurston Lava Tube if you have young kids in tow. Devastation Trail is another easy walk that is mainly paved and allows you to see the aftermath of an eruption. And if you’re using a stroller, the path from the Volcano House to the sulfur banks is paved and totally doable.
If your kids are still napping or not cooperating (relatable), there is a lovely drive called the Chain of Craters Road that will take you past many of the park’s top sites and allow you to get out and look around whenever you wish.
Please know that there is no guarantee of seeing lava, but if a volcano happens to erupt while you are there, you can see the red glow in the night sky! It’s possible to stay in the park overnight at Volcano House or check out adjacent properties like this adorable family-friendly treehouse just down the way.
Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
Big Island With Kids Wrap-Up
Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is lying by the infinity pool while your kids go down waterslides, hanging out at some of the best beaches in the world, or spending a night on a volcano, the Big Island has you covered!
We love Hawaii’s Big Island, and our kids do, too. Take a trip off the beaten path to the largest Hawaiian Island.
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aloha, I’M FLO
Hawaii travel blogger + itinerary planning extraordinaire
I’m an island-hopping Maui mama of two, here to bring your Hawaii vacation dreams to life.
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