All the Way Around the Big Island with Kids | Hawaiian Adventures

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If you are going to the Big Island with Kids, you are in for a treat! It’s one of my favorite islands!

Upon arrival in Kona, you may think you’ve come to a desert martian land, not the paradise you’ve been hoping for when traveling around Hawaii with kids. Don’t despair, you will find the rain forest, beaches, waterfalls, and warm weather you were thinking of when you stepped on the plane. But you have a little more travel to go to find all the hidden gems Hawaii offers.

Where to Stay on the Big Island with Kids

After several trips to the Big Island, I can confidently recommend staying in Waikoloa village area rather than the Kona area. Hilo is also a good stepping off point for Volcano National Parks, waterfalls and rainforest hikes. But Hilo is on the rainy side, so for beach days, stick to the dry side.

Staying at several locations around Hawaii with kids will give you the chance to explore more sights at a slower pace

Kona is a city where you can find everything you need at shops and stores. You’ll find hotels and resorts, but you wont find many beaches. And the coast you do find will be littered with volcanic rocks.

Discovering the variety and beauty of the whole island can only be found by driving the loop. Even though this is the “big Island” you can drive it in a day – though I recommend breaking it into several days if you have the time.

Map of the Big Island

You can start from anywhere on this itinerary and go in either direction This is a loop around the Big Island so start anywhere! We have done both ways and its great!

This itinerary can be expanded but we have done this loop in only one day. In one day you will be getting up early and ending late. I recommend a stop in Hilo for the night and do it in two days.

If you have more time, you can build in more stops, hikes and views and spend three or four days going all around the Big Island with the kids.

Beaches on the Big Island

You must go to the beaches north of Waikoloa Villiage area.  Waikoloa area is about 40 minutes north of the KOA airport, but here you will find the best beaches.  Hapuna, Mauna Kea or Beach 69 are our favorite.  Becuase the Big Island is the newest island geologically speaking, the other beaches are fairly rocky.  Rocky beaches have their own adventure and appeal, but if you want a relaxing, picture-perfect beach, you need to head north.  

Even if you don’t go all the way around the Big Island with kids (which I recommend you do!), these beachese are a must-see.

Waimea

The city park right on the main road in Waimea is unlike any my kids have been to. My son asked to return to the park for years before we made it happen and he was not disappointed. It is colorful, full of hiding places, climbing, sliding and imagining. Before making the trek around Hawaii with kids, stock up on snacks, gas or entertainment here. Waimea is the last major stop before Hilo.

Laupahoehoe Coast

It is definitely worth the 8 minutes off the major road to head down to the coast to see the waves crash at Laupahoehoe lookout.  We were completely mesmerized and enthralled by the power and majesty of the ocean here.  Don’t let the kids get too close to the waves because a big one can come much closer than you expect.  

Akaka Falls State Park 

You’ll quickly figure out why this is the most beautiful waterfall on the island.

At Akaka Falls State park you’ll find a nice parking lot with a super easy, paved 0.4 mile loop trail.  There are a few steps that can be steep, but even our toddlers were able to complete this hike.  It is a peaceful walk through rainforest vegetation and animal life, with several waterfalls to see along the way.   

Cost is $5 for a car to park or $1 per person to walk in.  It’s only open from 8:30-5, but you can walk-in and pay at a machine anytime from sunrise to sunset.

Rainbow Falls and Banyon Trees 

You cant find an easier to access waterfall. You can practically see the whole scene from your car in the parking lot, but of course, I suggest you get out to take a look around the viewing platform and head up the step to get a glimpse of the falls from the top.

At the top of the stairs, if you look to the left (opposite of the waterfall), you’ll set some of the most amazing trees. These trees interweave with each other and have branches that grow to the ground to become roots. This makes it a natural playground for kids. Watch our for bugs in this area. Have bug bite cream on hand.

Hilo 

Hilo seems like an outdated industrial town to me. But the bay area and coastal views were impressive. Hilo is on the rainy side of the island, so expect lots of wetness and the beautiful vegetation that comes along with that. This is a big city to get any supplies you need for the rest of your journey around the island. If you are taking your tour around the island slowly, this is the perfect place to find affordable housing for the night.

Volcano National Park

If you have kids you must take them to this incredible National Park. If they have learned anything about Volcanos, they may be a bit nervous like mine were. Stop in at the visitors center and watch a video about the area. Currently, the volcano is dormant since its recent eruption in 2018.

Check the national park website for current conditions or closures.

Sulpher Pots and Steam Vents 

From the visitors center at Volcano National Park, you can start a short walk along a paved trail to see the Sulpher pots, steam vents and view of the Caldera. Kids will love the interesting sign posts, mineral colors and the steam coming out of the ground from all around. Just make sure they stay on the trail to stay safe!

Thurston Lava Tube

Scheduled to reopen in fall 2020, the Thurston Lava Tube is an excellent hike through a lighted tunnel of dried lava. Its fascinating to imagine how it was formed.

Black Sand Beach  or Punalu’u

You’ve never seen anything like it. The coarse black sand turns the normally turquoise water a dark gorgeous blue. You are almost guaranteed to see large turtles resting on the sand in the bay (stay at least 30 ft away!). The sand will fall right off you as it is large and heavy. You’ll be surprised how long you want to stay and enjoy this beach.

Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

This is a sacred space of refuge. Criminals or those seeking asylum were safe if they could make it to this spot. Here you’ll enjoy the history and culture of the ancient Hawaiian ways. Walk the pathways and enjoy the trees, history and culture of the area. Not to mention the coastal sounds and tide pools.

The cost is $20 / car or free with a national parks pass. This is considered a sacred spot, so no snorkeling or swimming. Dress appropriately.

Snorkling at Two Step  

Even though you cant snorkel and the National Historical Park, the bay right next to it has some of the most incredible snorkeling on the island. There is no beach here, just some rock that step into the ocean.

It was a little tricky for my kids to get into the water as they had to step down rocks as the waves came in and out, but it was worth it for the vast amount of fish swimming close and the clear views.

Little kids will enjoy the protected waters just behind the snorkling area and my toddler couldn’t get enough of climbing around the rocks, water and sand. Just bring some good water shoes and any age can have fun here.

Nāpō’opo’o Pier to see the Captain Cooks Memorial

To get to the actual memorial for Captain Cooks, you need to book a boat tour, or hike a long, steep trail to the area. Our family wasn’t quite old enough for that adventure, so we drove to the other side of the bay to get a far shot of the monument. Let me know if you get lucky enough to see dolphins in the bay as they often come to rest here.

Kona

I’ve been to the Big Island 4 times and have never spent any significant time in Kona.  It blows my mind that some people never leave this area. There is so much beauty and majesty outside of this city!  The beaches in Kona are mediocre, small and crowded.  The rest of the island has so much to offer.  Don’t spend all your time next to the airport. 

That said, there are plenty of more affordable housing options in Kona. But if this is your home base, make sure to spend time getting out to the other spots I highlighted in this article.

We stayed at the Sheraton resort south of Kona and loved all they offered (but there is no beach). I would stay again, just to go on their nightly tour to see Manta Rays just off of their coast!

If you are going around Hawaii with kids, you’ll want to stock up on food. Only 10 minutes from the Airport you will find a Costco. With mainland prices on the islands, you’ll want to get pizza and a few other meals here! When we land, I immediately call in an order for pizza and it is ready right after we get our car rental. Just be prepared for a wait in the outdoor food line.

What else do you love to go around Hawaii with kids? Let me know your favorite sights and I can add them to this list!

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• Why One Day in Hawaii is worth flying for 16 hours.

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