The Ultimate Big Island Family Guide
Planning a trip to the Big Island with kids? This Big Island family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly—from volcanic adventures and stunning beaches to easy snorkeling spots, kid-approved restaurants, and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.
Jump To:
- Top Things to Do
- Best Beaches
- Snorkeling with Kids
- Family Hikes
- Where to Eat
- Regions Overview
- Top-Ranked Family Stays
- Local Tips
- Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Pack
Top Things to Do
The Big Island is an adventure playground, offering epic experiences for all ages. Kids can safely watch lava glow, walk through ancient lava tubes, swim with turtles at black sand beaches, and learn about the stars from one of the best viewpoints on Earth. The island’s sheer diversity makes every day a new adventure.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube and see steam vents.
- Manta Ray Night Snorkel: A truly magical experience for older kids and teens.
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: See a unique black sand beach and spot resting sea turtles.
- Stargazing at Mauna Kea: Visit the Visitor Information Station for a fascinating look at the cosmos.
Best Beaches for Kids
From pristine white sands on the Kohala Coast to unique black and green sand beaches, the Big Island has a beach for every family. Many spots offer calm, shallow waters perfect for toddlers, while others have amenities like lifeguards, picnic tables, and easy parking, making for a stress-free family beach day.
- Hāpuna Beach: A world-famous stretch of white sand with lifeguards and facilities.
- Spencer Beach Park: Very calm, protected water makes it one of the safest swimming spots for toddlers.
- Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam): Gentle, lagoon-like waters in the heart of Kona, perfect for little ones.
Top Ranked Family Stays
The Big Island offers fantastic family-friendly resorts with massive pools, kids’ clubs, and cultural activities, as well as vacation rentals that provide more space and kitchens. Most family lodging is concentrated on the sunny Kona and Kohala coasts, offering easy access to top beaches and attractions.
- Hilton Waikoloa Village: A destination in itself with trams, boats, multiple pools, and a dolphin lagoon.
- Fairmont Orchid: Luxury resort known for its calm, protected snorkeling bay and excellent cultural programs.
- Kona/Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals: Condos and homes offer kitchens and extra space for families.
Snorkeling with Kids
The Big Island boasts some of the best and most accessible snorkeling in Hawaii. Many spots are perfect for beginners, with calm, clear water and abundant marine life right off the shore. You can easily see turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral, often in shallow, protected bays.
- Kahaluʻu Beach Park: A top spot for beginners with easy entry and countless fish.
- Two Step (Hōnaunau Bay): Exceptional water clarity and home to dolphins and turtles.
- Kealakekua Bay: A protected marine sanctuary, best reached by boat or kayak tour, with world-class snorkeling.
Family-Friendly Hikes
The Big Island’s diverse terrain offers incredible family hikes through lush rainforests, across dramatic volcanic landscapes, and down to secluded beaches. Many trails are short, paved, or have gentle grades, making them accessible for little legs. It’s the best way to witness the island’s unique natural wonders up close.
- Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): An easy, 0.4-mile loop through a rainforest and a 500-year-old lava tube.
- Akaka Falls State Park: A paved, 0.4-mile loop offering views of two spectacular waterfalls.
- Pololū Valley Trail: A short but steep hike down to a stunning black sand beach and ironwood forest.
Where to Eat
Finding kid-friendly food on the Big Island is easy, thanks to its laid-back vibe and abundance of casual eateries. From shave ice stands and farmers’ markets to waterfront restaurants with ono (delicious) grinds, there are plenty of spots where families can enjoy fresh, local food in a relaxed setting without breaking the bank.
- Huggo’s On the Rocks: Casual dining with your toes in the sand and a menu that pleases all ages.
- Island Lava Java: Great for breakfast or lunch with locations in Kona and Waikoloa, offering something for everyone.
- Broke Da Mouth Grindz: Serves up fantastic local-style plate lunches that are perfect for a quick, filling meal.
- Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.: A must-try treat for kids (and adults!) with multiple locations.
Regional Breakdown
The Big Island is split into distinct climate zones. The west (Kona & Kohala) is sunny and dry, famous for resorts and coffee farms. The east (Hilo) is wet and lush, home to rainforests and waterfalls. Understanding the regions helps you plan your activities and minimize driving time.
- Kona (West) – Sunny, great snorkeling, coffee farms, lively town
- Kohala Coast (Northwest) – Best beaches, luxury resorts, golf courses
- Hilo (East) – Lush rainforests, waterfalls, near Volcanoes National Park
Local Tips
We have tried to assemble the best tips from locals in this Big Island Family Guide.
Embrace the Diverse Microclimates & Pack Accordingly: The Big Island truly lives up to its name, with a remarkable range of climates. Locals advise packing layers!
- Kona Side (West): Expect sunny, dry weather and beautiful beaches. Pack light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Hilo Side (East): This side is lush and rainy, with waterfalls and rainforests. Bring a light rain jacket, insect repellent, and potentially warmer layers if heading inland.
- Higher Elevations (Mauna Kea/Volcanoes National Park): It gets significantly colder at higher altitudes. A light jacket or even a warmer layer is essential, even if you don’t plan to go to the very top of Mauna Kea.
Prioritize Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Water Shoes:
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: This is a huge deal in Hawaii. The state has banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Locals strongly urge visitors to use mineral-based, reef-safe options. You can easily find them at local stores.
- Reef Shoes/Water Shoes: Many beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots have rocky entrances or coral. Water shoes protect your feet from cuts and sea urchins.
Don’t Miss the Culinary Local Gems (Beyond Luaus): While luaus are fun, look for authentic local flavors.
- Farmer’s Markets: Hit up the local farmers’ markets (like the Wednesday Keauhou or Sunday Kona markets, or the Hilo Farmers Market) for fresh tropical fruits, baked goods (malasadas are a must-try!), and local snacks.
- Local Eateries: Ask locals for their favorite casual spots. You’ll find delicious fresh seafood and Hawaiian fusion cuisine. For authentic Hawaiian, try places like Kaaloa’s Super Js.
- Malasadas & Shave Ice: These Hawaiian treats are kid-approved. Punalu’u Bake Shop is famous for its malasadas, and One Aloha in Kona is a popular spot for shave ice.
Plan for Downtime & Be Flexible:
- Pace Yourselves: The Big Island offers so much, but don’t overschedule. Kids get tired, and unexpected stops are part of the adventure.
- Schedule Daily Downtime: Even an hour of relaxation at your accommodation can make a big difference.
- “Car Bag”: Keep a bag in the car with towels, a change of clothes, snacks, and water for impromptu beach stops or quick hikes.
Respect the Land and Culture (Aloha ‘Aina):
- Observe Wildlife from a Distance: Keep your distance from turtles (Honu) and monk seals (Pili Kai). Do not touch or feed them.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Leave beaches and natural areas cleaner than you found them. Don’t take rocks or sand.
- “Shaka” Hand Sign: Locals often use the “shaka” (thumb and pinky extended) as a friendly gesture, especially when letting someone into traffic. Using it shows respect and good aloha.
- Waipi’o Valley vs. Pololu Valley: While Waipi’o Valley is famous, locals often recommend Pololu Valley for visitors looking for a black sand beach and a nice, shorter hike, as Waipi’o can be very busy and impact local residents’ access.
Seek Out Unique Experiences (Beyond the Obvious):
- Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: A significant cultural site that offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian history and practices.
- Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm: A unique and educational experience, especially for kids interested in marine life.
- Kona Sea Salt Farm: Learn about Hawaii’s only salt farm.
- Hidden Craters Hike: Consider a guided tour to access private lands for unique volcanic formations and lava tubes.
- Mauna Kea Stargazing: Even if you can’t drive to the summit, the Visitor Information Station offers incredible stargazing opportunities with volunteers often providing insights. Remember to acclimate to the altitude.
Other tips:
- Driving is on the right side of the road.
- Currency is USD; credit cards are widely accepted.
- Standard U.S. power plugs and voltage.
- Respect the ʻāina (land) by not taking rocks or sand and giving wildlife space.
- “VOG” (volcanic smog) can affect air quality, so check conditions if you have respiratory issues.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit the Big Island are during the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is peak season and brings whale watching opportunities. The Kona side is generally drier and sunnier year-round than the Hilo side.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential. The Big Island is vast, and public transportation is not practical for visitors. You can fly into Kona (KOA) on the west side or Hilo (ITO) on the east. Be prepared for long but scenic drives between attractions—it can take over two hours to drive from Kona to Hilo.
Rent a Car – It’s a Must! The Big Island is vast, and public transportation is limited. A rental car is essential for exploring.
- Consider an SUV or Minivan: Especially with a family, you’ll appreciate the extra space for luggage, beach gear, and car seats.
- Book Ahead: Rental cars, especially larger ones, can book up quickly, particularly during peak seasons.
- Add 30-50% to Drive Times: Roads can be winding, and you’ll want to stop for scenic overlooks or quick breaks with kids. “Island time” is real!
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards
- Water shoes for rocky shorelines
- Sturdy walking shoes for hiking on lava rock
- A light jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings and high altitudes
- Binoculars for whale watching or viewing distant lava flows
- Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
We hope you found this Big Island family guide useful. For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on the Big Island.