Planning a family trip to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi? This guide breaks down the island by region to help parents choose the best places to stay and things to do with kids—from toddler-friendly beaches to volcano adventures and scenic hikes.
The Big Island (officially named Hawaiʻi Island) is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands, offering incredibly diverse climates, terrain, and activities. Families can explore everything from black sand beaches and lava tubes to lush rainforests and historic towns. With six main regions—Kona, Kohala, Hilo, Hamakua, Puna, and Kaʻū—there’s no one-size-fits-all experience here. Instead, families should think about what kind of vacation they want: beach-focused, nature-heavy, or a bit of everything.
Have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island?
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
This post is a full breakdown of each region so parents can find the best fit for their family’s trip.
Quick Geography of the Big Island
The Big Island makes up 63% of Hawaii’s total landmass—larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. It’s still growing thanks to its five volcanoes, including the famous Kilauea.
Like the other islands, it has two sides:
- Leeward (west) side: drier, sunnier, and home to popular beach destinations like Kona and Kohala.
- Windward (east) side: wetter, greener, and home to lush rainforests and waterfalls around Hilo and Hamakua.
Each side and each region offer something different, especially when it comes to family travel.
Kona: Best for Families Who Want Beaches, Snorkeling, and Sun
Location: West side (leeward)
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, coffee farm tours, calm weather
Closest Airport: Kona International Airport (KOA)
Kona is one of the most popular places for families to stay on the Big Island. It’s home to swimmable beaches, family-friendly snorkeling spots, and a sunny climate year-round.
Top family experiences in Kona:
- Relax at Kahaluu Beach Park for easy snorkeling with kids
- Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to explore Hawaiian culture and history
- Take a family-friendly snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay (check our snorkeling guide to Kona)
- Explore Kona’s famous coffee farms (some offer quick tours suitable for kids)
- Enjoy shave ice and stroll through Kailua Village for casual meals and shopping
Family-friendly tip: Kona’s coastline is mostly lava rock, so it’s worth knowing which beaches are sandy. See our full post on the best beaches in Kona for families.
Kohala: Best for Resort Stays and White Sand Beaches
Location: Northwest coast
Best for: Luxury resorts, sandy beaches, day trips to cowboy towns
Popular Beaches: Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach
The Kohala Coast—sometimes called the “Gold Coast”—is known for its five-star resorts and wide sandy beaches. It’s great for families looking to stay in one spot with lots of amenities. Many resorts have kids’ clubs, shallow pools, and on-site dining.
Top family experiences in Kohala:
- Spend the day at Hapuna Beach, one of the largest and most beautiful beaches on the island
- Visit Waimea, a paniolo (cowboy) town with farmers markets and horseback riding
- Hike to Pololu Valley Lookout for stunning views (short hike, but can be steep—use caution with young kids)
- Walk through Puako Petroglyph Park to see ancient Hawaiian rock carvings
Note for parents: In winter, waves can be rough on some Kohala beaches. Always check ocean conditions before swimming with kids.
Hilo: Best for Exploring Rainforests, Waterfalls, and Volcanoes
Location: East side (windward)
Best for: Waterfalls, botanical gardens, museums, access to Volcanoes National Park
Closest Airport: Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Hilo is the largest town on the windward side and serves as a hub for exploring the lush side of the island. While rain is more common here, the landscape is stunning and green year-round.
Top family experiences in Hilo:
- Visit ʻAkaka Falls State Park for a short walk to one of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls
- Walk through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style park with bridges and koi ponds
- Stop at the Pacific Tsunami Museum to learn about local history and natural disasters
- Explore the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh fruit, crafts, and snacks
- Visit Rainbow Falls, a quick stop right in Hilo town
Family travel tip: Hilo is a good base for exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which is about 45 minutes away.
Hamakua Coast: Best for Scenic Drives and Waterfall Views
Location: Northeast coast
Best for: Road trips, scenic viewpoints, Waipio Valley
Landscape: Rainforest, cliffs, waterfalls
The drive along the Hamakua Coast is one of the most scenic on the island. This area is less developed and more about nature than tourist attractions, but it’s great for families who enjoy scenic drives, gentle hikes, and outdoor exploring.
Top family experiences along the Hamakua Coast:
- Take a scenic drive from Hilo to Honokaʻa
- Visit Waipiʻo Valley Lookout for a view of the valley and coastline
- Stop at Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park for a dramatic, rocky beach
- Tour the Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, which has stroller-friendly trails
- Visit small towns like Papaʻaloa and Honokaʻa for low-key food and local culture
Puna: Best for Families Interested in Lava Fields and Unique Landscapes
Location: Southeast of Hilo
Best for: Lava views, off-the-beaten-path nature, eco-tourism
Puna is where nature feels raw and alive. The area has been reshaped by lava flows in recent decades, and families can see where the island is literally growing.
Top family experiences in Puna:
- Walk the Lava Tree State Monument, with fascinating formations shaped by lava
- Visit Isaac Hale Beach Park, a beach and picnic area formed by a 2018 lava flow
- Drive through Pāhoa, a small town with quirky shops and casual dining
- Visit the Kalapana lava fields and scenic coastline nearby
- See black sand and volcanic rock formations that feel otherworldly
Caution for families: The landscape here is beautiful but remote. Cell service can be limited, and some hikes are not suitable for young children.
Kaʻū: Best for Black Sand Beaches and Volcano Viewing
Location: Southern tip of the island
Best for: Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, quiet nature
Kaʻū is the island’s most rural region and often skipped by tourists, but it’s rich in natural beauty and geological history. It’s a great area to visit with kids who enjoy hiking, wide-open space, and learning about volcanoes.
Top family experiences in Kaʻū:
- Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where families often spot sea turtles basking on the sand
- Drive through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to see steam vents, crater views, and ancient lava fields (learn how to visit with kids here)
- Walk a short portion of the Kīlauea Iki Trail or the Sulphur Banks Trail, both good for families
- Stop at a local macadamia nut farm or coffee farm for snacks and quick tours
What families won’t find in Kaʻū: Big resorts, nightlife, or shopping malls. This is the place to unplug and explore.
Final Tips for Visiting the Big Island with Kids
- Rent a car. The island is huge, and public transportation is very limited.
- Plan around driving. It can take 1.5–2 hours to drive between major regions.
- Split your stay between Kona (for beaches) and Hilo (for nature and volcanoes) if you want to explore both sides.
- Pack layers. Temperatures vary by elevation—Mauna Kea can be freezing even if it’s hot on the beach.
- Book in advance. Many popular tours and accommodations fill up fast, especially during school breaks.
Related Posts for Planning Your Trip:
Have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island?
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Big Island.
