The Big Island of Hawaii offers a treasure trove of trails perfect for families who love to explore. From easy nature strolls to adventurous treks, the island’s diverse landscapes promise unforgettable memories for kids and adults alike. Here is a detailed look at some of the best family-friendly trails on the Big Island, complete with trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, trail lengths, and notes on age suitability and stroller friendliness.
Before we dive in, have you seen our ranked lists on Big Island? They might offer more context and helpful information.
Discover the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly excursions on Big Island
Kid friendly beaches on Big Island
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: Partially
Located inside Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube trail leads through a lush rainforest and into a massive, illuminated lava tube formed hundreds of years ago. The short, paved path is suitable for young children, although stairs at the entrance to the lava tube mean strollers must be carried or left at the top. It’s a magical experience that blends adventure with geology.
‘Ākaka Falls Trail
- Trail Length: 0.4 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: No (some stairs)
Set within ‘Ākaka Falls State Park, this short paved loop winds through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo groves, wild orchids, and towering ferns. The highlight is the dramatic 442-foot ‘Ākaka Falls. The path is relatively easy, though the series of stairs make it less suitable for strollers. Young hikers will enjoy spotting tiny waterfalls along the way.
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (City of Refuge)
- Trail Length: Short interconnected paths
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: Yes
This sacred cultural site offers flat, well-maintained paths perfect for a stroller-friendly cultural walk. Families can explore ancient Hawaiian temples, royal fishponds, and reconstructed traditional homes while learning about history through interpretive signs and ranger talks. Tidepools nearby often host sea turtles basking in the sun.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
- Trail Length: 4 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Stroller Friendly: No
This unique trail descends through rainforest into a crater that was once a bubbling lake of lava in 1959. Kids will be fascinated by the steaming vents and cracked crater floor. The full loop is moderately strenuous with elevation changes, but older children with hiking experience will love the otherworldly landscape. Mornings offer cooler temperatures.
Kaōlepe‘a Nature Trail (Kaōp Nature Trail)
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: No (rooty and uneven)
Tucked within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, this short trail is often overlooked but provides a peaceful stroll through native ōhi’a forests and ancient lava flows. Interpretive signs help families learn about the native plant and bird species. The uneven terrain makes strollers challenging.
Waipi‘o Valley Lookout
- Trail Length: Short walk to lookout; steep 3-mile hike to valley floor (optional)
- Difficulty: Easy to strenuous
- Recommended Age: Lookout for all ages; hike for 10+
- Stroller Friendly: Lookout only
The Waipi‘o Lookout offers breathtaking views of one of Hawaii’s most sacred valleys, complete with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Families can enjoy the lookout area with young children, but hiking down to the valley floor requires a steep trek best suited for older kids and teens. The road is steep and often slippery.
Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail
- Trail Length: 0.6 miles one way to the beach
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended Age: 6+
- Stroller Friendly: No
This short but steep trail descends to a stunning black sand beach surrounded by cliffs. Kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge will find the views and beach well worth the effort. The trail can be muddy after rain, so good shoes are essential.
Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: Yes
This important historic site tells the story of King Kamehameha and the unification of Hawaii. Families can walk an easy, paved trail around the ancient temple, with scenic views of the coast. Interpretive panels and ranger programs bring history to life for young visitors.
Kaimū Black Sand Beach and Lava Viewing
- Trail Length: 0.7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: No
Created by a 1990 lava flow, Kaimū’s black sand beach is a fascinating place where new land continues to emerge. A short trail crosses lava fields dotted with young coconut palms. It’s a surreal landscape, safe for careful exploration, but the rough surface isn’t stroller-friendly.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea Beach)
- Trail Length: 5.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Stroller Friendly: No
A rare geological wonder, Papakōlea’s olive-colored sand is composed of the mineral olivine. The hike to the beach follows a dry, windswept coastal trail with little shade. Families need to bring water, hats, and sunscreen. The final descent to the beach is steep and sandy.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (Pū‘ākala Unit Trail)
- Trail Length: 1 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended Age: 6+
- Stroller Friendly: No
Accessible only by permit or guided tours, this high-elevation rainforest is a sanctuary for native Hawaiian birds. Families will walk among towering koa trees and listen for the calls of rare honeycreepers. The trail is uneven and occasionally muddy, so appropriate footwear is a must.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
- Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: 5+
- Stroller Friendly: No
This fascinating trail winds through a dry forest to a lava field carved with over 3,000 ancient petroglyphs. Kids will love spotting human figures, animals, and mysterious symbols etched into the stone. The trail can be hot and rocky, so morning visits are best.
Old Kona Airport Beach Walk
- Trail Length: Variable; beach park area
- Difficulty: Easy
- Recommended Age: All ages
- Stroller Friendly: Yes
Once an airport runway, this broad, flat area now serves as a beach park. Families can enjoy easy strolls along the old runway, explore tide pools, and relax at picnic pavilions. It’s one of the most stroller-friendly beach walks on the island, with plenty of open space for kids to play.
Exploring the Big Island on foot offers countless opportunities for families to connect with nature, culture, and adventure. Whether chasing waterfalls, walking across lava fields, or discovering ancient Hawaiian sites, these hikes create memories that will last a lifetime.
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.
