If you might be searching for an genuine Hawaiian expertise, begin with a visit to Hawai’i, or the “Big Island” as it’s referred to as. There are loads of issues to do on the Big Island with children, together with family-friendly actions like water parks, snorkeling with Manta Rays, and dolphin encounters at among the massive lodges.
Since we have been staying on the (quickly to be reopened as a Rosewood Hotel) Kona Village Resort and renting a automotive to discover the island, we targeted on really epic issues to do on Hawai’i with children.
Why Choose to Visit the Big Island of Hawai’i
The first query it’s worthwhile to ask when planning a visit to Hawaii is, what islands do I need to go to? The Hawaiian Islands are made up of eight main islands — Hawai’i, Maui, Oahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaho’alowe. However, when most individuals speak about going to Hawaii, they’re typically pondering of the island of Oahu, probably the most populated island of the Hawaiian archipelago.
To reply the query of which islands to go to, you first want to determine three issues: 1) how lengthy do it’s important to go to; 2) what do you need to see or do; and three) what’s your finances (learn the way a lot a journey to Hawaii prices.)
We selected to go to the Big Island of Hawai’i as a result of we knew we solely had 12 days of trip time together with journey from the East Coast. Given the time constraints, we actually might solely see two islands on this journey. If you have got extra time, you should utilize this Big Island 7 day Hawaii itinerary.
If you have got extra trip time, or you might be flying from the West Coast or a metropolis that gives direct flights to Maui, you might need extra choices. Next in our decision-making course of got here our listing of bucket listing actions. The primary factor that each one of us needed to do was see a stay volcano. And there is just one place within the Hawaiian Islands to see a stay volcano and that’s on the island of Hawai’i, or The Big Island, as it’s in any other case referred to as.
6 Amazing Things to do on the Big Island with Kids
1. Take a day journey to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the one place in Hawai’i the place you’re going to see a stay volcano (or no less than the steam from one.) But bear in mind, this isn’t a man-made attraction so there aren’t any ensures. Be positive to verify the U.S. Geological Survey web site earlier than you go to see what the current exercise is like.
The park is massive, and until you want rain, in all probability on the other aspect of the island from the place you might be staying so be ready for a protracted day journey. (It took about 2.5-3 hours to drive from Kona.) Also, needless to say it’s a lot cooler right here than on the opposite aspect of the island so you will want to deliver a sweatshirt/raincoat and durable sneakers. Hilo, simply north of Volcanoes National Park is among the wettest cities within the United States with over 200 inches of rain per yr.
There is loads to do inside Volcanoes National Park so in case you haven’t gotten a picnic lunch, you in all probability need to get one thing to eat earlier than coming into the park.
Your first cease upon coming into the park must be the Kilauea Visitor Center to get the lay of the land and put collectively your plan on what points of interest you need to see. Depending on the age of your children and their bodily health, there are a selection of hikes and actions to select from. The Volcanoes National Park Things to Do web page additionally offers you a good suggestion of what sights to see relying on how lengthy you need to spend within the park.
We did the Crater Rim Drive tour, which brings you previous most of the principal websites and a bit of the caldera. From the Kilauea Overlook you will get some glorious views of the steaming caldera. Next up have been the steam vents and sulfur banks. Standing close to the steam vents was like getting a facial, however the baby wasn’t so positive she appreciated it.
A little bit additional down the highway, we stopped to discover the Thurston Lava Tube. We have been amazed by the vegetation. You go from such a desolate panorama to a lush rainforest. After a 20-minute stroll, we reached the lava tube. While lit for a portion of the tube, it was nonetheless a bit darkish so it’s worthwhile to watch out the place you stroll.
Following the Lava Tube, we went from lush to dry with a 1/2 mile hike (every approach) alongside the Devastation Trail. Along the best way, we saved our eyes out for Nene, a goose that’s the official state fowl of Hawai’i. From Devastation Trail, we took a hike to see the Keanakako’i Crater.
See extra issues to do in Volcanoes National Park.
2. Go for a helicopter experience
Probably the perfect (or no less than the simplest) option to see the volcano, and the wonderful Waipio waterfalls is from the air. A helicopter experience is a little bit of a splurge, however let’s face it, so is a visit to Hawai’i so getting a greater peek on the volcano you got here to see might be price it.
We took the Volcanoes and Waterfalls tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. I did get a little bit of vertigo, particularly sitting up entrance (they distribute you in line with weight), particularly zooming across the waterfalls, however it was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise I’d not have needed to overlook.
3. Take a hike to Akaka Falls
If you need to rise up near waterfalls and the fauna of Hawai’i, you may need to take a hike to Akaka Falls. Located simply north of Hilo, you will discover the gorgeous Akaka Falls.
With only a brief hike into the park, you will note bamboo forests and all forms of vegetation, in addition to get a close-up view of the falls. The tour will solely take about an hour, so it’s a good option to high off a go to to Volcanoes National Park or a day journey to Hilo.
4. Go Star Gazing
Mauna Kea, the best peak in Hawai’i, is definitely twice the scale of Mt. Everest if measured from the ocean ground. As you possibly can think about, a peak of that top affords some wonderful star gazing however getting there’s a massive dedication.
First off, the observatories are at 13,000 ft so it isn’t suggested for youngsters below 13. Our would-be astronomer was upset by this information. However, even younger astronomers can go to the Visitor Information Center for the nightly star-gazing program or go to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo (at the moment restricted to Hawaiian residents).
If you might be touring to the highest, be ready by studying what it’s worthwhile to do to go to the summit and convey heat garments! Just driving by this large volcano is inspiring. I can nonetheless bear in mind the mantra our daughter made after viewing Mauna Kea out the automotive window because it haunted us all through the journey, “Mauna Kea, Mauna Kea, Mauna Kea boom boom.”
5. Go horseback using with Hawaiian cowboys
That’s proper, cowboys, in Hawai’i. To see them, journey as much as the Waimea space and be taught the paniolo traditions or perhaps take a horseback experience. Our go to to Waimea was in the dead of night touring again from Akaka Falls and capped off by an excellent meal at Merriman’s (most of which was raised or grown on the ranches close by).
However, if we went again now, my daughter would have insisted on performing some horseback using at Dahana Ranch or Parker Ranch the place we might have gotten to see a few of these waterfalls we spied within the Waipi’o Valley by helicopter up shut.
6. Attend a Luau
If the Big Island is the one Hawaiian island you might be visiting, you’ll want to ensure you squeeze in a luau. We had a good time on the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel’s Island Breeze Luau. Just needless to say every luau solely runs on sure nights so you should definitely plan your journey itinerary to accommodate no less than one luau throughout your keep in Hawai’i.
Other Recommended Places to Eat
Flying out and in of Oahu? Be positive to take a look at these must-dos in Oahu in your approach. Need extra concepts, my pal Karilyn has 13 must-try issues to do on the Big Island.