Adventures for Families on the Big Island: Five Unforgettable Experiences!
Maybe you are still in the planning stages of coming to the Big Island on your next family adventure, or maybe you have already booked the flights and are in the stages of figuring out all the things to do for your Big Island family vacation.
Our Hawaii bed and breakfast is family friendly and all our room have a pull out or sofa bed which is great for kids. In addition we put breakfast in your room so you can eat breakfast on kid time and set out early in the morning.
If you are planning to come to the Big Island of Hawaii during your Hawaii family vacation then you are in for a treat! The Big Island, also known as Hawai’i Island, is a paradise for kids with so much to do and see. From stunning beaches and lush rainforests to active volcanoes and unique wildlife, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Here are our top five unforgettable experiences that will make your Big Island family vacation truly special.
1. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The first stop, within a short drive of our Hawaii bed and breakfast is one of the most iconic attractions on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is a must-visit destination for families looking to witness the raw power of nature. Your kids will be fascinated by the active volcanoes, especially Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. You can take guided tours to learn about the geological wonders of the park, walk through lush rainforests, and even witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava after dark. Just remember to check the current volcanic activity and safety guidelines before planning your visit. On your way into the park, stop by the visitors center to pick up a map. Most trails in the park are great for kids of all ages. Some are more challenging so depending on the ages of your kids you might want to ask the rangers which trails you want to check out.
Check out the Junior Ranger program, kids can complete one of the tasks such as a scavenger hunt, or design an arrowhead to get a junior ranger badge. Also ask about the special programs that are going on, some evenings you can join a ranger for “After Dark in the Park’. or complete a hands on activity.
Volcanoes National Park is a great place to take kids. Any lava that is in the caldera can be seen from a distance, hiking trails are well marked, and there are a number of programs catering to kids of all ages to learn about the park.
The lava flow varies from one day, week, or month to the next however when it is flowing the only place to view the lava is in Volcanoes National Park. However, no one can predict when the lava will be flowing. If the lava is active then it is best to see it at night in the park, you can walk to the edge of the caldera and view the lava in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5-13 but people of all ages can participate. For other activities in the park there are no restictions.
2. Snorkel with Sea Turtles at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
If your family loves marine life, then Punalu’u Black Sand Beach the perfect spot for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Snorkeling here offers a chance to get up close and personal with these a variety of turtles. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder as you explore the crystal-clear waters and the vibrant underwater world.
The sea turtles of Hawaii are protected and it is against the law to touch them. you can take photos from a distance and watch then in the shallows or sunbathing on the beach.
We have beach towels to take to the beach, just ask the innkeeper and they will be happy to supply you with beach towels. However, we do not have any floats or snorkeling equipment. There are a number of stores in Hilo that offer equipment for rent and for sale. Check out Hilo Ocean Adventures as one option.
Lifeguards are at the beach every day of the week between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. There is a also a restroom and outdoor shower to clean up before heading back to the bed and breakfast.
3. Discover the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
For a family-friendly adventure that’s both educational and entertaining, pay a visit to the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo. This unique zoo is set within a lush tropical rainforest and is home to a diverse range of animals, including lemurs, tigers, monkeys, and exotic birds. Unlike traditional zoos, Pana’ewa focuses on conservation and creating a natural habitat for its residents. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife and conservation efforts in a beautiful rainforest setting.
The zoo is pretty small so you can plan on just a couple of hours to visit the zoo and experience all the animals. The petting zoo is open on Saturday's only.
There is a playground and a pavilion where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Purchase a picnic bag from the innkeeper for your day trip.
The cost to visit is free, but a donation is suggested to help with the upkeep of the zoo. The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM except for the first Thursday of each month. The Petting Zoo is open every Saturday from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Learn more on their website Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo.
4. Visit a Waterfall
The Big Island of Hawaii has a number of waterfalls, some are only accessible by taking a long hike, or might be unaccessible because they are on private land however Akaka Falls is one that is easy to access, has an fairly easy hike with a 100 foot elevation gain, and is a fun day out with the family. When you arrive at Akaka Falls parking area there is a limited parking so many people park on the road on the way to the falls. There is a small fee ($5.00 per person) to enter and a park ranger is usually available to ask questions there are also restrooms. The walk to the falls is along and easy and paved path through the rain forest, with a few steps in places. Once you get to the falls there is a viewing area you can sit and view the falls. It is also the perfect place to get that photo of the family with the falls in the background. The hike is a loop that you can take to view another falls, or you can also just go back the way you came.
The hike is .4 miles and plan on around 30 minutes. There are multiple steps in places so it is not good for a stroller or wheelchair.
Akaka Falls is 442 feet and drops down into a stream below.
You view the falls from a path at the top of the ridge, there is no access to the bottom of the falls and there is no swimming at the falls.
5. Visit Hilo
Hilo is a fun place to visit and is a good example of a small town in Hawaii, frequented by locals as much as tourists it is a great place to get a good flavor or Hawaiian culture. It is located about a 45 minute drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast. Start our by visiting the Hilo Farmers Market open every day year-round, the market brings vendors large and small from all over the Big Island and the kids will have a fun time trying to guess the names and tasting the variety of of the fruits and vegetables.
Also in Hilo is the Mokupapapa Center with a huge indoor saltwater fish tank it is a great place to explore with kids, especially if it is raining. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Hilo is about a 45 minute drive from Volcano on Hey 11.
Calsmith beach park in Hilo Bay does not have a sandy beach, but it is a good place for snorkeling and swimming. Keep an eye out for local green turtles. There is no beach, but rather a grassy area to sit but the bay is sheltered and waves are small most of the time.
There are a number of places to enjoy lunch and dinner in Hilo. Our favorites are on this blog post - 5 Top Hilo Restaurants.
A family vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii promises adventure, natural beauty, and educational experiences for all ages. Whether you’re exploring volcanoes, snorkeling with sea turtles, tasting locally grown fruits, visiting the rainforest zoo, or simply relaxing on the beach, you’ll create lasting memories that your family will cherish. So, pack your bags, embrace the aloha spirit, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Big Island!