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Kidz Eye View of Hawaii's Big Island

“Big Fun on the Big Island”

by Janis Hashe
Waterfall on hike with FairWind
Waterfall on hike with FairWind
 

The island of Hawaii is a family paradise.

Where in the U.S. can your family hike across a volcano's caldera, snorkel with eagle rays in a safe lagoon, and play with dolphins a few steps from your hotel room? The answer is Hawaii's Big Island — called this by almost everyone to distinguish it from the state. Whether this is your family's first or 50th trip to Hawaii, the Big Island deserves serious consideration as a destination.

First recommendation: Fly Hawaiian Airlines to get there. After many visits to the Aloha State, one of my first pleasures each time is drinking a cup of guava juice while looking at the lovely videos of what I'm about to experience. This is fun for kids as well — it's where the trip really starts. Direct flights to Kona are available from some cities, and in any case, it's a short and easy "island hop" from Honolulu once you arrive. (Hint: when you've rented a car and are driving along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway (19), look for signs designating the resort area, such as "Waikoloa," not the individual hotels.)

Where to Stay in Kona-Kohala

The Kona-Kohala coast is the Big Island's most popular visitor stop because of its year-round sunshine. You'll have your choice of many superb hotels and resorts, but three of the most family-friendly are the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Orchid at Mauna Lani and The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Dolphin QuestFamous for its Dolphin Quest program (to participate, register as far in advance as possible), the 1,240-room Hilton Waikoloa sits on 62 acres and includes a four-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon and beach that's a kid's delight. Kayaks and paddleboats are available to use in the lagoon. As for the Dolphin Quest itself, priority is given to children and teens (adults are chosen by lottery). Marine mammal experts guide participants through a half-hour of playing with and learning about the dolphins. A portion of the proceeds is donated to marine conservation, education and research. (Visit the program at www.dolphinquest.org.)

Dolphin QuestThe Hilton Waikoloa also offers an extensive children's program, called Camp Menehume, for ages 5 to 12, in which kids explore the entire property one day at a time. A perk for parents: the beautiful and well-equipped Kohala Spa, which features, among many other treatments, naturopathic therapy by Dr. Wayne McCarthy, N.D. I highly recommend the soothing, healing treatments — a perfect way to completely unwind.


The lovely setting of the Orchid at Mauna Lani will delight the whole family. Especially popular is the sheltered cove on the Pacific, where even the smallest can play in safety. The luxury hotel's 539 rooms feature gorgeous views, and the site is adjacent to the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, which contains more than 3,000 of the ancient rock etchings. The Mauna Lani's Keiki Aloha children's program includes the Kids Eat Free feature, which means one complimentary kid's meal per paying adult per day (kids must be younger than age 12). Parental option: the Spa Without Walls, where you can enjoy an outdoor massage in the privacy of your own cabana next to a waterfall. (Note: Don't miss the live Hawaiian music provided at The Orchid Court and Brown's Beach House!)

Beach at The Four SeasonsAt the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the Four Seasons' tradition of great kids' clubs is maintained by the Hawaiian version of its Kids for All Seasons program. The resort has a pool created specially for children, and activities include tide-pool explorations, gecko hunts — and, found nowhere else, feeding the eagle rays in the resort's own enclosed lagoon. The Four Seasons' 243 rooms are complete with completely private outdoor showers in addition to the luxurious bathrooms. (Kids love these.) You might also spot a protected sea turtle basking on the hotel's beach. Another great feature: the Cultural Center, which offers insight into Hawaiian culture and arts, and frequently presents live demonstrations and performances.

No End to Things to Do

From horseback riding to learning to surf, the Big Island offers endless activity options. Several of the best are:

  • A hike with Hawaiian Walkways. Looking out over the Halawa Valley on hikeHugh and Kaulana Montgomery have spent years developing their trails and routes, and as knowledgeable guides, will answer every question about the history, culture, and flora and fauna of each area. A wonderful half-day hike for families with kids 8 and older is the Waipi`o Waterfall Adventure, during which hikers skirt the rim of the historic Waipi`o Valley. The views must be seen to be believed.

  • Getting ready to go out on the Catamaran, second boat backA catamaran cruise with FairWind to the Kealakekua Marine Preserve. Once there, everyone swims and snorkels in the clear water — except those who would rather spend their time sliding down the catamaran's water slide. Water up the nose, watch out!

  • A hike, either on your own or guided, through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. To get to this park, you must drive to the other end of the island. Plan to take your time and breakfast or lunch in Hilo, another world from the Kona coast. You can book tours in advance through companies such as Hawaii Forest and Trail — or just explore on your own on one of the park's many clearly designated trails. Walking over the caldera created by the Kilauea Volcano is, as many have said, like walking on another planet — a desolate, lava-formed landscape stretches out for miles. Be aware that while you can visit Halema'uma'u Crater at anytime, glimpses of lava flow are not guaranteed.

    Volcano caldera at Volcano National ParkSince you're on that end of the island, plan to stay overnight — or a couple of nights — at the charming Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village not far from the park. This bed-and-breakfast welcomes children, who will adore the hearty breakfasts served in a dining room highlighted by a magnificent stone fireplace that bears emblems from throughout the world. The restaurant is considered the best on this end of the island, so be sure and make dinner reservations if you want to experience chef/owner Albert Jeyte's cuisine.

    (Note: If you make a trip to the Big Island in December, the Kilauea Lodge is a must — if only for its justly famous stocking decoration contest, in which guests vote for their favorite.)

There are literally hundreds of other family activity options on the Big Island. (For information, see "Resources" below.) One thing's for sure: No one will be bored — and everyone might get a glimpse of a different Hawaii.

Big Island Resources

— Janis Hashe

Janis Hashe is a freelance writer specializing in travel and the performing arts. Recent adventures have included biking in France, rappelling in Utah, and getting stuck in the ice for 24 hours off Quebec.

NOTE: The prices listed above were accurate as of posting; we suggest you call for current rates before your trip.


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