Things to Do on the Big Island in February With Family
While many families flock to O'ahu or Maui on their Hawaiian holiday, savvy family travelers know that the lower key vibe of Hawaii's Big Island tin can offer just the R&R they seek. My married man'due south family has been vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii on the Kohala Coast since he was a child. When I joined the family nearly 15 years ago, it quickly became the Hawaiian island destination I visited almost.
We recently returned from a full week of travel to the Big Island with our ii kids. Although our daughter had been twice before, this was our 5 year old son'southward first visit to the Large Island. I decided it's long overdue for me to share a decade and a half'due south knowledge about this magnificent island destination with Trips With Tykes readers!
Hither are all the essentials you need to know when planning a trip to the Large Island of Hawaii with kids – from what to exercise to where to stay, with lots of tips in between!
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Flight to Hawaii'southward Large Island
Unlike Oahu and Maui, the Large Island tin exist a Hawaiian destination that can be a bit harder to reach, especially for East Coasters. Every fourth dimension we have been, Californians and other Westward Coasters seem to make up the bulk of the clientele. With non-end flights from every major California airport and West Coast cities like SEA and PDX, this is no surprise. In that location are no non-stops from fifty-fifty Chicago or New York airports, so travelers from the residual of the country are going to need to connect somewhere to get to the Big Isle. But I hope that a connection is well worth information technology.
In that location are two commercial airports on the Large Island. Visitors from the mainland will almost e'er arrive into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Drome at Keahole (KOA or ofttimes just "Kona Airdrome"). The other aerodrome, Hilo International (ITO) is served from LAX only and generally receives inter-island flights. KOA is served from the United States by United, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Delta. Look for Southwest Airlines to first its Hawaii flights later in 2019.
KOA is an open air airport and the weather is quite warm yr circular. I recommend dressing in layers on your flight then you lot can switch into your island attire and be comfortable upon landing. All the major car rental companies are accessible via shuttle service and very close by. Weekly car rentals at KOA tin be fairly inexpensive. My family unit uses Autoslash to look for deals, but oftentimes find great rates with Costco Travel, which enables us to have an additional driver included at no extra cost (and for those of yous who take kids of car seat age, remember the free motorcar seat AAA membership benefit with Hertz!).
Uber or Lyft were only merely allowed to operate at KOA for pickups as of February one, 2019. But there'southward no indication at that place are enough ride share drivers on the island to brand this a viable ground transportation option at all. Program on using a cab or pre-booked hotel shuttle if y'all don't rent a car.
Big Isle Geography & Basics
The Large Island is the newest of the Hawaiian islands, with much more ongoing volcanic activity and lots of newer lava flows. Flying into KOA, yous'll spot petty simply blackness stone. Many a visitor's hopes and dreams of a vacation on a lush tropical island accept been dashed by this starting time look. Even the drive away from the airdrome looks barren. But never fear. The resorts are tropical oases in a ocean of black lava that make for an specially intriguing dissimilarity.
Every bit its proper noun makes obvious, the Big Island is indeed larger than the other islands of Hawaii. That means you'll need more time to see information technology all if that is your goal. Almost visitors choice one side of the island – Kona or Hilo – and focus their activities there. Travelers from the mainland tend to spend the most time on the western (Kona/Kohala) side of the isle where the major resorts are located. To bulldoze from the resorts on the Kohala Coast to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, for case, volition take well over two hours. Roads can be winding, and so day trippers should be prepared and realistic about bulldoze times.
What family travelers will love nearly the Big Island is the reliable conditions, at to the lowest degree on the Kona and Kohala side. That area gets very footling rainfall, so you can count on blue skies and embankment days for nearly every day of your vacation. High temperatures are usually in the low 80s twelvemonth round, with the evening lows around 70.
Where to Stay on the Big Island: The Best Large Island Hotels for Families
Family travelers to the Large Island will find no shortage of magnificent hotel properties. Hawaii is certainly more than expensive than many travel destinations, but there are withal quality resorts for more modest budgets every bit well. And for luxury travelers, the options are quite extensive. Here are the hotels that work all-time for families on the Big Island:
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
As one of the 4 Seasons' flagship properties (and the most expensive hotel on the Big Island), this is an obvious hotel choice for luxury loving family travelers. The Iv Seasons signature service abounds, and families will love that a kids club for children ages five-12 is included in the price. The hotel's location is more convenient for airdrome access and activities in and effectually the village of Kailua-Kona as well. The resort is known more for its pools than its beach, so it may non fit the pecker as well if you lot prefer to spend more of your time on the sand and in the surf.
2. Mauna Kea Embankment Hotel
This is the hotel for luxury seekers who appreciate a hotel with history. The Mauna Kea Embankment Hotel is one of the the original "Rock Resorts" founded by Laurance Rockefeller in the mid-1960s. It is located on one of the Large Isle's best beaches which is highly swimmable for families. The Mauna Kea is at present a Marriott Autograph Drove belongings, then points-loving travelers tin can earn and spend a valuable loyalty currency hither. My blood brother-in-law was just married at this hotel concluding yr, so my family unit spent an entire calendar week and tin recommend it highly.
3. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Located in the middle of Male monarch Kamehameha'southward royal fish ponds, the setting of this hotel is dramatic. My family has visited the Mauna Lani Bay more times than all other hotels on the Big Isle combined. The hotel had definitely slipped over the years, only a new possessor is at the captain. Information technology's currently undergoing a major (and much-needed) renovation, and volition reopen equally an Auberge resort in late 2019. All signs signal to the fact that the hotel is going to exist a Kohala Coast forcefulness to exist reckoned with one time again, aimed directly at the Iv Seasons Hualalai and Mauna Kea clientele. I'm hoping to be there as before long as I can subsequently it opens with a total report!
4. Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa has the virtually hustle and bustle of any area of the Big Isle (but not too much), so I always recommend this expanse highly for families who like to stay busy. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the largest property in the area, featuring three pools with waterfalls, a 175 foot waterslide, an on-site luau, a swim with the dolphins experience, and lots of shopping. Transportation-loving kids will admire the canal boats and trams that serve the practical part of getting you lot effectually the large resort only are also an activity unto themselves. The resort too has a kids social club called Camp Keiki for kids ages v-12.
five. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
For families who still want to be in the center of things at Waikoloa but perhaps at a smaller property, the Marriott fits the bill. The hotel has a number of "Ohana Room" categories which requite families staying in a room together extra space for non much of an additional upcharge. With standard room rates fluctuating between $200-400 a night depending on season, this hotel is as well more than accessible for many family budgets. The hotel has a gorgeous network of pools as well as a luau on site that families will love.
6. Courtyard past Marriott Rex Kamehameha'south Kona Beach Hotel
Family unit travelers on a stricter budget may find King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel the perfect fit. A popular choice for locals taking a staycation, room prices can regularly be found under $200 a dark. The hotel is a Marriott Category 4 property so information technology can likewise be a great value with points. Located in the hamlet of Kailua-Kona, it's shut to many of the activities that family travelers volition desire to do. And with a luau, spa, and multiple restaurants, its onsite amenities far exceed many other hotels in this price range.
What to Do on the Big Island with Kids
There are and then many things to do on Hawaii's Large Isle that information technology has taken u.s.a. numerous trips to even begin to do many of the things on this listing. You'll want to spend a lot of your time enjoying your resort's beaches, pools, and other amenities, and so don't over-schedule yourself. The whole betoken of going to the Large Island is to escape the hustle and hurry!
But I'd also recommend doing more than just staying at your resort. Here are our family's favorite things to practice on Hawaii'southward Large Island with kids:
1. Attend a Luau
Luaus are a must-do on whatever Hawaiian holiday, fifty-fifty if they can sometimes be a tad touristy. The nutrient and drinks are always plentiful and kids e'er seem to bask the bear witness. I can personally recommend the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa as well every bit the luau at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Others include the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Island Cakewalk Luau at the Courtyard past Marriott Male monarch Kamehameha'south Kona Beach Hotel, and the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort.
Most luaus do not run nightly, so exist certain to compare schedules of the offerings near you before your trip. For families with younger children, check the historic period at which the luau begins charging access. Some have a slightly higher age cutoff and may save you a bundle if your young kids are still free.
2. Snorkel with Manta Rays
At that place are a couple of coves nigh the village of Kailua-Kona that serve equally feeding spots for giant manta rays at night. Families with kids old plenty to exist comfy snorkeling in the ocean at night should book an excursion to swim with them. SCUBA divers dive to the bottom and shine lights up at the snorkelers to attract the plankton that mantas feed on. It's truly one of the most memorable adventures the Big Island has to offering. I tin can personally recommend Kona Honu Divers highly for this excursion for divers and snorkelers akin.
3. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visitors have flocked for years to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to run into an agile volcano in action. Since the eruption of 2018, however, in that location is no longer visible lava within the park. But don't permit that deter you lot from a visit. There are nevertheless magnificent hiking trails and lots for your kids to learn within this park.
4. Take a Helicopter Ride
Taking a ride in a helicopter is a pricey excursion, but the views get in well worth the splurge. Take a tour that takes yous within view of the volcano as well equally the island's many waterfalls. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters sets the aureate standard for these tours and has a location right virtually the Waikoloa area resorts that is highly accessible to all Kohala Coast visitors.
v. Visit Akaka Falls
The Big Island has no shortage of breathtaking waterfalls, but virtually of them are on the remote north coast only really visible in a helicopter. Akaka Falls is one of the but ones that is easily accessible for hikers. Just 10 miles from Hilo, Akaka Falls Land Park is dwelling to two separate falls: 100-foot Kahuna Falls and 442-pes Akaka Falls. The hike is easy and paved, and so it's an excursion that works well for families of kids of every historic period.
6. Become Flumin' Da Ditch
(Editor's Note February 2022: The celebrated Kohala Ditch has been damaged beyond repair and so this activity will not reopen. The squad backside Flumin' Kohala at present offers UTV tours of the surface area that allow rides ages 5+ with a driver 21+. Our family did a like tour with a company no longer in operation and highly recommend it!)
Eco-risk visitor Flumin' Kohala has sectional rights to admission the Kohala Ditch, a 22-mile network of historic irrigation flumes and tunnels effectually the town of Hawi on the northward of the isle. You and your kids can book a tour with them to float through portions of this organisation on a kayak-fashion raft for a totally unique adventure. Kids as young as 5 can participate, and it's even an activeness that active grandparents could practice too. Merely exist prepared for long and dark tunnels during some of the tour, which is not for the claustrophobic. Our family'south trip was truly the highlight of our most recent Big Island vacation.
7. Dine at the Kona Brewing Company
Aye, you should take your children to a brewery! The Kona Brewing Visitor is as family-friendly as it gets, with a pub serving lots of things kids will eat and love. Meanwhile, parents can sample some of the more unique beer offerings that you lot can simply become in their island location. It'south a win-win.
eight. Sample Shave Ice
It'south Hawaii's well-nigh iconic snack, and then make sure to try some authentic shave water ice somewhere on the Big Island during your visit. Our family's pick? Anuenue on the Kohala Coast in the town of Kawaihae. Ululani's (with a location in Kailua-Kona) is another well-known make all over Hawaii that won't steer you wrong.
9. Beach Hop
Non all of the resorts on the Big Island are known for their beaches. Then if you cull to stay in a resort that isn't on an iconic beach, be sure to go visit one or 2 of the islands best beaches. Favorites for family travelers include the highly swimmable beaches in front end of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kauna'oa Bay) or Westin Hapuna Embankment Resort (Hapuna Beach). For a more unique beach-going experience, check out Punalu'u Blackness Sand Embankment on the south side of the island.
x. Hike through a Lava Tube
Non far from KOA airdrome, yous might spot a number of cars pulled off to the side of the Queen's Highway in the middle of black lava flows. Believe it or non, there is lava tube and cave at this location that you can climb into and explore. Information technology's a quick terminate – plan for maybe twenty minutes or so – but exist certain to bring decent hiking shoes because you may cutting your feet in flip flops. And be careful of traffic since parking is right forth the busy highway.
11. Zip Downwardly a Zipline
There are several zipline tour companies on the lush north and east sides of the Big Isle to have your family unit on an eco-adventure. Kohala Zipline, Skyline Eco-Adventures, and Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience are the major operators. Just exist certain to check age and weight requirements because nearly companies won't take younger children.
Additional Tips for Visiting Hawaii'southward Big Island
Visiting Hawaii'south Big Island with kids? Hither are a few final tips my family has learned from our many experiences there.
- Rent a car : While I have visited O'ahu without a car earlier, I really wouldn't recommend it on the Big Island. The distances are as well great and the other transportation options are too slim. Cars will give y'all the liberty to adjust your schedule on the wing and go out your resort for new activities, restaurants, and shopping.
- Consider a condo : Hotels don't always work for family travelers, especially those with babies who demand a split place to sleep or those with teens who need their privacy. Luckily, many of the hotel properties mentioned in this article take affiliated condo rentals nearby that can give you the best of both worlds. Just check the condo locations closely (many are not located within walking altitude of the beach) and make sure you rent from a company that gives you full hotel privileges (some VRBO rentals, for case, tin can come up with restricted access).
- Rent a sitter : If you aren't staying at a resort with a kids society, I highly recommend hiring a sitter then parents tin get a night out. So many of the dining experiences on the Big Island are expensive, and adults can savor them and go more than value without little ones. Our family has used the excellent and background-checked sitters of Malihini Keiki Care on many vacations for near a decade.
- Requite yourself a week : And then many families desire to come to the state of Hawaii on a week'south holiday and island hop to multiple places to run across it all. You can't. I'd recommend at to the lowest degree four days on just the Big Island to exercise information technology justice, merely a full week is even more preferable.
More Advice for the Large Island & the Hawaiian Islands with Kids
Traveling to the Big Island or elsewhere in Hawaii with kids? Check out these additional resource:
- My friend Marcie of Hawaii Travel with Kids has an amazingly detailed Big Island with Kids travel guide available for purchase on her site. This guide will take a lot of the planning and judge work out of your trip.
- Maui is another family-friendly island we love to visit. Check out my guide to Maui with kids.
- Many families accept Disney's Aulani Resort on O'ahu on their family travel saucepan list. See my tips for the best splurges at Aulani.
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Source: https://tripswithtykes.com/hawaii-big-island-with-kids/
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