The best family-friendly Big Island activities and places
The Big Island of Hawai‘i is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and educational opportunities. We’ve been bringing our children and grandchildren here since they were babies — they even learned to swim in the Vista Waikoloa pool.
Whether your kids love marine life, volcanoes, or simply playing on the beach, there’s something for everyone and for kids of all ages. Here’s your guide to the best kid-friendly activities and destinations on the Big Island.
Best beaches for small children
Not all beaches on the Big Island are ideal for young children, especially as big waves can appear suddenly. We consider these great for safe and fun family outings:
Kikaua Point Beach – A protected lagoon with shallow waters, ideal for toddlers. Kids also love exploring the rocks surrounding the lagoon. Use the beach wagon we provide to haul everything on the paved walk to the beach.
Fairmont Orchid Lagoon – See the sea turtles and float or swim in a protected lagoon with no waves and a gentle entry. Note that they do not permit you to use your own beach umbrellas, so there is limited shade.
Carlsmith Beach Park (Hilo) – Perfect for spotting sea turtles and wading in calm waters.
“The Big Island’s beaches aren’t just for sunbathing — they’re playgrounds for exploration and discovery.”
Educational & cultural experiences
Give your kids an unforgettable cultural and educational experience at these top attractions:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park – See lava fields, steam vents, and the iconic Kīlauea Caldera. The park offers ranger-led programs perfect for curious young minds.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park – Learn about Hawaiian history and explore this sacred place of refuge.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center (Hilo) – A hands-on science museum that introduces kids to Hawaiian navigation and astronomy.
Animal encounters & nature activities
Hawai‘i’s unique wildlife makes for some incredible kid-friendly adventures:
Hilton Waikoloa – Watch dolphins, spot turtles in the lagoon, and see a variety of creatures in exhibits throughout, including nene geese and tortoises.
Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach – Spot honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the shore.
Hawaiian Tropical Bioreserve & Garden – A scenic and easy walk through lush gardens with waterfalls, tropical flowers, and birds.
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm – Get up close to seahorses, learn about conservation, and even hold one at this unique aquaculture farm.
For more wildlife-friendly experiences, visit Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund.
Adventure activities for active families
If your family loves adventure, check out these exciting activities:
Manta Ray Night Snorkel (Kona) – For older kids and teens, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is both thrilling and educational. It doesn’t require strong swimming skills (you spend most of your time floating and holding on to a modified surfboard) and they provide wetsuits, but kids need to be calm and follow instructions so they don’t scare away the manta rays.
Snorkeling at Kahalu‘u Beach Park – Calm waters and abundant fish make this an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers.
Ziplining in Kohala – Enjoy family-friendly zipline courses through lush rainforests.
Akaka Falls State Park – An easy hike leads to a stunning 442-foot waterfall, perfect for a family photo.
Whale watching and deep-sea fishing – Get out on the water for a half-day to encounter humpback whales December through April, or try your luck fishing for dinner (or even reel in a massive blue marlin).
Tips for traveling with kids on the Big Island
Pack sun protection – The sun can be intense, so bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rash guards.
Stay hydrated – Keep reusable water bottles handy, especially on hikes.
Plan for driving – The island is large, so schedule breaks and bring snacks for long drives.
Respect wildlife & culture – Teach kids to observe marine life from a distance and to respect Hawaiian cultural sites.
For more resources on traveling with kids in Hawai‘i:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: www.nps.gov/havo
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund: www.wildhawaii.org
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center: www.imiloahawaii.org
Looking for the perfect family-friendly accommodation? Book our condo now and enjoy a comfortable stay with stunning views, modern amenities, and easy access to the island’s top attractions.
