Whether you need to get away from cold winter temperatures and snow, or you’re a beach lover always surrounded by mountains and are dying to lay by the waves, Hawaii is a popular destination for Coloradans. It’s still in the United States, eliminating the complication of needing passports or foreign currency, but it feels like you are seeing a very different part of the world than beaches on the mainland.
While seven or eight hours of travel are involved, we have the convenience of nonstop flights to all four major islands from Denver International Airport if that is your desire. Of course, there are also many flights with layovers if you would like to break up the trip and save money. Additionally, Hawaii has the benefit of beautiful weather all year long. Although they do have rainy seasons, or February might be windy, temperatures are pleasant all year, and you can find a time to go when it is exactly how you like it.
While Hawaii is an island chain technically consisting of eight islands, the scope of this guide will include the four most popular with families:
- Maui
- Oahu
- Kauai
- Hawaii (or Big Island)
Two of the islands – Niihau and Kaho’olawe – are not open to visitors, while the final two – Molokai and Lanai – are open for visiting but are not as common for families and, therefore, would be better left to one’s own research if they interest you. Whichever island you decide is the best fit for your family (or a combination of island-hopping), you are sure to experience world-famous beaches, delicious food and a beautiful culture very different from Denver.
One thing to consider on all islands is which type of vehicle you will need to rent for your group and the places you want to visit. On most islands, there are certain places and roads that require four-wheel drive. If you see that a place that is important to you is one such place, then you should keep that in mind when renting your car. If, however, you need a car that does not offer four-wheel drive, then make sure you research the roads you will be driving on before you head out. On some islands, certain roads are off limits with rental car companies because of the risk to their cars. Planning ahead will save you disappointment or getting into a potential problem.
Choosing a Hawaiian Island to Visit
Maui
When traveling to Maui, you will fly into Kahului. There are plenty of stores you will be familiar with such as Costco, Walmart, Target and Safeway if you need to stock up on supplies for a condo or rental before you get too far away. There is also a Safeway in Lahaina that is open for business if you want to stock up closer to West Maui locations such as Kaanapali and Kapalua.
Where to Stay in Maui
Which part of the island you stay in is a very personal decision based on many factors. You should consider which outings you think you will take, which part of the island they are concentrated on and cost, of course. For instance, if you think you will largely do things out to sea, Haleakala and the Road to Hana, then the eastern side of the island like Kihei or Wailea might make the most sense with only a day or so spent driving over to see the west side. If you want to be near family-friendly beaches because that is where you’ll spend the bulk of your time, and one or two days driving east to the Road to Hana or a marina for a boat tour is doable, then maybe West Maui towns make more sense for you. If you are simply choosing based on hotel loyalty points, that is totally understandable! Maui is very drivable, so no matter where you stay, you should be able to see everything you want without much trouble.
If you’re still not sure, here are a few notes about your options to get you started:
Kapalua is a part of West Maui known for world-class golf on the Ritz-Carlton property, glamorous homes and time shares. The resorts have beautiful views of the ocean from cliffside pools, but small if any beaches because of their location on the cliff side. It is beautiful but fewer families and more couples.
Kaanapali is a beach area not quite as far west as Kapalua. It is very popular with families with lots of hotels and nice
beaches. There are parasailing vendors, restaurants, shops and enough beaches to hop around throughout your trip. Another great Kaanapali resource is Whalers Village. It has shopping and food court style, more casual restaurants if you just need something fast or in the midst of your beach day. There are several nicer, full-service restaurants also, and it is in walking distance of many of the hotels.
Lahaina is a historic town famous amongst past Maui tourists not far from Kaanapali. Sadly, it was devastated by wildfires in 2023. The North End shops and restaurants have reopened and various boat tours such as snorkeling have resumed out of the harbor, but historic Front Street businesses and Banyan Tree Park remain closed. Check for updates whenever you choose to visit Maui and, of course, they ask tourists to be respectful near construction and memorials.
Kihei is on the bigger, eastern piece of Maui. There are many restaurants and beaches here and it is closer to attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana making for much less driving time. It is close to Kahului for airport access and stores. Some might say a downside is feeling a bit more like being near a city but others would find that a great asset! It all depends on what you prefer.
What to Do in Maui
There is so much to do on all the islands that a simple guide cannot do it justice. However, here are a few highlights to kickstart your personal research based on your preferences.
Molokini Crater/Snorkeling with Turtles
Molokini is a very popular snorkeling destination as you can see a volcano crater up close as well as the sea life and plants that have come to call it home. A highlight is seeing sea turtles. There are so many, in fact, that a part of the snorkeling area has come to be called Turtle Town. This site compares many tour company options depending on the type of boat/tour that fits your group. Some depart from the eastern side of the island and others from Lahaina’s harbor. Some operate on smaller catamarans while others use large boats for hundreds of people. Larger boats often have waterslides into the ocean, snorkel boards for children (they can look through a window in the board rather than having to be comfortable breathing through a snorkel), and more which can make them a good fit for a group with a variety of ages and snorkeling experience/interest.
Iao Needle
The Iao (pronounced EE-oh) Needle and Iao Valley are a wonderful change from the ocean landscape you see on every drive. While beaches are gorgeous, lush rainforest is a completely different beauty. This state gem is a .6-mile walk (I would rate it easy and doable with a diverse group), has a botanical garden to learn about the plants Hawaiian settlers brought into the valley, and the “needle” itself is a 1200ft tall structure that’s the result of erosion. If there is a person in your group who could not go uphill or downhill on the .6-mile walk, they can still get to the needle from the parking lot and enjoy the landscape!
This makes a great outing that can easily be done in half a day or less but gets you more inland to admire the lush rainforest side of Hawaii. Because of the small amount of time needed for this outing, this could also be a good option for travelers who have late flights back to the mainland but want to make the most of their last day. No need to be in swimsuits or get wet and dirty at the beach – you can be dressed with the car packed and the Iao Valley is close to the airport. Out-of-State visitors must have a reservation and admission is $5 per person (paid ahead of time). Reservations can be made here.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a great website with advisories on closures for whatever reason (and includes advisories on all islands)!
Maui Tropical Plantation
A great stop after the Iao Needle whether you’re still trying to make the most of your last day before the airport, or this is a day of your vacation where you’re getting a break from the beach, the Maui Tropical Plantation could be a quick souvenir stop or a place you spend several more hours. From a coffee shop and market with typical drinks and snacks to a shop full of 
unique souvenirs, a restaurant, and tours of their plantation, this one has something for everyone. The country market provides souvenirs that feel different than other touristy shops and their restaurant on property is in an old mill house with views of the Waikapu Valley. They serve elevated island fare, including breakfast on the weekends. You can make reservations on their website. If you want more activity and not just eating or shopping, you can get tram tour tickets to tour the plantation including a coconut husking demonstration, and they also offer a 2-2.5 hour zipline tour suitable for families and children! Trams leave every hour on the hour and the website has a calendar for buying tickets where you can find times and prices.
The plantation is closed on Mondays.
Haleakala National Park
A volcano and a national park, Haleakala is a famous spot for vacationers to watch the sunrise. Clouds can often interfere with the best laid plans, but when successful, it can be amazing. Even if you discover more clouds than you hoped for on your journey, the area is beautiful. This national park website is an excellent resource for planning your time whether you just want to take a short look or you want to fully explore it and camp overnight.
Mom Tip: Because jet lag from Denver to Hawaii can be intense (it is a 4-hour time change), if you would like to attempt sunrise on the volcano, planning this for your first or second day can make it a lot easier. You and the kids will be waking much earlier than usual, so why not take advantage of something that can only be done early in the morning?
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a world-famous drive through the eastern part of Maui. It is best known for lush rainforest and waterfalls as well as the narrow, windy roads. Natives and visitors alike enjoy that this part of the island has still not been developed much. It would be wise to pack a lunch and not depend on finding a restaurant along your way. Breakfast and dinner can easily be had in towns just west of the start and finish of the journey, but while you are driving, it is very much just Hawaii as it has always been. You will come across various fruit stands and banana bread stands, but it is not dependable if they will be open.
All along the route are pull-outs and options to enjoy the waterfalls and vistas, but one popular destination to plan to stop and
stay for a while is Wai’anapanapa State Park. While it will take some strategizing to decide how long it will take you to arrive (because reservations and timed entry are required – get them here), it is worth the effort. This spot is famous for its black sand beach and caves that have been eroded by the gorgeous blue waves crashing on the rocks. There are plenty of picnic tables and restroom facilities as well as trails, beach space and caves to explore. This could simply be a lunch stop on your way to the end of the road, or you could camp out here all day.
The final (and very popular) stop on the Road to Hana is called the Seven Sacred Pools. You can choose to simply observe the beauty of multiple waterfalls falling into successive pools all the way out to the ocean, or you can bring your swimsuits and 
take a dip. Either way, it is breathtaking. If the Road to Hana sounds great if it weren’t for the driving on narrow roads, you can also consider booking a tour so that someone else can do the driving for you. No matter what you choose, motion sickness medicine is recommended for anyone who tends to get carsick. It’s too pretty to miss because you don’t feel well.
Mom Tip: Start this outing early and allow an entire day. The earlier you start, the fewer people will be on the road and at each destination, so you will be better able to enjoy each stop. Given how many times you’re sure to want to stop and enjoy the view, you’d be surprised how quickly this takes your whole day.
Where to Eat in Maui
There are so many delicious restaurants across every island that to direct you to all the great places on the different parts of the islands would take an entire guide in itself. If you are renting a house or condo, one reason is likely to save money by cooking many of your meals (restaurants in Hawaii are expensive!). Suffice it to say, no matter where you are staying, delicious food with great views is nearby and all you need to do is ask hotel employees or search the internet for recommendations. My main suggestion (dare I say, requirement) is that you look up the best Shave Ice in your area and allow yourself to indulge! Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice is nothing like “Hawaiian Shave Ice” on the mainland. You must experience the real thing – you’ll thank me later!
Oahu
Oahu is the most commercial of the Hawaiian Islands as it is home to the capital city, Honolulu. Given how many flights have a layover in Honolulu before taking a short flight to the other islands, one popular option is to fly to Honolulu for a day or two to see the main sights before moving on to your primary island of choice. Other people like the city vibe mixed with Hawaiian beaches and hikes (plus not needing a second flight) and make Oahu their destination for their entire trip. You really can’t go wrong either way!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Waikiki is one of the most well-known beaches and is lined with high rise hotels. While some may not like that busy feel, the upside is being in walking distance to so much – a huge marketplace full of vendors, other stores, and restaurants. Concierges of the hotels can also arrange tours with transportation to the main tourist sites on the island, so it would be completely reasonable to not even need to rent a car, especially if you are following the idea of staying just a couple of days before island hopping.
If your group loves Disney, you can combine your love of Disney with Hawaii at the Aulani Disney resort! Slightly northwest of Honolulu in the community of Ko Olina, the Aulani has hotel rooms or villas if you’d like more of a condo experience with the ability to cook. Check out their website for all the amenities, room options and Disney experiences.
If your group loves golfing, Championship Golf Courses are on the north shore of Oahu near the Ritz-Carlton hotel. On Turtle Bay, there are also many VRBO condo and rental house options as a part of Turtle Bay Resort.
Whether you love golfing or not, rental properties are a nice option for families so that cooking is possible and everyone can have more space than a hotel room. Check out rental websites to find places all over the island that are right for you.
What to Do in Oahu
Diamond Head State Park
Located at the eastern end of Waikiki, Diamond Head is a popular site to visit. Reservations are required and can be made here up to 30 days in advance. Some days can fill up quickly so the sooner you know your plans and can make a reservation, the better. Refunds are allowed up to 3 days prior to your visit if your plans change. According to its website, the 0.8-mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. Even so, it is a very popular hike. The website has a lot of great information on the history and terrain of Diamond Head as well as what you can expect to see.
Dole Pineapple Plantation
In the center of the island is a great option if you need a break from the beach. Dole Plantation is a large property with a variety of experiences to help you see how pineapples go from farm to table. They are open every day of the week from 9:30am to 5:30pm but check their website for potential holiday hours if you are visiting during a holiday. They have a train tour, a garden tour, a restaurant if you’re hungry as well as a Garden Maze. The maze stretches over 3 acres and has been declared the world’s largest maze! The paths measure nearly 2.5 miles and are made out of nearly 14,000 Hawaiian plants.
Pearl Harbor
Perhaps one of the most famous places to visit on Oahu is Pearl Harbor, the historic site of Japan bombing the US on December 7, 1941 and drawing the United States into World War 2. While small children will not know the significance of this site, most school age children will and it will bring history to life like no other. Adults will appreciate the honor and respect this visitor center and memorial bring to the lives of those who were lost that day. The USS Arizona memorial is the iconic piece of this site as it sits directly atop the sunken ship. Their website is a great resource for planning your day and which type of tour is right for your group. Self-guided tours are possible, but tickets onto the USS Arizona memorial are required. Tickets, prices and suggestions for doing Pearl Harbor justice can all be found on the website.
Beaches
Of course, soaking up the sun and splashing at a beach are what most people equate with Hawaii. You are likely planning to spend plenty of time at the beach during your trip. If you are staying at a hotel or resort, you will likely spend much of your time at its beach. If you would like to see other beaches, or you’re at a rental house without a beach, you will enjoy driving to a variety of beaches on the island. This article is a great guide to some of Oahu’s best family-friendly beaches including Hanauma Bay, a great snorkeling spot.
If you are a surfer or even just enjoy watching, you’ve likely heard of the North Shore of Oahu, or more specifically, Pipeline. It is an incredible sight to see the giant waves created by the offshore reef and even more incredible if you’re lucky enough to watch expert surfers riding those waves. However, the key word there is “expert.” Pipeline is a very intense reef with severe consequences if you are not experienced enough at surfing. This Banzai Pipeline Surf Break Guide is a very thorough guide to what you need to know about this beach in particular. In short, it’s for no one short of experts. If you’re a beginning surfer, please start at much calmer beaches like Waikiki. The guide does have some good suggestions for intermediate surfers, though, who may be better than Waikiki but not ready for Pipeline. However, if you’re just interested in watching, then by all means enjoy the show!
Kauai
Best known as the filming site for Jurassic Park, you can see why with one glimpse of the island. Kauai is the Hawaiian island with the most mountainous and rich rainforest terrain of them all and very little commercialization – perfect for imagining a time long ago. When driving around, it has smaller towns around the circumference of the island with a large majority of the island uninhabited. Many parts are protected and some waterfalls are only visible by helicopter tour. The Na Pali coast alongside the northern shore might be its most identifiable landmark, with sheer cliff faces of a variety of reds, yellows and oranges from the red dirt that makes Kauai unique. With all of these unique, breathtaking landscape to offer, even though they also have unforgettable beaches, getting out and exploring Kauai is a must.
Where to Stay in Kauai
South Side (Dry Side)
The south side of the island is known for having a drier climate. It is also on the lower side of the island which allows hotels and resorts to be directly on the beach. This can be a selling point for families who want their kids to be able to run right out to the beach at their hotel and easily switch between beach and pool. The weather might also tend to cooperate better being on the dry side of the island. While there might still be the occasional rain shower (it is tropical after all), it is likely to be short-lived and possibly even with the sun still shining. Poipu Beach is the most famous on the south side and is very popular with families. Poipu is known for seals and sea turtles choosing to beach themselves for a break, providing a fun surprise for beachgoers.
Lihue and Kapa’a (Central)
Lihue is the city you will fly into on Kauai and is the largest town on the island. It has the Costco as well as many other stores where you could stock up on supplies and many familiar restaurant chains if you need something you know everyone will eat when you first arrive. Kapa’a is slightly north of Lihue but still centrally located as far as the coastline goes. It has a Safeway and a lot of local stores. There is Coconut Marketplace that has a variety of shops and restaurants to suit a variety of interests as well as a large grassy area and many tables if people want to order from different restaurants but eat together under the shade of a tree.
These two locations are more urban than the rest of the island but still nothing compared to a big city. They can be slightly more prone to the rain of the north side but are still close enough to the dry side that it is not as wet as the north. There are several great hotel resorts in these cities for people who would like to be between the south side and north side so that they are a shorter drive to each, as opposed to picking one side or the other.
North Side (Wetter Side)
The north side of Kauai has many great resorts, beaches and world-famous golfing (Poipu also has a famous golf course if you want to try more than one). It has a few extra challenges for families, however, so you tend to see families with older children or couples more than young families.
First of all, the nature of being on the “wet side” can be a challenge for children who might get disappointed if rain ruins their plans. Princeville is the main town you might stay in, but Hanalei and Kilauea are also options. In these towns, especially Princeville and Hanalei, you should expect at least some rain daily. It won’t necessarily spoil the day, but it will most likely happen. Therefore, they also tend to have more clouds that could possibly shroud the lush green mountains. On the flip side, when the clouds part and it’s not raining, you have a front row seat to some amazing green mountains and towering waterfalls without having to drive around the whole island to see them.
Second, the north side is high upon cliffs as you are closer to the famous Na Pali Coast. While it can be beautiful to look out from cliff tops out to the beautiful blue waters, it makes beaches less common. From most resorts, you will have to drive to the nearest beach because they simply cannot be nestled on a private beach. Some have steep pathways down to the coastline if your group is up for it. However, if your family enjoys resort pools, you can get plenty of that at many luxurious resorts! Then, when you’re in the mood for a beach, you can make a short drive. These are a couple of things you need to consider in regards to your crew, though, when deciding where to stay.
No matter where you decide to stay on the island, you will want to plan on driving to see the other areas because there is too much beauty to just stay in one part of the island. It is also a good idea to consider budgeting for a tour or two to see the parts of the island that are simply inaccessible to you just driving around.
What to Do in Kauai
Boat Tours to Snorkel and see the Na Pali Coast
As mentioned, the Na Pali coast is a must-see item on the Kauai bucket list. If you are not in a position to do some difficult hiking to see it from specific parts of the north shore (most people aren’t), a boat tour is the best way to get to a vantage point where you can look back and marvel at it. Many boat tours will take the time to look for whales or dolphins (if they’re in-season) and snorkel as you make the journey. They provide gear and life jackets. Check out this website to compare the many options to find the right tour for your group.
Driving the North Side/Ha’ena State Park
Even if you decide not to stay on the north side of the island, you should strongly consider spending a day driving around the island to see what it has to offer. There is some landscape you simply cannot see from the rest of the island. You will pass the Kilauea lighthouse which provides wonderful views from its outcropping as well as the opportunity to see a very well-preserved, classic lighthouse.
Continuing north on Kuhio Highway, you will pass through the towns of Princeville and Hanalei. Hanalei provides the opportunity to shop, eat at local restaurants, and spend as much time as you want on the beach of Hanalei Bay. With the
backdrop of several waterfalls cascading down the towering mountains, Hanalei Bay provides the opportunity for snorkeling in calmer waters than you can find anywhere else on the north side, but also enough waves to entertain kids who want to body surf. You can also take surfing lessons and watch more seasoned surfers further out by the reefs.
After you pass Hanalei, you are getting closer to the end of the road – literally. You will not drive full circle around Kauai. When you get to the entrance of Ha’ena State Park, you turn around and go back the way you came. If you’ve been to Kauai many years ago, you might remember the highway dead ending into Kee Beach – a fantastic beach to get a glimpse of the Na Pali coast. However, they have changed the structure in recent years and anything beyond Ha’ena State Park requires making a reservation and utilizing the state park’s parking lot/shuttle system. You can then access anything further north once inside the state park. You can read all about the new structure and everything the state park has to offer here. Reservations can be made here.
Even if you don’t have a reservation to access the state park, you will see several more gorgeous beaches between Hanalei and the state park. Pull over and enjoy! But be careful – north side beaches have a much rougher ocean than the south side so watch your children very closely! Sharing a parking lot (and restrooms!) with one of the beaches – Haena Beach Park (yet not the state park) is a cool feature to explore across the street – a huge cave! Your map will call it Maniniholo Dry Cave. If the weather is clear, you can walk inside and explore this expansive cave. This will surely thrill the kids.
Wailua Falls
Famous for being featured in the old TV show, Fantasy Island, Wailua Falls is an impressive waterfall that you can drive to and park for free without having to hike to see it. If trails are currently open, there are trails to the bottom but they can be muddy and slippery. Parking is limited and often full so arriving early is a good idea.
Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto
One tour you might consider budgeting for to get you more inland and to parts of the island your car can’t is Smith’s Kauai Wailua River Cruise. This takes you to a fern grotto where you disembark for a nature walk. Along the way you will hear songs and legends of Hawaii and be given the chance to learn the hula. Tours take one hour and twenty minutes. Check out their website for a complete list of prices including parking and park entrance fees.
Poipu Beach and Spouting Horn
Even if you opted to stay elsewhere, visiting the south side for a day is a must. There is ample public parking to visit Poipu Beach even if you are not at one of its resorts, and there are plenty of restaurants and stores to feed you and keep you busy. Enjoy snorkeling in the calmer waters and possibly seeing sea turtles or seals. While you are on the south side, the short drive to a blowhole called Spouting Horn is definitely worth it. If the ocean is a little rougher that day, it’ll put on even more of a show! The waves crashing on the rocks is beautiful enough but when they shoot up through the blowhole, it is really impressive. This side of the island is famous for its sunsets as well.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and not a sight most expect to see on a tropical island. While you are on the south side of the island, driving west and checking out the canyon is highly recommended. (It can be a bit of a test for those afraid of heights, similar to the Grand Canyon.) This website is a great resource for any updates like road construction or impacts to your experience as well as pricing and trail recommendations. You can simply drive a scenic route or you can hike deeper into the canyon depending on your group’s interests and abilities.
Hanapepe
While this is a tiny town not on many tourist’s radar, it is a quaint stop that will delight any Lilo and Stitch fans! Between Poipu Beach and Waimea Canyon, driving here will also allow you to see more of the island. There is a swinging bridge which can be fun for kids to cross back and forth, and there are many local shops and cafes if you would like some souvenirs or snacks. All the while, your Disney fans are sure to be recognizing many of the sites from the movie as Hanapepe is the town that inspired Lilo and Stitch.
Helicopter and Kayak Tours
As mentioned earlier, much of Kauai is hard to explore on your own and a tour or two might be wise to budget. Helicopter tours can obviously get places nothing else can but they can be expensive. Kayaking tours are another good option to get to the inaccessible parts of the island at a much cheaper price if your family is up for some exercise! There are many different options depending on where you want to explore, if you want there to be a combination of hiking and kayaking, etc., so do a quick Trip Advisor search of your area and desires and you are sure to find something that will get you to the spot of the island you’d like to reach.
Hawaii (The Big Island)
The Big Island gets its name for that very reason – compared to the others, it’s big! In fact, deciding where to stay on this island is more important because driving to see different areas will take much longer and be more exhausting than on the smaller islands.
Where to Stay on Big Island
Hilo is one of the possible airports on the big island and is on the eastern side of the island. This is the wetter side that will experience more rain, but it also has some gorgeous rainforest and waterfalls because of the rain. Being one of the larger cities on the island, it also has the Walmart and many stores to provide for any supplies your trip might need. It is closer than many towns to Volcano National Park, one of the places for which this island is most well-known. There is also a town called Volcano a bit south of Hilo with many VRBO options and hotels if you would like to spend some time dedicated to exploring the volcanoes and national park before moving to a different location for the duration of your trip. Volcano is within reasonable driving distance of the black sand beach, Punalu’u as well.
Kailua-Kona is the other possible airport and is on the western side of the big island. The western side is considered the dry side and can be much windier. Much of the western side consists of large lava fields from past volcanic eruptions and lava flow. While very different than the beaches and palm trees of other islands, it is a beauty all its own (and likely part of why one chooses the big island). Kona is a larger town with many stores and restaurants including large chains like Target. Even if you fly into Kona, there are several resorts to choose from on the west side as you travel north like Waikoloa Village (which contains many hotel chains) all the way up to Mauna Kea. You will see more families in Waikoloa Village than Mauna Kea, however.
One option some choose is to fly into one airport, see that side of the island, move sides mid-trip and then fly home out of the other airport. You can get very creative with the big island!
What to Do on Big Island
Volcanoes
Quite possibly the main reason you’re considering the big island is because of its active volcanoes. Admittedly, they are very cool! Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a destination that will delight adults and kids alike. You can hike thru lava tubes (pathways that were literally carved out by lava with igneous formations left behind), hike trails around the craters, watch the Kilauea crater from a restaurant and viewpoint, and more. Check out their website for all the things you should consider and how to best plan your visit.
Mom Tip: Mauna Kea is the highest mountain on the big island and is an extinct volcano that is so high it can get snow in the winter! If you are planning a winter getaway and want to say you played in the snow (or skied!) on a volcano in Hawaii, you should definitely consider a visit to Mauna Kea! No matter the time of year, consider stargazing on Mauna Kea if you have space lovers in your family!
Snorkeling
There is abundant opportunity to snorkel in many spots around the island, so go ahead and search your options near where you are (or a boat tour that will take you to several spots), but one very famous snorkeling spot is near Captain Cook’s monument. If you’re also a history buff, it’s a win-win. This is the spot that commemorates where British explorer, Captain James Cook, met his fate in 1779. Many people enjoy hiking the 4-mile trail near this monument for its spectacular beauty and even more enjoy snorkeling in this bay because it is a protected marine sanctuary. This explains why many say it is some of the best snorkeling in the entire state of Hawaii. You could easily even encounter spinner dolphins! This site does a nice job explaining the trail to the bay for snorkeling if you don’t want a boat tour to get you there. It can help you know how to find it and if the trail is right for your family. Kealakekua Bay is on the western side of the island.
Another snorkeling adventure somewhat unique to the big island that you will hear people rave about is night snorkeling with manta rays! Many hotels have staff who lead snorkels on property and there are also many tours you can find and book. Think snorkeling by powerful flashlight to find these beautiful creatures.
Beaches
Because this island is the newest of the islands, and is so volcanic, it has fewer sandy beaches than one might picture when thinking of Hawaii. That doesn’t mean they can’t be found though! Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of a black and green sand beach as well, but if you are really looking for that sandy beach feel, check out this site reviewing five great choices within 30 minutes of Kona.
Waterfalls and Driving the East Side
If you decide to divide and conquer and do one side at a time, one way you can get from the east side to the west side when it’s time to transition, or if you just want a good drive while on the east side, is to drive from Hilo up north and over to the west side by way of Mauna Kea. This drive takes time, but you will see so much it is almost like getting a whole trip in one day. Along this drive you can catch some awesome views of the ocean as well as some great waterfalls. Specifically, look up the 4-mile drive of the Hamakua Coast. It is considered the most scenic four miles on the entire island!
Before you drive away from Hilo, be sure to check out Rainbow Falls. It has become part of a state park and, therefore, non-residents now need to pay $5 per person admission fee but, in my opinion, waterfalls are worth it! It is called Rainbow Falls because if you go in the morning, you stand a good chance of seeing a rainbow as the mist of the waterfall catches the morning light. Hawaiian legend says that the goddess of the moon lives in the lava cave that the waterfall is flowing over.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is another such awesome waterfall as you drive the eastern coast. Along the easy 0.4-mile loop you
will actually get the chance to see two waterfalls as well as beautiful rainforest. Because of some steps, it is not wheelchair accessible but it is paved and considered easy for others.
Luaus
On any of the islands, one activity Hawaii is famous for is a luau. There are so many to choose from on every island that it is hard to recommend which ones to attend, or if you should attend at all, on every island. One thing is for sure – the luau at the Mauna Kea on the big island is authentic and everything you picture from start to finish. It is pricey, but that seems to be the case with all luaus these days. This site does a good job of breaking down the seven best luaus on the big island (all on the western side) so you can decide which aspects matter most to you.
Mom Tip: Luaus are expensive and you don’t want to be frustrated if you spend a lot of money and your kids refuse to eat food that is new to them or are bored. Show your kids some clips of luaus, explain to them what it is and then ask if they think they’d be interested. You can emphasize to them that it is an incredible cultural experience, but if nothing can sell it and they seem absolutely not interested, then you’re probably better off saving the money and spending it on a different outing. If you’re traveling with extended family or friends and others aren’t interested also, and they could watch your kids, make it a date night!
