The Final Information to Hawaii’s Massive Island with Youngsters

Whereas many households flock to O’ahu or Maui on their Hawaiian trip, savvy household vacationers know that the decrease key vibe of Hawaii’s Massive Island can supply simply the R&R they search. My husband’s household has been vacationing on the Massive Island of Hawaii on the Kohala Coast since he was a baby. After I joined the household over 18 years in the past, it rapidly grew to become the Hawaiian island vacation spot I visited most.

After a number of weeks spent vacationing on the Massive Island with children (and plenty of extra journeys earlier than that), I made a decision it’s lengthy overdue for me to share practically twenty years value of data about this magnificent island vacation spot with Journeys With Tykes readers!

Listed below are all of the necessities it’s essential to know when planning a visit to the Massive Island of Hawaii with children – from issues to do to the place to remain, with plenty of suggestions in between.

(Journeys With Tykes makes use of affiliate hyperlinks which implies I’ll earn a small fee if you are going to buy by hyperlinks on this publish. See our full disclosure coverage linked within the menu on the backside of this web site.)

Flying to Hawaii’s Massive Island

In contrast to Oahu and Maui, the Massive Island could be a Hawaiian vacation spot that may be a bit more durable to succeed in, particularly for East Coasters. Each time now we have been, Californians and different West Coasters appear to make up the vast majority of the guy guests we come throughout. With continuous flights from each main California airport and West Coast cities like SEA and PDX, that is no shock. There aren’t any non-stops from even Chicago or New York airports, so vacationers from the remainder of the nation are going to want to attach someplace to get to the Massive Island. However I promise {that a} connection is effectively value it.

There are two industrial airports on the Massive Island. Guests from the mainland will nearly all the time arrive into Ellison Onizuka Kona Worldwide Airport at Keahole (KOA or usually simply “Kona Airport”). The opposite airport, Hilo Worldwide (ITO) is served by inter-island flights solely for the time being. KOA is served from the US by United, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, Delta, and Southwest (see extra about Southwest Airlines Hawaii flights).

KOA is an open air airport and the climate is kind of heat yr spherical. I like to recommend dressing in layers in your flight so you possibly can swap into your island apparel and be snug upon touchdown.

All the foremost automobile rental firms are accessible through shuttle service and really shut by. Weekly automobile leases at KOA was once pretty cheap, however 2021-2022 automobile shortages have at the very least briefly raised costs for now. My household makes use of Autoslash to search for offers, however usually discover nice charges with Costco Journey, which permits us to have an extra driver included at no additional price (and for these of you who’ve children of automobile seat age, keep in mind the free car seat AAA membership benefit with Hertz!).

Uber or Lyft had been solely allowed to function at KOA for pickups as of February 1, 2019. Ridesharing automobiles are slowly turning into extra frequent on the Massive Island, however the lengthy distances between sights and excessive costs don’t essentially make this a viable or dependable floor transportation choice. You need to probably plan on utilizing a cab or pre-booked lodge shuttle for those who don’t lease a automobile.

Massive Island Geography & Fundamentals

The Massive Island is the latest of the Hawaiian islands, with far more ongoing volcanic exercise and many newer lava flows. Flying into KOA, you’ll spot little however black rock. Many a customer’s hopes and desires of a trip on a lush tropical island have been dashed by this primary look. Even the drive away from the airport appears to be like barren. However by no means worry. The resorts are tropical oases in a sea of black lava that make for an particularly intriguing distinction.

As its title makes apparent, the Massive Island is certainly bigger than the opposite islands of Hawaii. Meaning you’ll want extra time to see all of it if that’s your purpose. Most guests decide one facet of the island – Kona or Hilo – and focus their actions there. Vacationers from the mainland are inclined to spend probably the most time on the western (Kona/Kohala) facet of the island the place the foremost resorts are situated. To drive from the resorts on the Kohala Coast to Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, for instance, will take effectively over two hours. Roads might be winding, so day trippers needs to be ready and sensible about drive occasions.

What household vacationers will love concerning the Massive Island is the dependable climate, at the very least on the Kona and Kohala facet. That space will get little or no rainfall, so you possibly can depend on blue skies and seaside days for practically each day of your trip. Excessive temperatures are normally within the low 80s yr spherical, with the night lows round 70.

The place to Keep on the Massive Island: The Greatest Massive Island Accommodations for Households

Household vacationers to the Massive Island will discover no scarcity of magnificent lodge properties. Hawaii is actually costlier than many journey locations, however there are nonetheless high quality resorts for extra reasonable budgets as effectively. And for luxurious vacationers, the choices are fairly in depth. Listed below are the resorts that work finest for households on the Massive Island:

1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

As one of many 4 Seasons’ flagship properties (and the most costly lodge on the Massive Island, at the very least till the Mauna Lani began giving it a run for that title), that is an apparent lodge alternative for luxurious loving household vacationers. The 4 Seasons signature service abounds, and households will love {that a} children membership for kids ages 5-12 is included within the value. The lodge’s location is extra handy for airport entry and actions in and across the village of Kailua-Kona as effectively. The resort is understood extra for its swimming pools than its seaside, so it could not match the invoice as effectively for those who desire to spend extra of your time on the sand and within the surf.

2. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

That is the lodge for luxurious seekers who admire a lodge with historical past. The Mauna Kea Seashore Lodge is without doubt one of the the unique “Rock Resorts” based by Laurance Rockefeller within the mid-1960s. It’s situated on one of many Massive Island’s finest seashores which is extremely swimmable for households.

The Mauna Kea is a Marriott Autograph Assortment property, so points-loving vacationers can earn and spend a worthwhile loyalty foreign money right here. My brother-in-law was married right here a number of years in the past and we returned the next yr for an additional week’s trip, so my household can advocate it extremely from plenty of private expertise.

3. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Positioned in the course of King Kamehameha’s royal fish ponds, the setting of this lodge is dramatic. This was the Massive Island lodge my household stayed at most when it was the Mauna Lani Bay Lodge & Bungalows. It has now reopened as an Auberge resort below new possession as of 2020.

This renovation introduced some a lot wanted updates to the property however the results of the foremost refresh was a lot elevated costs, so price range accordingly. The resort now options children programming for ages 5-12 with the Holoholo Youngsters Crew and has a keiki pool and surf shack with family-friendly water actions on supply.

4. Hilton Waikoloa Village

Waikoloa has probably the most hustle and bustle of any space of the Massive Island (however not an excessive amount of), so I all the time advocate this space extremely for households who like to remain busy. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the biggest property within the space, that includes three swimming pools with waterfalls, a 175 foot waterslide, an on-site luau, a swim with the dolphins expertise, and many purchasing. Transportation-loving children will adore the canal boats and trams that serve the sensible perform of getting you across the massive resort however are additionally an exercise unto themselves. Whereas the lodge now not has a children membership, there are children pool actions and a variety of family-friendly cultural actions provided.

5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

For households who nonetheless wish to be within the middle of issues at Waikoloa however maybe at a smaller and extra low key property, the Marriott matches the invoice. The lodge has a variety of “Ohana Room” classes which give households staying in a room collectively additional house for not a lot of an extra upcharge over customary room charges. The lodge has a stunning community of swimming pools in addition to a luau on web site that households will get pleasure from.

6. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Household vacationers on a stricter price range could discover King Kamehameha’s Kona Seashore Lodge the right match. This lodge has traditionally been a preferred alternative for locals taking a staycation. Whereas rooms in every single place in Hawaii have skyrocketed in value the previous couple of years, this lodge nonetheless presents worth with some charges as little as within the $300s. The lodge may also be a strong worth when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy factors.

Positioned within the village of Kailua-Kona, it’s near lots of the actions that household vacationers will wish to do. With a luau, spa, and a number of eating places, its onsite facilities far exceed many different resorts on this value vary. Plus, it simply was absolutely renovated.

What to Do on the Massive Island with Youngsters

There are such a lot of issues to do on Hawaii’s Massive Island that it has taken us quite a few journeys to even start to do lots of the issues on this record. You’ll need to spend so much of your time having fun with your resort’s seashores, swimming pools, and different facilities, so don’t over-schedule your self. The entire level of going to the Massive Island is to flee the hustle and bustle!

However I’d additionally advocate doing extra than simply staying at your resort. Listed below are our household’s favourite issues to do on Hawaii’s Massive Island with children:

1. Attend a Luau

Luaus are a must-do on any Hawaiian trip, even when they’ll typically be a tad touristy. The meals and drinks are all the time plentiful and children all the time appear to benefit from the present. I can personally advocate the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in addition to the luau at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort.

Others embody the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Island Breeze Luau at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, and the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort.

Most luaus don’t run nightly, so be sure to match schedules of the choices close to you earlier than your journey. For households with youthful youngsters, verify the age at which the luau begins charging admission. Some have a barely greater age cutoff and should prevent a bundle in case your younger children are nonetheless free. And no matter you do, you should definitely guide effectively upfront of your journey. Luaus are reserving up many weeks and even months upfront lately.

2. Snorkel with Manta Rays

There are a few coves close to the village of Kailua-Kona that function feeding spots for big manta rays at night time. Households with children sufficiently old to be snug snorkeling within the ocean at night time (probably college age and above) ought to guide an tour to swim with them. SCUBA divers dive to the underside and shine lights up on the snorkelers to draw the plankton that mantas feed on. It’s really one of the crucial memorable adventures the Massive Island has to supply. I can personally advocate Kona Honu Divers extremely for this tour for divers and snorkelers alike.

3. Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Guests have flocked for years to Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park to see an lively volcano in motion. There was an eruption in 2018, and the outcome was that lava disappeared from the park for fairly a while. As of September 2021, the lava flows have returned and are seen once more (as of the date of re-publication of this publish).

Because the lava is fickle and situations can change quickly, don’t get your hopes up too far upfront of your journey about having the ability to see it. However whatever the situations of the second, know that there are nonetheless magnificent climbing trails and plenty in your children to study inside this park.

4. Take a Helicopter Experience

Taking a trip in a helicopter is a dear tour, however the views make it effectively definitely worth the splurge. Take a tour that takes you inside view of the volcano in addition to the island’s many waterfalls. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters units the gold customary for these excursions and has a location proper close to the Waikoloa space resorts that’s extremely accessible to all Kohala Coast guests.

5. Go to Akaka Falls

The Massive Island has no scarcity of breathtaking waterfalls, however most of them are on the distant north coast solely actually seen in a helicopter. Akaka Falls is without doubt one of the solely ones that’s simply accessible for hikers. Simply 10 miles from Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park is residence to 2 separate falls: 100-foot Kahuna Falls and 442-foot Akaka Falls. The hike is simple and paved, so it’s an tour that works effectively for households of children of all ages.

6. Take a UTV Tour

The coastal areas across the city of Hawi on the north of the island supply magnificent views and luxurious landscapes. One of the simplest ways to discover and take within the surroundings is to take a UTV tour.

Eco-adventure firm Kohala UTV Adventure operates excursions for youths ages 5+ with a driver 21+. Whilst you’ll get dusty and soiled, that is nonetheless a family-friendly trip. The operators are the identical wonderful of us who used to personal Flumin’ Kohala earlier than the historic Kohala Ditch was broken and needed to shut (our household took a tour of the Ditch when it was open and had nice experiences with their crew).

7. Dine on the Kona Brewing Firm

Sure, you need to take your youngsters to a brewery! The Kona Brewing Company is as family-friendly because it will get, with a pub serving plenty of issues children will eat and love. In the meantime, dad and mom can pattern a number of the extra distinctive beer choices which you can solely get of their island location. It’s a win-win.

8. Pattern Shave Ice

It’s Hawaii’s most iconic snack, so be sure that to strive some genuine shave ice someplace on the Massive Island throughout your go to. Our household’s decide? Anuenue on the Kohala Coast within the city of Kawaihae. Ululani’s (with a location in Kailua-Kona) is one other well-known model throughout Hawaii that gained’t steer you incorrect.

9. Seashore Hop

Not the entire resorts on the Massive Island are identified for his or her seashores. So for those who select to remain in a resort that isn’t on an iconic seaside, you should definitely go go to one or two of the islands finest seashores. Favorites for household vacationers embody the extremely swimmable seashores in entrance of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kauna’oa Bay) or Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (Hapuna Seashore). For a extra distinctive beach-going expertise, try Punalu’u Black Sand Seashore on the south facet of the island.

10. Hike by a Lava Tube

Not removed from KOA airport, you may spot a variety of automobiles pulled off to the facet of the Queen’s Freeway in the course of black lava flows. Consider it or not, there’s lava tube and cave at this location which you can climb into and discover. It’s a fast cease – plan for possibly 20 minutes or so – however you should definitely convey respectable climbing sneakers as a result of it’s possible you’ll lower your ft in flip flops. And watch out of site visitors since parking is correct alongside the busy freeway.

11. Zip Down a Zipline

There are a number of zipline tour firms on the luxurious north and east sides of the Massive Island to take your loved ones on an eco-adventure. Kohala Zipline, Hawaii Zipline Tours, and Umauma Falls Zipline are the foremost operators. Simply you should definitely verify age and weight necessities as a result of most firms gained’t take youthful youngsters.

Extra Suggestions for Visiting Hawaii’s Massive Island

Visiting Hawaii’s Massive Island with children? Listed below are a number of ultimate suggestions my household has discovered from our many experiences there.

1. Hire a automobile: Whereas I’ve visited O’ahu with no automobile earlier than, I actually wouldn’t advocate it on the Massive Island. The distances are too nice and the opposite transportation choices are too slim. Vehicles gives you the liberty to regulate your schedule on the fly and depart your resort for brand spanking new actions, eating places, and purchasing.
2. Contemplate a apartment: Accommodations don’t all the time work for household vacationers, particularly these with infants who want a separate place to sleep or these with teenagers who want their privateness. Fortunately, lots of the lodge properties talked about on this article have affiliated apartment leases close by that may provide the better of each worlds. Simply verify the apartment areas carefully (many aren’t situated inside strolling distance of the seaside) and ensure you lease from an organization that provides you full lodge privileges (some VRBO leases, for instance, can include restricted entry).
3. Rent a sitter: Should you aren’t staying at a resort with a children membership, I extremely advocate hiring a sitter so dad and mom can get an evening out. So lots of the eating experiences on the Massive Island are costly, and adults can get pleasure from them and get extra worth with out little ones. Our household has used the wonderful and background-checked sitters of Malihini Keiki Care on many holidays for over a decade.
4. Give your self every week: So many households wish to come to the state of Hawaii on every week’s trip and island hop to a number of locations to see all of it. You possibly can’t. I’d advocate at the very least Four days on simply the Massive Island to do it justice, however a full week is much more preferable.

Extra Recommendation for the Massive Island & the Hawaiian Islands with Youngsters

Touring to the Massive Island or elsewhere in Hawaii with children? Take a look at these extra assets:

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