We (family of 4, kiddos ages 1.5 & 4) are traveling to the big island of Hawaii, the Kona airport. We will have 7 days on island before we fly back home. On our list of things to do is Volcano NP and of course a couple of beaches.
So my questions…
1) Is it better to stay in Kona or go to Hilo?
We don’t mind splitting time between the two but would like fun things to do for the whole family. We are outdoorsy people who love the beach but also love hiking and adventures.
2) Any recommendations on places to stay on the big island?
Are there any hotels/resorts that offer childcare so hubby and I could have a date night while there? I’ve heard of some resorts in Maui that have childcare for an extra charge but can’t seem to find solid info from places here (Kona/Hilo).
3) What are the absolute must see and do while on the big island?
I’ve personally been to Kauai but the rest have never even been to Hawaii.
What are the absolute must see and do while on Hawaii?
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Kaila
Hey, there! Travel advisor of 6 years with Hawaii as a specialty! I’d love to help you plan.
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Trish
I just went this past summer with my teenagers and rented a Vrbo in waikoloa which we were extremely happy about.
We started out early one morning and drove up the hamakua coast and then over to the hilo side of the island.
We got to volcanos national park mid afternoon and walked through the lava tubes, drove down chain of craters road, walked around the craters edge and saw the steam vents. We waited until sunset to go see the lava lake.
It was a LONG day but you certainly don’t need to cram all of that in one day. The kids enjoyed the octopus farm in Kona and we did a coffee plantation tour. With your little ones snorkeling may be an issue. We really enjoyed visiting Hapuna beach up near waikoloa.
We stayed on Oahu, Maui, and the big island during our stay. The big island was by far our favorite. I hope that you have an amazing time!
We started out early one morning and drove up the hamakua coast and then over to the hilo side of the island.
We got to volcanos national park mid afternoon and walked through the lava tubes, drove down chain of craters road, walked around the craters edge and saw the steam vents. We waited until sunset to go see the lava lake.
It was a LONG day but you certainly don’t need to cram all of that in one day. The kids enjoyed the octopus farm in Kona and we did a coffee plantation tour. With your little ones snorkeling may be an issue. We really enjoyed visiting Hapuna beach up near waikoloa.
We stayed on Oahu, Maui, and the big island during our stay. The big island was by far our favorite. I hope that you have an amazing time!
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Angela
Definitely split your time between the two sides as they are quite different. Rainbow Falls near Hilo is beautiful. Green Sands Beach in the south is pretty cool.
You can either walk or pay one of the guys where you park to drive you over the rough dirt road.
The black sand beach on the east side is pretty cool, and, if I remember correctly, there are often sea turtles on the beach. Snorkeling at Captain Cook on the west is pretty cool.
You can either hike or take a boat trip. Of course the national park is a must.
Don't miss the bubbling firey view from the viewing deck at night. It's worth noting that car break ins, especially of rental cars, are very very common.
Don't leave anything in the car - not even a few pennies.
Some people even leave the car doors unlocked, but that's up to you.
You can either walk or pay one of the guys where you park to drive you over the rough dirt road.
The black sand beach on the east side is pretty cool, and, if I remember correctly, there are often sea turtles on the beach. Snorkeling at Captain Cook on the west is pretty cool.
You can either hike or take a boat trip. Of course the national park is a must.
Don't miss the bubbling firey view from the viewing deck at night. It's worth noting that car break ins, especially of rental cars, are very very common.
Don't leave anything in the car - not even a few pennies.
Some people even leave the car doors unlocked, but that's up to you.
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Michelle
We enjoyed Hilo but Kona has so much going on.
Recommend split your time between the island. Stay in Hilo for 4 days and then stay in Kona for 3.
Recommend split your time between the island. Stay in Hilo for 4 days and then stay in Kona for 3.
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Cathy
Hilton Waikoloa is the BEST especially with kids. Get a room with a balcony facing the lagoon. So much to do and u can rent a car on site if you want to explore Enjoy!
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Fred
Kona is definitely the dry, sunny side. You can go to VNP from Kona, but it would be a long day with little kids. So, a split would probably be preferable for you.
Take good hiking boots or very sturdy shoes because of the lava rock being very sharp and abrasive.
We just got back from the Big Island less than 2 weeks ago. We had a great time. Sunsets in Waikoloa can be stunning:
Take good hiking boots or very sturdy shoes because of the lava rock being very sharp and abrasive.
We just got back from the Big Island less than 2 weeks ago. We had a great time. Sunsets in Waikoloa can be stunning:
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