Are you planning a trip to the Big Island for 2025 and want to start working on your Hawaii itinerary? Check out these awesome things to do on the Big Island with family!
This list of the best things to do on the Big Island with family was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Are you planning a trip to the Big Island and want to find the best kid-friendly attractions, activities, restaurants, and more? You’ve come to the right place because this blog is full of fun things to do on the Big Island with family!
The entire island is home to some incredible adventures that will thrill your whole family, from exploring lava tubes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hiking through lush rainforest trails at Akaka Falls State Park, or swimming next to dolphins at Dolphin Quest.
There are so many fun things for families like yours (and mine) on this island paradise.
I’m excited for you because I know how much fun it can be when you have an excellent guide who knows where all of these hidden gems are hiding!
Let me help make your family vacation an unforgettable one by sharing my personal recommendations on what not to miss while visiting each area of this incredible island.
Keep scrolling for my top 25 things to do in Kona, Hilo, and all across the Hawaiian Islands.
Need help planning? Save time and money with this Big Island with Kids guidebook!
Want a Hawaii travel guide? I’ve got detailed guides and 7-day itineraries!
25 Things to Do on the Big Island with Family
1. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
When you’re on the Big Island, it would be a shame not to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This beautiful park features tons of lava tubes and hiking trails through interesting rock formations that can only be found in this place!
Not only will your children get their fill with all these activities, but so too should adults who enjoy seeing new things outside everyday life.
There’s always something happening at HVNP — whether during active times or when Kilauea Volcano is dormant.
2. Snorkel with Manta Rays
One of the coolest Big Island snorkeling tours actually happens at night. This is an opportunity to go swimming with Manta Rays in Kona.
It’s a unique opportunity that you won’t find anywhere else in Hawaii.
Families who love ocean life may want to pack their own snorkel gear to enjoy even more snorkeling spots around the island.
This is the best Manta Ray tour for families because it’s for all ages (plus kids ages 2 and younger are FREE).
3. Play at the Hawaii Keiki Museum
One of the coolest indoor activities in Kona is the Hawaii Keiki Museum. It’s a really cool science museum geared for kids ages 1-10.
There are tons of science-based activities, demonstrations, and play areas here. They also offer cool workshops and special events throughout the year.
It’s one of the top family-friendly activities on the island, especially for young kids.
4. Go on a Cultural ATV Ride
One of the newest Big Island adventures is the Aloha Adventure Farms ATV tour. It launched in 2019, and it’s one of the coolest jungle treks for families with kids ages 5 and older.
Here, you’ll drive up trails and stop at 4 Polynesian villages to participate in hands-on Hawaiian culture activities. And if your kids are at least 8 years old, you can also add on a Polynesian wood carving workshop!
5. Tour a Chocolate Farm
The Big Island is famous for its delicious, locally made chocolate. And many of the Big Island chocolate farms have tours and tastings available.
Our favorite place to taste chocolate is the Lavaloha Chocolate Farm in Hilo. Not only is the chocolate amazing, but the farm is also great for kids. There’s even a place to feed the ducks!
6. Play at Hapuna Beach
When it comes to the best beaches for kids on the Big Island, Hapuna Beach in South Kohala is a top destination.
Not only does this area have tons of sand and shade from palm trees, but there are also professional lifeguards who will keep your little ones safe during their vacation here!
You can buy food or drinks at nearby stores while enjoying a restful time under an umbrella with friends.
Many families consider this their favorite beach for its calm waters and wide stretch of white sand.
7. Hike to Akaka Falls
One of the best kid-friendly hikes on the Big Island is Akaka Falls. It’s located at a Hawaii state park, and it’s an easy walk, a paved trail that takes you to one of the best Big Island waterfalls.
Along this loop trail, you’ll cross a bridge and see lots of tropical plants and flowers. It’s a short and scenic stop that’s great to explore at your own pace, especially if you’re trying to fill an entire day with fun activities.
8. Swim with Dolphins
If your kids love animals, they probably have swimming with dolphins in Hawaii on their bucket list. Kids of all ages (and even adults) can do this with Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island.
Even if your kids are shy, the instructors are great at getting them comfortable in the water and letting them interact with the dolphins to their own comfort level. Plus, they can practice sign language with them!
It’s a fun experience your kids will never forget, especially for a first trip to the Big Island.
9. Get Malasadas
Hawaii is famous for its malasadas, which are Portuguese-style donuts. They look like oversized donut holes, and they are usually rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
The best place to get malasadas on the Big Island is at Tex Drive-In on the Honoka’a Coast. They have the tastiest and most affordable malasadas with a variety of toppings and fillings.
It’s also a great stop when exploring the east coast of the island on a scenic day trip.
10. Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
The best way to learn about Hawaiian history and culture is by visiting the Place of Refuge in Hawaii. That’s the common name for the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
This national park showcases the area of land that provided Hawaiians with a safe haven from the death penalty after breaking strict laws (called kapu).
Today, you can take walks along paths lined with replica structures that show old ways of life for those who found refuge here centuries ago!
Families often make this stop while exploring South Kona, as it’s one of the most educational and scenic areas in the region.
11. See the Painted Church
One of the most beautiful churches in Hawaii is St. Benedict’s Church in Captain Cook. Most people refer to it as the Painted Church because of the beautiful interior paintings.
It’s free to enter, but donations are accepted and encouraged. It’s one of the most beautiful Hawaiian churches and definitely worth a peek.
It also makes a quick stop when driving from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, giving you a look into Hawaiian culture and early missionary art on the whole island.
12. Check out a Macadamia Nut Factory
One of the best things to do in Big Island with kids is to tour the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory up on the North Shore of Hawaii Island.
It’s a bright, clean factory with show windows so you can watch them pack up the macadamia nuts in real time. Plus, they have an informative video, macadamia nut tastings, and even locally made ice cream!
13. Enjoy a Big Island Luau
One of the best Big Island luaus is the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort. They have dancing from all across the Polynesian islands.
If you’re staying anywhere in Waikoloa, the Legends of Hawaii luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a great luau for kids. It’s also located right in front of the ocean with beautiful sunset views.
And there’s the Island Breeze Kona Luau at the King Kamehameha Hotel on Ali’i Drive that has a really cool royal processional.
14. Shop on Ali’i Drive
If you’re looking for fun Big Island souvenirs, you’ll definitely want to check out the boutiques along Ali’i Drive. They have everything from Aloha shirts and dresses to artwork that you’ll want to bring home.
Plus, they have a bunch of gift shops where kids will have a blast finding the perfect toy, book, or tchotchke.
Many shops are located near the Kona Airport, which makes it easy to squeeze in some last-minute gift shopping before your flight home.
15. See Waipio Valley
I think that one of the most beautiful places on the Big Island is the Waipio Valley. It’s one of the last remaining valleys that truly showcases what Old Hawaii was like.
It’s really tricky to get to (you can’t take your rental car), so your best bet is to use the Waipio Valley Shuttle. If you want to experience nature off the beaten path, this is one of the most stunning areas to explore
16. Take a Submarine Ride
The Kona Atlantis Submarine is the perfect way to explore the underwater world without getting wet! It’s located at the Courtyard by Marriott’s King Kamehameha Beach Hotel.
You’ll spend about 50 minutes exploring a real, live sub with tons of coral and tropical fish. There are even shipwrecks waiting for you on your adventure.
17. Do a Big Island Ziplining Tour
There are tons of places to go ziplining in Hawaii, and the Big Island has plenty of options.
This Hawaii Zipline Tour was voted the best zipline in Hawaii, and it takes place at a pretty waterfall. It’s perfect for families with kids at least 10 years old.
This makes for a fun experience that both kids and adults will enjoy while seeing more of the island’s lush beauty.
18. Get Shave Ice
The iconic Maui shave ice company Ululani’s Shave Ice has a location at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. They have some of the most flavorful shave ice in Hawaii, made with real fruit syrups.
And Scandinavian Shave Ice (aka Scandi’s) was voted the best shave ice in Hawaii!
If you’re visiting multiple Hawaiian Islands, you’ll notice each one has its own take on this beloved treat, so it’s worth trying on other islands too.
19. Visit the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
If you’re looking for a cute zoo in Hawaii, you’ll definitely want to check out Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo. It’s a small zoo, and it’s perfect for families with young children.
In addition to animals like tigers and tropical birds, they also have a pretty awesome play area for kids. It’s a top thing to do in Hilo, Hawaii, for families.
20. Check out a Big Island Farmers Market
The Big Island has some of the best farmers’ markets in Hawaii. That’s because there are a ton of farms here, and the climate allows them to grow a variety of things.
The most famous farmers’ market on the Big Island is the Hilo Farmers Market. It’s right in Hilo town, and it’s the best place to get fresh produce and baked goods, whether you are driving by or staying a few days.
If you’re in luck, you might find pop-ups with food trucks or handmade local crafts that reflect the culture of the entire island.
21. Tour the Imiloa Astronomy Center
If you are traveling with children or want to get them into the solar system, then I recommend Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, Hawaii.
They have an awesome facility that will leave your little ones awe-struck! Plus, your kids will love learning about the ancient Polynesian art of wayfinding (just like in Moana)!
For an unforgettable evening of stargazing, consider joining a tour to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS), where you can experience incredibly clear night skies thanks to the island’s high elevation and minimal light pollution.
While the summit of Mauna Kea, home to world-class observatories, has restricted public access for independent stargazing, the VIS offers fantastic viewing opportunities. Stargazing tours are not as commonly offered on Mauna Loa.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.
22. Look for Petroglyphs
Kids will love exploring ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs on the Big Island. They are rock carvings that depict animals, people, and things.
There are tons of top spots to find these rock carvings, including in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, among other places!
Many are etched into hardened lava rock, showing the deep historical connection between the island’s people and its volcanic landscape.
23. Visit a Seahorse Farm
One of the most unique things to do on the Big Island with family is to visit the seahorse farm.
This is where you can learn about these adorable sea creatures. Plus, there’s even an opportunity to hold them!
It’s perfect for animal lovers and a great way to learn more about Hawaii’s unique sea life.
24. Explore a Kona Coffee Farm
Did you know that Kona coffee is famous around the world? That’s because it’s grown on the slopes of a volcano and has a unique taste that’s hard to match.
There are tons of coffee farms all over the Big Island, so you won’t have any trouble stopping by at least one of them.
Greenwell Farms is a popular Kona coffee farm that families enjoy visiting because it offers exclusive access to free guided tours and samples.
While adults enjoy the tasting experience, kids will love seeing how coffee is made—it’s a fun way to learn about agriculture and island life.
25. See Rainbow Falls
One of the best waterfalls on the Big Island is Rainbow Falls, right in Hilo. There’s no hiking involved, which makes it the easiest Big Island waterfall for kids.
You simply park and walk a few steps to have an incredible view of Rainbow Falls. There are a few different viewing platforms.
The lush greenery and misty air make it one of the most photogenic spots on the east coast, and a great way to wrap up your visit before heading back across the island.
Things to do on the Big Island with Family FAQs
Yes, depending on what you’re looking for. The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its tropical climate, gorgeous waterfalls, impressive beaches, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. People come from all across the world to experience a more laid-back island and to swim with Manta Rays.
I know I’m stating the obvious, but the Big Island is, well, BIG. It takes a while to drive just about anywhere you’d like to go. That’s why I recommend at least 5 days on the Big Island if you want to explore Kona, Hilo, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
It depends on what type of vacation you want. Hilo is the more affordable area, so it’s perfect for budget travelers and people who want to spend a lot of time exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the many waterfalls on the Big Island. However, if you’re looking for a resort vacation, you’ll want to stay in either Kona or Waikoloa.
Things to Do on the Big Island with Family Wrap-Up
Now you know all the things to do on the Big Island with family. There are many family friendly activities and attractions on the Big Island.
I hope you’ve found this list of the top 25 things to do with kids in the Big Island helpful and informative. There’s something for everyone on this list, whether your family prefers outdoor activities or a more relaxing vacation.
The Big Island Hawaii truly offers a wide range of experiences for all ages, from relaxing at a scenic favorite beach to hiking past ancient lava rock formations or taking thrilling helicopter tours over active volcano craters.
We also have other content related to Hawaii that may be worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for ideas beyond what to do in the Big Island with kids. You can also compare your Big Island itinerary with those on other Hawaiian Islands to help you plan your ideal family vacation.
Looking for more Hawaii travel resources? Learn how to plan a trip to Hawaii, where to stay on the Big Island with kids, the best Hawaiian island for kids, how to book affordable Hawaii family photos, how to plan a trip to Hawaii with toddlers, and do you need Hawaii travel insurance.
