12 Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do on The Big Island of Hawaii with Kids
The Big Island of Hawaii, also known simply as Hawaii Island, is the youngest and most significant of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, stands at the highest point on the island.
Volcanoes and beautiful beaches are only two reasons the Big Island of Hawaii is so well-known.
Hilo, the county seat of the County of Hawai’i, is the island’s capital.
More than 1.5 million people visit annually, making it one of the most popular in the eight Hawaiian Islands.
Do you wish to learn more about the attractions that make Hawaii’s most oversized island popular with vacationers?
Here’s a list of kid-friendly activities you can enjoy on Hawaii’s Big Island.
- Sulphur Banks
The Sulphur Banks, or Ha’akulamanu, are a geological feature that vents volcanic gases and steam from groundwater.
Many people visit there to see the birds and the colorful deposits that have formed there.
Why Your Family Should Go
Visiting a peculiar place is interesting since it can lead you to places you never knew existed.
At the Sulfur Banks, you may smell gases like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide released from the earth.
Take particular care on the trail, as steam rising from the ground might quickly burn you if you take a wrong step.
What to Do with Kids
You can give your older children a first-hand education on the activities that occur in the areas around volcanoes by taking them along on an excursion.
Recommended Ages
Sulphur Banks are not recommended for those with respiratory or heart conditions, as well as youngsters younger than 7.
Depressingly Bad Shape
Health problems may arise from exposure to the toxins released in the vicinity.
- Big Island Eco Adventures II Zipline Canopy Tour (Permanently Closed)
The Big Island Eco Adventures II opened in 2008 and has since become well-known for its eight thrilling zipline courses and 200-foot hanging bridge.
Why Your Family Should Go
You should go on the Big Island Eco Adventures II if you’re the adventurous type.
In the three hours, you’ll speed through eight courses, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ve ever seen.
What to Do with Kids
Big Island Eco Adventures II is where you take your brave kids to zipline.
After three hours of ziplining, they will unquestionably have more muscular upper bodies.
Recommended Ages
Big Island Eco Adventures II guests must be at least six years old.
- Laupahoehoe Train Museum
The Laupahoehoe Train Museum was opened in 1998 to honor the railroad and Hamakua Coast of Hawaii.
Photos, antiques, and other pieces of railroad history are all on display at this museum.
Why Your Family Should Go
Want to take the kids somewhere fun and informative this weekend?
The 1946 tsunami severely destroyed the Hilo Railroad-Hawaii Consolidated Railway line, which may be seen in the museum’s exhibits in Laupahoehoe.
You’ll get the backstory on the railroad, the Hamakua Coast, and the plantations of Hawaii, too.
What to Do with Kids
It’s common knowledge that kids enjoy trains.
The Center N’ Gauge display in the museum’s model train room and the on-site replica of a standard gauge caboose are also highlighted.
True, kids will love the Laupahoehoe Train Museum’s train-themed displays.
Recommended Ages
The Laupahoehoe Train Museum is open to train enthusiasts.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 to protect some of the world’s most unique ecosystems and cultural artifacts.
Tourists are asked to take the Pono Pledge out of respect for the site and their protection.
Why Your Family Should Go
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to get up and personal with two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Klauea.
The interior vistas are unparalleled and unusual for a building of this type.
Adults and older children will enjoy a close look at the results of the volcanic activity of these well-known mountains.
What to Do with Kids
Kids can participate in the park’s Junior Ranger Program to earn a Junior Ranger Badge and participate in various activities while visiting the park.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an excellent choice if you’re looking for kid-friendly activities on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Recommended Ages
Children under the age of twelve will enjoy participating in the Junior Ranger Program at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Thomas A. Jaggar Museum (Permanently Closed)
The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, dedicated to the memory of the late great volcanologist Thomas Augustus Jaggar, Jr., was opened in 1985. The museum focuses on Hawaiian volcanoes’ cultural and scientific relevance.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you are interested in learning more about volcanic eruptions, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is a great resource.
Inside, you can view displays that provide an overview of volcanology.
What to Do with Kids
You and the kids can take in sights of Halema’uma’u and the Klauea Caldera from the safety of the museum’s windows.
Both of you will be astounded by what you’re about to see, which is something you seldom get to see in real life.
One of the most exciting things to do on the Big Island with kids is to explore the craters and volcanoes and look for hidden treasures.
Recommended Ages
Anyone can visit the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum.
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden has been a haven for those who appreciate nature, including botanists, gardeners, and photographers, since it opened in 1984.
There are about two hundred plant species, hiking routes, and a bird aviary.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot to take the kids for a day of learning about and appreciating nature.
Its extensive collection of tropical plants from throughout the world will introduce you to species you may not have heard of before.
Parents are welcome to bring their strollers to the facility for their stay.
What to Do with Kids
While at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, stop by the bird aviary, one of the best locations to take kids on the Big Island.
Macaws, parrots, and other tropical birds will undoubtedly delight them.
Recommended Ages
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is an excellent destination for anyone interested in nature or gardening.
- Mauna Kea Beach
Mauna Kea Beach, sometimes called Kaunaoa Beach, is famous for its dazzling turquoise ocean and powdery white sand.
Today, this beach ranks among the top on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you’re planning to spend a few days on Hawaii’s Big Island and are looking for family-friendly activities, consider visiting Mauna Kea Beach.
In addition to swimming, visitors to the world-famous beach can enjoy snorkeling and boogie boarding.
The beach concession stand is stocked with various available equipment and gear.
What to Do with Kids
The beautiful white sand of Mauna Kea Beach is excellent for kids who would rather stay on dry land.
Don’t leave home without some beach buckets for making sandcastles with the kids.
Recommended Ages
All visitors and island residents are welcome to enjoy the beach.
- Parker Ranch
The Parker Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in the United States, was established in 1847 on Hawaii’s Big Island and continues to operate as a working cattle ranch today.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Parker Ranch is the place to go if you and your family are looking for something fun to do on Hawaii’s Big Island but can’t decide.
The property is home to a cattle ranch and two historic Parker family mansions available for tours.
Discover the family’s history through their treasured possessions displayed throughout the home.
What to Do with Kids
If you find yourself on the island on July 4th, check out their annual 4th of July Rodeo, with rodeo competitions, delicious cuisine, and fun events for the kids.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages are welcome at the Parker Ranch.
- Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Kahalu’u Beach Park is a popular destination for those interested in water sports, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Kahalu’u Beach Park is a must-see for everyone vacationing on the island who enjoys getting wet.
Some of the most thrilling family sports on the Big Island of Hawaii include surfing and snorkeling, and you can rent the necessary gear right at the bay.
What to Do with Kids
After cooling down in the ocean, bring the kids for a picnic at one of the authorized pavilions with burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream from the nearby food trucks.
Recommended Ages
Kahalu’u Beach Park is a great place to spend the day if you enjoy being near or in the sea.
- ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach
The ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach, often known as the ‘A-Bay,’ is a world-famous beach on the Kohala Coast.
It’s beachfront for the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you want to spend an active day on the beach with your family, this is the perfect place to go because of all the water activities available.
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more equipment rental are available on the premises.
What to Do with Kids
Youngsters who enjoy splashing around will also enjoy Anaehoomalu Beach.
One of the most remarkable things for kids in Hawaii is swimming, which they can do on the Big Island.
Recommended Ages
Anyone, young or old, is welcome to enjoy a day at the beach at ‘Anaeho’omalu.
- Dolphin Quest
The Dolphin Quest was founded in 1988; it has grown to become the world’s largest and most important natural for dolphins.
Why Your Family Should Go
A trip to Dolphin Quest on Hawaii’s Big Island will delight any dolphin fan.
Experience the fascinating behaviors of these charismatic creatures up close and personal at this facility.
What to Do with Kids
Meeting the dolphins up close and personal is likely to be an exciting event for the kids.
The audience will be blown away by the trained dolphins’ aquatic performances.
One of the most fun things to do on the Big Island with young children is to spend the day at Dolphin Quest.
Recommended Ages
Anyone above two who enjoys interacting with dolphins can join in on the action.
- Punalu`u Beach
Punalu’u Beach, often known as the Black Sand Beach, is Hawaii’s most well-known black sand beach.
Many people visit because of the unique black sand and animals that may be found there.
Why Your Family Should Go
Although swimming isn’t encouraged here, you can still have a fun day with the kids by going on a hike, putting up a picnic, or watching sea turtles from a distance.
If you’re looking for a low-cost activity for the whole family, a day at Punalu’u Beach is a great choice.
To avoid potential harm to you or the turtles, please observe from a distance of at least ten feet.
What to Do with Kids
Have a modest lunch at one of the approved pavilions on Punalu’u Beach after a day of exploring the famed beach with the kids.
Taking the kids to this famous beach on Hawaii’s Big Island is a great way to spend a day.
Recommended Ages
Punalu’u Beach is family-friendly and fun for visitors of all ages.
Always remember to hold your children near.
