Itineraries for Your Trip to Big Island of Hawaii
3 Days on the Big Island of Hawaii for Families
The Big Island of Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations—this island has such scenic diversity, from rainforests to rocky volcanoes. My ideal Hawaii trip includes lava viewing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as I can never get enough of the other-worldly Mauna Loa landscape. Beach days are a given, especially when visiting with my kids, and you can guarantee that the day ends with shave ice.
With three days on the Big Island of Hawaii, you'll have time to head out on a snorkeling or a dolphin-watching excursion. Here's my 3-day Big Island of Hawaii itinerary for families to get you started.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a snorkeling excursion.
You'll typically find warm, tropical weather, with a chance of rain in the winter months.
The beach is always a good place to start when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. If you have little ones in tow, find a shoreline with minimal waves. Or head to Kahaluu Beach Park, one of the black-sand beaches where private surfing lessons are offered for the bigger and more daring kids in your crew.
Once you've built up an appetite, make your way to Kona (Kailua-Kona), where sit-down restaurants and roadside stands serve everything from spam musubi to malasadas. If you prefer a guided experience, a food tour may point out under-the-radar spots.
On day two, discover the best snorkeling spots around the Big Island of Hawaii. Kids who want to swim among sea turtles or even wild dolphins will enjoy a snorkeling tour at Kealakekua Bay. Young children who just want to peek at the colorful fish from above may find a glass-bottom boat excursion exciting enough.
This evening, pop on your best aloha wear for a luau. Most include fire dancers and hula performances with buffets of kid-friendly Hawaiian specialties, such as teriyaki chicken and kalua pork.
Set off early today, visiting Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory at sunrise or taking a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a glimpse of Kilauea Volcano. Going with a guide means you alone won't have to answer all of your kid's questions!
If you want to avoid the early morning wake-up, a sunset visit to Mauna Kea is another option. Or, get out on the water for a sunset cruise, where you might spot sea turtles as the sun dips below the horizon. A popular night snorkel with manta rays is sure to thrill every family member.
