9 Family-Friendly Things To Do on the Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can sometimes feel like it’s been pulled from the pages of a children’s book. With steam vents here, flowing lava there, and even a lava tube to wander through, there’s an adventure around every corner. Of course, it’s also completely safe, just to put parents’ minds at ease. While the volcanoes at the park aren’t always erupting, they do so fairly often. Be prepared for bigger crowds when there are eruptions, but the lava-filled sight is more than worth braving the masses.

While your little ones might have to stay up past their bedtime, one of the top Big Island activities for children and adults alike is a stargazing excursion at the top of Mauna Kea. Between its 13,800-foot (4,200-meter) height and its remote location, this Big Island mountain offers some of the best stargazing conditions in the world.

Insider tip: Most rental car companies don’t allow renters to drive to the peak of Mauna Kea, but you can access the summit on a guided tour.

Plan a Big Island family outing to Big Island Bees, where you’ll sample honey that’s a world away from what you’ll find at your average grocery store. Its honey is produced by bees that pollinate local plants, including macadamia nuts and rare ohia lehua blossoms, leading to its unique flavor. During the Big Island Bees beekeeping tour, you’ll get an up-close look at the honey sourcing process, watch beekeepers open live hives, and learn about the bee communities that live there. And, of course, you’ll get to sample the amazing honey varieties made on-site.

No family trip to any island in Hawaii would be complete without a day at the beach, and Kua Bay is a fantastic spot for a kid-friendly Big Island beach day. Located on the Kona Coast, this beautiful shoreline is great for most water activities, from swimming to snorkeling to bodyboarding.

Insider tip: Especially if you're visiting with little ones, be aware that there isn’t much shade at Kua Bay, so you’ll want to bring as much sun protection as possible: Be sure to bring umbrellas, rash guards, sunglasses, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen.

One of the best family attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii is Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm in Kailua-Kona—a must if you’re traveling with budding marine biologists. This aquafarm is committed to conserving endangered seahorses and sea dragon species by implementing good farming practices and raising ocean awareness. Visit to learn about all their vital work and even get the chance to hold a seahorse in your hand.

With all its volcanic activity—and subsequent lava rock creation—the Big Island is covered in black sand beaches. However, Pohoiki Beach is special: It was created in 2018 during one of the most destructive Kilauea Volcano eruptions in recorded history. The old Pohoiki Beach was wiped out, and a new version—featuring darker, unfaded sand—took its place. It’s now the newest black-sand beach on Earth.

Insider tip: The ocean conditions at Pohoiki Black Sand Beach are often dangerous, so it’s best to stick to strolling its midnight-colored shoreline.

The beautiful Akaka Falls will grab your attention, no matter your age or interests. Sitting within a tropical jungle, the water cascades down 442 feet (135 meters) into a greenery-covered chasm below. After you've taken in the falls, it's worth spending a little more time in Akaka Falls State Park. Pass an afternoon wandering around the park's paved paths, admiring the greenery, and keeping an eye out for the lesser-known Kahuna Falls.

One of the best things to do with kids on the Big Island is learning about Hawaiian culture, both contemporary and historical. And while there are many ways to do this, from tasting local food to attending a festival, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is a particularly cool option. Stroll along a rugged path to reach the ancient petroglyphs, spotting drawings of people, canoes, horses, and birds all along the way.

Kealakekua Bay is one of the best family attractions on the Big Island. For one, this crescent-shaped cut-out has calm waters year-round, making it perfect for kayaking. Even better, the turquoise waters below are filled with sea life, including fish, coral, dolphins, and whales—it’s every snorkeler’s dream. Join a guided snorkeling excursion to head to the bay’s best spots by boat.

Insider tip: While the bay is great for kayaking and snorkeling, its rocky shoreline isn't the best for sunbathing. Be prepared to be in the water for most of your visit.