nyamazan2000

Hi all,

We are planning a 5 day trip to Hawaii (Big Island in mid June) and I am looking for some suggestions for things to do with my 7 year old twins. The kids have never been to Hawaii, and one of them cannot swim. I am looking for some suggestions that are good for children. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions for off the beaten path activities or places to visit. I always like the less touristy side of things. We are planning on renting a car and I prefer to do things at my own pace rather than going on a tour.

I have looked online and here are some suggestions I found, if you have comments about any of these or can recommend something else, please let me know.

- Hilo Zoo
- Volcano national park
- Tide pools at the pualaa beach park
- Hapuna Beach in the Kohala Coast
- Hawaii tropical botanical garden
- Punaluʻu Beach Park black sand beach
- Akaka & Kahuna Falls

Thanks,

Alexandra

con_brio

Hi Alexandra,
We went with our son when he was 7--21 years ago. Volcano park was fine, but even better was watching the lava flow into the sea. It may not be happening now, you can find out. The Park Ranger told us to bring a picnic and flashlights and come out before dark to the lava flow. Once it got dark it was one of the most amazing sights of our lives. The word awesome is overused--but this truly filled me with awe.

Our son was not a real strong swimmer but we wanted to snorkel safely. On each island we'd stop at the coast guard (? it may have been ranger-- something official) and asked them for safe, quiet (no undertow or big waves)place to snorkel. They would tell us which mile markers marked the kind of spots we wanted.

Hawaii is magical. They m,ight like the zoo and beach better than the gardens, but I suspect it depends on the kids. Your hotel probably can arrange for a babysitter for you and your spouse to have some kid free time in Paradise. Enjoy (and sorry my info is so dated.)

martym

Can I assume that you are staying on the Hilo-side since most of the places you mentioned are there or are close to there except for Hapuna Beach (~2 hours away) and Punaluu Beach (~ 1 hour away).???

That said here are some suggestions--some of which are Kona side which would require a 1/1/2 to 2 hr drive from Hilo..

* Parker Ranch--a huge cattle ranch located on the slopes of Mauna Kea--headquarters near Waimea--horse back riding is available http://parkerranch.com/

* Waipio Valley here are a coupld of sites for different types of tours http://www.waipiovalleywagontours.com/
http://www.ridetherim.com/

* 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo http://www.imiloahawaii.org/

* Ocean Rider- south of the Kona airport--they raise seahorses there http://www.seahorse.com/

Beaches that are usually good for children

* Kahalu's Beach Park in Kailua - protected from the ocean--lots of fish and turtles--lifeguard, dressing rooms, concession stand

* Kaloko-Honokohau--just north of Honokokau Harbor--which is south of the Kona airport--you can park on the north side of the harbor and a short walk to take you to the beach--there are the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishtrap so it is protected from the surf--it is usually uncrowded--like maybe 10-15 people there the times that we've gone

* Kauna’oa Beach—it’s the beach at the Mauna Kea Resort—only ~30 parking passes are available so go early—pull up to the entrance and ask the guy in the little building for a parking pass for the beach—and if they are all gone, drive south to Hapuna Beach http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/kaun...ig-island.html

Oh--and Pualaa Beach Park is now called Ahalanui Beach Park.

nyamazan2000

Hi all,

Thanks for your suggestions.
I was in Hawaii 16 years ago for my honeymoon, and I remember the volcano as being one of the highlights (seeing the lava flow at night). We'll definitely be taking the kids over there.

So far, I have not reserved a hotel yet, although after reading other posts I am thinking about spending 3 nights in the Kona side and 2 nights in the Hilo side, to reduce the amount of time we spend driving.
It is interesting that you point it out, but I had not realized that most of the activities I have on the list are on the Hilo side.

I think the kids would love the seahorses and the snorkel.

Thanks,

Alexandra

sylvia3

There's no lava flowing right now, but there's glow from the crater in the park.
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php
If it does resume flowing down the south side of the volcano, be sure to follow county instructions for viewing very carefully!

If you are staying on the west side, we got this nice 2 bdrm condo for <100/night for later in the year (it's Waikoloa Beach, near A-Bay, a nice beach, and grocery, shops, even fast food now); don't know if your nights are taken, but couldn't hurt to check, for that price! http://www.vrbo.com/413069

Rubi_Niner

Make your way to A-Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, closer to Kona than Hilo. The beach is gentle for swimming and you can take a walk along the shoreline towards the Hilton Waikoloa. When you get there take the kids to the pool where you can swim with the dolphins. They don't have to actually do it and it's probably expensive, but they can watch the dolphins up close and personal, for free. Kids love this!

Rasputin1

Sylvia is right. There is no lava flowing into the sea. Th event imploded some time late last year and the lava is finding other outlets. The lava has crossed into the National Park and the rangers could be taking walking tours there.

Read my review of the Zoo on Trip advisor. It is free but I worry about the welfare of the animals and birds. Cages are too small and nothing to keep their interest. The peacocks road free and when mating show their tail feathers beautifully.

sylvia3

BTW, your initial list looks great; don't pass up on Thurston lava tube while in Volcano NP; kids love it.

nyamazan2000

Hi all,
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will add those to my list.
I think this will be a great trip!
Thanks again,

Alexandra