Hello my wonderful Fodorites. Heading to Hawaii, Kohala Coast with DH and teen daughter and son. My husband and I have been to Oahu before ,but never The Big Island and this is the kids' first trip. We are staying at the Fairmont Orchid for a week in mid October. I have a few ideas for possible outings while there , but want to get feedback from all of you on activities and maybe a couple of reasonable restaurant recommendations. My son can eat like four people, growing boy and all.

I am the only museum lover in the bunch. We all enjoy history especially if shared in an engaging way, like to walk not necessarily hike. I have a bum toe that limits me a little. Here are some of my thoughts. Feel free to applaud or poo poo them and let me know why.
Dolphin discoveries
The Botanical Garden
Place of Refuge
Punalu'u and /or Kahalu'u for green turtles and black sand
Mauna Kea at night for stargazing
A luau- I know , but my daughter and son would enjoy it , I think.
Thanks in advance for any /all help in making it a memorable trip.

It all sounds good imo.

If you're staying at the Orchid, a closer (and far more dramatic btw) black sand beach can be found at Pololu, at the end of Hwy 270. Getting to the beach requires a short and not overly stressful hike, if that's a problem then stick with Punaluu, which is immediately off the road but quite a long drive from South Kohala.

The sand at Kahaluu is a black and white mix, not especially attractive or comfortable to lay on/play in. The beach does have some decent snorkeling and tidepools offshore, but other than that there's not much to recommend it.

Also you might want to double-check your kids' desire to see a luau. Typically the events are attended by groups of older (50- and 60-something) tourists. If they still want to go, I'd recommend the one at the Mauna Kea Hotel.

Kona side:
If you want to avoid the sit-down luau experience, there are free Polynesian hula shows at the Shops at Mauna Lani on Mondays and Thursdays: http://www.shopsatmaunalani.com/events/

The hike down to the beach and back up again (at Pololu) is not for someone who has a bum toe that limits her, but the Pololu Valley overlook is certainly worth the drive.
On the way, if you like archeology and history, the huge Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is worth a visit:
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/histor.../puukohola.htm
and a few miles north, the ancient village site Lapakahi State Historical Park is very interesting (and scenic):
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/haw...storical-park/
Both of the above can be visited easily (and briefly).

If you go to Place of Refuge, the snorkeling at close-by Two-Step (Honaunau Bay) is terrific.

Green turtles don't require a special trip; I never fail to see them on a stroll on the beach at Anaehoomalu (A-Bay, Waikoloa Beach Resort). (Park in the public lot; or combine a King's shop petroglyph stroll across the way, and go through the Marriott to enter the beach and have lunch at the Shops or Marriott.)
Quite often see them from the Kona pier, too.

Hilo Side:
There are several botanic gardens on the BI: I would avoid Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on Onomea Bay, because part of it involves a steep boardwalk climb; although they do provide golf carts for a charge to those who need them. http://www.htbg.com/directions.html
(The scenic byway past Onomea is a gorgeous drive.)

World Botanical Gardens (http://worldbotanicalgardens.com)used to feature Umauma Falls, but now they are accessed by www.ziplinehawaii.com/

Nearby Akaka Falls (state park) is lovely, well worth a visit. A bit farther down the road is the stunning Laupahoehoe beach park.

When in October will you be visiting? Ironman is October 10th and I would stay far away from Kona during that time. Roads will be closed during the race itself so plan your travel accordingly. If you don't already have your rental car reserved, do that ASAP. They ALWAYS sell out during Ironman.

I urge you to read up on captive dolphin programs and decide if that is really where you want to spend your money. You need to stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins in the open ocean. Please keep that in mind.

The Big Island is the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling. So, spend a lot of time doing that. The area around the Beach Club at the Mauna Lani has great shore snorkeling. It is one of our favorites. The beach adjacent to Place of Refuge is also great but has a slightly tricky entrance and exit (the Two Step). Kahululu is not worth the effort...overcrowded and dirty and so packed during cruise ship dates. Too long of a drive for a poor experience.

There are several beaches with black sand on the island. Some quite close like Honokaope at the Mauna Lani, the beach at the Polulu look out, etc.

Hapuna is a great beach, especially for boogie boarding. Also visit Kuana'oa at the Mauna Kea hotel. Gorgeous beach.

Skip the luau. Overpriced and designed for tourists. If you want an authentic experience, see the free hula shows put on at the Shops at Mauna Lani twice weekly in the evenings. Authentic local halaus perform.

A hike down to the black sand beach at the Polulu look out would be a great day trip for your family. Hit Hawi before or after for lunch and ice cream or shave ice.

Farmers Markets are another great Big Island experience. The one in Waimea at the Parker Ranch is great as is the Saturday market. Lots of local produce, crafts, food, music, etc.

Are you going to Volcano National Park at all? You could visit the Waipio look out and Akaka Falls as well as the Botanical Garden on your way over. Take the Northern route over and the Saddle back.

There are many heiaus in the area near your hotel for you to visit if you are interested in local history and culture.

Have you considered the Manta Ray night snorkel? For many, it is a bucket list type of activity. It could be the highlight of your trip for the teens in your group.

Happy planning!

Oh thank you thank you for the helpful responses. It is always difficult to know what will make for the best experience. I appreciate all of your feedback. It will help us to have the best time possible.

Fdcarlo- thanks for the heads up on the black sand beach at Pololu. That sounds great. I'll have to check out the drive to Punaluu just in case.

Sylvia- thanks for the links. There seems to be agreement all around about luaus ( me too if I must say) We'll check out the shops at Mauna Lani. I especially look forward to checking out the historic links you provided.

Taiatai- we'll be there 12-19th of October so I am hoping we miss most of the ironman crowds,but I will look into the car rental asap. I appreciate your honesty regarding the dolphins and having respect for their treatment. Perhaps that particular event is not for us. We will definitely opt for the more authentic hula demonstration at Mauna Lani. You have such wonderful recommendations and I will look into all of them. I had read the Volcano National Park is 3 hours up and back so might be most pleasant with an overnight in the area. Any suggestions? Also read something about rental cars being barred from part of the drive due to the driving conditions?
Perhaps I misremember that?
Thanks again to all of you.

Many people double book a night in Volcano. There are lots of little b&bs and cabins and places to stay there and the prices are quite reasonable. Staying overnight allows you to see the glow from the Crater at the visitor's center at night which is really cool. It also allows you to visit without having to drive cross island at night which can sometimes be quite scary.

Rental cars are barred from some roads (into Waipio, the road to South Point, etc.) but I haven't heard of them banned in VNP. I was just there a month ago and had no issues. There were some lava flow issues in Puna a couple months ago but the lava has stalled and the roads remain open.

Have fun planning.

Thank you. I'm sure it will be a great trip.

We just returned from 10 nights in a condo at The Point, one of the several complexes in the Mauna Lani property. With your crew and one week you might also want to consider a condo. Lots more room to spread out, and you could save a bundle on food costs for your son.

We've been to the Big Island several times before and have enjoyed much of what's already been recommended, but the two activities that stuck out on this trip were a sunset sail and outrigger paddle, both with Mauna Lani Sea Adventures: http://maunalaniseaadventures.com/. The outrigger paddle in particular is crazy fun, mostly because of Uncle Gary the guide, who has a wealth of Big Island knowledge and history which he's happy to share.

Ditto to taitai's recommendation of snorkeling at the Beach Club and other Mauna Lani locations (including Honokaope). There are actually a couple coves/lagoons near the Fairmont that are pretty good too. Ditto also to the comments about Kahalu'u; don't waste your time. Very crowded, and practically no beach.

We typically spend a lot of time (and money) at Napua, the restaurant just above the Beach Club beach. It's locally owned(?)/operated, so there's often very good local entertainment. Food's wonderful too, and not as expensive as restaurants at the resorts. Then there's a Tommy Bahama's and Monstera at Mauna Lani Shops, both good. Tommy Bahama's aren't usually anything to get excited about, but this one has a local chef who's been allowed to dictate more of the menu than at others. Lava Lava Beach Club at neighboring Waikoloa Beach is a decent restaurant-bar; huge portions, and beautiful beachfront setting. In the same vein, Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea, which according to some, brews the best beer in the islands.

Please research into swimming with captive dolphins, I vote against this activity - do you really want to swim in their toilet bowl?
We really enjoyed the Fairwinds tour to Kealakekua Bay with decent snorkeling and a nice hot lunch onboard.

Jamie99: Dolphin Discoveries is a boat excursion to see dolphins in their native habitat, it's not a captive program like Dolphin Quest at the Hilton. Completely agree with your comments about the latter. Wild dolphin sighting are fairly reliable if you go just after dawn, by mid-morning (when most tourist boats arrive, ironically) the dolphins and most of the fish have usually left for open ocean for the day.

Cjar: I second the suggestions for the nighttime manta ray dive. For something casual (and free) the Mauna Kea Hotel sometimes has nighttime viewing from onshore. Or much better, if your family is (or can get) scuba certified by October, definitely opt for it instead of this or snorkeling. Most of the action takes place underneath the animals, at depths that are moreless inaccessible to snorkelers.

Another cool dive imo is Garden Eel Cove, off the coast near the KOA airport:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbLaqvCP0W4

Another possibility is offshore of Puako, just south of Hapuna Beach:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkC3bXl5Ghc

When you go to Pololu I would suggest taking Mountain Rd there and stopping at Hawaiian Style in Waimea for a hearty big boy breakfast. You could also stop at Foodland to pick up a picnic. The deli counter makes great sandwiches to order. And they have a good selection of poke. After your hike, stop in Hawi for a stroll and Tropical Dreams Ice Cream. Last time I was in town, I stopped in at Bamboo's to check out the shop side of the restaurant after a wonderful lunch at Sushi Rocks. There were a group of Aunties finishing up a little hula presentation. Not sure what the schedule is. I would then take the ocean road back. Both roads are breathtaking.

You can legally drive to South Point in a rental car (because it is paved), but go no further than the paved road (you wouldn't want to try to go any farther, but some may think to go for the green sand beach, which is difficult even in a 4WD, and illegal).

The former Saddle Road (hwy 200, and the newly reconfigured part, Daniel K. Inouye Highway) is completely repaved, and a trip from Waikoloa village to Hilo takes 1 hour and 15 minutes (another 30 miles from Hilo to Volcano). Staying overnight in or near the park gives you time to see some sights on that side.
We like the Nāmakanipaio cabins in the VNP; bedding is provided (check in and operated by Volcano House: www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/cabins-campsites/), there are toilets and showers available, and you can eat meals at the Volcano House or even at the Kilauea military camp (terrific for breakfast): http://kilaueamilitarycamp.com/food/). Not quite glamping, but comfortable and convenient.

I caution again against going down to the Polulu beach if your foot is troubling you: it is steep, and very slippery in places.

Sylvia3: Good advice imo, especially if it's been raining heavily. Otherwise, in terms of total exertion, it's not bad, and most of it isn't all that steep. I'd rate it as very easy as long as the trail is dry.

Here's a photo of it. Note the age range of hikers:

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/bigisle...pololu_002.htm

The last time we were on the BI, we were going down the Pololu Valley trail, and a three or four year old girl, who was on her way back up the trail, stopped me and my daughter to say, "Do not go down there! It is not worth it! There is nothing to do at the bottom!"

She was so cute, and I think my daughter, who was 8 years old at the time agreed with her. I think it's a nice hike, but maybe not rewarding for younger kids.

You can't swim there, the currents are mad. So, you pretty much turn around once your there, unless you've toted your lunch.

Sylvia3: I think your claim is overstated. As always, visitors should heed all warning signs posted at trailheads. But as far as I know the signs at Pololu do not include a no swimming directive, and the fact is, swimmers, surfers and bodyboarders are common there.

Obviously swimming isn't an option if the surf is up, which it often is in winter months. But take a look through the other photos linked to in my previous post for examples of people having a ball in the water at Pololu, even with the currents and lava rock.

Speaking of lava rock, how much more swimmable would you rate Punaluu, or any other black sand beach? Even Burt Lancaster stayed out of the water.

Polulu Valley Beach is generally regarded as unswimmable due to the extreme currents. Locals may board or surf there on occasion. Unless you are an exceptionally strong open water swimmer, why risk it? There are many pretty swim able beaches on the Big Island. Remember, help is basically non-existent if you get into trouble here.

I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND the nighttime manta ray dive - it may have been one of my most memorable experience, and that's saying a lot! My husband felt the same way.

From a post I did about this --

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...for-hawaii.cfm

I meant to add, we went swimming at Two Step beach by Place of Refuge and I thought I was going to drown! I could not get out of the water (getting in is much easier than getting out). DH got out a head of me and didn't realize I was having trouble,and I could not hoist myself out. The waves either smacked me into the rocks or they pulled me out before I could get out. I was freaking out, not a good thing, and after getting really scraped up, some men reached in to pull me out! By then DH had come over, but I was out of the water by then. I am not a newbie to snorkeling, I have been snorkeling for decades and in many locations and had never had this happen before. Needless to say, I will never snorkel In that spot again.

Wow such wonderful responses. I'm a little on info overload since I have to pull up a map and try to look at where everything is in order to make sense of things. None the less, I truly value the input.

Unfortunately none of us are particularly strong swimmers. Although hubby and I were raised in SoCal, we are both just passable pool swimmers and home is Az now, so not a lot of open water for the kids to swim in. We'll definitely heed any caution signs and dive certification is unlikely. Having said that my daughter ,in particular, is excited about trying her hand at snorkeling.

What are your thoughts on driving to Akaka Falls, staying a night in Hilo and then doing a helicopter tour of active lava spots in lieu of the drive to Volcano National Park? I know it is by no means the same experience, but it looks like we will have plenty of driving and the peanut gallery has expressed the desire to spend more time chilling and less time in a car. My fault. Our last family trip was very transportation heavy.
My son has now expressed the desire to do a day flight to Honolulu in order to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and days are starting to feel a little shall we say manic, losing that whole island vibe.

I may not be able to make everyone happy. Perhaps I can put together a tentative plan and submit it for your approval. By combining some excursions, perhaps we can still have plenty of beachcomber time?

Fdecarlo- the Mauna Kea Hotel has night time manta ray viewing from the shore? How does that work and would my daughter likely be disappointed in the night time snorkel? She was very excited about that idea. Every trip I present a list of 7 or 8 ideas and everyone gets to list their top 3. Hopefully there is some overlap and everyone gets to do something that they enjoy. The manta rays are currently on her top 3.