The Big Island with Toddlers--Help!
 

We will be attending a wedding in Waikoloa in October with our 2 year old and 4 year old. Beyond enjoying the beaches and pools what suggestions do you have that would be enjoyable/manageable for both them and us?

Thank you!

Don't know if this info will help, but at least the reply will bring the message back to the top.

Hilo has a zoo.

Botanical gardens. Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo is nice.

Akaka Falls Park near Hilo. Short loop trail to both Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It's managable with kids. Probably not too enjoyable for them.

This site has a section on Hawaii with kids. Pretty generic though.

http://www.alohafriendshawaii.com/

Also try these sites for things to do.

www.bigisland.org

www.gohawaii.com They will send a free guide book

www.hawaiiweb.com

www.spotlighthawaii.com

www.thisweek.com

Thanks Dusty. If you have any thoughts re kid-frlendly restaurants, that would also be much appreciated!

At age 2 & 4, your kids will love the zoo in Panaewa:
http://www.hilozoo.com/
It'll be a bit a drive from Waikoloa, but the scenery is gorgeous and there will be plenty of places to get out and let the kids romp. I'd skip the gardens...my grandkids are that age and they certainly aren't very interested in orchids and bamboo! :d)

You'll be close to Kona -- how about the Atlantis Submarine?
http://www.atlantissubmarines.org/

When you arrive on the island, be sure to pick up a free copy of "101 Things to Do" -- a magazine-size publication loaded with lots of useful info on activities/dining/etc., with discount coupons, too.

jchvann

I don't have any restaurant recommendations.

Besides the sites already listed, here is one that has maps and a restaurant guide for all islands.

www.driveguidemagazines.com

You can also do a search: restaurants big island

Although I agree with auntiemaria, that kids don't like botanical gardens, Liliuokalani Gardens is great for kids. It's mostly ponds with several bridges, koi (carp).

Also in or near Hilo - Boiling Pots and Rainblow Falls.

There is a great park south of Kona. I think it's called Higashihara Park. Lots of areas to climb in and around and the best views from swings I've ever seen!

Kim

thanks for the info...the submarine looks great! We're divers and I'll bet this is as close as we're going to get to sealife on this vacation!

best,
Jill

My tips for finding kid friendly restaurants: look for places that are loud, like microbreweries or family-style italian restaurants. Eating outside often buys you more time as your kids can wander a bit before the food comes. If you want to go to a place but aren't sure your kids are welcome, simply ask if they have high chairs available. No highchairs=kids not welcome.