Find Things for Kids to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii offers much for families traveling with small children, especially along the Kona Kohala Coast, where family-friendly resorts, great food, pristine beaches and more await. Expect everything to cost more than it should-this is Hawaii after all-but you won't run out of family-friendly things to do in this island paradise.
Instructions
1. Use the Internet or the services of a travel agent to conduct a search for local resorts. There are many. Each is a little different and one might suit you better than another depending on the needs of your family. For example, the Hilton Waikoloa is a resort where you might not need to rent a car. It covers 62 acres and has its own monorail, boat system, pools, water slides, restaurants and entertainment.
Other resorts-such as Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and the Waikoloa Beach Resort-are smaller but offer similar amenities. If your family prefers a beach property, some hotels have their own sandy beaches, but not all. The Big Island is not generally known for its beaches as much of the coast is made of black lava rock.
2. Plan ahead for family-friendly restaurants. Conduct an internet search or ask the concierge of your hotel for child-friendly restaurants both on and off their property. There are a number of local magazines which describe the island's restaurants and some even offer coupons. For example, the Dolphin Quest Café at the Hilton Waikoloa offers a good, inexpensive lunch. You get one free kids meal with an adult meal, and you get to watch the dolphins play. Dig deeper by talking to others who work at the resort. They probably live close by. Ask where they like to eat and what to order when you get there.
You might be directed away from the coast and what the locals call "up-country," however this requires a car.
3. Plan for early mornings. If you are traveling from the mainland, your children are likely to arise when they normally would, meaning some early mornings for you. Turn it into an opportunity to visit one of the few sandy beaches on the island. Many of the beaches have parking lots controlled by the resorts. You have to get there early to get a free pass to park because they fill up fast, especially during peak holiday seasons. For example, the Kikaua Beach's spaces are controlled by the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai guard shack. It's beautiful, has bathrooms and showers, and is uncrowded. There is a similar system in place at the Mauna Kea Resort.
4. Plan ahead for free entertainment at the Kings' Shops and Queens' Marketplace.
Access the schedule on the Internet. For example, a local children's hula school provides a performance on some evenings at the Queens' Marketplace. It's worth finding out which night and making an evening of it. The shopping center has a food court along with a few restaurants.
5. Keep an eye out for adventure. Older kids might be able to handle a kayak ride across Kealakekua Bay, located south of Kona. There are a number of kayak rentals shops nearby. You can see spinner dolphins along the way and then snorkel off the shore near Captain Cook's Monument.
Tags: Island Hawaii, early mornings, Find Things, Find Things Kids, Hilton Waikoloa, Kids Island, Kids Island Hawaii