Family Fun on Hawaii’s Big Island

As far as childhood memories go, this may be hard to beat. Watch as your kids run over several Japanese bridges in Liliuokalani Gardens. See them discover ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks at sites along the Kohala Coast. Let them stargaze through telescopes at the Ellison S. Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, 9,300 feet atop Maunakea (but note that the high altitude may not be suitable for younger children). Or join them as you explore the planetarium and interactive exhibits in the amazing Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.

Outdoor adventures abound at family friendly parks and beaches with lifeguards and full picnic and restroom facilities. Build a sandcastle, explore tide pools, or snorkel with your kids to catch a glimpse of the Big Island’s rich marine life. And always remember to avoid walking on coral and to keep an eye on your children at all times in the water. Heed all posted signs and check with lifeguards for current conditions and to find the best spots for kids.

Back on land, learn about real-life paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and take a wagon ride at the Kahua Ranch in Waimea.  Exploring the volcano tubes and lava fields from an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an experience they’ll never forget. Whether it’s learning about astronomy, volcanology or oceanography, your children’s school excursions just won’t compare after this hands-on vacation.

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  Art Galleries and Museums of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether it’s through paintings, sculptures, glassware, jewelry or hand-carved koa wood bowls, you’ll see the distinct styles that make the art found on the Big Island truly unique.
  
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  Beaches of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands.
  
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  Boating and Cruises on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island offers a variety of ways to set sail and explore the seas.
  
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  Fishing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island is world famous for its sport fishing, its waters full of marlin and other big-game fish.
  
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  Hawaii Regional Cuisine on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii Regional Cuisine inventively blends the Big Island’s freshest flavors with the cuisine of the world.
  
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  Hiking on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether you’re looking for a challenging trail on fields of lava to short, Hawaii’s Big Island is heaven for hikers.
  
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  Historic Places of Hawaii’s Big Island

  From the birthplace of King Kamehameha to the birthplace of paniolo, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to some of the most historic places in Hawaii.
  
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  Horseback Riding on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Explore the wealth of scenic, open landscapes in Waimea and other spots throughout the island on horseback.
  
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  Hula on Hawaii’s Big Island

  See authentic hula throughout Hawaii’s Big Island at seasonal festivals, competitions, luau and live performances at hotels and resorts.
  
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  Kayaking on Hawaii’s Big Island

  The protected waters of the Kona, Kohala and Hilo coasts make Hawaii’s Big Island a perfect place to take a guided kayak or outrigger canoe tour.
  
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  Live Music on Hawaii’s Big Island

  You’ll find live music venues throughout Hawaii’s Big Island in restaurants, lounges and in the island’s fine hotels and resorts.
  
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  Manta Ray Diving on Hawaii’s Big Island

  The Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island offers the best opportunity to encounter Hawaii’s amazing manta rays.
  
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  Marine Life on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Explore the waters of Hawaii’s Big Island and you may see everything from manta rays and humpback whales to green sea turtles and dolphins.
  
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  Natural Wonders of Hawaii's Big Island

  From Kilauea Volcano to the peaks of Maunakea, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to a variety of incomparable natural wonders.
  
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  Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboys) of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island has a rich paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, culture dating back to the early 1800’s.
  
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  Parks of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big island features four National Parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as beautiful state and county parks.
  
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  Petroglyphs of Hawaii’s Big Island

  Hawaii’s Big Island has some of the most extensive sacred petroglyphs fields in Hawaii.
  
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  Sig Zane’s Favorite Places in Hilo

  Celebrated fashion designer Sig Zane shares his favorite spots in Downtown Hilo.
  
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  Snorkeling and Scuba on Hawaii’s Big Island

  From North Kohala to South Kona, Hawaii’s Big Island is famous for its calm and clear waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
  
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  Stargazing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Maunakea on Hawaii’s Big Island is home to one of the most renowned astronomical sites on the planet.
  
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  Surfing on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Whether watching surfers or taking your first surf lesson, Hawaii’s Big Island offers fantastic surf adventures from Hilo to Keauhou.
  
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  Volcano Eruption Update on Hawaii’s Big Island

  Recent updates on volcano activity in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island.
  
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  Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Big Island

  From December to May, go on a whale watching tour or spot humpback whales from the Big Island’s coastal areas.