Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI)
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.
Reviewed By X7222OQstephenr
Coming to the end of our vacation in Hawaii, we wanted to do something different than go to the beach again (don’t get me wrong, the beaches are awesome). I (Dad) had suggested going to a coffee farm, and with a bit of searching, came up with this place. So, we wandered down the road for a visit. It was fantastic. The docents (I’m not sure if that’s really the right word to use here) were so knowledgeable, and the stories they told were fantastic. We really hope someone records all those stories for the future! The farm itself was fantastic, and gave new insights into some of the history of Hawai’i and of the Japanese immigrants who lived and worked there. My spouse and I have both been to Hawai’i before, and have both done coffee farm tours elsewhere, but by and large they’ve been showing how modern coffee growing is done and are ready to just push you along to the gift shop where you can (of course) buy their coffee. But this place was completely different — interesting, educational, and fun. Loved it. And, importantly, my 8-year old loved it too! We spent about 2 hours there, and were all really happy that we did!
2. Kilauea Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
Nature truly is amazing. One of the highlights of the Big Island tour because there are very few places on Earth where one can see an active volcano like this. Unfortunately for us tourist, there hasn't been an active lava flow for a few years since the last major eruption, but it is still an active Caldera. There are also really amazing steam vents that you can walk right up to and really get surrounded by this natural phenomenon.
3. Mauna Kea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel.
Reviewed By MTS--1000 - Everett, United States
Very nice beach. Clean. Even the public restrooms are reasonably clean. As others have said very limited parking which is good if you’re one of the lucky ones. Went with the family and the young grandkids had a great time in the water and playing in the sand. The parking is uphill from the beach with a paved walkway. The grade was manageable for this old guy. We all had fun!
4. Waipi'o Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs.
Reviewed By swearengen
You can drive a 4-wheel (though rentals might not let you) or hike down. But we took the Waipio Valley Shuttle down for a great tour of the valley. Surrounded by mountains with gorgeous rivers, taro farms, wild horses, and fruit trees all around, it is really something to see. A beautiful and unique area.
5. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,652 reviews
This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
Located on the southern edge of Kealakekua Bay, Pu'honua Honaunau was designated as a National Park in 1961. Also called Place of Refuge this extraordinary historical sight offers a fascinating journey through Hawaiian history. Within the extensive grounds of the park are a Great Wall over 1000 feet long and 10 feet high built of lava rock in the 1500's, reconstructed thatched roof Hawaiian houses, temples and wooden carvings of gods protecting the Hale-o-Keawe mausoleum. Park Rangers offer introductory talks at times during the day and a visitors center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, tide pools, hiking trails and free audio tour of the cultural sights is available. There is a small fee to park.
6. Chain of Craters Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By queenofrolic - Sacramento, United States
It was raining ( mostly lightly) the day I did this drive and I really enjoyed the Devastation Trail hike and the hike to see the petroglyphs. The Thurston Lava Tube was closed but I have hiked that before. Highly recommend but be sure to get out of your car!
7. Kealakekua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Reviewed By celestewest10s - Waikoloa, United States
This Is a wonderful day trip for the whole family to experience the wonders that make up what Hawaii is all about. It has history in that it was the site of a thriving Hawaiian village, you can rent kayaks to take across the bay to Captain Cook Monument; if you are a good swimmer, you can swim/snorkel in the bay and catch a glimpse of the magnificent dolphin pods that frequent the bay and you can just hang out at the rocky beach and watch the world go by. Easy to get to by car down the main hwy to Napooopo Rd, then follow the road down to the beach, about 5 miles. There are a few interesting things to see on the way down, besides the view, like Hawaii Island honey farm and the Kona coffee roasting building, with free samples at both places. Definitely worth the stop.
8. Dolphin Quest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,762 reviews
Dolphin Quest Hawaii, located at the spectacular Hilton Waikoloa Village, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. This unique experience is on-of-a-kind on Hawaii's Big Island and is great for kids, adults or the entire family! Reservations can be made a year in advance. Dolphin Quest's Learning Center Lagoon, opened in 1988, was the first of its kind and inspired a new generation of large, natural habitats for marine mammals. A portion of the proceeds from your Dolphin Quest encounter program supports vital marine education, conservation and scientific study. TripAdvisor Certificate Excellence winner for the last 6 years (2012 to 2017)!
9. Akaka Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,119 reviews
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
An easy walk (although there are quite a few stairs) to this beautiful waterfall, with the added bonus of a wide variety of tropical plants along the route. A limited view of another waterfall as well (partially hidden across a valley), but well worth the time. Park on the road just outside the lot and pay only $1 per person (it's $5 to park in the lot and you gain next to no saved walking distance).
10. Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,118 reviews
The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach.
Reviewed By BethneyD
We had no idea what we were in for when spontaneously we took someones advice to see the "green sand" beach. This is something that should be planned as an all day event....getting to the parking area is simple and directions easy to follow. Parking your car at this spot means about an hour and a half walk/hike to the actual beach!! Be prepared to have water, good walking shoes, snacks just for getting to the location. We walked half way and then caught a ride with one of the locals who ferry people back and forth on old vehicles for a modest charge (25$ per person). Walking/hiking is free....but will take time. Once you reach the beach, a walk down steep stairs to the actual sand and water is breathtaking and truly majestic.
