For a fun and unique experience to enjoy in Maui, you need to go to a luau on the island. But with many different luau to choose in Maui, you’ll have a tough time to decide. To make it easier here are you options below on the best luau to choose in Maui.
Many of the Maui luau celebrate the early ancient Polynesian settlers to Maui, Polynesian lifestyle and culture and transition to more local celebrations, culture and tradition featuring the demigod Maui, an ancient god. Along with Polynesian dance, song and music, Hawaiian dance and music is also featured and predominant in most of the luau on the island.
Photo credit – A Maui Blog
Check out these different luau in Maui
Aha’aina – The Grand Wailea luau
This wonderful Luau held on the grounds of The Grand Wailea grounds which is a lux experience in Wailea. The four hour production is elaborate and beautiful to experience with fantastic local Hawaiian and local foods to try in this luau.
The luau celebrates the early voyagers to the island and shares the history and culture of the early Hawaiians on the island along with sharing the traditional Hawaiian foods like Kalua pork and poi, macadamia crusted mahi mahi, and other local favorite foods. Along with the elaborate show, you can also participate in doing some local games, crafts and even learn to hula dance.
Details to participating in the show
This luau is popular and does book up early so do plan ahead
This is open seating dining at the luau and show
The luau is family friendly
The event is held at the Grand Wailea Grand Astoria Resort
on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Te Au Moana – Marriott Wailea Luau
Located at the Marriott Wailea, this fabulous luau translates into “the Ocean Tide” and early Hawaiians living aloha and love of the “Aina” or land they lived in. The luau located on the coastline on grassy lawn with spectacular views along with a dynamic show and dining experience. Prior to dinner you get to see and participate in various traditional Hawaiian rituals like tapa making, coconut husking, making leis, other crafts and showcasing weaponry and fishing demonstrations in this best of Maui Luau.
Dinner service includes local and traditional fare including Molokai sweet potatoes, Grilled teriyaki steak and kalua pork, pineapple coleslaw and seafood pasta along with other local favorites.
Details to participating at the Marriott Wailea Luau
Shows happen on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
Cultural interaction and participation is family friendly
Free for children under 5
Located at the Wailea Beach Resort and Spa
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Myths of Maui – Royal Lahaina Resort
A gorgeous oceanfront luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort at Ka’anapali beach starting with a lovely luau lei greeting. The luau offers an authentic luau experience with an presentation with a pig imu unearthing or pua’a, exotic tropical drinks like mai tais and delicious buffet cuisine of traditional and local favorites from the island.
The nights entertainment presents the best of Polynesian music, dance and storytelling combining both Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures and traditional dance.
More details to the Myths of Maui
This is a family friendly luau experience.
Seating is pre-assigned depending on early booking, for the best seats consider the VIP bookings that will allow up front seating.
Shows occur daily and starts at 6pm for general seating
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Hyatt Regency Luau – Drums of the Pacific
A conch shell and beating drums followed by Hawaiian chants start the beginning to this wonderful luau along with a torch lighting ceremony. You get all the nice touches of a luau including lei greeting, exotic mai tais, an authentic imu ceremony (steamed pig unearthing), and traditional arts and crafts demonstrations. Along with wonderful Hawaiian music, there’s a unique Polynesian fashion show with creative and unique tropical styles of dress.
This is followed by a buffet feast with traditional favorites including huli huli chicken, Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, grilled fish, ahi poke, poi and many other local favorite dishes to try.
Next is an all tribute Polynesian show experience of the Drums of the Pacific showcasing the traditional music and dance of the region. This includes Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand and Rarotonga’s best music and dance.
Details to attending the luau Drums of the Pacific
Open bar with beer, wine, mixed drinks and tropical punch
An elaborate dessert bar is also featured with the buffet portion of the meal.
The luau event happens every day and starts at 5:30pm
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau only showcases the best of Hawaiian culture, history, music and dance which sets it apart of the other Luau’s that features a pan Polnesian experience. Held on ocean front grounds with breath taking views of old town Lahaina and coastline. The luau offers fascinating imu pig unearthing, story telling and cultural demonstrations and island crafts.
The buffet also sets the food apart with an elaborate menu that features local favorites like Kalua pork, island chicken, Maui style Mahi Mahi, Ko’ala steak, lomi lomi salmon and poke, poi and assorted island desserts.
The entertainment portion Hawaiian production shares the best of Hawaii centric tradition, history and culture. Starting with migration from Polynesia to Hawaii, encompassing traditional chants, dance and ancient hula performed for respected family and guests. This follows with the entry of the missionaries and Merrie Monarch revival of the hula and into contemporary Auana style dance and music.
Details to attending the Old Lahaina Luau
Luau events happen daily and advanced reservations are required.
Guests may choose from our Traditional Hawaiian Mat seating, or our regular Conventional Tables and Chairs
Luau hosts greet you and guide you to reserved seating tables and acquaint them to the grounds features
There are premium open bar available during the entire event
Professional photographers are available with no purchase necessary
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast of Lele
An oceanfront ocean front luau in Lahaina, the Feast of Lele is the ancient name of Lahaina and celebrates Polynesian culture, music, dance through Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and Aotearoa.
The feast features a sit-down dinner showcasing five epicurean courses from the Pacific island nations of Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaiʻi that you can choose from a set menu. There is also an open bar of exotic drinks, beers, wine and other local favorites for the entire show.
Details to attending the Feast of Lele
Open daily from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Photographers are on sight to take sunset and luau photographs with no obligation
Fine dining style with reserved and private tables – no buffet service
Location: Along the beach in historic Lahaina Town 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Maui Nui Loa – Sheraton Maui Resort Luau
Located ocean front at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa – the luau is a tribute to Maui and Kaanapali history, culture and folklore along with a Pan Pacific event. You’ll enjoy a traditional lei and cocktail greeting with casual craft demonstrations, hula basics and other Hawaiian games right when you enter the grounds. The highlight at the start is the unearthing of the Kalua pig from an imu (underground steaming pit) and is unearth from all the covered dirt and banana leaf. The torch lights are lit and the actual buffet gets started.
The grand buffet covers local favorite foods like Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, Molokai sweet potato, BBQ chicken, steamed opakaka and so many other delicious foods from the island.
Details to the Maui Nui Loa Luau
Happens on Mondays, Wednesday and some Fridays starting at 5pm
Family friendly venue with crafting classes, temporary tatoos and Hawaiian games
You can opt for just a drink option and show without food
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui
A luxury luau experience with only 150 guest seating for this limited luau event at the Andaz is stylish and refined dining. Greetings start with green and gold shell necklaces and escorted to private dining seats. A gourmet three course menu is served at the table along with craft signature drinks served.
In the entertainment segment, you get a beautiful show with live ukelele performances, singing, beautiful hula to Tahitian dancing and high energy Samoan fire dances at night.
Details to the Feast at Mokapu
Limited seating available on Sunday and Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 pm
Complimentary 8 x 10 souvenir photo is included with the event
Craft cocktails are prepared for each drink
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
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Beautiful Maui luau at Lahaina
Photo credit – A Maui Blog
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A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Polulu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. This is a relatively short hike to the bottom and nice to explore the slowly rambling stream that ends at the ocean or just amble from one end of the black sand beach to the cliffs on the other side and maybe do a climb to another gorge beyond if you feel challenged to do more exploring. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Polulu Valley.
Hiking to Polulu Valley and beyond
The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor.
Arriving Polulu Valley and parking
Parking is
just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and
leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. You can also park
further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins.
The hike
downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and
picture taking. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor
and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike.
It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill.
The black sand beach of Polulu
Once you get
to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the
stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. Views
of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo
opportunity in the area.
The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach.
Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging.
You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas.
Extend your
hike to Honokane Nui trail
If you’re challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile. You’ll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Currently, there are no trails leading to the valley floor of Honokane so you return back to Polulu and up to the Polulu lookout point.
More details
to hiking Polulu
The trail is
steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles
to reach the bottom
On rainy
days, it is muddy and extremely slippery
Look to
visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below
There are no
public services or lifeguards at the beach
Bring plenty
of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days
Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary
Other things
to do in the Kohala area
If you’re
done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to
explore and see in the area.
Keokea Beach park – a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services.
ATV tours in Kohala – ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour.
Check out
the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau – at the Kohala civic center sits the original
statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. You
can find more details about the original
Kamehameha stature here for more information. The small town of Kapaau has
many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area.
Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town.
Directions
to Polulu Valley
Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Polulu Valley Look out point.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Polulu Valley I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
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A gorgeous trail to explore from the bottom to the top of the cinder cone, Pu’uwa’aw’a is a moderate to challenging hike to undertake. A 12.9 Km or approximately 8 mile roundtrip trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers, native flora and spectacular views from all around the trail. It is about an 2000 foot elevation gain and a good workout for those that want to burn some calories on the hike. If you want to do a unique and different hike, check out the Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a, it is worth the hike all the way to the top.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone trail
You can choose
to hike up a paved roadway to the base area of the Pu’u or take a side trail
called the Ohia trail through some lovely high desert like forest and shady
spots before you hit more exposed and sunny areas.
The area around the parking lot is filled with beautiful wildflowers with these gorgeous red succulents in bloom the day we were hiking up the trail.
Starting the Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a
Just past the entry paved road going upwards to the base of the pu’u is a detour trail marked the Ohia trail which is more scenic and a gravel/dirt path to another fire road that eventually connects to the same paved road. This trail is covered and shady in throughout the route which is a nice cover before you get to the more exposed and sunny areas of the trail head leading the base of the pu’u.
Entry check in station at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The asphalt fire road leading to the base area of the Pu’u cinder cone
Detour on the Ohia Trail – a dryland forest
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’aTaking the Ohia trail to the Pu’u base at Pu’uwa’awa’aFeather grass and dryland tree forest on the Ohia trails
Reaching the
base of the Pu’u
The paved road eventually stops at the base of the pu’u with a secured gate entry that prevents invasive wildlife from entering the area. Horses are allowed on the trail so take note of all the horse manure left along the trail you can avoid. You may spot wildlife around the area including goats, rams and wild sheep roaming the hills around the Pu’u along with the typical cows, ducks and various birds living the vicinity.
grassy trail Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State ParkCloudy skies at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The trail is a recent addition to the state park system and called the Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park. Along the way you’ll see fantastic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalei, and North Kohala mountains. Weather is variable from pure sun to cloudy and rainy, so choose a sunny and clear day if you want to have beautiful views and weather reaching the top of the cinder cone.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a with Hualalei in background
Mid range of
the pu’u hike
The trail is pleasant with dirt trails that eventually lead to grassy meadows with a moderate incline. There are nice stops along the way with benches if you want to take a break and enjoy the views below. Note – most of the remainder of the trail is exposed and very hot on sunny days so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Steep incline at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The last segment through a mostly dirt pathway to the top is challenging and steep so take a break and enjoy the views along the way. These are fun moments to also capture and even do some selfies.
Reaching the top of Pu’uwa’awa’a
Reaching the
top of the cinder cone
The steep incline to the top is definitely difficult especially on sunny and hot days, but there are benches along the way to enjoy and soak in all the views from the back side. The grassy trails make it more scenic and pleasant to hike through to the top which is filled with beautiful native Ohias and fascinating dead trees that make a nice photo composition to capture.
There’s also a cool set of trees that look like the perfect framing of the coastline views below of the Kohala area.
Tree portal and views from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Views of surrounding mountains and Pu’u cinder cone below
Views from the top of Pu’uwa’awa’a
One top is mostly grassy area with a few benches to relax and enjoy the views or have a casual picnic on the grass.
Enjoying a bench and views at Pu’uwa’awa’aHiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Decayed trees make for dramatic landscapes to capture
Downed trees and views to the Kohala coastline
Hiking back down
Kohala views from the cinder cone at Pu’uwa’awa’a
The hike back downhill is relatively fast depending on your speed and need to descent. There are different views going downhill and the light changes late in the afternoon with the clouds coming in and golden light time frame.
Native ohia and grass at Pu’uwa’awa’a
Heading back downhill
Hiking downhill from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Cloudy skies and silhouettes from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Gorgeous panoramas from Pu’uwa’awa’aStorymy skies from Pu’uwa’awa’aWalking downhill from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Tips on hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Entry to the
state reserve park is between Mile Marker 21 and 22 on Highway 190 and you
enter a remote control gate that opens with sensors and you park right next to
the sign in station which only requires hunters to sign in.
Most of the
trail and hike is exposed so bring plenty of water and sunscreen or hike in the
morning or afternoon when conditions are cooler. It is mostly asphalt fire road
to the base of the pu’u, but you can take an alternate on the Ohia trail through
more scenic dryland forested areas which connects to another gravelled fire
road to the mid way point.
Trail is
moderate with a steady climb and steeper at the end with excellent views of the
area.
There is a
foot entry scrub (which prevents boots that might have contact to the Ohia
virus happening throughout the island) so please do scrub your shoes before and
after the hike.
There is a
porta john on the way up the asphalt road, but outside of this, there are not
other services in the park.
The gate and park is open from 6am to close at 6pm so descend before that time frame.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Directions
to Pu’uwa’awa’a
From Kona – This is 18.1 miles or about 29 minutes from downtown Kona. Take Highway
190 until reach between mile marker 21 and 22.
From Hilo area – This is about 60 miles or 1.10 mins from Hilo. Take the Saddle road to the dead end T and make a left on Highway 190 to mile marker 21 and 22.
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A hike to the green sand beach on the south end of the Big Island is a fantastic and unique hiking experience. Papakolea is the name of the beach located close to the south point of Hawaii Island and it is an easy and relatively easy hike along the coastal trails leading to the beach. If you love to see something rate and unusual, then go hiking the green sand beach on the Big Island and discover this gorgeous place on the south side of the island.
Hiking the green sand beach on the Big Island
Papakolea is named after the cinder cone that was formed along the beach which collapsed and eventually weathered down to a crater tuffed form with the beach area below the crater cliffs that protect it. (Very similar in nature to the more famous tuffed ring cinder cone called Diamond Head in Honolulu).
Getting to South Point and Papakolea
Follow the road going to the southern tip of the island and past scenic pasturelands and wind turbines heading to South Point. You will eventually reach a sign that points to the green sand beach and entrance to the parking lot area. Once you parked, there are a few trails leading directly to the ocean and take any of these which eventually will lead you to the main trail that also has a Kapu “No Trespassing “sign that is jokingly the mile marker and ignored by locals and visitors. There are two main trails one right on the ocean and the other just a hundred yards further inland. Beyond the trails are larger dirt roads that local taxi’s (pickup trucks that offer roundtrip rides for a donation) and other 4-wheel drive vehicles take to go directly to the beach.
Coastal hike to the green sand beach big island
Starting Point to hiking Papakolea
The hike to the beach takes about a two- and one-half miles in each direction on the coastline and is only one of four green sand beaches in the world. The rugged terrain and coastline are untouched and scenic with beautiful native wildflowers blooming against black lava rock. Along the hike, you’ll start to spot green olivine crystals on the sandy stretches which is what the beach is made of – Lava hitting the ocean breaks up into many particles and the green olivine is predominant in this sandy beach mixed in with the black lava rock. The olivine is a heavier crystal and stays intact on the beach, the finer version of olivine is better known at Peridot when it is of gem quality.
The Coastal hike to Green Sand Beach
The hike is easy to do on gently sloping terrain and the ocean views are nice and fantastic to photograph the many small coves and rocky coastline heading to Papakolea. You’ll know when you are close when you see the large cinder cone sticking out directly from the flat shoreline. You’ll definitely get better photo opportunities along the coastline when you reach the cinder cone and spot some fantastic views to capture the moment. Once you get to the entrance, you’ll notice that the beach is below the tuff cliffs and there are ladders that you can climb down to get to the beach area. Since there is only one access going up or down, be patient with hikers going in both directions and share some aloha.
Approaching the cinder cone at Papakolea
The well protected Mahana bay and surf is variable so do take precaution since there are no lifeguards on site. There are also no facilities available on this rugged beach area.
Gorgeous green olive colored beach at Papakolea below
Climbing down the face of the cliffs via ladders and rocks to reach the bottom of the beach area below.
Here’s a cool video highlighting the entire hike to Papakolea
Things to do and see in South Point
Once you head back to the parking area there are a few other places of interest to see in the South Point area below. Also check out the other attractions and fun things to see in the immediate area of South Point.
Gorgeous coastal views from the South Point area
Other fun things to do in South Point area
Go visit the tip of South Point – the jagged cliff areas of South Point are spectacular and wild it is definitely worth the short drive to see this place
Those on an adventure kick actually love to jump from the cliffs for a real thrill ride.
You can also just walk along the cliffside trails for more fantastic views in the area.
Check out the Kula Kai Caverns for lava tube explorations in Ocean view
Visit Punalu’u black sand beach and the gorgeous turtles that bask on the lava rocks and sandy beaches there.
Get your fix of delicious Kau coffee at the Kau Coffee Mill in Wood Valley
How to get to Papakolea and South Point
From Kona area, the drive is about 63.6 miles driving down Highway 11 and in between mile marker 69 and 70. Look for South Point road and make a right, then drive down to a sign showing the Green Sand Beach on the left side. Drive to the parking lot area and look for the trails towards the ocean.
From Hilo area the drive to Papakolea is about 81.7 miles on Highway 11 and in between mile marker 69 and 70. Look for South Point road and make a left, then drive down to a sign showing the Green Sand Beach on the left side. Drive to the parking lot area and look for the trails towards the ocean.
Public transportation is limited and there are no tour outfitters going to this area. If you plan on doing this trip, then you should rent a car from either Kona or Hilo airport and drive down to the South Point area.
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Visiting Hawaii is a fantastic place to visit with family and share so many wonderful family friendly experiences. The entire island is filled with lots of cool places to visit with children, kid’s focused activities to enjoy and exploring adventures with family fun in mind. If you are looking for the best family friendly things to do on the Big Island, check out all these wonderful tips and suggestions on what to do around the island.
Kid friendly activities on the Big Island of Hawaii
Family friendly fun on the west side of Hawaii Island
Family beach day at Hapuna Beach, Big Island
Have a beach day on the West Side
The west side of the Big Island have many of the best beaches in all of the islands with a variety of different types of beaches that are perfect for family fun, surfing and snorkeling fun and other water activities. You have your pick of popular beaches like Hapuna, Kua Bay and Spencer Beach or find more secluded and lonely stretches of sand that only a few visitors get to check out. Check out all these amazing beaches on the Big Island for more inspiration and planning your perfect beach day.
Fun snorkeling adventure at Kahalu’u Beach Park
Probably one of the best snorkeling beaches just a few miles outside of Kona town is Kahalu’u beach park. A family friendly beach with a lifeguard station and public facilities. Kahalu’u is well loved by locals that also volunteer to share coral and tropical safety, awareness and ocean care for the environment. With a protected cove area, it doesn’t take to far outside of the beach to see some amazing sea life, corals and tropical fish at Kahalu’u which makes it a very popular place to go to snorkel on the west side of the island.
Exploring the historic district in Kona, Big Island
Walk through historic Kona town
The waterfront area of Kona is compact and easy to walk through and see the major attractions in town including the shops, historic monuments and harbor area. You can pass through the main drag, drop into a local farmers market and see some of the historic places to visit in town. Check out this site for more information on visiting Kona town and images around town.
Taste Fresh Portuguese bread, demo and sale at Greenwell
farms
Located in the South Kona area at Greenwell Farms, you can check out the weekly oven bake sale of fresh Portuguese breads. Volunteers and members of the Kona Historical Society sponsor these Thursday morning bake demonstrations in an authentic stone oven. There is a free demo and oven display of how the breads are made that you can see and then try some really delicious breads made locally and benefits the community activities. The breads are typically sold that afternoon in a small pop up by the roadside for locals/tourists to try and purchase.
Go to a Luau with children
A fantastic way to really enjoy a traditional meal along with culture and education is to participate in a local Luau. Most luaus are kid friendly and an easy way for the family to try local food and entertainment that is fun, friendly and even participate in a hula or learn a craft at these events. You can check out the various Luaus on the island here to choose and plan your next Luau venue.
If you plan on going to a Luau, check out all these local favorites on the island for your next Luau event here.
Go on a submarine tour on the west side of Big Island
For something unusual and fun to do with children would be to do a submarine tour around the scenic coastlines around Kona. The submarine tours with Atlantic Submarine caters to families with their educational program and tour leaving from Kona harbor and exploring the unique and colorful coral areas and tropical fish along Kona’s beautiful coastlines. You can check out the details to the submarine tour here for more information and booking a tour with your family.
If you plan on going to a submarine, check out all This site for prices and updates on your next submarine tour here.
Visiting the Place of Refuge in South Kona
Go on a cultural tour of historic monuments on the west side
of the Big Island
The west side hosts many important historic sites that are quite impressive and worth visiting. Starting with the massive Heaiu (temple) in Kawaihai called Pu’ukohola, the national historic park, the Place of Refuge or Pu’uhonua O Ohaunau, Kaloko Honokohau National historical park and even an ancient healing and fishing village at Lapakahi Historical state park. If you are into Hawaiian history and culture, take some time to explore these wonderful places on the west side of the island.
Fluming the ditch
Originally set up as a irrigation system to bring water to the fertile agricultural parts of the island, the ditch systems are still used but also fun to flume the ditch. Basically this outfitter sets you off on a guided tour on rubber rafts through the main ditch on a fun and entertaining experience in the Kohala region, an easy drive from Kona town. You can check out more details Fluming the Ditch here for information and booking your next adventure tour with your children.
If you’re planning on doing the fluming the ditch experience, check out all the details ad information for prices and updates on your next fluming the ditch tour here.
Go on a road trip through the scenic and historic western
kohala district and coastline
One of the easiest things to do with kids is to take a road trip through different parts of the island. One of the most scenic and easy to do trips on your own time is to drive through the coastal roads on the west side and visiting the old western towns of Hawi and Kapa au all the way to the end at Polulu Valley overlook. You can even hike down the canyon to the stunning black sand beaches at Polulu or just take a picture from the overlook if you don’t have that much time to explore the valley floor and beaches. For something unique, you can visit the birthplace of Kamehameha (first king of Hawaii) and check out the heiau (temple) and grounds where the king lived.
Go to a paniolo rodeo on the island
Rodeos are big events all around the Big Island of Hawaii with equestrian oriented activities for all of the family to enjoy on the island. The big rodeos happen mostly in Waimea and at Panaewa in the Hilo area with a full roster or rodeo-oriented displays and all day shows that are really unique for island fun. Check out their website for Waimea here and Panaewa here for more details.
Go on a snorkel sail experience
One of the best things to do with children with an easy adventure built in is a snorkel sail experience from Kona. These outfitters provide some fantastic tours that are kid friendly an inclusive experience with whale tour, snorkeling instruction and equipment and a nice buffet lunch after all the water fun. You can pick and choose from any of these local outfitters that can fit your time and budget to book your next adventure experience with your kids in mind.
If you’re planning on doing a snorkel and sail experience, check out all the details ad information for prices and updates on your next snorkel cruise tour here.
Family friendly fun on the south side
Visit a rare green sand beach in South Point
One of the most unique parts of the island to visit is the green sand beach in the South Point area. The hike is about an hour and a half in one direction and if this is too much to do with children, there are also casual cabs in local pick up trucks that will take you on a round trip to the green sand beach and pick back up on scheduled return. You can spend a few hours or just visit and take pictures if your timeframe is limited, but definitely worth an experience to see this beautiful beach and coastline.
Jump the cliffs at the tip at South Point
Even though this experience is for older kids or adults, it’s easy enough to just do the drive from Green sand beach area to the southern tip of the island at South Point and enjoy the views and crazy cliff jumpers into the ocean from a 20 foot drop to the ocean. Although this is not recommended for most children, it’s easy to walking along the scenic cliff areas of the South Point area and enjoy the stunning views along the coastline.
Delicious Malasadas in Punalu’u
One of the most popular bakeries to visit on the island is the wonderful Punalu’u bakery in Punalu’u. A local favorite, you have to try all the wonderful malasadas here ( Portuguese style donuts) in original sugar or filled with tropical flavors for a delicious treat. They bake local breads, desserts and other café style foods for a nice eating break to this area of the island. Try some of the free samples before you decide on what you want to order for take away or eat onsite.
Finding sea turtles at Punaluu beach
Visit the turtles and black sand beach at Punalu’u
One the scenic coastline and black sand beach at Punalu’u,
you’ll see the famous sea turtles that hang out on the beach. This wonderful
sandy beach is picture perfect even on cloudy days and definitely walk the
entire length to the pretty lagoon at the end of the beach. You’ll find the mostly
green turtles all along the black sand beach warming along the entire stretch
of beach.
Family friendly fun in the Big Island’s east side
Exploring downtown HIlo, Big Island
Lots of family friendly beaches in the Hilo area
The smaller beaches and inlets around Hilo are perfect for family with protected lagoons, beach areas and shallow swimming holes. You’ll find plenty of easy and cool kid friendly beach areas to explore and enjoy in the hilo area. Check out this post here to discover which Hilo beach park or swim hole you can visit with kids.
Go into a lava tube just above Hilo area
A unique and fun visit to an actual lava tube just above Hilo at Kaumana Caves which is descends into a dark lava tube created by Moana Loa. From the parking lot, you go down a series of stairs to the opening of the Lava Tube which has no illumination so you need to bring flashlights. There are no trails once you enter, so you will be crawling over lava rocks which is a challenge and fun at the same time. The lava tube is long and very dark so it is up to you do decide how far you want to go into the tube or just take a shorter walk around after checking out the waterfalls and downtown Hilo in a DIY city tour.
Visit the famous lava activities at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The national park at Hawaii Volcanoes national park is reopened with trails and observation areas open for the public to explore. First drop by the visitors center to see the movie or listen to a ranger give a nice history and cultural observations of the park and other Hawaiian legends and “Talk Story” with guests.
Waterfalls in East Hawaii above Hilo
Check out the waterfalls around Hilo town
There’s a series of waterfalls coming down the main river called Wailuki starting with Rainbow falls closer to downtown and further uphill to the boiling pots with Pe’epe’e falls and even the smaller waterfalls in front of the old bridges crossing the river downtown. You can easily do all three waterfalls in an easy morning exploration and short road trip. Both Rainbow Falls and Boiling pots have easy walks to the observation areas and you can walk up to the top of Rainbow falls to check out the top and areas below. There’s also a cool forest further up with some immense banyan trees that look very magical and story like.
Visiting the Hilo farmers market photo shoot
Hilo Farmers Market
The main downtown market at Hilo is daily but the big markets are on Wednesday and Saturday and spreads through various market areas in town. One section is fruits, vegetables and prepared foods and anther section is mostly locally made, souvenirs and cheap products right next to the produce market. There’s also a food eating venue with food trucks and other standalone vendors selling delicious local food and take out service.
Sunday Maku’u Farmers market
On Sundays, the largest farmers market on the East side happens just outside of Pahoa area at the Maku’u farmers market. It’s kid friendly with local foods to try, local produce, entertainment and cool thrift, collectibles and even souvenirs that you can buy from locally made products or cheap imported merchandise. The Sunday Maku’u market is lively towards noon time with all the food venues in full swing and free enterment in the seating area.
Check out the new black sand beach in Opihikao
After all the recent lava destruction of homes and land in East Hawaii just in 2018, a newly created black sand beach was left in the aftermath. A new gravel road has been constructed to allow the public to enjoy the beach for the first time along with some hot ponds in the area to enjoy. The expansive black sand beach is beautiful but also dangerous at times, so caution should be taken to see if the surf is too rough for entry.
Enjoy a night market at Uncle Roberts in Kalapana
The popular night market at Uncle Roberts in Kalapana is free (parking is an additional $2) and a fun time at this local style market. Filled with local vendors that sell crafts, herbal remedies and delicious foods, it’s fun to explore all the unique booths and food offerings along with the lively music in the bar/dining area. A popular local activity, visitors really get a flavor of how a community celebrates hump day Wednesdays in Kalapana.
Free events around the island
There are so many wonderful events around the Big Island happening every week. Many of these events around the island are free or inexpensive to bring your children. You can check out the calendar of events here for more details on what’s currently happening on the island now.
With so many fantastic choices and activities to do around the Big Island with kids, you’ll keep busy exploring different parts of the island. You definitely can be as active as you want or have a more laid back experience while visiting the island. Hopefully these ideas and tips will help you to plan all the fun things to do with kids on the Big Island in your own interest and time frames.
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