{"id":58835,"date":"2017-09-29T02:31:49","date_gmt":"2017-09-29T09:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/?p=58835"},"modified":"2020-11-14T14:23:47","modified_gmt":"2020-11-14T22:23:47","slug":"30-family-friendly-things-to-do-big-island-of-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/30-family-friendly-things-to-do-big-island-of-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"30+ Family Friendly Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii + Travel Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>My family and I had such an amazing time on the Island of Hawaii aka the Big Island. Though it was a challenge deciding which island to go to for our first visit to Hawaii (well, I went to Maui as a teen once), this ended up being the best choice for us. After all, it\u2019s the only island with active volcanoes, several different ecosystems, beaches with black, white, AND green sand, and some of the clearest water for snorkeling.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58862\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-00-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cookies &amp; Clogs | 30+ Family friendly things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii with kids. Hawaii family travel ideas and activities.\" width=\"736\" height=\"1794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-00-1.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-00-1-246x600.jpg 246w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-00-1-328x800.jpg 328w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-00-1-585x1426.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There was so much to do and see on the island. So much so that we couldn\u2019t fit it all in. We were there for a full week and were constantly on the go with a jam-packed schedule. But, even then, we only scratched the surface of fun family-friendly activities. I have so many tips and photos to share from our trip but, so that I don\u2019t procrastinate even more, here is a quick summary. You\u2019ll also notice suggestions of other hotspots which we researched but didn\u2019t have time to visit. More posts to come so keep checking back!<\/p>\n<h3>Family Travel Tips \u2014 30+ Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii<\/h3>\n<p><strong>West (Kona-Kailua)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is the touristy side of the Big Island of Hawaii with resorts and plenty of shopping. Don\u2019t let that fool you, though. Here you\u2019ll find historic sites and fantastic snorkeling spots. We stayed in a family member\u2019s timeshare at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shellvacationsclub.com\/club\/resorts\/holua_resort\/area.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village<\/a> \u2014 loved it! We also found a gluten-free and (mostly) dairy-free crepe shop downtown called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/glutenfreevegetarianveganpaleo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Barefoot Zone<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pu\u2019uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park aka City of Refuge \u2014 Half-day visit of 1-2 hours on sandy walking trails and with a free guide map. Use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/category\/travel\/national-parks\/\">National Parks Annual Pass<\/a> if you have one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58839\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Pu\u2019uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park aka City of Refuge\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-city-of-refuge-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Two Step at Honaunau \u2014 Family snorkeling. Visit the Historic park right next to this and keep your car parked there.<\/li>\n<li>Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument \u2014 Take a snorkeling tour or endure a strenuous hike. Famous for the reefs but these have been bleached white over the years. There&#8217;s still a ton of fish to see, though.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58841\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58842\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-captain-cook-02-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/beach-water-sports-big-island-hawaii\/\">Anaeho\u2019omalu Bay aka A-Bay<\/a> \u2014 Water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboards ($40 for four hours of unlimited use with <a href=\"http:\/\/hawaiioceansports.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Ocean Sports<\/a>), eat at Lava Lava, and find sea turtles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58174 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03.jpg\" alt=\"Oceans Sports Aloha Days water toys at Anaeho\u2019omalu Bay aka A-Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ocean-sports-aloha-days-03-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Downtown \u2014 Shopping and local festivals. Visit Costco to stock up on supplies. Head around the corner to Mrs. Barry&#8217;s to pick up fresh baked cookies for your trip and as souvenirs.<\/li>\n<li>Hulihe&#8217;e Palace \u2014 See how Hawaiian royalty lived. FYI, you have to take your shoes off to go inside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58843\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Hulihe\u2019e Palace in Kona\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-Hulihe-e-Palace-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Night snorkel with Manta Rays \u2014 Amazing to see them close up. But, if there\u2019s not a lot of activity and the waters are choppy, prepare for some seasickness on the boat ride home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other spots:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hapuna Beach \u2014 Famous beach for sunbathing.<\/li>\n<li>Kahalu\u2019u \u2014 Snorkeling, suggested for beginners.<\/li>\n<li>Kona Coffee Living History Farm \u2014 Coffee tasting.<\/li>\n<li>Vanilla Tasting<\/li>\n<li>Farmer\u2019s Market<\/li>\n<li>One Aloha \u2014 Organic shave ice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Central<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Find the largest mountain in the world (in volume and height from the seafloor to the peak). Bring a jacket since it gets REALLY cold and windy at 9,200 ft above sea level. The sunset from here is gorgeous!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mauna Kea \u2014 Free stargazing at the visitor\u2019s center (VIS). Take a guided tour to the summit for even better views and to get a peek at the observatories. It\u2019s a rough road to the top (13,800 ft) even for rugged 4-wheel drive vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Stargazing at Mauna Kea\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-mauna-kea-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>North<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is where you\u2019ll find those majestic cliffs, lush valleys, and black sand beaches you see in Hawaii vacation advertisements.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pololu Valley \u2014 Small parking area but you can hike down into the valley and visit the beaches below.<\/li>\n<li>Waipio Valley Lookout \/ Overlook \u2014 Majestic views and easy access. Oh, and there are bathrooms there!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58845\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Waipio Valley Lookout \/ Overlook\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-waipio-overlook-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>East (Hilo)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for local island life and rainforest conditions, spend some time in this area. Just make sure you choose lodging that is well-insulated due to the \u201csinging\u201d frogs at night. We loved the <a href=\"http:\/\/doubletree3.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/hawaii\/grand-naniloa-hotel-hilo-a-doubletree-by-hilton-ITOHNDT\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Grand Naniloa<\/a> (a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel) and got a pretty good AAA discount. I really wish we stayed in this area longer \u2014 natural beauty everywhere!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Carlsmith Beach Park \u2014 Snorkeling in shallow water, wading, relaxing, not too busy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-carlsmith-beach-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Akaka Falls \u2014 Stunning 422 ft waterfall. The trail loop is only 0.4 miles and paved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Akaka Falls\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-akaka-falls-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/ziplining-in-hawaii-skyline-eco-adventures-akaka-falls-big-island\/\">Ziplining<\/a> \u2014 One of the highlights of our trip. You should definitely book the 7-line zipline near Akaka Falls with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zipline.com\/bigisland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Eco Skyline Adventures<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58858\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Zipline near Akaka Falls Hilo with Eco Skyline Adventures\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-zipline-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Other spots:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lava Tree State Monument<\/li>\n<li>Liliuokalani Park and Gardens<\/li>\n<li>Tropical Botanical Garden<\/li>\n<li>Rainbow Falls<\/li>\n<li>Pana&#8217;ewa Rainforest Zoo<\/li>\n<li>Richardson Beach<\/li>\n<li>Kapoho Tidepools<\/li>\n<li>Pineapples \u2014 Recommended by a local and super popular!<\/li>\n<li>Imiloa Astronomy Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>South<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Visit one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Test your courage with hole or cliff jumping off some of the bluest and clearest waters. This is also home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Green Sand Beach \u2014 3-mile hike in the sun or ride with a local in a 4-wheel drive vehicle ($15-20 pp and kind of unsafe). Or, know someone in the area who can take you around like we did \u2014 <a href=\"http:\/\/livingtothefullest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">thanks Shawn<\/a>! It\u2019s better to do the hike and stop off at beachy areas along the way with sand that is even greener. Just bring a UV umbrella, water, and a lot of sunscreen since there is NO shade and it&#8217;s an unmarked dirt road.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Green Sand Beach\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-green-sand-beach-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cliff Jumping at South Point \u2014 Visit the southernmost point in the U.S. and try a 30-ft drop off a rickety ledge into deep but calm water. Then, climb a rusted, shaky ladder back up. Adults and kids alike were jumping (though signs are posted everyone prohibiting it). Locals jumped down a hole which was once a lava tube. Tourists should carefully observe the waves so you don\u2019t get slammed against the rocks. We were plenty satisfied to just watch others jump from both areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58849\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Cliff jumping at South Point\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-02-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58850\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Lava Tube \/ Hole jumping in South Point\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-south-point-03-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park \u2014 Spend 1-3 days explore. View the lava glow K\u012blauea from Jaggar Museum, walk through the Sulphur Rocks, visit Thurston Lava Tube, and drive the Chain of Craters to the Sea Bridge. Hike another six miles from there to witness an active lava flow. Again, use that National Park Annual Pass or pay entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Volcanoes National Park Thurston Lava Tube\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-thurston-lava-tube-01-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58852\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Volcanoes National Park \" width=\"900\" height=\"1350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01-292x438.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-01-585x878.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii | Volcanoes National Park Lava Glow from Jaggar Museum\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03-292x195.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hawaii-big-island-volcanoes-national-park-03-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Other spots:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Punalu&#8217;u Black Sand Beach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How Long Should You Visit the Big Island of Hawaii?<\/h3>\n<p>Whew, see what I mean? Activities galore! So, if you ever plan on visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, I highly suggest that you block out at least two weeks to explore. It was rough trying to hit the hotspots in just seven days. We were on the road some 4-5 hours each day since it took about two hours to get the different areas. Then you have to figure in the round trip, occasional light traffic, and photo or food stops along the way. They don\u2019t call it the BIG Island for nothing! So, if you only have one week at a time, try to focus on only one side of the island on each visit. To cut down on driving time, fly into Kona (west) and fly out of Hilo (east) or visa-versa. Aloha!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My family and I had such an amazing time on the Island of Hawaii aka the Big Island. Though it was&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":58838,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[178],"tags":[250],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>30+ Family Friendly Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii + Travel Tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for family-friendly things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii? Start w\/ these 30+ sights &amp; activities but stay at least 1-2 weeks! 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