Family-Friendly Adventures in Big Island of Hawaii!

Kona (Kailua Bay) Cruise Port

Why Visit?

Welcome to Kona, a stunning coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii! Here’s a perfect family-friendly itinerary for visitors arriving at Kailua Bay Cruise Port.

Morning: Magical Marine Life at Kahalu"u Beach Park

Begin your day with a short taxi ride (about 15 minutes from the port) to Kahalu"u Beach Park. This beach is excellent for snorkeling with easy beach access and a sheltered bay full of colorful marine life, perfect for children and first-time snorkelers. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, brightly colored fish, and maybe even a manta ray!

Lunch: Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic or grab some takeout from one of the local eateries and head to Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Kahalu"u. This park offers expansive fields ideal for a family picnic with ocean views and a chance to watch airplanes take off and land from the old runway.

Afternoon: Historical Exploration at Hulihe"e Palace

Drive back towards Kailua-Kona (about 10 minutes from the airport park) and visit the Hulihe"e Palace, once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. This historical site offers guided tours that fascinate both adults and kids alike, explaining Hawaiian culture and history through artifacts and personal stories of the royal family.

Evening: Stroll and Shop at Alii Drive

Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along Alii Drive, a lively waterfront street just steps from the cruise port. Here, you can shop for unique Hawaiian souvenirs, indulge in local ice cream, and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.

Each of these sites offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich culture of Kona, creating memorable experiences for the whole family. Enjoy your day exploring the Big Island!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hilo Cruise Port

Why Visit?

Welcome to Hilo, a gem on Hawaii"s Big Island, known for its lush landscapes and rich history! Here’s a perfect day itinerary for a family exploring Hilo from the cruise port.

Morning: Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots

Start your day with a visit to Rainbow Falls, just a 10-minute drive from Hilo Cruise Port. This 80-foot tall waterfall is famous for the rainbow that forms in its mist on sunny mornings. A short drive upstream takes you to Boiling Pots, a series of bubbling water pools linked by small waterfalls. It’s an excellent spot for photos and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Midday: Lunch and Liliuokalani Gardens

Head back to town for lunch at one of the local eateries, offering plates filled with fresh seafood and traditional Hawaiian dishes. After lunch, stroll through the Liliuokalani Gardens, just a 5-minute drive from downtown. This 30-acre park, designed in a traditional Japanese style, honors Hawaii"s Japanese immigrants and offers peaceful walking paths, fishponds, and pagodas.

Afternoon: Imiloa Astronomy Center

A 10-minute drive from Liliuokalani Gardens, visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Engaging for kids and adults alike, the center features exhibits about Hawaiian culture and its connections to astronomy. Don’t miss the planetarium shows that offer a dazzling view of the night sky.

Evening: Hilo Farmers Market and Dinner

Before heading back to the ship, explore the Hilo Farmers Market, a place vibrant with local fruits, vegetables, crafts, and live music. It"s a fantastic way to soak up local culture and pick up unique souvenirs. For dinner, choose one of the nearby restaurants offering Hawaiian specialties like poke or loco moco.

This itinerary offers a mix of natural beauty, culture, and science, ensuring a memorable visit to Hilo for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Rainbow Falls

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure to Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. This stunning 80-foot waterfall is renowned for its colorful rainbow mist, visible on sunny mornings.

### Day Itinerary at Rainbow Falls

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by driving to Rainbow Falls, situated just a short 10-minute ride from downtown Hilo. There’s a convenient parking lot directly at the falls, making it easily accessible for families. Remember to bring a camera to capture the majestic sight and the lush surrounding rainforest.

Exploring Rainbow Falls

Upon arrival, take the easy, paved pathway leading to several viewpoints of the waterfall. The main viewing platform is perfect for observing the falls and possibly the rainbow it"s named after. Explain to the kids that the rainbows are formed by the sunlight reflecting off the mist created by the waterfall.

Learn About the Legend

Share with your children the ancient Hawaiian legend of Hina, the moon goddess, who is believed to live in the cave behind the waterfall. This can add an intriguing mystical element to their experience.

Picnic by the River

Around midday, head to the nearby picnic areas along the Wailuku River. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a family picnic with the soothing sounds of nature and views of smaller cascades.

Afternoon Hike

Post-lunch, venture on a gentle hike up the river to see the “Boiling Pots” - another natural phenomenon where the river appears to bubble as if boiling. The path can be slippery, so good footwear is advisable.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, leaving with fantastic photos and memories of a day well spent amidst nature’s splendor.

### Tips

- Best time for rainbow viewing is before 10 AM.

- Check weather forecasts as the falls and river conditions can change rapidly.

- Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.

This engaging itinerary offers a blend of nature, local mythology, and relaxation, perfect for a family outing at Rainbow Falls!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kailua Pier

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at Kailua Pier, located in the heart of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. This picturesque pier offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and fun activities that cater to all ages.

Morning: Historical Exploration and Marine Life

Start your day early with a leisurely stroll down Alii Drive to reach the pier. Here, you can soak in the morning sun and enjoy the scenic ocean views. Learn about the pier"s historical role as a landing spot for early Hawaiian royalty and its current use as the official start and finish line for the world-famous Ironman World Championship.

After exploring the pier, head to the nearby Kamakahonu Beach, just a stone"s throw away. This family-friendly beach provides a gentle and shallow water area perfect for snorkeling. Discover colorful marine life and perhaps even spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle!

Noon: Picnic and Relaxation

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or grab a bite from one of the local eateries along Alii Drive. After lunch, relax under the shade of a palm tree or build sandcastiles with the kids.

Afternoon: Historical Tour at Hulihe"e Palace

In the afternoon, walk to the nearby Hulihe"e Palace, just a 5-minute walk from the pier. This former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty now serves as a museum. Engage with the rich history through its collection of artifacts and portraits, and learn about the Hawaiian monarchy and local culture. Guided tours are available, offering insights that bring Hawaiian history to life.

Late Afternoon: Sunset and Leisure

Return to Kailua Pier to catch the breathtaking sunset—a perfect photo opportunity. The sky"s vibrant colors reflecting on the water provide a peaceful end to your adventurous day.

Getting Around

Kailua Pier is easily accessible by car and has parking available. You can also use local trolleys and buses that run along Alii Drive, making stops at major attractions.

Enjoy your family day out at Kailua Pier, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create lasting memories!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Coconut Island (Mokuola)

Why Visit?

Family Itinerary for Coconut Island (Mokuola)

Morning Start

Begin your day at Liliuokalani Gardens, a serene Japanese-style garden just across from Coconut Island. Enjoy a leisurely walk among the beautifully landscaped gardens and koi ponds—a perfect spot for family pictures.

Crossing to Coconut Island

Around mid-morning, make your way to Coconut Island. It’s accessible via a footbridge from Banyan Drive in Hilo, which makes for an easy and scenic walk. As you cross, tell the kids about the island’s mythical origins—it’s considered by local lore to be a healing spot and a place of refuge.

Exploring Coconut Island

Once on the island, you have several family-friendly activities to choose from:

- Swimming and Snorkeling: The island boasts a small, protected beach area perfect for kids to swim and snorkel. The waters are usually calm and clear, providing a safe environment for marine life exploration.

- Picnic and Play: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shade of coconut palms. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around or play frisbee while parents relax.

- Historical Sites: Visit the tower on the island for panoramic views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea. Share with your kids the interesting fact that Coconut Island was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple.

Late Afternoon Return

After a full day, stroll back across the footbridge in the late afternoon. The walk back offers stunning views of the ocean and Hilo’s coastline, a perfect ending to your visit.

Wrap-up

Cap your day with a dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants along Banyan Drive, where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day and reflect on the adventures and stories of Coconut Island.

This compact, enriching tour offers a blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, ideal for a family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.