Hawaii: A Family Trip to Oahu and The Big Island
- Joanna Shroyer
- Feb 6
- 37 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Justin and I went to Hawaii 15 years ago for our honeymoon; around year 10, I told him that what I wanted for our 15th wedding anniversary was to take the kids to Hawaii for Christmas. Our anniversary is December 19, so we went on our honeymoon for our first Christmas together. (Side note - We only dated 5 months before we were engaged.) It seemed only fitting to take the kids to experience the islands the same time of year we did. My parents also came along on this trip, and it was truly fantastic. They got to watch their grandkids do so many new and exciting things. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. I’ve vacationed in the islands 4 times during my life and they have yet to disappoint. I have to say, though, that this trip topped them all. So many joy-filled mom moments and core memories made. We were gone for 10 days, so buckle up, it’s going to be a long one. This post is not sponsored in any way and all opinions are my own.
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Travel
Where We Stayed: The Laylow
Where We Stayed: Hilton Waikoloa Village & Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Manta Ray Snorkeling
Two Step Beach
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory
Volcanoes National Park
Waipio Valley Overlook
Hawaiian Vanilla Company
Waterfalls
What to pack. I have been to Hawaii in the summer as well as the winter and other than the summer being quite a bit hotter than the winter, the clothing is relatively the same. You’ll want multiple swim suits as always having a dry one to put on is nice. As well, you will likely want multiple cover ups for said suits.
You will want a good pair of sneakers if you are planning to do any hiking or doing Diamond Head. Pack water shoes because some of the beaches are quite rocky; my kids were grateful for shoes they didn’t have to work to keep on their feet when combing the beach. Consider taking a pair of cheap flip flops just for when those water shoes are wet, and you want a quick change of shoes. Finally, one pair of nice sandals should be sufficient for a dressier option.
Most restaurants are fine with casual dress as the islands are quite laid back. Should you be planning any white table cloth dining experiences you may need to check their dress code. As far as day wear, think layers for cooler mornings or evenings. You’ll want a rain jacket as showers are common, and if you are headed to the Big Island and will be spending any time on the Hilo side of the island, you will get rained on. I have found that breezy fabrics that dry quickly and don’t hold heat are my favorite on the islands as well as a casual dress (with kick shorts) that pair with sneakers.
Be sure to bring a day bag and possibly a collapsible cooler with you. Whenever you are adventuring, you will want to pack snacks, drinks, sunblock, swimwear, and towels to take out for the day. You never know where you might end up and what you might find to get into. I would rather be prepared than wish I had been. Reef safe sunscreen can be purchased ahead of time for less than it can be bought on the islands.
We took a less is more thought process with packing and did laundry about half way through the trip at the hotel laundry. I packed detergent pods so that the out of pocket was just for use of the machines. While it’s not anyone’s favorite thing to do, I was able to pack a capsule wardrobe and then rewear with this approach rather than packing so many clothes to begin with.
Travel
Air. We are solid Delta flyers. There are times that other airlines have to be utilized, but usually . . . Delta it is. We have had the best overall experiences with this airline. Our departing flight left very early in the morning from Jackson, MS. It’s a short flight from Jackson to Atlanta, GA. We had a short lay over in Atlanta; long enough for us to grab coffee and a quick snack before heading to board our ALL-day flight to Honolulu, HI. For this leg we flew Premium Select - the section is the newest aboard Delta planes. Instead of lay-flat seats, Premium Select is equipped with seats that recline further than First Class and have an adjustable foot and leg rest. You also receive the pouch full of amenities as well as a pillow and blanket (depending on the length of the flight). Meal selection and service is similar to Delta One. The kids were THRILLED with all their extra room, personal charging ports, and large entertainment screens. In addition to snacks offered throughout the flight, there was a full lunch service and a light snack of a pizza roll just before landing. Our flights went from Jackson, MS to Atlanta, GA to Honolulu, HI. We left Jackson around 5:00 am CST and arrived in Honolulu around 3:00 pm HST.
For the return trip, we boarded in Kona, HI around 8:00 pm and landed in Los Angeles, CA (LAX) about 4:00 am. This leg is BRUTAL. We were again in Premium Select, but for some reason we weren’t given the amenities pouch. I was so sad because I had been counting on having a couple of those products and then I didn’t. I’m sure the amenities have to do with the length of the flight, ugh. My kids just don’t sleep on planes; I wish they did, but they don’t. So, when we got into the SkyClub in LAX they immediately passed out on the couches out on the deck. Justin and I did too, HA! We slept like that for about 2 hours (the place was deserted) before someone came out and told us that we couldn’t lie down on the furniture. UM, what?! We had to wake our kids up from sound asleep because their feet (shoes were off) couldn’t be up on the couch. I was NOT a happy mother. We made our way to the gate for the next leg to Atlanta. Thankfully, we were Delta One on this flight and had lie flat seats. Again, the kids didn’t sleep at all, but Justin and I both took long naps. We got all the way through the terminal door in Atlanta when Jordyn realized that she left her sweater on board. Shout out to the Atlanta gate agent who kindly allowed me back down the jetway to the plane to get it. I do not remember nor is there photographic evidence of any meals being served on the flights from Kona or LAX. Also, I’m sure we had a layover in Atlanta to some degree but we were so exhausted by this time that my memory is non-existent. We hopped the last leg of our flight from Atlanta to Jackson tired and slightly cranky; we arrived home around 5 pm in the evening. There was just enough time to unpack and get ready for bed before we all called it a night and went to bed. Our flights took us from Kona, HI to Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA and finally to Jackson, MS. We left Kona at 9:00 pm HST and arrived in Jackson, MS the next day around 4:00 pm CST.
Inter-island Travel. We chose to fly Hawaiian Airlines as they are the Delta partner. If we had to do it again, I think we would choose Southwest for inter-island travel. The check in situation at the Honolulu airport required an extremely long wait in line that wasn’t expeditious in any way. And, while they might be a Delta partner, they do not adhere to the Delta baggage policy. Keep those extra charges in mind should you decide to use this airline. In flight, you are served a Passion-Orange Nectar that gives you all the island vibes. Inter-island travel is pretty quick, so it’s just a matter of enduring, HA! Note: My parents flew Southwest between islands and had less wait time for check in. Just keep in mind there are no assigned seats on Southwest - at the posting of this article, I am aware that Southwest's policies have changed. However, I haven't flown the airline since changes occurred so cannot speak to anything.
Ground. We decided to rent a vehicle on both islands we visited. This was the best way for us to be able to enjoy all the things that we wanted to do. We were able to snag a van on Oahu which really helped the kids have enough room and didn’t cause too much discomfort to and from the airport with all the luggage. On the Big Island we ended up with a midsized car. Since my parents were on the trip with us, they met us at the airport to help with luggage and kids. Dad was able to snag a small SUV, so we swapped with him the day we left the island. The swap allowed us to have enough room for all the kids and luggage. One of our kids almost always rode with my parents as we traveled the Big Island, so the three of them weren’t squished into the backseat of our car. I think my advice here is to set expectations before you go. Rental companies do have an option to guarantee a large SUV or van, but we chose not to do this because of the cost involved.
Oahu – We spent 2.5 days on Oahu. These are the things we were able to squeeze in. People love this island and sometimes go and spend all their time there. For us, this island is just too congested. We could have stayed an extra day to fit in a bit more water time, but truly, I think we spent just enough time on Oahu. We checked off all the major things the island had to offer.
Where We Stayed
The Laylow. Honolulu, HI. The Laylow is a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel that did so many things right they made up for the things we didn’t love. What this hotel has going for it is LOCATION. It’s right in the heart of downtown Honolulu within walking distance of lots of places to eat and shop; Waikiki is just a short walk away. We had two rooms here that were side by side. The kids stayed in one while we were in the other. Both rooms had a cute welcome gift, and Justin and I received a sweet anniversary gift on the second night of our stay. The hotel has complimentary towels to check out when you head out to the beach each day and take back the dirty ones when you return. Hideout Coffee is right in the lobby and never had a wait while we were there. (Other local places down the street had such long lines.) They serve locally brewed and sourced coffee and VERY yummy pastries. I grabbed coffee here everyday before we headed out. My parents enjoyed breakfast each morning at the Hideout, the onsite restaurant, and said that it was quick and well done.
I loved the vibe here and the employees were helpful and very accommodating. I did find the rooms to be very dark, but since we weren’t in them very much, I suppose it wasn’t a big deal. There was a fridge in the room but no microwave or coffee maker. As far as we could find, there was one microwave on the first floor for the entire hotel to use. The pool wasn’t large but was beautiful as was the lobby and décor. We weren’t in Honolulu long enough to take advantage of the offerings, but there was a full slate of “classes” offered to hotel guests at different times during the week. I didn’t find them disclosed on the website, but there were handouts at check in detailing all the offerings.
Things to Do
Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The number one reason we spent any time on Oahu at all was for the kids to experience Pearl Harbor. If you want to experience the Arizona Memorial up close, my best advice is to set an alarm and book your tickets online. Tickets become available about 90 days before you’d like to visit and there is a $1 charge/ ticket when you book. Find all that information here. There is a standby option, but it is discontinued during high volume times. As well, having a reservation keeps your wait time to get to the memorial to a minimum so you can spend more time exploring the museums on grounds. If you do not want to go to the Arizona Memorial or don’t have time to wait on standby, you can check out the grounds and museums free of charge.
Be sure to arrive early for your reservation time. The parking lot isn’t very large and sometimes you have to wait for someone to leave before you can get a space. There is a $7 charge for parking; it’s a mobile system. Read the signs in the parking lot for instructions. After parking, make your way to the park you’ll go through security and head to the left. You’re looking for the building on the back right if you are going to do the Arizona Memorial first. Follow the sign and hop in the middle lane (when we were there) if you have a reservation time. I encourage you to plan your day accordingly and take in both museums as well as the video in Memorial Theater during your time at Pearl Harbor. We had 9:45 am reservations for the Arizona Memorial and spent until just after 12 at the park. If you plan to do the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Bowfin submarine, you may need plan for more time here. There is a beautiful gift shop as well as an extensive snack bar at the park.
If you are on the island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor is a MUST DO in my book. Absolutely, do NOT skip it.
Dole Pineapple Plantation. The best pineapple on the planet is in Hawaii! We didn’t do any of the “extras” here other than have amazing Dole Whip, but you can ride the train, visit the botanical garden, or even get lost in a maze. We decided to enjoy the free gardens where saw plenty of beautiful flowers and trees as well as pineapples. The kids enjoyed feeding the Koi and we read all about how pineapples grow and their history on the Hawaiian Islands. Then we headed inside to snack on Dole Whip and check out all the pineapple inspired souvenirs. You will need 1.5 to 2 hours or more to get all the things done here especially if you plan to take the train tour. I remember doing this as a kid, and while it was interesting, after about 10 minutes I had seen all the pineapple fields I needed to see – this is why we passed on the train this time.
Kualoa Regional Park. I think part of the fun in Hawaii is taking a drive to see where it takes you and what you can find. As you’re driving around, pull in here for a great view of Mokoli’I Island (Chinaman's Hat).
Cattleya Thai Massage. May just be the best massage I’ve ever had. Justin asked for a couple’s massage for his Christmas present and when he found this place and the deal we got, I was really skeptical. Turns out, it was completely legit and worth every moment. My parents took the kids to dinner and we headed out for a 6 pm massage. Head on over to their Facebook page, check out their specials, and send them a message to get started. We totally went for the decorations, and I was NOT sorry. She clearly had done this before because she offered to take all the pictures for us when we arrived. The only spoiler I’ll give you about the massage is that at one point she was holding onto a bar on the ceiling and standing on my back. I know you won’t regret taking a few hours to spoil yourself!
Pupukea Beach Park. Also known as Shark’s Cove. If you asked my son today what his favorite part of Hawaii was, he would say it was Shark’s Cove. This area of water is protected by a high natural sea wall. The water inside the cove is relatively calm so anyone of any skill level can handle navigating the waters. We spent around 2 hours here, but the kids would have stayed all day if we had let them. There was sea life, tide pools, and rocks to be explored. It’s very easy to get down to the beach and while it was relatively empty when we arrived, as we were leaving just before lunch, it was beginning to fill up. If your kids have never snorkeled in the open ocean, this is a GREAT place to get them started and acclimated to the water. We were headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center from here, so I didn’t get completely in the water. I did enjoy watching Justin and the kids have a blast, though.
Polynesian Cultural Center. I remember doing this as a kid and wasn’t super impressed, but I am so glad we did it with the kids this time. We opted for the Ali’I Lu’au Package, and it was perfect. The package includes a group tour through the six Polynesian islands; the tour guides and other staff at the park are all students at the nearby Brigham Young University. Our tour guides were fantastic and made sure we were able to enjoy a combination of shows and hands-on activities in each of the islands. We had a GREAT time getting tattoos in Fiji, playing Poi in Aoteraroa (New Zealand), sampling poi (the food) and playing games in Hawaii, dancing in Tahiti, learning to play the drums in Tonga, and weaving palm leaves and watching the fire dancers in Samoa.
After your excursions to all the islands and a canoe ride, the guides will drop you off at your lu’au location before leaving. The buffet at the lu’au is extensive and if you leave hungry, it’s your own fault. Everyone loved the pineapple smoothie appetizer! The kids were offered a “kid friendly” option for supper and each of mine took it. They were also allowed to visit the buffet. I loved this because it allowed them to try new things without being hungry. The lu’au was a beautiful retelling of Hawaiian history through story and dance.
After eating your fill and enjoying the lu’au, there’s about an hour before Ha: Breath of Life begins at 7:30 pm. This may be my only complaint. There are a couple of options as far as how to fill the time, but none of them were particularly appealing to us. We ended up wandering around Hukilau Marketplace but it didn’t take nearly the full hour. When the doors opened, we made our way to our seats for the show. We had fantastic seats in Gold level and the kids didn’t miss a thing. Everyone really enjoyed the show, especially the fire breather!
Some things to consider –The park doesn’t open until 12:30 pm and the Breath of Life show doesn’t end until 9:00 pm so it makes for a VERY long day by the time you make it back to Honolulu. Keep this in mind when planning. Also, if you are planning to take in another lu’au, you may want to skip the one here. They are all pretty much the same in entertainment as well as food. What I liked about this option is how family friendly it was. The down side is that there isn’t a package for a tour guide without the lu’au and show option. I don’t think there is a wrong decision, just what’s right for your trip. Another thing to remember is that your ticket purchase allows you to enter the park for two additional days after your initial visit. So, if you choose to self-guide or want to come back for more, that option is available. I think this is a great perk! Book your tickets in advance (at least 10 days) and you’ll receive a slight discount. Some of the packages do sell out, so keep this in mind when planning. A final word about the park: there are no restaurants inside. Snacks are available for purchase, but you won’t find a place to sit and have lunch.
Diamond Head State Monument. I’ve taken this hike every time I’ve been to the island. It’s long and can be rough in some places, but it’s completely doable. The important thing to remember is to wear proper footwear and sunblock. The view from the top is gorgeous! You’ll get to a point near the top where you can go left or right. Choosing the right sends you up a lot and I do mean a lot of stairs; going left may actually be longer but there aren’t as many stairs in a row. Either way, you make it. There are only bathrooms at the trailhead. It took our family of 5 about 1.5 hours round trip.
If you are a not a resident of Hawaii, you must have a reservation to enter the park. Set an alarm and make your reservations 30 days in advance of your visit. You’ll need to arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation time which does allow you some flexibility. Entry is $5 per person and there is a $10 parking fee.
Places to Eat:
Paia Fish Market Waikiki. Its location just next door to the Laylow made it the perfect place to have supper the evening we arrived on the island. After a quick walk down to Waikiki, we made our way back here for supper. The place was quite busy when we were here, and it isn’t a super large place. You’ll order at the counter and they bring the food out to you. Overall, this was a solid choice. The food was good and it was reasonably priced. For those in your party who don’t eat fish, a burger is on the menu.
Leonard’s Bakery. A must have if you are on the island. Justin grabbed malasadas for us after his workout on our first full day. They are really best when fresh, but I think I could eat them anytime. There are several locations throughout Honolulu and the lines can get long. Be there early for the best selection. This is a great way to have an island treat and take care of breakfast if it isn’t included at your hotel. Geez. Now I want one.
Guieb Café. A fantastic find after a morning spent at Pearl Harbor. We were headed up to the Pineapple Plantation and this was right on the way. It looks like you’re headed into a commercial area, and I was sure this place was sketch. I was wrong. Legit food with beautiful presentation. I enjoyed the garlic shrimp and the kids went with waffles and pancakes.
Marugame Udon. I am a super noodle fan and was excited to see this restaurant open just across the street from the hotel. The lines out and around the building built up the suspense. I knew the kids wouldn’t love this, so Justin and I ordered this as take out on the evening after our massage and took it up to our room. I wasn’t impressed. The room was so dark that I couldn’t get a picture of the food, but you’re not missing much. I’d skip this one.
Pounder’s Restaurant. On the day we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center we headed over to that side of the island early so we could spend some time at Shark’s Cove. We finished up early enough at Shark’s Cove to have lunch before entering the park. There aren’t a lot of options on that side of the island. You could get adventurous and try out some of the food trucks you see parked everywhere, but I knew the greatest chance of the kids eating was to find a restaurant where I knew the menu before we got there. That’s how we ended up here. Pounder’s is on the premises with the Polynesian Cultural Center and is run by students. The food is ok, definitely not spectacular, and could have used a bit more seasoning than it had. The upside to eating here is that you are already parked and ready to enter the park when it opens. I wouldn’t eat here again if I had a choice. Keep in mind there are no restaurants inside the park, so you’ll want to plan to eat lunch before you enter.
Pho Time Niu Valley. After conquering Diamond Head, we were starving and wanted to grab lunch before getting to the airport to catch our flight to the Big Island. We stopped here for an amazing lunch. They were fast and it was delicious. Even the kids cleaned their plates. I wish I had snapped pictures of the food before it was gone, but you’ll have to trust these empty plates. It looks like this location is permanently closed, but there is another location of Pho Time here.
The Big Island (Hawaii) – The Big Island is Hawaii, so we differentiate it from the state of Hawaii by calling it the Big Island. I’ll never forget the kids’ exclamations as we landed at the airport in Kona as the landscape looks so different from Oahu and anywhere else we’ve ever been. They said it looked as if we were landing on the moon because of the vast lava fields. The Kona airport is an adventure in itself as it is open air and you disembark on the tarmac. The kids thought this was especially fun. We spent 7 days here, and I wish we had planned one more day. There were several things we didn’t get to do that I would have loved to fit it. Just not enough time in the day.
The Big Island isn’t as populated as Oahu and things are very spread out, so I highly recommend taking a trip to the grocery store and stocking up on lunch and snack supplies. Many times, we were out adventuring and there wasn’t a place to eat nearby that satisfied everyone in our party. If you are staying in Kona (west side of the island) or Hilo (east side of the island), there are a couple of grocery stores as well as a Walmart. We stayed north of Kona in Waikoloa Village and the nearest full-scale grocery is the KTA located here.
Where We Stayed
Hilton Waikoloa Village. Waikoloa Village, HI. I’ve dreamed of staying at this hotel since I was a little girl; it’s like the Disney World of hotels. Located on the Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village is a city unto itself. We booked our rooms a year in advance, yet our request for close rooms wasn’t even remotely considered. It took FOREVER to get checked in because we wouldn’t agree to the kids’ room being so far away. We managed to get things taken care of, and at the end of the day it worked out fine. But, when you’re exhausted from traveling all day and just want to get to your room and settle in, it’s frustrating.
I found the rooms to be dated and lacking in amenities. Common with vacation resort type hotels. I feel like (overall) they just don’t care as much. We stayed in the Palace Tower (which is reportedly their most updated rooms as of October 2025) so your experience may vary here. What they were lacking in, they made up for in space. There was a large closet with multiple storage options in each room. Our rooms overlooked the golf course and were quiet overall, so that was something to be thankful for.
Something else you should know about this location is that it is HUGE. And, I do mean huge. You are able to walk from the entry to your room, but regardless of which tower you are in, you’re looking at a 10-15 minute walk. Seriously. You can also take the train or a boat (which only runs certain hours a day). We did a bit of all three with walking and taking the train being chosen most of the time. My complaint about the train is that you never could tell which direction it was going unless you were there when it pulled up. So, there are times you get stuck going the opposite direction that you needed and it takes 30 minutes to get to your room when you could have walked in ½ that. We made plans to take the boat one evening and rode it all through the resort just for fun; the kids ended up really enjoying this as it was very relaxing.
Be sure to check out the activities list to find out when all the things happen. There are lots of activities offered to guests. We took advantage of the dolphin exhibition. Make plans to get there early, but there are plenty of places around the lagoon that you will be able to see. We walked through the Breakfast Buffet at the Convention center as it was the shortest route from our tower, but you can access the lagoon in several ways. We were able to catch the show on Saturday morning at 8.
Because we were there during Christmas, we were able to see Santa row in on the Lagoon Christmas morning being “drawn” by the dolphins. I’m not going to say either of these experiences are a must-see if you have other plans, but if you’re there, you might as well make plans to attend. When else will you be able to see dolphins swim in the “lobby” of a hotel?!
Another Christmas time event was pictures with Santa. This opportunity was offered twice for those who wanted to take advantage. We were there slightly ahead of schedule for our photo op and ended up waiting over 45 minutes for Santa to arrive. Island time and my time are not always the same thing.
We spent Christmas Eve at the resort. There is a protected lagoon where you can rent water sport gear and snorkel. They also have multiple pools as well as slides. Naturally, the kids need to do it all. We started out at the lagoon to snorkel and do the water trike. I love that the lagoon is naturally fed and is a main avenue for sea turtles! You’ll swim right up on them before you see them. It’s a busy lagoon, so the fish population isn’t something to get really excited about. With that said, it does allow the kids to practice snorkeling in the ocean in a semi “controlled” environment. It really is a beautiful place. I will note that there is a “film” in the ocean here most likely due to the amount of sunscreen and that the water doesn’t turn over very quickly. This makes underwater viewing difficult and becomes frustrating. We went from the lagoon to the Kohala Pool which is four pools that are connected with waterslides. The kids played here until it was time to get ready to go to supper and had a fantastic time. They even talked Justin and I into going down the “best” slide. Make sure you have your bracelets on for the pool and lagoon activities; we were not thrilled with the “bracelets.” You’d think at this caliber of hotel they would provide something nicer and removable - not the iridescent snap things they handed us that had to be worn all week.
Other advertised activities included bracelet and lei making. I looked into these and was interested in doing them with the kids until I found out they only take 15 (or so) guests per class. If these things are a must do for you, plan accordingly.
A final note about the resort is that they offer free family photographs. They are an “in studio” type and have the green screen background, but it is totally free. Our photographer even took way more “free” photos than advertised. I wasn’t sad we took the time to do this since we were hanging around the resort anyway.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Kona, HI. Alright, so we didn’t technically stay here. Our departure flight out of Kona was around 9 pm, and we had to be out of the Hilton by 11 am. No such luck (Hilton) allowing us a late check out. They didn’t even consider it; almost rude about it. I’d like to note that Justin is an Ambassador with Marriott, but he is also a Lifetime Diamond with Hilton. This means he stays at both ALOT. Anywho. Not to let that cause an issue he started looking for places we could book one night even though we wouldn’t sleep there so that after our beach/pool day we could shower and change in comfort before our flight. Enter the Courtyard. So friendly and fantastic I wished we had just stayed here the entire time. She sent him to the car with shell leis for everyone; a box of chocolate macadamia nuts that the kids had eaten in no time flat; water bottles; amazing removable wristbands for pool access, and a hand written thank you note. We checked into a fantastic large room with a beautiful view and got ready to hit the pool for a while. We spent the rest of the day enjoying this gorgeous hotel and pool before walking across the street for supper. After eating, we headed to the room to shower and change in prep for the flight home. It was really a perfect ending to the trip and made all my frustrations with the Hilton melt away. Oh, AND when she found out at check-in that we wouldn’t even be staying the night, she waived the parking fee. Amazing customer service. I HIGHLY recommend spending some time at this location if you choose to visit the island. Maybe just get a day pass for the Hilton grounds ;)
West Side of the Island: Things to do
Manta Ray Snorkeling. Voted one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime; it was at the TOP of my to-do list for the trip. I’ve been talking about it for years. A side fact about me is that I have a strange fascination with stingrays and Manta Rays. Absolutely love them and could watch them for hours. So, the opportunity to watch Manta in the wild is not something I wanted to miss. I booked us with Sea Paradise for the late Manta snorkel (8:30 – 10:00 pm). We did this adventure on Christmas Eve, and I couldn’t be happier with that choice. My parents went along but did the “boat only” option and didn’t get in the water. We were concerned that the kids wouldn’t make it in the water the entire time and wanted a trusted adult on the boat should they decide to get out. Boy, were we surprised! The kids were enthralled and stuck with it the ENTIRE time.
You do have options when booking this type of excursion, we went with Sea Paradise. They will send detailed instructions about where to meet them for pick up on the dock. It will seem like you are hanging out in the middle of nowhere, but suddenly, they will appear with a grand catamaran to pick you up. The staff was efficient and knowledgeable. We were fitted with wet suits, asked to leave our shoes on the dock, and boarded on the boat. The boat ride is VERY short to the snorkel location from where they pick you up. One of the reasons that I chose this particular company was because of the amenities. The catamaran has a bathroom on board (a big deal when dealing with kids) as well as had hot beverages and snacks once you were out of the water. I knew we would all be cold and that being able to offer the littles a warm drink would go a long way to helping them have a great overall experience.
As you head to your destination, the crew gives you the quick rules and safety talk, and before you know it, your boat is anchored. The crew goes over how you’re going to put on your provided snorkel gear, get off the boat, and get to the raft. It sounds complicated, but they have it down to a science. I’ll suggest going in the middle because how you get off the boat is how they load you onto the raft to view the Manta. If you are the last ones off the boat, you’re the first ones back. You jump off the back of the boat and swim to the raft about 25 yards away. I’m not going to lie, my momma's heart was a little nervous about my kids swimming in the open ocean at night, but my fears were unfounded. There were guides and staff everywhere. If someone had gotten into trouble, they would have attended quickly. Once you get to the raft you shift down into place next to the person beside you and are set up with a pool noodle under your ankles. You’ll hold onto the raft with your hands and arms straight out in front of you and float with the pool noodle under your ankles for the next hour. You’ll do everything in reverse to get back to the boat.
Here’s some real talk: I was freezing. Teeth chattering, shivering, freezing. But, I didn’t care. There was NO WAY I was going back to the boat. The kids said this too. While they were cold, the experience was too amazing to miss. After a while, your shoulders begin to ache with the strain of holding on especially if the water is not calm. I still give it a 10/10 and recommend you add this to your itinerary.
Every minute or so a Manta would swim by on its back eating the plankton just inches from your face! Indescribable. Shout out to my mom for taking photos and videos from the boat.
Two Step Beach. Christmas morning, we headed out to snorkel at one of the most famous places on the Big Island. This is something we didn’t do in prior visits, so it was high on my list for this trip. We were there by 10 am, and it was already pretty crowded. You can choose to pay to park in the parking lot of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park (straight ahead of you on Honaunau Beach Road), or park on the street for free. You’ll see cars lining the road. The right turn to go down to Two Step on Honaunau Beach Road looks like you’re turning into a driveway, but it is a one-way street. If you choose to go down and look, you’ll be able to circle back. There is a closer parking lot, but it is very limited and small. There are no services here and only port-o-potties available, so plan accordingly.
We scored a place just under some trees so my mom could sit out of the sun, but most of the beach is lava rock and there is no shade. You’ll see a boat launch and a small swatch of sand with overhanging brush. You can enter the water here, but it is hard to snorkel because of the way the water pours into this small area. Don’t try to walk down the boat ramp; it’s slick!
For the best snorkeling, you’ll enter the water to the right. You’ll see people coming in and out of the water in the same place. This is where you are going. Do not try to enter the water anywhere else. We found that everyone took turns for those going out and those coming in from the water. There’s a large step down to a shelf just under the water. Watch what everyone else is doing, and you’ll figure it out pretty quickly. Justin took the kids out into the bay and stayed gone for over an hour! At one point, I look out and see them surrounded by a pod of wild dolphins. They had been watching them swim for quite a while, and they popped up for air nearby. Such a cool experience. Jaxson enjoyed the tide pools and played there for a very long time while the girls went out for another snorkel. I highly recommend a snorkel here!
A few notes of caution. The entrance is entirely natural. This means that those spiney sea creatures that are growing on the rocks absolutely will stab you and that the rocks are sharp. Use caution when entering and exiting the ocean.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. I didn’t have this park on my to-do list, but since it was walking distance from Two Step and a free admission day, we decided to check it out. This beautiful park educates and preserves the Royal Grounds and Pu’uhonua (place of refuge) once used by Hawaiians. It’s a reminder of culture and a way of life that has passed but should be respected and remembered. We spent about an hour here, but really could have stayed longer. If you want a peek into native Hawaiian life, I recommend you add this stop to your itinerary. This national park usually requires admission; but because we were there on Christmas Day, we were able to enter the park free. The park is open daily from 8:15 am until 15 minutes after sunset and is $20 per vehicle to park. You can walk into the park if you are swimming next door for $10 per person.
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company. Such a great find. On my other trips to the island, I’ve visited the Mauna Loa factory on the Hilo side of the island. When we were here on our honeymoon, I was less than impressed with that location and have since heard from other travelers that it was even less interesting. So, we decided to branch out and try something different. It paid off! The visitor center is located in Kawaihae about 25 minutes from Waikoloa. We enjoyed sampling the many types of Macadamia nuts they make as well as watching them make brittle (SO GOOD). We loved their chocolate covered Macadamia nuts so well that we have ordered them since we got home! If you can’t make it to the visitor center try their storefront in downtown Kona. The visitor center is open daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm except for major holidays.
Kona Sea Salt. We didn’t book a tour here, but if we are ever on the island again, I think I would. We did, however, stop by the farm store and were able to sample the salts. We really enjoyed this experience and the kids even got in on the tastings. I would for sure call this a “stop” if you are passing by.
Kona Farmer’s Market. This is another one of those stops that was high on my Dad’s list. We wandered and enjoyed the market. The kids picked out some souvenirs, and we picked up some island fruit to try with our picnic lunches. The farmer’s market is open Wednesdays - Sundays from 7 am - 4 pm. I am sure that the vendors vary based on who can be there. My favorite booth was handmade jewelry by Kona Jungle Jewelry. She makes the most beautiful handmade pieces from shells she picks up on the beach.
Monarch Coffee. At this time, Monarch is no longer doing farm tours, BUT this is to tell you to book a coffee tour! If you are a coffee lover, you should absolutely pick one of the farms and do the tour. I am a coffee lover so this one was really all about me, BUT the agriculture and learning about how coffee is grown and made is so interesting. I really love that most of these farms are small collectives that make specialty coffee. Something you can’t get anywhere else!
Wawaloli Beach Park. I think that part of the fun in Hawaii is just finding what you can find. This park is just that. We enjoyed combing the tide pools on the lava rocks for fish and shells. Just be careful not to get too close to the edge where the waves are crashing in. We were hard pressed to get the kids to leave here and ended up telling them we would come back another day (which we did). One of our departure day activities was to hang out at this park until the kids were tired of it (which we also did). There’s also a protected cove for swimming. There were several families there with kids when we were. I wouldn’t say it’s the best snorkeling, but it absolutely was an easy place to let littles swim and explore without worrying about them being taken out to sea. We even saw a whale in the ocean past the protective wall.
‘Anaeho’omalu Beach. A local recommended we try this beach for snorkeling. While the beach was absolutely beautiful, I cannot recommend it for snorkeling. Not because the kids didn’t try. I think Jayden still has scars on her legs from being thrown into coral by the waves. Maybe the winds were just too high the day we were there. The beach next door - Waikoloa Beach was super sandy and lots of people were in the water swimming, so if you are looking for a beach day close to the resort, this could be your spot!
Places to Eat
Nui Italian. Located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village and is only open from 5 – 9 pm. We ate here on Christmas Day. Be sure to make reservations WELL in advance if you are going to be on the island during the holidays. Everything fills up or is closed! This was by far our fanciest meal of the entire trip and was absolutely delicious. The service was fantastic and there wasn’t a bite of food that we didn’t love. I definitely recommend this location if you are staying at the resort.
Shaka Cones/Orchid Marketplace. If you’re staying at Hilton Waikoloa this is a place you can use your daily food and beverage credit. We stocked up on snacks for the road as well as fruit plates and sandwiches we knew we would eat during the day. We also had pizza from here for lunch one day that the kids enjoyed, but my FAVORITE was the ACAI bowl. Oh my word! I for sure recommend that you check this out.
Kai Loki’s. Not the fastest place to get a sit down meal, but everyone was full when we left. We stopped here for supper on our way back from Punalu'u and the southernmost point of the US. Everyone was a bit hangry by the time we got food and still had a trek back to the hotel. Be sure to check for hours because this place closes early to be “the southernmost bar in the US.”
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Hands down the BEST. Seriously. You have to try this. They are only open from 11-5 though so plan accordingly. We grabbed shave ice while we hung out at the Marriott Courtyard on departure day, and it made me wish we had gotten this more than just once on our trip.
Big Kahuna Beach Grill. The food wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t bad either. This open air restaurant is within walking distance of the Courtyard, which was its main point of attraction for us. The service was good and portions were big. I ordered the fish tacos and wasn’t sad about it.
Foster’s Kitchen. At the writing of this article, this location is temporarily closed. We snagged reservations here on Christmas Eve before we headed out to the Manta Swim. This open air restaurant looked out on the sunset and was pleasant. I remember ordering a Tuna Poke bowl that was excellent.
Gypsea Gelato. There are several locations of this ice cream shop around the islands. I’m sure we all got something; I don’t remember it being super excellent. We stopped in here after Foster’s to kill some time before we had to be at the marina for the Manta swim.
Some notes about parking in “downtown” Kona. There are public parking lots that require you to pay using your phone so be sure to pay attention to the signs. This area of town is very walkable with lots of tourists around.
East Side of the Island
Volcanoes National Park. I think this is a must see when on the island. Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center, pick up a map, and browse the museum. Dress accordingly! It can be rainy on this side of the island, so be sure to pack a rain jacket. Some places in the park are quite cold and windy while others are steamy. There’s a trail head that leaves from the visitor’s center parking lot. Check it out before you move your vehicle. Everyone in our party was able to enjoy the Steaming Bluff, Thurston Lava Tube, and Devastation Trail. We drove Chain of Crater roads but didn’t take it all the way to the arch. It was getting late in the day, and we still had a 2-hour drive back to the hotel.
We arrived at the park before lunch and stayed until supper time. You could spend as little as 1.5 hours at the park or all day depending on how much hiking you want to do. There are no places to eat or get snacks within the park, and restrooms are not prevalent.
Entrance is $30 per vehicle, and the park is open every day including holidays. You can visit the park 24 hours a day, and if the lava is flowing, you might want to plan a night hike to be able to see it well. The park website will update with any active lava flows, so you can plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: Download the app before you leave, and you’ll be able to listen to the commentary about each stop on the map.
Waipio Valley Overlook. There was a time you could go down into the valley; it was truly an adventure. If I could put onto this page the images in my mind you would see something that looks like another world. It is truly gorgeous. Unfortunately, or fortunately for the locals, tourists are no longer allowed to enter the valley. Probably for good reason. You must settle for a look out. I will say if you are on a tight timeline, skip this. But if you have some time to kill and want to see some beautiful coast, take the drive to the northeast side of the island and have a look.
Hawaiian Vanilla Co. Tucked up in the mountains on the east side of the island you’ll find North America’s only vanilla farm. It is a gem of a place and something you really need to see first-hand. Spring for the lunch tour – it’s worth it. I knew the kids wouldn’t eat what was on the menu, so I called the great folks there and they allowed us to bring in the kids’ lunches while we dined on a vanilla inspired menu. It was SO good! Then we went on a guided tour of the vanilla vineyard where the process of vanilla growing, harvesting, and making was explained in detail. We learned so much! Once you return to the main house, you’re given locally made vanilla ice cream. It’s anything but ordinary. I came home with my own vanilla making supplies and have been making my own ever since. We still talk about the vanilla farm on a regular basis at home. This was on my dad’s top to-do list and I can honestly say it was one of the most educational things we did. The vanilla farm is open daily from 10 am – 3 pm; book tours directly on their website. I do recommend making reservations for lunch because once it’s full, they can’t take anymore.
Rainbow Falls Lookout and Peepee Falls. If you’re on the east side of the island the waterfalls are worth a look. You cannot climb down to them or get in the water - it’s a viewing only situation. However, there are some beautiful Banyan trees near Rainbow Falls that the kids really enjoyed exploring. Also, these are FREE to view which makes them even better.
Coconut Island and Lili’uokalani Gardens. In my mind we were going to let the kids swim at Coconut Island and check out the gardens. In the end, we just didn’t have enough daylight to let them really get in the water. We explored the island and walked along the edge of the water. This snorkel/swimming location is absolutely on my list the next time we are in Hawaii. We enjoyed wandering through the gardens next door and seeing the Nene up close. We are still sad we didn’t get to experience the water on this side of the island.
Punalu’u Beach. Black sand beach. We got here much later in the day than I really would have wanted so didn’t put on suits and get in the water, but we stayed here a LONG time. This is another thing I would do if I’m ever on the island again - spend plenty of time here. The sea turtles are plentiful and the sand is just gorgeous. There are bathrooms here as well as a concession stand. You should also note that the beach is really far from anything else so come prepared.
Southernmost Point of the United States. Definitely just something to see unless you’re into jumping off cliffs into the ocean and climbing makeshift ladders back up again. We made the trek here to watch the sunset. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Places to Eat
Miyo’s Restaurant. We landed here after a long day on the east side of the island. I remember the food being just “ok” for how busy the place was - maybe we just ordered the wrong things. Something to love is that the produce and fish served here is locally sourced. I LOVE that.
Hilo Burger Joint. It had been a long day on the eastern side of the island. We managed to sneak in here at just the right time. The food was good and the service was acceptable. Think tavern/pub style restaurant with good burgers.
King’s Treats. In our search for an open shave ice place, we happened upon this little hole in the wall where the kids experienced their first shave ice. The portions were large and there were a lot of choices. Plenty of locals were stopping in here for their lunch and snack options. It was obviously run by a local couple who were really kind and chatty. If you’re looking for a spot to grab a snack or a quick lunch, I recommend a stop here. I won’t tell you it’s the best shave ice, but you’ll love the vibe.
General Notes
I spent a lot of time pre-booking as most things had a 24-48 hour cancellation without penalty policy. This was helpful in planning our days especially since we were there over a holiday. I find that Hawaii definitely has a slower pace and you can walk up to most things and have no problem getting right in with few exceptions.
Be SURE to double check open dates and times. So many times things close much earlier than you would think - more so at the holidays. Along with this, if you want to eat at more white table cloth restaurants you’ll want to make dinner reservations well in advance. We didn’t want our days to be restrained by dinner reservations, so I didn’t go this route except for on Christmas Eve and Day.
Snorkel Bobs. We went the renting snorkel gear route as I knew our kids would want goggles and such on multiple occasions. We scheduled our pick up on the day after our arrival on the island and stopped by on our way out of town for the day. It was a relatively easy process, and we were on our way. We used the snorkel gear almost daily, so I was glad we had access to what we wanted when we wanted. There was also a return location in Kona, so after we were finished playing on departure day it was easy to drop off before catching the flight. We only had snorkel gear on the Big Island since we were on Oahu for such a short time. Should you need snorkel gear on both islands, check out their website for options.
If I could do it again, I would split our time between the two sides of the island and stay one more day on the Big Island. I really wanted to spend more time in Hilo but time just wouldn’t allow. If I ever go back again, I won’t spend any time on Oahu at all and skip straight to the Big Island.
In the end, this was an epic trip the kids still talk about to this day. I will always tell you to take the trip. Always.
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