Big Island (Hawaii) family

Your gateway to the Big Island, located on the western coast. Pick up your rental car here for easy island exploration.

Explore the historic heart of Kona, with its charming shops, restaurants, and the Hulihe'e Palace. Stroll along Ali'i Drive for ocean views.

• Look for local art galleries.
• Enjoy the sunset from Kailua Pier.

A popular beachfront restaurant offering casual dining with ocean views and live music. Known for its seafood and tropical drinks.

• Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
• Try the fresh catch of the day.

Witness the power of Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Explore craters, steam vents, and lava tubes.

• Check the park's website for current eruption status and viewing areas.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Bring rain gear, as weather can change quickly.

Dine with a view overlooking the Kīlauea caldera. Offers American cuisine with local influences.

Walk through a massive, ancient lava tube illuminated by soft lighting. A unique geological wonder within the park.

• The path can be wet and slippery.
• It's a short, easy walk from the parking area.

Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Kīlauea caldera glowing red with lava after dark. The former museum site offers excellent panoramic views.

• Dress warmly as it can get cold at night.
• Bring binoculars for a closer look at the crater.

Home to the majestic Akaka Falls, plunging 442 feet into a gorge, and the smaller Kahuna Falls. A paved loop trail winds through lush rainforest.

• The trail is a loop, approximately 0.4 miles.
• Keep an eye out for native Hawaiian plants.

A local favorite in Hilo known for its plate lunches and casual atmosphere. Offers a variety of local and American dishes.

A beautiful, easily accessible waterfall near Hilo town. Best viewed in the morning when rainbows often form in the mist, but still scenic in the afternoon.

• The viewpoint is very close to the parking lot.
• Look for the banyan tree nearby.

A serene 24.17-acre Japanese garden located along Hilo Bay. Features pagodas, stone bridges, and koi ponds.

An intimate restaurant in Hilo offering creative, locally sourced dishes with an Asian-inspired flair. Known for its tasting menus.

• Reservations are essential.
• The menu changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients.

One of the few green sand beaches in the world, located on the southern tip of the island. The sand gets its color from olivine crystals.

• Access requires a strenuous 2.5-mile hike or a paid shuttle service from local residents.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
• Swimming can be challenging due to strong currents.

Grab a casual and affordable plate lunch from a local vendor or small eatery near the South Point area. Experience authentic local flavors.

A fantastic spot for snorkeling, known for its abundant marine life and calm, shallow waters. Easy access for families and beginners.

• Rent snorkel gear from the nearby stand.
• Look for sea turtles (honu) basking on the shore.

Enjoy upscale dining at this oceanfront restaurant within the Four Seasons Hualalai. Features fresh seafood, sushi, and island-inspired cuisine.

• Reservations are highly recommended.
• Dress code is resort casual.

Step back in time to experience the life of a Kona coffee farmer in the early 1900s. Offers demonstrations and insights into coffee cultivation.

• Great for kids to learn about history and agriculture.
• Sample fresh Kona coffee.

Visit a working Kona coffee farm for a tasting and tour. Learn about the meticulous process of growing and processing world-renowned Kona coffee.

• Tours are often guided and informative.
• Purchase freshly roasted beans as a souvenir.

Return your rental car and depart from Kona International Airport.