The Big Island blew us away! We were lucky enough to get some local suggestions on where to eat, hike + swim! Some of the hikes took some SERIOUS digging + wrong turns until we finally found them, but they all were worth the work.
We’re excited to share all the family friendly beaches and hikes that we found around The Big Island with you guys!
Kid friendly hikes in Kona Hawaii:
NARNIA: soooo this is the hike that I’m nervous to the address to on the internet. IT WAS BREATHTAKINGGG to say the least. Multiple waterfalls we swam in + jumped from. It’s a local secret, it took us some serious hunting to find. With that said, DM me or send me an email, i’ll help you get here.
AKAKA FALLS:
It’s technically a state park + the most mind blowing rainforest we’ve ever seen. Kid friendly stairs + the worlds second biggest waterfall! It’s a short, less than a mile loop trail + will cost you $1/person or $5 car. It cost to walk through, but park outside of the gate + you won’t have to pay to park
POLOLU VALLEY LOOKOUT:
We shared more info about this magical rope swing hike here. but I’m not sure I’ll ever be done sharing the images!
Rainbow Falls Lookout:
this was our first hike of the trip. The perfect warm you up hike! It was a drive up, park + you’re basically to the top kind of adventure. After you take a picture in front of it, follow the trail behind the big sign + hike up about half way. Play around in the banyon tree heaven! Oh, + because I know someone will ask, we swung from the vines near the parking lot while we waited for everyone else to get there!
Best Beaches in Kona Hawaii:
MANINI’OWALI BEACH (KUA BAY):
This is the perfect beach for boogie boarding. Clear water, big waves! They said the waves are bigger in the afternoon, but it is a small beach so it gets crowded. We came early so we could get parking + decent sand real estate!
Be sure to lock your car + take your stuff. There seems to be a lot of theft, especially if you’re in a rental car. We didn’t have any problems this time, better safe than sorry!
It’s right across the streets from the Veterans Cemetery + an easily missed road. You can ask Siri to take you there.
KAHALU’U BEACH PARK:
Where we snorkeled. Best snorkeling is in the morning, so be sure to get here early! Bring tevas or some kind of water shoes. Get cream on top of your shave ice (snowcapped), it’s right there by the beach! They do take card ps!
PUNALU’U:
This is a black sand beach + the locals said they’re ALWAYS turtles here resting in the sand + playing in the surf!
CARL SMITH BEACH:
Perfect for kids. You can wade in clear water . . . no waves + they’re always turtles to swim with! The kids will LOVE it!
NIGHT MANTRA RAY SNORKLE BY HANG LOOSE BOAT TOURS:
One of the coolest things I’ve done in my life! They have lots of times you can go throughout the day. But the pitch black ocean definitely added to the effect. We were sooo proud of Jonah for adventuring with us. Good chance I was more scared than he was!
I’m going to round up our favorite eats for another post since this one is already a novel 🙂 Hopefully it offers help to someone visiting the big Island! xx
These pictures are so beautiful and make want to get on a plane and go right now!