If you love fishing Kona is known for sports fishing because the waters are full of marine life not seen in other bodies of waters including green sea turtles, whales, sperm whales, pygmies and false killer whales. There are deep-sea charters out of Honokohau Harbor just north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) where you can fish for marlin, mahimahi, ono and ahi.   You don’t need to rent an expensive charter to find fresh fish Kona just bring your rod, tackle and bait along piers, shores, and streams and you might just reel .....in that big you have always dreamt about catching. Show less

As one of the Four Seasons’ flagship properties (and the most expensive hotel on the Big Island), this is an obvious hotel choice for luxury loving family travelers. The Four Seasons signature service abounds, and families will love that a kids club for children ages 5-12 is included in the price. The hotel’s location is more convenient for airport access and activities in and around the village of Kailua-Kona as well. The resort is known more for its pools than its beach, so it may not fit the bill as .....well if you prefer to spend more of your time on the sand and in the surf. Show less

Spend a day traveling the Hana Highway Hike the trail to Twin Falls Watch the waves crash against lava rock at Ke‘anae Beach See a Rainbow Eucalyptus at Ke’anae Arboretum Walkthrough the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach cave Explore the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o Hike the Pipiwai Trail through a forest of bamboo and waterfalls Snorkel Molokini Crater Visit Up Country and see why Oprah has a home there. Go wine tasting at Maui Wines Pick your own produce at Kula Country Farms Attend a luau  Drive to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise (dress warmly) Go shopping on Front Street in Lahaina .....and see the famous Banyan Tree Park Have lunch in the sand at Pacific’O Take a submarine tour from Lahaina Harbor See a performance of Ulalena at Lahaina’s Maui Theater Snorkel Turtle Town at Maluaka Beach Watch a fire dancing performance at the Maui Nui Luau See the Na Lio equestrian dinner show Check out Sugar Beaches fine white sand, it glistens like diamonds Go windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach Park Spend an evening at Charlie’s in Paia and hope Willie Nelson shows up for open mike Spend an afternoon on the beach at Honokahue Bay Buy a raft and float around at Napili Kai Beach, look for sea turtles See the Dragon’s Teeth rocks at Makaluapuna Point Watch the Nakalele Blowhole Go horseback riding in Waihe’e Valley Check out the red sand of Koki Beach Tour the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery, have a passionfruit martini Show less

After making your way back into town, end your night by letting your wanderlust run free in downtown Lahaina. With so many awesome bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques there is so much to do in this little town. It’s also a 3 minute walk from the beach, just in case you decide to just take it easy the rest of the day. It also makes for a great place to stay while in Maui.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the top attractions on Hawaii’s Big Island. This US National Park is great to visit with kids. You may have heard there was a new lava flow which dramatically changed the landscape of the park in 2018. While the layout of some parts of the park has changed the park has reopened and it is safe to visit.

Sip cocktails in Waikiki without a care in the world, or ride horseback along the mountains of Molokai – the choice is yours in Hawaii. The list of things to do in Hawaii is extensive, however many of the most popular options revolve around the beach. Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu is one of Hawaii's most famous and you can surf its breaks against a backdrop of glittering high-rise buildings. Away from the coastline, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular attraction. It's here you'll find the .....spectacular Halemaumau Crater – part of the famous Kilauea volcano which is constantly billowing a spectacular stream of lava and ash. Show less

Check out Papakolea’s green sand beach Swim with Manta Rays Snorkel the underwater sanctuary at Kealakekua Bay Kayak past the Captain Cook Monument Stop for samplings and tours along the Kona Coffee Belt Learn about Hawaii’s history at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Check out the sacred Hale O Kekuewa temple See St. Benedict’s Painted Church Stop by Huggo’s Bar at sunset for cocktails Go paddleboarding Take a glass-bottom boat ride Shop in historic Kona Town Eat Poke Check out Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church Swim with wild dolphins Relax on the white sand beaches of Kaunaoa Bay Stop by the Pololu Valley Lookout for .....gorgeous coastline views Stop at Buddha Point for a picnic lunch Relax in a beach chair with a cocktail for sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club Cliff dive off the End of the World (or watch others) Check out the bee colonies at Volcano Island Honey Farm Explore the Puako Petroglyph Preserves lava carvings Check out the tide pools at Mauna Kea Beach Relax on Hapuna Beach DIY a tour of the Great Hawaiian Nut Trail Stop by Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company for samplings and souvenirs Take a surfing lesson Swim with sea turtles at Kahaluu Bay Participate in a cattle drive at Waimea’s Dahana Ranch Stop in Kona Brewery for a local beer Learn to play the ukulele ATV through Waipio Valley Attend a luau Take a sunset dinner cruise Show less

This Park is located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke kapu, or ancient laws, could a avoid death by fleeing to this place of refuge or pu’uhonua. The grounds just outside the Great Wall of the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau were also home to several generations of powerful chiefs. In addition, the park contains a reconstruction of the Hale O Keawe heiau.

Hawaii has been one of my favorite family destinations for years. With its nice beaches, great weather and kid-friendly attractions, Hawaii is a destination the whole family can enjoy. In fact, with so many fun activities to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here are a few of our favorite kid-approved activities on the Hawaiian Islands:

Haleakala National Park has two sections; the Kipahulu coastal area, and the Haleakala summit area. Haleakala means “house of the sun” and most people are familiar with the summit area as a popular, and arguably the best, sunrise viewing destination on Maui. Both sections of the park are unique and equally worth a visit during your time on Maui. Little known fact, Haleakala National Park is home to more endangered species than any other National Park. My dad and I had the opportunity to view two of these species; the silversword plant, .....a rare plant found only in Hawaii and the nene, a native Hawaiian goose, during our trip. I hope this guide helps you make the most of a visit to Haleakala National Park. Show less

Zipline through the rainforest past waterfalls Don’t miss Akaka Falls 442 foot waterfall Hike the loop to Kahuna Falls Visit Rainbow Falls after sunrise to catch the rainbow Hike to the Wailuku River’s Boiling Pots Hike to the floor of Hi’ilawe Falls Go for a swim in PeePee Falls (at your own risk) Witness lava flow into the ocean by boat or helicopter ride Watch the smoke rise from Kilauea Caldera in Volcanoes National Park Drive the beautiful Crater Chain Link Road Take a bike tour through the lava fields Stop by the Jaggar Museum and Overlook at night to see .....the lava flow Spend a night at Kilauea’s Volcano House Walk the Thurston Lava Tube Check out the lava flow at Pahoa Town Go on a lava hunt tour Check out the Holei Sea Arch Stop at the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area Explore Kaumana Cave Visit the tasting room at Volcano Winery Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail to the crater’s floor Relax in Ahalanui Park’s thermal pool Try mushroom chocolate at Hamakua Mushroom Factory Photograph MacKenzie State Park’s shoreline Hike the Malama-ki Forest Reserve Visit Hawaii Botanical Tropical Gardens Watch the sunset and stay to stargaze at Mauna Kea Summit Check out Kaimu Beaches black sand Check out the old sugar plantations along Cane Haul Road Explore Kapaho’s tide pools Enjoy the log swing at Pololu Valley Show less

Out of all the Maui activities to check out on the island, snorkeling in Maui’s pristine clear waters has to be among the most popular. Start off your day with a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater. Known as Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling destination, this tour lasts roughly around five hours. Although there are many different tour companies to bring you to the crater, Pride of Maui offers the best tours on the island. The tour comes with all the gear needed for an amazing snorkeling experience, breakfast, lunch and my .....personal favorite part of it… Open bar on the way back. You really can’t beat that one. Show less

Be Prepared for Weather: Oahu, Hawaii is generally mild and comfortable year-round. We visited Waimea Falls in January 2013 and it was 75 degrees F (which is the average temperature). That said, this portion of the island is one of the rainiest sections. Be sure to bring an umbrella and a windbreaker. You can leave them in the car if necessary.Be Prepared for Walking: The paved path to Waimea Falls is only 3/4 of a mile. It is not steep or difficult. However, you can pay extra for a golf .....cart shuttle to and/or from the Falls. We walked the path in sandals, but many people choose to wear more sturdy footwear. Bring a water bottle, just in case. The path is wheelchair accessible, as well.Be Prepared for Humidity and Insects: In January, we didn't see many insects, but my daughter did get a large mosquito bite on her leg. Most times of the year, you will want to use repellant. Breathable clothing is also important to keep you comfortable in humid conditions.Check in Advance if you Want To Swim the Falls: This was one of our biggest mistakes. We had swimsuits, etc. in our car, but we walked all the way to the falls before we realized we could have gone swimming. There is a lifeguard on site. Safety rules apply if you are going to get into the water. Call ahead to determine whether there are any restrictions with regard to swimming. Be sure to bring a towel. The water temperature is about 70-75 degrees F (which really does not feel very warm).We found out that this is the only waterfall on Oahu in which you can safely swim. Note that the waters are not always open for swimming, so do check in advance!Plan on Plenty of Time for the Visit: It took my family about 2 hours to walk to and from the falls. It was about 1:15 on the way up - we took a lot of botanical and archeological photographs - and less than 45 minutes on the way back down. Show less

It’s when you arrive in Hana that you realize the Road to Hana is less about the destination and more about the journey. There’s really not a lot to see here. It’s still in a very pristine, underdeveloped state which is fantastic to see and adds a unique charm, although I found the beach grey and non-descript. You might wish to stay a little longer to explore the history and vibe a little more deeply.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, formerly The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, has been completely transformed with a new personality, property enhancements and guest experiences that reflect the destination and Westin’s commitment to rejuvenation, exploration, and wellness. The resort will feature 232 guestrooms and 17 suites), including some of the largest rooms on the Kohala Coast, all entirely redesigned.  Click here to reserve your special rate today. Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE  Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show! If you .....would like to donate to Passports and Grub click here!  Show less

While the North Shore tends to be the wetter shore, there is a reason the beaches there have such impressive reputations. We don’t need to tell you much about the Hanalei Valley; you will see for yourself that it is another level of beautiful. Various overlooks will provide views of the valley and Hanalei Bay below which you can access right from the roadside. Obviously you will likely want to spend at least one sunset here.

This is the main town on the Big Island, and where you’ll find most of the island’s historic buildings including King Kamehameha’s former home — as well as most of the shopping. It’s the center of activity and commerce for the island, including the airport you arrived in. The weather here is dry and sunny most days of the year, and there are some really charming parts of Kailua-Kona especially along the coast. I love taking a drive from the center of town along Ali’i Drive, which winds along Kailua .....Bay. Driving south you’ll hit Keauhou, which I’ll mention more below. Show less

There are a variety of option around the island of Oahu that provide everything from budget to 5-star accommodations. We’re offering two great ways to stay on the North Shore on either budget. Please note, there aren’t a ton of hotels on the North Shore, so options are limited and most people will enjoy things to do on the North Shore as day trips from Honolulu or Ko Olina.

Hawaiian food tends to be a fusion of the many different cultures which make up the islands. Capital Honolulu is perhaps the best place to sample Hawaii restaurants, however a more authentic way to sample Hawaiian food is at a traditional luau, where you can enjoy buffet-style meals amidst traditional Polynesian music and hula dancing. Popular meals include steamed pork, 'saimin' noodles and a wide array of seafood dishes. If you're looking for a place to drink, consider heading to one of Kona Brewing's two pub-restaurants in Kailua Kona or .....Hawaii Kai, with microbrewing one of the fastest growing industries on the islands. Show less

If you’re in the Hilo area, you can conveniently access Akaka Falls State Park as it’s just a short 13 miles away. Located along the Hamakua Coast, you can view two spectacular waterfalls on one short hike. An easy-to-hike paved footpath loops through a lush rainforest, leading you to the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and then the 442-feet Akaka Falls. There is a small fee of $1 for walk-ins and $5 for cars.

26 lush acres and more than 700 species of plant life, Garden of Eden has the most varied collection of plants across the state, a coastal view of the opening scene to “Jurassic Park,” and a newly built overlook onto a waterfall. At $15 per adult, $5 per child, I find the entrance fee a little pricey but I actually really enjoyed it and it was one of my favorite spots on the Road to Hana. We didn’t know the price until we drove up to the entrance and although we hesitated, .....we decided to as we were already there. Would I pay that price again though? Would I pay that price again though? Not sure. I would if I was on my own or it was per vehicle. For a family of four like us factor in $40. When we first drove into the bird feeding area and saw a crowd of people feeding peacocks, ducks and geese I began to fret over the money we spent that this was not going to offer much. How much bird feeding can you do in a lifetime of travel? However, once we dove into the diversity of the gardens I began to open up to how special the expense was. The gardens are divided into sections, each with clearly marked and easy walking trails past plants native and indigenous to Hawaii, and exotic ones from around the South Pacific region and the world’s rain forests. You can walk through the bamboo alley to a 100-year-old mango tree. Make sure you stop in front of the bamboo clusters so your kids can listen to the ghostly groaning sounds they make as they sway against each other. Head to the overlooks on the edges of the arboretum to see the Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls, the latter of which cascades over a 200-foot cliff below the Road to Hana. One reason for visiting the Garden of Eden is that these falls are relatively hidden and inaccessible to the public, which makes this the best view you’ll get of them. There is also an open-air platform to see Keopuka Rock, also known as Jurassic Rock because of its appearance in the 1993 movie’s opening sequence. It is way off in the distance and, although I don’t remember it, I can clearly see the resemblance to Jurassic park scenes in the surrounding scenery. I also loved the view we got within the gardens of the winding Hana Highway below. Photographers and Videographers will love it. The gardens are a pretty oasis. You will need at least 30 minutes to an hour here to fully experience it. Show less

We just chilled on the first full day and depending where you are coming from, you might be jet-lagged for your first few days (coming straight from Kenya via Abu Dhabi and the UK to Hawaii, I was jet-lagged for about week), so do yourself a favour and spend your first full day relaxing on the beach, getting your bearings, trying out the Mai Tai’s and getting on Hawaiian time. Or, if like me, you’re not a lie on a beach kind of person, you can try your hand at surfing .....or stand up paddleboarding (SUP). There are plenty of good spots along the coast, off Ka’anapali Beach or the beach parks just outside of Lahaina, like Launiupoko Beach Park. If you’ve never done either before, I’d recommend getting a lesson. Pick up some ice cream at Ono Gelato at Whaler’s Village, the mall in the centre of the beach. They sell pretty much every surf brand you can imagine here, but it’s not cheap! At sunset, it’s fun to walk down to the Sheraton to watch the torch-lighting ceremony and see cliff jumpers diving into the sea from Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a). TOP TIPS Show less

While it may require a rather long drive to reach the summit, it’s absolutely worth it!  The Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak, and no visitor to Maui should leave without being mesmerized by the views from up there! “This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place – renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest .....with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry” Show less

Naalehu is also the closest town to Punalu‘u Beach, the black sand beach with sea turtles. Unfortunately, we ran out of time the day we visited the green sand beach and couldn’t get to Punalu’u before it got too dark. But look at this gorgeous place. I’ll have to hit it up next time.

Hawaii is quite the popular locale to escape the freezing cold of other climates. While the temperatures on the islands never really reach anything below the 50’s-60’s F°, it is surely a lot more cloudy and rainy then usual. While the beaches are still frequented often in the winter, remember the waves are usually at it’s largest, so it’s often not advised to surf or swim. Because of the large waves, many surf competitions are held during this time, and some beaches are often closed off because of unsafe swimming conditions. (At .....certain beaches, waves can reach 50 ft+!) A surf competition is definitely a highlight to watch, but be sure to account for the traffic to/from these competitions. Show less

Head northwest on day three to the Pololū Valley Lookout. This would be a great spot to visit early if you don’t want to share it with too many people and want to see the sunrise. It’s possible to hike along the beach cliffs if you’re up for it as well. Finish the day on the white sand beach of Hapuna and catch the sunset before heading out.

The road to Hana doesn’t actually end in Hana, but a little bit after it. It is so worth it to drive that bit further! You will see the most wonderful waterfall, Wailua Falls, and later the Seven Sacred Pools, where there is a 25$ per car fee for visitors. We only saw the pools, but there are three-mile hikes there, too. The Seven Sacred Pools weren’t the only paid attraction. They also charge 15$ per person at the Gardens of Eden, which is understandable, but we decided to skip it.

We had to make a judgment call on Green Beach, otherwise known as Papakolea Beach. We had plenty of people recommend it as one of Hawaii’s best, but as it was about a 12 mile (one way) detour from the main road, we were running short on time and it had just started raining, we feared it would be just a quick I was here photo. Was it worth the mad race and stress of being late? So we decided no. I’ve since learned that you need to hike 2.5 miles (one way) .....from the parking lot to reach the beach. I’m so glad we listened to our gut! This would have been too challenging time wise with the girls and really put us out. Apparently, the hike is beautiful, and as the beach is remote you will have it to yourself. A visit to Papakolea Beach is a full-day trip, so plan ahead. The hike to and from the beach alone takes about 2-3 hours, depending on how fast you can walk, and then you still need to calculate for some time on the beach and the drive time it takes to get to South Point. In hindsight, I would have traded the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (see below) with this, arriving early in the morning after a quick stop at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. This is why we write these posts – to help you learn from our mistakes to have a better experience. Show less

When I first suggested going to Hawaii, the rest of the family was enthusiastic about it. But upon proposing a stay at Waikiki, the responses were quite different – from “great!” to “Skyscrapers at the beach – who needs that!” Indeed, there are lots of buildings at Waikiki Beach, which doesn’t really elicit the “tropical beach feeling” that Central Europeans usually associate with the word “Hawaii”.Nevertheless, the majority of my family voted for giving Waikiki a try, and so – after a dreadful day at the Los Angeles Airport (see .....the previous post) we arrived at Honolulu Airport in the middle of the night (well, almost):   and – after having picked up our rental car-  ended up at Waikiki Beach. Due  to the huge delay of our flight we arrived around 11 p.m. at our hotel, the “Aston Circle”, a small hotel compared to the neighbors in the area. We were hungry and this turned out to be a problem right away – dining in Waikiki starts and ends early. Most places were already closed, when we looked for a dinner at 11.30 p.m. Finally we decided to skip dinner and just go for a walk – and take pictures in front of the “Duke”. And enjoy the sheer atmosphere of Waikiki, which is really special, with all the torch lightings on the street instead of profane street lamps. Show less

You can’t visit Maui and not go to the beach. And you are in luck, as there are many gorgeous beaches in Maui awaiting for you! The Kaanapali Alii Resort is the perfect base for your stay. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Kaanapali Beach will enchant you! Definitely one of the top attractions in Maui.

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Molokai and do some day-trip excursions, consider taking a taxi to and from the airport. The island’s largest town, Kaunakakai, is just under 8 miles from the airport. This is where you’ll find Molokai’s only hotel, the Hotel Molokai. When you leave the airport, the first street sign you’ll see reads “Aloha. Slow down. This is Molokai.” This is a great reminder to slow down if you’re renting a car. It is also a reminder that “Molokai time” is probably not what you’re used .....to. If you’re looking for lightning fast Wi-Fi and quick service at dinner, then this island may not be for you. Show less

Koke’e State Park is home to some longer, super famous hikes on Kauai, namely the Awa’awapuhi Trail. We hiked the Alaki Swamp Trail but sadly didn’t get the views due to incoming fog. We also missed out on the Awa’awapuhi Trail due to recent flooding which resulted in muddy and dangerously slippery trails. However, with better weather luck, these trails give you the best that this old island has to offer with iconic coastal cliffs that plunge down into the Na Pali Coast. Plan for at least 1-2 full-days in Koke’e for .....hiking and visiting the overlooks and breaking a sweat on the trail. You can check current trail conditions and information about the park on their website. Show less

Kailua Kona is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 in just about 2 hours, and from the top of this dormant volcano, you will have views of like no other. You will see lava, desert, the valley, and Mauna Loa. This expedition is not for the faint of heart as you are rapidly climbing in altitude, however it is truly an adventure like no other. You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle and it is highly recommended to stop at .....the Visitor’s Center on your way up. Check out this stargazing tour that will take you to the top! Show less

Twenty miles south of Kailua-Kona, the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park protects a site which holds significant historical and cultural importance for Native Hawaiians (the word, “puuhonua” translates to, “place of refuge”). Visitors can see a 965-foot-long stone wall which was built over 400 years ago; nearby is a mausoleum that once housed the bones of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, which are believed to have given the site significant spiritual power, or “mana”. Though the bones were removed in the 19th century, the site still has a strong energy and .....is sacred to the Hawaiian people. Visit the area to feel the powerful energy for yourself.  Show less

The Royal Hawaiian originally opened in February 1927, and it’s been an iconic fixture on Waikiki Beach ever since. It’s always been pink (you can even get “Royal Hawaiian Pink” at your local paint store), and the hotel welcomed 1200 people that first night! Travel was different in the 1920s. Today we can fly 10.5 hours from the U.S. East Coast non-stop to Honolulu. Way back when, the same trip would take multiple forms of transportation and months of travel! No trip was a quick trip, and a “weekender” .....was not a thing! Enter the Royal Hawaiian, the perfect pit-stop in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Show less

Another attraction for visitors to the park is the Thurston Lava Tube. Walking through the lava tube is a short but impressive hike. A real “journey to the center of the earth!” It looks pretty much like walking through a cave. Lava tubes are formed when the lava flows down towards the ocean and the outer crust begins to harden while the inner lava continues to flow. Once the flow stops, the tunnel formation remains. Thurston Lava Tube dates back some 350-500 years. Lava Tube next to the Kilauea Iki Trail The first .....part is lit by electric lights and is high enough in the center to allow upright walking. But after this short corridor, there is another segment that is completely dark and has a very uneven floor. Tree roots are hanging down from the ceiling and water is dripping through the cracks forming small, slippery pods. This  segment is very difficult to walk without a good flashlight.   Show less

Since Mauna Kea is currently closed, for those wishing for some stargazing, Mauna Loa might fit the bill. You can’t drive all the way to the peak, though you can park at the observatory and walk. Keep in mind this is one hell of a hike. Though mostly flat, it is long, exposed, and at altitude, and you probably will have just come from sea level. That said, just from the observatory you can also get some great stargazing. Keep in mind that this is not an astronomical observatory, but rather .....an atmospheric research observatory, so tours might not be that exciting. Show less

A list of things to do in Kona would not be complete without an adventure to a waterfall! If you’re up for a serious excursion, the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure is an eight-hour tour that goes to some of the most scenic parts of the big island. You’ll get to do everything from a relaxing hike through a private natural reserve to a high-energy off-roading experience in a six-wheeler. The guides are awesome and you’ll be sure to learn a lot about the history and culture of Hawaii. Check their tours out here!

In the late 1700s, the Hawaiian King Kamehameha the Great set out to build a temple (or “heiau”) on the northwestern coast of the Big Island. Puukohola hill became the location of this infamous temple, one which was to be dedicated to the gods in order to help Kamehameha unite the Hawaiian Islands. When he later accomplished this, he brought an end to centuries of warfare and established a peaceful Hawaiian kingdom. Kamehameha’s men laid the stones for the temple by hand, so the temple’s ability to stand for more .....than 200 years is simply remarkable, but more important is its role as a sacred place of worship for Native Hawaiians. Show less

Once you’re full, continue south to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. It’s the home of the Captain Cook monument, which marks where the famous British explorer was killed, and Hikiau Heiau, a traditional Hawaiian religious site. The bay is also home to the island’s magical spinner dolphins and many other species of marine life. It’s a great opportunity to do some snorkeling or kayaking.

The Diamond Head walk is one of the most popular things to do in Waikiki, and for good reason. Just be ready to share it with hundreds of other visitors. But, if you’re an early riser, you will beat most of the crowds, so I suggest you get there for park opening at 6:30am. Otherwise, if you get there mid-morning like us then the crowds can be intense! Either way, you are rewarded with extraordinary views over Waikiki Beach from the summit, and it’s a relatively easy climb for kids with lots .....of switchbacks. Plan on allowing at least 90-minutes to complete the circuit. To get to Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach, either drive if you have a rental car, or do what we did and catch the bus ($2.50 adults/$1.75 kids) to the bottom of the park entrance and then walk in from there. Park entrance fee is $1. Show less

Definitely my favorite hike of all time – I just love Lanikai and the Kailua area! While this hike is relatively simple and quick – it’s about 20 minutes or so to the top of the first pillbox, it does require climbing up a few boulders, and the loose dirt/gravel areas are of some concern when shuffling your way down. Overall though it’s pretty safe, and there is nothing like the view of the Mokulua islands at sunrise! (It’s also a fan favorite of all my friends that are visiting, don’t miss this hike!)

On the tenth day we decide to visit the Puna district, which is the lesser-developed southeastern part of the island.On the way we stop at the Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center, which is kind of hidden off the main road through Kurtistown. The sign leading to the center was almost impossible to spot even though we were looking for it.There were two dozen or so bonsai trees to look at, with many for sale for hundreds of dollars each. My wife really enjoyed looking at them, while my 13-year-old dozed in the .....car and the 16-year-old and I dutifully walked around.The 16-year-old was a bit bummed because friends back home in New Jersey were gathering at the local 7-11 store for free Slurpees (It was July 11 - 7/11, get it?).I remembered that we had passed one of the few 7-11s on the island in Kurtistown, so that was our next stop. It wasn't as good as hanging out with friends, but my teen did enjoy the free Slurpee!We then traveled to the Lava Tree State Monument. This creepy park contains the remains of a lava flow from 1790 that swept through the area and coated the trunks of Ohia trees. The result was dozens of tall lava molds that have stood the test of time.We had been warned that the roads of Puna district were poorly marked, so when we went looking for the Kumukahi Lighthouse somehow we ended up on a really desolate road driving along under a canopy of trees. It may have been the Red Road but we're not sure. The part we were on was unpaved with lots of ruts in it, and we finally ended up turning around.When we found the lighthouse it turned out to be a pretty boring structure. I'd advise skipping it. We also traveled west along the southern coast, through Mackenzie State Park to where the road was ended by a long-ago lava flow.That night we ate at Kaleo's Bar and Grill in Pahoa, which turned out to be top notch. I'm not a big meat eater anymore, but I had heard that the beef on the Big Island was very good. So I ordered some steak, and it was very tasty and tender. Best I've had in a long time.The town itself was very sad-looking though. A good number of the storefronts along the main street's boardwalk seemed closed, and our friends said that was because Pahoa was in the path of a 2014 lava flow. A lot of people fled when it seemed the town would be overrun, and even though the flow stopped just short of the buildings many people didn't come back. Show less

Up until now we had focused on the western shoreline of the Big Island, so on the fifth day we decided to head east across the north side.Our first stop was the lookout above the Waipi'o Valley, a gorgeous location where the green of the trees and foliage contrast sharply with the black sand beach. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on the road into the valley, so all we could do was look from up high.We then searched out a restaurant called Tex Drive-in in Honokaa that we were told .....had the best malasadas on the island. These malasadas, a variation of the Portuguese-invented donuts, were as large as a Burger King Whopper and were offered with a variety of fillings. I had the Bavarian cream, and the main difference I found is that the dough was softer and bit moister than a regular donut. One would be enough for most people, but our 13-year-old was able to wolf down three!With our bellies bursting we continued our travels along the north side of the island, eventually curving south along the east coast to Akaka Falls State Park. The beautiful falls is 422 feet high and you get a great view of it from the park's trail. Along the way you also see a smaller one, called Kahuna Falls. This is well worth a visit if you are on the east side of the island.On the road outside the park there was a local farmer selling fresh coconuts, so we stopped and had him cut one up for us. Delicious. He also gave us the water inside, but that wasn't nearly as good.We continued south into Hilo, which is the biggest city on the island with about 40,000 people. We stopped at the Lyman museum, which consists of a small natural history museum next to an historic missionary house. The museum does a great job in explaining how the Big Island was formed from five volcanoes, and there's a very sad exhibit of some of the animals and birds that once were native to Hawaii but are now extinct.Unfortunately, we were too late for a tour of the missionary house. But the woman behind the desk told us our tickets were good ''forever'' and that she just had a family come back after six years to get the tour. As we left I told her to plan on our return in, oh, about 10.We wandered along the downtown area, then out to Coconut Island with its small park. Later, we ate at Ken's House of Pancakes. Great food at reasonable prices. I had a local dish called loco moco, which consisted of white rice, a hamburger patty and a fried egg, covered in brown gravy. Very, very filling.Instead of driving back along the coast we decide to return by the Saddle Road which crosses between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes and reaches an altitude of 6,632 feet. The paved road is in very good shape, but there's a lot of twists and turns and fog, making it a bit touchy.Since we were crossing so near we decided to drive up to the Mauna Kea Observatory visitor center even though it was closed because of protests from native Hawaiians. The protesters were angry over construction plans for the top of one of the mountains.Our poor rental car's transmission was grinding as we climbed up the mountain, and the air pressure caused our water bottles to implode. We finally made it to the center's parking lot at 9,200 feet above sea level. The stars were clear and very beautiful, but the night air was cold enough that we only stayed a short while before heading back down and home for the night. Show less

Highly recommend a stop here at the Punalu’u Bake Shop for afternoon tea. We arrived around 3:30pm to find massive discounts on the malasada’s and they were the best we had. We went back to buy more to take away. Ross was even prepared to drive back the next day for more!!

The Big Island is very driveable with a lot of places to stop for snacks and sea turtle sightings. One mistake we made when visiting  Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park was not bringing a sweater and a rain poncho. We expected the rain to be warmer like it was elsewhere on the island and it was in fact pretty cool. A water poncho, towel to dry off a bit and a sweater would have gone a long way to making the time in the park even better.  I had visited as a teenager and when .....I started to get cool, I remembered feeling the same way on my last visit all that time before. Thankfully Pete and the girls weren't as cold as I was and I warmed back up pretty quickly. Show less

Everyone loves coffee! If you want to learn more about some of the best coffee in the US, you have to tour the Kona Joe Coffee Farm. There is a self-guided tour, but we highly recommend joining one of the hourly guided tours. This way you get to learn about the entire process of making coffee. Plus, when you’re all done with the tour, they give you a small sample to take home with you! Learn more here!

The Big Island has stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural history which is why 4 (out of 5) of the National Parks in Hawaii are on the Big Island. The four national parks in Kona are: Hawaii Volcanoes NPPu’uhonua o Honaunau NHPKaloko-Honokohau NHPPu’ukohala Heiau NHP1: HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKThis National park is located between Hilo and Kona on the southern tip of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcano which is by far the most popular attraction on the Big Island.It also is one of the few places where you can safely watch .....an active volcano.Opening hours – Daily: 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Kilauea Visitor Center), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Ranger station, chain of craters road)2: PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARKPu’uhonua means “place of refuge”: this is the site where Hawaiians that broke the law fled to avoid punishment. Pu’uhonua National park also contains archaeological sites including temple platforms and royal fishponds to the “Hale o Keawe”.Opening hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Visitor Center).> Visit the official park website.3: KALOKO-HONOKOHAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARKKaloko National park is archaeological site known as Honokohau settlement which protects an ancient Hawaiian settlement. You can also find ancient petroglyphs or rock engravings, housing platforms, and stone slide.Opening hours – Daily 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hale Ho’okipa Visitor Center)Visit the official park website.4: PU’UKOHALA HEIAU NATIONAL HISTORIC PARKThe majestic, stone Puukohola Heiau can be seen off the road, just north of the resorts of the Kohala Coast. This National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii and is part of the National Park System.Heiau were sacred places of worship for Native Hawaiians, and Puukohola Heiau was a site built to fulfill a historic prophecy.Opening hours – Daily 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Visitor Center)Visit the official website. Show less

There are a few cheap hotels in the county seat of Lihue, such as the Motel Lani and the Tip Top Motel for those who just need a place to lay their heads. In Kapaa, the Honu’ea International Hostel Kauai, in the center of the island, has dorms for US$ 31 and private rooms for US$ 66.

One of the most famous spots on the island due to the blockbuster films Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor. This is where you can go to let out the kid in you. There is everything from movie tours, horseback riding, ATV rides and ziplining at this private nature preserve. If you are looking for adventure this is the place for you.  Book a Kualoa ziplining day here!  Google Maps link here