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Hawaii: Hawaii, The Big Island Family Vacation Ideas.
 The
environmental diversity of Hawai`i’s Big Island offers families exciting
adventures to experience together by land, sea and sky. Summer is a great
time to visit The Big Island’s the beautiful beaches, lush
rainforests, and vast lava fields. It is ideal for spectacular stargazing on Mauna
Kea and watching the power of the continual eruption of Kilāuea volcano.
Visitors of all generations leave Hawai`i’s Island of Adventure with shared
experiences that last a lifetime.
More
children, parents and grandparents are going to Hawaii’s Big Island and
discovering a destination with 11 of the world’s 13 climactic regions, where
ancient Hawaiian traditions are still practiced today. Infinite cultural, nature
and recreation adventures are possible and inspire family events that make
vacations matchless and memorable.
Children
are highly valued in the island culture. The word `ohana means family and
the word keiki means children. Children enjoy learning new things and the
culture, history and variety of endless terrain is sure to fascinate and
enthrall. Hiking trails through ancient heiau (temples) or past lo’i
(flooded fields) where taro – the Hawaiian staple – is still grown as it was
hundreds of years ago, authentic hula performances channeling the ancestry and
pageantry of the Hawaiian culture, hundreds of species of marine life found in
the waters surrounding Hawaii’s Big Island and of course the Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park provide encounters with nature and history that are full-sensory
and entertaining for kids (and their parents).
In 2006,
the University of Hawai`i at Hilo became home to the `Imiloa Astronomy Center.
This magnificent new educational facility features 300 bilingual exhibits in
English and Hawaiian. The science of the stars blends with the Hawaiian
narrative of using the heavens for navigation. The architecture of `Imiloa –
which means “explorer” or “profound seeker of truth” – is inspired by the snow
peaked summit of Mauna Kea, the Big Island’s tallest mountain, where 13
countries have observatories to study the skies.
One of
the most anticipated annual events on Hawai`i’s Big Island is Dolphin Days at
the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. There are activities galore for kids
including the Cinco de Mayo swim race, the Hot Rocks Luau and a fireworks
display. Of course, the highlight is the dolphin program provided by Dolphin
Quest. This special show – which is free – features the amazing abilities and
playful antics of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins
aren’t the only major animal attraction on Hawaii’s Big Island. Every year, the
Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast hosts Turtle Independence Day. The honu
(turtle) pond at the resort nurtures juvenile turtles until they are ready to be
released into the Pacific Ocean. This year marks the 17th Fourth of
July that locals and guests of the resort have helped release the turtles as
part of a festive celebration.
Independence Day also marks the Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo. Entering its
44th year, this exciting event brings out the paniolo (Hawaiian
cowboy) in everyone. Parker Ranch is one of the largest and oldest working
ranches in the United States. Every year it hosts this major event complete with
wagon and pony rides, food and rodeo thrills.
For more information on
Hawai`i’s Big Island, please visit
www.bigisland.org
More Vacation Ideas
Hawaii: Hilo, Hawaiian Culture and Astronomy Find Common Ground.
At `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i, Hawai`i’s cultural past connects with
the present and the future. Visitors are greeted by stunning architecture,
titanium cones and award-winning landscape of native and “canoe” plants of
Hawai`i, the Center is expected to become a new landmark for the island, and a
major new destination for visitors to the Big Island.
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Content and
/images/ezine provided by Novom Public Relations on behalf of Hawaii-The Big Island,
6/2006.
Staff Notes:
The
island has two personalities both perfect for families. Mysterious and green or
rocky and arid, it is enchanting. It offers plenty of family friendly days and
glorious star-filled nights. Hike, bike or just relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Sip coffee or learn to hula. Kayak along hidden coves or ride horseback along
ancient volcano slopes. Watch birds and hunt orchids.
Known by many as the "Big Island", Hawaii has awesome volcanoes, pounding surf, super clear night skies, great golf,
many spa options, music festivals, hula lessons, biking and hiking made easy,
snorkeling and sailing effortless, what else is there? Add shopping, diving,
tennis, gardens and scrumptious snacks and Kona coffee. This is the good stuff
made for vacations.
Go
to the top. Volcanoes National Park is a natural wonder worth sharing with children. School age
children will get what the ranger is saying and more than likely be able to answer
impromptu questions while you avoid eye contact. Allow a whole day and be prepared for all
kinds of weather. Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center and make sure to see the film. Also
at the park is the Thomas A. Jagger Museum, which displays Hawaiian culture as well as
earth science artifacts. Absolutely wear sturdy shoes, no sandals. If you have very
young children or are pregnant avoid contact with the volcanic fumes visible on the crater
floor. This also holds true for anyone with asthma. So skip Sulphur Banks as well as
Halama'uma'u Crater. (Volcanoes
National Park at www.nps.gov/volcano)
Walking away on the lava.
If you wish to join a private tour the guide to call is
Hugh Montgomery founder of Hawaiian Walkways. He provides crater walks that may have more
flexible times if you are traveling independently. He also has walking options on many
other parts of the island. He is personable, knowledgeable and loves sharing the specifics
of the island with all ages. (Hawaiian Walkways 1(800) 457-7759.)
The rock art is awesome.
Not on the free list but still a favorite of ours is
watching Stone carver Rocky Asing of Kona work on lava carvings in his open-air studio in
downtown Kona. The watching is free and he sells the work already on display. It will be
tempting because his replicas of ancient designs are intriguing and certainly make unusual
souvenirs, not the kind that will end up in a garage sale. (His studio is located at
75-5873 Walua Rd. in Kona.)
Editor's Note:
While I have made a few comments
above suffice to say that this is one of my favorite islands because of the volcanoes,
the contrast of climates and friendly casual attitude of the residents. The shopping is also pretty terrific in Kona and the snorkeling
cannot be beat.
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Family Vacation Ideas
Hawaii: O‘ahu, Family Vacation Ideas. Enchanting
and awesome, diverse and dynamic, the island is loaded with good stuff for
families. Kiss a fish or pet a ray; sing with a dolphin or snorkel over a
crater; sail with the wind or ride in a jungle mobile; practice the hula or
giggle at a pachyderm; gaze at the stars or build a sand castle. Sip fresh
squeezed pineapple juice or taste luscious cocoanut candies. Better yet greet a
sunrise or walk on the beach at twilight. On Oahu the choices for fun are
endless. More
Maui: Family Vacation Ideas.
Watch whales from the beach;
ride down mountain slopes; snorkel over a volcano; surf the wind; ride a sugar
train, the fun is waiting. The island offers miles and miles of uncrowded
beaches, marvelous surf and dependable sea breezes.
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Text provided by Novom Public Relations on
behalf of Hawaii CVB. Images by Phil Rosenberg. 6/2006
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