Hawaii: The Big Island, Family Vacation Ideas - Beaches, Volcanoes, and Dolphin Quests.
The environmental diversity of Hawai`i’s Big Island offers families exciting adventures to experience together by land, sea and sky. Share the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vast lava fields with your kids. The island is ideal for stargazing on Mauna Kea, and watching the power of the continual eruption of Kilāuea volcano.
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 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 exciting opportunties for kids and families awaits at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort Dolphin Quest. Dolphin Quest offers a variety of interactive dolphin experiences. The Dolphin Family & Friends program, designed for a maximum of six guests (and children ages 5 and up), invites the whole family to have a private dolphin encounter, while the Kids Quest program, designed for kids 5-9, offers face-to-face dolphin encounters, hands-on learning and fun Hawaiian-themed activities and games.
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 will mark the 21st 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. 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, check out
www.bigisland.org FTF Staff notes: The Big Iisland 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)
Walk 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 toll - free 1-800-457-7759.)
Checkout the awesome rock art. 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. (Rocky Asing of Kona has a studio located at 75-5873 Walua Road 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, the friendly and attitude of the residents. The shopping is also pretty terrific in Kona and the snorkeling cannot be beat.
