Kid-friendly places in Big Island
A big fort-style playground with lots to climb, so kids can play castles while you sit.
Wooden climbing structures and slides with plenty of room around them, so kids can run off a long drive.
A sand-bottom keiki pool, so small kids can wade in like it's a beach.
Rangers and overlooks onto volcanic landscapes, so kids can see what the island is made of. Check which roads are open first.
A shallow bay behind an old lava-rock breakwater, where green sea turtles come up onto the beach. Water shoes help on the rocks.
Ponds, bridges and shady lawns, so kids can cross every bridge while you sit. Some paths flood at high tide.
A lagoon-style pool with a wading area and a long twisting waterslide. There are no lifeguards, so stay close.
An offshore reef keeps the waves small and the bottom slopes in gently, with big shade trees along the sand.
Three pools, one shallow for small kids and one with a waterslide. Riders need to be 42 inches tall.
A window onto the factory, so kids can watch the cookies and chocolates being made.
Hands-on science exhibits about the island, all indoors, so it works on a hot or rainy afternoon.
Rainforest paths past waterfalls down toward the ocean. The entrance boardwalk is steep and strollers aren't allowed, so bring a carrier.
Planetarium shows and exhibits on Polynesian navigation, so kids learn how people found these islands by the stars.
Macadamia trees, a self-guided nature walk and samples, so kids see the nuts growing before they taste them.
A saltwater aquarium, marine-life models and interactive ocean exhibits, so kids can meet the reef without getting wet.
Carved kii figures along a coastal walk through a sacred place, so kids see old Hawaii and learn to visit quietly. Bring hats.
A waterfall you can see from right by the car, so even the smallest walkers make it. Stay behind the rails.
Malasadas and big local plates, so a long drive gets a sugar-dusted break.
Fresh mochi in bright colours, so kids get to pick by colour. It's chewy, so cut it into small bites for the youngest.
Rooms inside the national park, so the craters are minutes away in the morning.