• 2010 - 2011 Recommendations
• 2008 - 2009 Recommendations
• 2006 - 2007 Recommendations
• 2004 - 2005 Recommendations
• 2002 - 2003 Recommendations
• Earlier Recommendations
• See also: Going to Hawaii

2010 - 2011 Recommendations

3 days Big Island Hawaii with 5yo and grandpa

I will be spending 3 days in April on the Big Island with my 5-year old daughter and very active 80-year old father. I know that driving distances on the island are tricky and am wondering what people would recommend as highlights for just 3 days. My father would like to go to Volcanoes National Park and I would like to do some snorkelling and hiking. I have read through the recommendations on BPN. Many people recommend Kapoho Beach Lots but I have heard that the water in the pools may not be sanitary, and that an elderly man died of bacterial infection after swimming there. Does anyone have more current info on Kapoho? And would you stay there if you had just 3 days? another mom

If you can, read at least part of the legend of Pele and Hi'iaka before visiting the park. It will enhance your cultural understanding of the area greatly. The English translation by Emerson is a good version, or if you are ambitious, there's a new English translation by Nogelmeier that is also very good.

Re. Kapoho Tide Pools--the drive through Puna is very scenic and the tide pools are stunnng, as far as tide pools go. We didn't snorkel there because we didn't have our equipment with us, but the water is clear and others there who were snorkeling in the outer tide pools described it as 'eye candy'.

Just anecdotally, the water in that area is questionable, however. A few days after spending the day at Kapoho and the Ahalanui swimming pool, my son mysteriously came down with canker sores in his mouth, which the doctor said was due to a virus. (I didn't tell the dr. that we had swum there so I don't know exactly if it was the water or just a bug going around.) Oh, and despite what the tour books say, Ahalanui is kind of scuzzy unless you've never seen a naturally heated ocean-fed swimming pool before. I would pass on it. Big Island traveler

The best beaches for just swimming and sunning are farther north, in the Kohala area where all the big resorts are, but it's a deceptively long drive from there to Volcano. And you can certainly snorkel at any of them, but you're a bit less likely to see a ton of aquatic life.

If you're up for a bit of a splurge, in order to see that aquatic life without much hassle, I highly recommend the submarine tour that departs from the Kona wharf. Pricey, but fantastic for kids and anyone who isn't totally comfortable with swimming or snorkel gear. You really see a lot.

Get The Big Island Revealed -- the best single guidebook out there (notwithstanding what my sister called a 'snarky attitude' by the author -- tons of good info and humorous stories too) -- and study up on the different areas of the island and the different beaches, so you can choose where to focus your time. Have fun! Holly

Big Island for spring break

I took the plunge and booked us for the Big Island for spring break. We'll want to stay and visit both sides of the island, Hilo and Kona, and include volcano visits. I'm looking for recommendations on places to stay, that will be interesting and exciting for my 12-year-old. An interesting pool is a plus, if not a must. But of course we can't afford the $500 a night places. Please share some ideas, as all the recommendations are quite old. Also interesting activites would be great. We plan on a helicopter ride above the volcano and for our son to swim with the dolphins at the Hilton resort, but other ideas are welcome too, including special places to snorkel, lovely beaches, etc. Thanks in advance. Amy

Visitors who did the helicopter volcano trip inevitably said they preferred the boat ride, (http://www.lavaocean.com/, or better still, hiking in. And the safety issue: at least 5 fatal crashes of tourist helicopters in the last 5 years. Hiring a personal guide for an evening is a lot less than boat or copter rides (www.nativeguidehawaii.com/) Daily volcano action update here: (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) And of course you will have a Loko Moko at the Cafe 100 where it all began: http://tinyurl.com/LocoMoko. John

2008 - 2009 Recommendations

Big Island with 10-month-old daughter in November

We are going for 10 days (flying in and out of Kona) and would like some quality beach time, but also want to see Volcanoes National Park and some of the lush scenery of the Hilo area. Any recommendations on places to stay and fun things to do? We aren't big resort-goers and usually book private homes and cottages, but we are open to all suggestions. Thanks! Jill

Vacation on the Big Island

Hi, I was hoping to get some recommendations for places to stay on the Big Island. We will be flying into Kona. We have two children, 2 & 3.5 and really enjoy outdoor activities; a place that is family/kid friendly. We prefer not to stay in a large hotel but open to smaller ''resorts''; something a bit more quaint but clean and well kept. I looked at some rental units in Keauhou Kona Surf & Racquet Club because it was highly rated. It looked nice but I do not know a thing about the area. I have reserved tickets for May so I would like to book the lodgings soon so any recommendations/advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jean

2006 - 2007 Recommendations

Hilo or Kona or Both?

We're contemplating a trip to the Big Island in February. We're debating Kona, Hilo, or both - it's only five days so we don't want to overdo it. Volcanos Nat'l Park is the only must-do.

Looking at flights, the options to return from Hilo are way better, so we could go just to Hilo. But I'm tempted to fly in to Kona, do the fancy hotel thing for a couple of nights, then drive over and spend the last three nights in Kapoho with a serious day trip to the Park and fly out of Hilo.

Too much? We have a 3 year old and a 6 year old and want some quality turtle watching, beach, hiking time, etc. without excessive running around, making the Kapoho house rental and generally quieter vibe of that side seem great. On the other hand, it's my 40th b-day so the spa/hotel/no need to cook pampering concept is also appealing.

We've never been to any part of Hawaii and it may be a long time before we get back there. Thoughts? Recommendations? First time Hawaii visitor

Decide what your priorities are. If you want to do both sets of stuff, you can definitely pull off splitting your time (you might have to get on the road early to get back to the airport you flew into). Circumnavigating the island will give you a chance to see all the island's varied terrain, including rainy Waimea, the cowboy capital of Hawaii. Carrie

I grew up on O'ahu and my kids and I go back there every year to visit family and do the local thing, so we don't mind making a side trip to do the pampered touristy thing at the Hilton Waikoloa resort (Kona side) every few years. Your family could easily spend three to five days there---In fact, two days is almost too little time. It's like Disneyland and they won't want to leave. There's lots for the kids to do--fun swimming pools with water slides, a snorkeling lagoon frequented by native fish and honu, trained dolphins, transportation around the hotel grounds by electric tram or boat, and friendly and accomodating hotel staff. They also have nice spa services, a putting green and a big golf course. But it's also a very expensive three to five days. Remember, not having to cook means paying a lot of $$$ for someone to serve you food and drink, or eating a lot of fast food.

I'd say explore Volcanoes, hang out on the Hilo side, take it slow, let your kids get a little bored, and enjoy the Big Island local-style. Clarisse

Big Island - Hilo Side

We are heading to the Big Island over spring break (and can't wait). But we haven't found a place to stay yet. If you have recommendations on the Hilo side (Hilo area, Pahoa area, or elsewhere) please let us know. We aren't a big family, so a small cottage would be perfect. Also, of course, we'd also love to hear about your favorite places to go with a 4 year old! Moira

We loved this place. It was quirky (more on that later), but charming and comfortable and fun. It had a ping pong table and a deck with a hot tub. The furnishings weren't elegant, but it was comfortable and the price was definitely right. That said, the railing on the deck was a 2x4suspended at waist level. Not an issue for our party of adults, marginal with a 4-year-old, and not something I'd recommend with a toddler. In one place the decking extended beyond the deck supports, so it was a bit like walking out on a diving board (boingy, boingy). We learned not to walk there. That and a few other things made us wonder if Hawaii had building codes. The step up to the hot tub was super tippy and was really an accident waiting to happen. For me, though, these issues were minor compared to the things we liked about the property. It is also possible that the have been fixed in the 5 years since our visit (they were working on the place at the time).

If you don't have it already, buy ''Hawaii: the Big Island Revealed,'' which is a great reference on places to go. Carrie

Hawaii - Big Island - Things to do with toddlers

We are going to the Big Island - Hawaii - in February. Any recommendations of toddler (3 year old) activities besides the beach and pool? Also, know of any luau's that start on the earlier side? Susan

2. Waialea beach (I think that is the name). Get Hawaii The Big Island Revealed. It is the hands down premier guide book. It has directions to this beach which is also called 69 beach because that is the number of the telephone pole you used to have to look for. The last edition of the book claims the road is bad, and no showers/bathrooms, but there is a nice new road and bathrooms/showers now. Key features for toddlers: Loads of shade and it is only a few steps to the water's edge. If you walk left along the beach you stand a great chance of finding perfectly intact and beautiful cowry shells. Love 'em and leave 'em.

3. Mauna Kea Beach: Only a few parking spots for non hotel guests. Don't believe the Lot Full sign, though. They seem to put it up when the lot fills up, but they don't take it down when they become available again. You can also park off to the side and wait for someone to come out. It ususally doesn't take long. This is a knockout white sand beach with gentle surf, perfect for sand castle building and intro to body surfing (our kids at 3 loved to wear a PFD and ride the surf in).

4. Thurston Lava Tube (fun with flashlights).

5. Kilauea Iki Hike (our 1 year old enjoyed this 3 mile hike). She liked spotting the steam vents and saying ''it's hot!'' OUr 4 and 6 year old liked it so much they insisted we do it again when they were 7 and 5.

6. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden beautiful garden, manageable walk with wateralls, amazing flowers, a frog pond And they'll let you ring the giant bell http://www.htbg.com/

7.http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/hidden_places/ahalanui_pool.html

Have a great time! Susan

Big Island Activities & Places to Stay

We're heading to the Kohala Coast in the middle of March for a week+ with our two-year old and would love any recommendations for activities and things to do on the island. We'll be staying around Waikoloa for the latter part of our stay, but still need to find acommodations for the first few nights. Any suggestions (preferably condos so we have a kitchen) would be most welcome! Michelle

Hawaii - Big island flights, car rentals, weather

We are planning a trip to the big island in July or August. We have a place to stay, but need recommendations on airline/car rental. What is the cheapest way to get to Hilo from Sac (pref.) or Oak? Or should we fly to Kona, and how far is the drive to Hilo? Direct flights are preferred, if possible. Since it is such a short flight, we are planning to get a seat for our toddler, but not the 3 mo. old. Is this wise? What will the weather be like at that time of year? Thanks! first time hawaiian

With respect to weather, Hilo is on the wet side of the island and you can expect frequent rain showers, possibly daily. Kona is on the dry side of the island, and you can probably expect beautiful clear, dry weather. Kona has clear water and beautiful swimming beaches but little vegetation, a lot of barren rocks, and a few thorn trees. Hilo is lush, with streams and waterfalls, but with high surf, and relatively few good swimming beaches. I reccommend the book ''Hawaii: the Big Island Revealed.''

I don't see a problem not having a seat for the 3 month old. I carried my baby in a sling on a couple of flights when she was that young, and it works fine. Once they can crawl, of course, it's different. Carrie

We flew Hawaiian Airlines and flew into Honolulu and then took the an Interisland flight also on Hawaiian to Kona. The drive from the airport to the main part of Kona is fairly short.

I find the cheapest way to do everything is Hotwire or directly through the rental car companies using AAA discount or something like that. Like I said, if you want more details just email and I can give you an earful. Whatever you choose, it will be great. You can't go wrong in Hawaii. Much Aloha swimmingfly

The weather varies by where you stay on the island--Hilo is by far the rainiest place (and one of the rainiest places in the USA.) It will probably rain every day there, but for short periods. The western side (Kohala coast and Kona) are much sunnier. We stayed there last August and the weather was fantastic, hot and sunny during the mornings/early afternoons, with some clouds and occasional rain coming in at night. The volcano area tends to be pretty wet and cool, which is a nice break from the sun.

It takes I think about two hours to drive from Kona to Hilo by the northern route; perhaps even less. I think if it makes your flights much more complicated (like adding a plane change) to fly directly to Hilo, you should just fly to Kona and then drive. It's an interesting drive in any case. Whatever you do, don't miss the volcano if you find that the lava is flowing in good viewing areas. It's a spectacular sight. Wish I was back there

I think the best way to find flights and car rentals is through an on-line travel company like Travelocity or Orbitz. They're easy to use, and the best way to find the best prices on many different airlines, fast. You can choose direct, one stop, etc. Not getting a seat for the baby is always a tough choice, but if there are 2 adults traveling, at least you can trade off holding the baby. If you can afford a seat, I think the recommendation is usually to have the baby in a carseat, for safety, but that's up to you--it's not required. Just be sure you have lots of activities planned and new toys packed for the flight, for the toddler.

The weather will be warm to hot. Hilo is on the ''wet'' side of the island, which means there are a lot of warm, tropical rains, usually in the afternoon or very early morning (before you get up). You won't need any warm clothes except for the plane, and a jacket for any trips up to the volcano area. Our rental in the area just south of Hilo, in Kapoho, didn't have any air conditioning, but with the ocean breeze and a ceiling fan, it was very comfortable.

I highly recommend buying a guide book, if you don't have one already. Fodors and Frommers have Hawaii guide books packed with basic information as well as unusual, interesting tidbits that are just fun to learn about.

Have a great time, and feel free to email me if you have other questions! Aloha, Heidi

I'm guessing that if you fly from Sacramento, your only option is to fly through Honolulu.

If you fly through Honolulu, I can almost guarantee you'll end up switching planes (so no direct flights to Hilo). Between Hawaii and the Mainland, the planes are typically larger (757, 767) whereas inter-island flights are on smaller planes (737).

Big Island of HI with 21 mo. old, places to stay?

We are planning on going to Hawaii (the Big Island) this September with our baby who will be 21 months old then. We are looking for advice on great places to stay and potential itineraries. We will be there for 10 days and don't necessarily want to move around a lot. Ideal would be a great condo with full kitchen facilities, a decent pool, walkable to a good beach. We'd like the place to be fairly nice, as we expect we'll spend a lot of time there because of the baby. Any ideas or contacts are appreciated.

The resorts nearby are also nice, many families I know prefer the Waikoloa (Hilton), you must book early to swim in their dolphin program. We stayed at Hualalai, 4 Seasons last summer and they do an amazing job for kids- our 4.5 yr. old still talks about the pool (sandy ''shore'' at one end), but prefers the tide pools in Puako. They totally safety-proof the room. And Alan Wong's restaurant was truly tasty. Also- the best massages! (Margie and David)

This month we saved three nights for Volcano Nat'l Park and the rain forest. We rented a 2 bdrm+ home for $175 per night (w/ hot tub!) christina

2004 - 2005 Recommendations

Big Island of Hawaii logistics

We are planning a family trip to the Big Island of Hawaii in August, for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. We have all agreed that we want to spend 5 nights or so around Kona, and then 2 nights or so near Volcanos National Park. Does this seem logical for a group that likes beaches, history, and the outdoors? But what on earth do we do about the day we fly back out? How long of a drive is it from Volcano Village to the airport in Kona? Or should we spend one last night near the airport? I have heard that the car rental companies really nail you if you pick up in Kona and drop off in Hilo - is this true? Seasoned Hawaii-goers, I need your help! not a Hawaii expert

The obvious suggestion, which I'm guessing you can't do, is to stay in Volcano at the beginning of your trip, and do the last few days at Kona. I always feel like it's nicest to have the beach part of a Hawaii trip at the end, myself, just because that part is typically the most relaxing.

One other recommendation--while you're near Volcano or Hilo, take a drive along the coast in the Puna area, starting at Kalapana (which is the town destroyed by lava a few years ago.) It is really a beautiful drive. There is a public beach somewhere along there with a volcanically heated, protected lagoon perfect for swimming, and it has bathrooms, picnic tables and grass. It is called Ahalanui State Park.

Have fun! The Big Island is the best. Wish we were back there

Our plan has always been to fly into Kona, stay a couple days, drive across to Hilo, stay a few more days, and then back to Kona (making a loop so we see the whole island) for a couple days before we leave. I assume you're staying right at the volcano at the hotel they have there? If so, I'd plan at least a 2.5 hour window to drive back to Kona (and it's a very twisty road in places; we had to stop several times last year to let our then-4-year-old and then 2-year-old take breaks; they kept getting carsick.)

And then you still have to return the rental car (pretty efficient there, but still a chore), and go through security, which, even in mellow Hawaii, can take as long as any airport. I would highly recommend staying in Kona the night before you fly out, to make it easier in many respects. Heidi

Sept. 2004

Our house was $195 a night, because of the immense lagoon and proximity to Champagne Cove, but most of the others were $95 or $100 a night, for a furnished, well-equipped 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. Here is a link to the home and property management company we used: http://www.apoparadise.com/

Our group consisted of 26 people, with 8 kids ranging from 10 months to 10 years. Everyone had a wonderful time. I'd be happy to give you more info on specific homes; some are larger and nicer than others, and we got to visit several... The Jersey shore is a good option too; we have relatives there, and honeymooned in Cape May in '98...but it's more humid and there are more bugs there, than Hawaii...and Hawaii is beautiful year-round! Good luck! Feel free to email me. heidi

May 2004

Nice lodging in Kona?

We are going to the Big Island in July, and though we are staying with friends at their condo for part of the time, there is about a week in which we need lodging. We have a toddler, and we love being in nature, and avoiding as much of the super- resort scene as possible. We need suggestions for places to stay on or near the dry side of the island, and for that matter, also suggestions for Puna side. Thanks, Allisong Allison

We also stayed on the Puna side in Kapoho. We rented a house in a gated community that had it's own private lagoon. There are several homes in this area for rent with private lagoons. The lagoons are saltwater, clear and warm (volcanically heated) with lots of fish. We also saw turtles in a huge beautiful lagoon in the same community called Champagne Pond which isn't to be missed. One note about the Puna area - it has the highest crime of any county in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Be very careful about leaving valuables in your car, etc.. val

The downside is that the hotel is pretty run down, so if that will bother you, you shouldn't stay there. We had read about this in advance and were actually surprised by how clean and comfortable it was compared to what we had read -- and the lobby is very cool, very 1960s -- but still the hallways and rooms are quite worn. I'd read that some rooms have been recently renovated, but not the one we stayed in! However, we sprung for an ''ocean front'' room right over the beach, which was definitely worth it -- in addition to the view the room was huge, with a queen bed plus a twin. We'd stay there again for sure. Kona Town fan

April 2004

March 2004

Feb 2004

2002 - 2003 Recommendations

May 2003

April 2003

Also kealakekua bay has some great snorkeling and kayaking trips which would be great for teenagers. I saw some great and reasonable vacation rentals when we were looking for lodging as well in this area.

I recommend staying one night in or near Volcano National Park. The lava is currently flowing and can be viewed at night. The crater rim trail is also pretty amazing (hike around the rim and then down into the actual crater, steam vents are littered around the trail). The small town of Volcano offers some reasonable B & B.

Have Fun! elisa

January 2003

In addition to the geologic wonders, there is also some nice Hawaiian rainforest in the park, and the Volcano area has art galleries, golf, a winery, etc.

I also happen to like Hilo a lot--it's very ''old Hawaii,'' small- town, not inundated by tourism and with a life and rhythm all its own. You won't be accosted by touts and T-shirt shops everywhere you go, and there's a nice waterfront park and a couple of beaches suitable for small children (try Onekahakaha--you'll be there with just native Hawaiians, no tourists to speak of). There's also a fabulous farmer's market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (lesser extent other days) where you can buy exotic fruits, veggies, and incredibly cheap orchids and anthuriums (Big Island's main export) to decorate your Kona place. Hilo is another 40 minutes past the park if you're coming from Kona side, so that would be one very lengthy day trip. (When I work in Hawaii, we live in Volcano and take day trips to Kona!)

Have fun--I think everyone who visits the Big Island ends up loving it. Virginia

Third and most importantly. As soon as you get to the islands find out if there are any local shows of Hawaiian slack key guitar. These artists are extremely talented and play what amounts to a style of classical folk guitar. This is not the hokey Hawaiian music you might remember from the fifties like ''tiny bubbles'' (yuck). This was one of my favorite things to do - we went to a local concert for $5 per person all day with decent local food (Kailua pig). Names to look for: David Kamakahi, Keola Beamer, George and Keoki Kahumoku, Led Kaapana, Bob Brozeman, Cyril Pahinui, Bla Pahinui.

Kona Side Kona side is where most of the action is. Lots of shopping if you like that sort of thing, lots of sun and lots of lava fields. Don’t plan yourselves to the minute here, you want to leave extra, unplanned days so you can do things again if you enjoyed them or if you hear of extra things that you hadn’t thought of.

Here is my recommendation for a place to stay. This place is truly beautiful. With all teak and wood interior. Great garden, REALLY inexpensive and comes with a fabulous home cooked breakfast. The hosts (if they are still the same owners) are very kind. It was formerly called Merryman's Inn and is now renamed Areca Palms Estate http://www.konabedandbreakfast.com

Also, take some time to visit a coffee plantation. Check for one where they give you a tour of the factory where the sort and bag the coffee to get different qualities. If found it really interesting - but I am also a coffee lover. The painted church is also in this area and is an interesting 20 minute stop but not a big highlight. The priest did all the interior murals with house pain to tell the bible stories to his illiterate congregation.

Things to do: Here are some of our highlights Canoe and snorkel in Kealakekua bay. You will want to canoe from the wharf to Ka'awala Point where Captain Cooks monument is located and then snorkel and dive there. The snorkeling here is the best on the island as far as we could tell and some of the best among all of the islands for amateurs. Although sunscreen is a must for your skins health keep in mind that it is also terrible for the delicate underwater ecosystem so try to find a happy median - like a t-shirt instead of sunscreen all over your arms and back. There are spinner dolphins along the way if you are lucky. The canoe trip looks far, but it is easy to do if you think you feel up to it. http://www.fair-wind.com/history.html http://konacoastdivers.com/kbay.html

You must snorkel with the Manta Rays on a night dive. This is my NUMBER ONE recommendation for an activity. It was breathtaking, the mantas are awesome, beautiful, graceful creatures. The trick to a successful dive is to call as soon as you get to the island and ask how many Manta's have been seen over the last few nights. Keep checking during your stay. You want to hear them say LOTS. We saw 20+ on our dive - but that was a really really good night.

I recommend Jack's Dive locker ( I think that's who we went with). He is ecologically conscientious and has been doing this for 30 years +. He also works with a videographer from whom you can buy a video of you diving with the mantas. We found it worthwhile even though it is overpriced. That way you can show all of your friends and have a great memory too. You’ll be the only one on your block who has done this. http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/charters2/mantanight.htm

Dinner at Merryman's Restaurant (not to be confused with the B&B)- northern tip of the Island on the Kona side Merriman's Restaurant. This was the only really good, decently priced meal we had on the island but it’s a long drive. Opelo Plaza Kamuela, Hwy 19 and Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-885-6822 Fresh Big Island products prepared in an exciting, contemporary manner by critically acclaimed chef Peter Merriman. Peter

December 2002

We stayed on the Kona Coast, the sunny/desert side of the island. We were at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. A gorgeous hotel (not condos) on what's considered the most beautiful beach on the island (Hapuna Beach). It's a big hotel, but quite tasteful, gorgeous grounds, with no other development visible from there. Do a search for the web site. Not a cheap place, but you might find a package deal. They offer kids activities at least 5 days/week. Older kids can spend the morning at these without you. I accompanied my 2-yr-old to a crafts class and we had a lot of fun. Food is definitely expensive at the hotel, but there's a town about 10-15 min. away with reasonable (cheap) restaurants and grocery stores. I stocked up on breakfast & lunch supplies for my hotel room fridge. There may be condos on the property, but they're not on the beachfront.

Also, the Waikoloa resort about 10 miles away (it's like Disneyland) has some condos. not beachfront, but not far. Do a web search for Waikoloa & condo and you'll probably find them. contact me if you want more details. mef

May 2002

If you're staying at the Hilton Waikoloa, you're on the Kona side of the island, but strictly speaking you're in South Kohala, about 20 miles north of Kailua-Kona. It's mostly resorts up there, with the exception of the little town of Kawaihae, or the town of Kamuela-Waimea which is north and inland. In Kawaihae Cafe Pesto is kid-friendly. In Waikoloa/Kings Shops, Roy's is a big tourist place but does have a good kids menu. In Captain Coo, the Manago hotel is authentic. Not far from the airport, in the industrial center, Sam Choy's is authentic local style, not expensive. Merriman's in Waimea/Kamuela is our favorite, and prices not too bad at lunch time. We often get food from the farmer's market in Waimea and we're set.

Beaches - Spencer Beach Park is where the local families go. Surf is very mild. For body surfing, the beach at Hapuna is the top. For a nice, uncrowded beach with decent snorkeling, find ''Beach 69'' near Puako/Waialea. ''A'' Beach (Anaehoomalu) is another good one - by the Outrigger Waikoloa.

Very best place to snorkel, or just look down in the water to see the fish if your kids aren't ready to snorkel, is Kahalu'u park, just south of Kona off Ali'i Drive (just past the little blue church), before you get to Keahou. Another great place to snorkel, if your kids are up to it, is just off of Captain Cook monument, Kealekekua bay. Easiest way to get there is by Fairwinds boat which leaves Keahou daily.

Sights -

*City of Refuge (Puuhonua o Honaunau) is a must. Also a nice
little beach/snorkeling nearby.
*The Volcano/Thurston Lava Tube and the Kipuka Bird Sanctuary
*Hulihe'e Palace in Kona
North of the Kohala resorts, on your way to Hawi (which is worth
the drive) is a park, the name of which I forget, which preserves
the remains of an ancient village. Worth checking out. Hawi
itself is cute and has a nice cafe run by happy hippies. Sit out
back in the garden facing the ocean. If you're brave, find the
road to Kamehameha's birthplace, a very very spooky heiau.

If you go to the Hilo side,

*Akaka Falls
*Hawaii Tropical Gardens
*Waipio Valley

If you are into nature walks, contact Hawaii Forest and Trails. They have great guides - botanists, geologists, etc. who can take you places off the beaten track.

Have a great time. Wish I could go! Natasha

Earlier Recommendations

2001

Regarding ideas for kids in Hawaii, especially Kona Village Resort on the Big Island: My parents and my adopted brother and sister have been going to Kona Village for nearly 10 years (since the kids were 6 and 4 years old). They absolutely love it, and I've had the opportunity to visit them there for a night from Honolulu when I lived there. The place is REALLY (!!!) expensive but if you've got the means (my dad does, but unfortunately not me...) it is absolutely worth it. The whole place is a fixed price deal, so all meals etc. are included in the daily rate. Their enormous buffet lunch, with all kinds of fresh sushi and sashimi, fruits, veggies, make-your-own burgers and many other things, is legendary on the island. All the rooms are in cabanas, either right on the water or "garden" view. There are several pools spread throughout the large compound, it's totally private and a great place for kids. They have an activites staff who arrange all kinds of fun things for kids of all ages: snorkeling, hiking, tennis, basketball, treasure hunts - you name it. My parents see the kids in the morning at breakfast then they disappear with all the other kids and the staff for the day, occasionally running back for a change of t-shirt or whatever, and then appear again in time for dinner. I've never seen so many relaxed parents! If, however, the price is a bit too high, there are literally thousands of other places to stay or camp in on the Big Island alone. Volcanos National Park has a really nice campground and lots of different hikes for various ages and abilities. All the islands of Hawaii have terrific parks with good facilities in most. All the public beaches have freshwater showers and bathrooms and many have calm enough areas that they're safe for toddlers to play inthe water. I could go on and on - I think Hawaii is heaven on earth. Feel free to email me directly for ideas about specific islands, or check out the hundreds of websites that offer air-car-condo or air-car-hotel deals. Anything you choose you'll likely have a great time. Aloha!

I am travelling to the Big Island of Hawaii at the end of this month with my 16 month old daughter. I would appreciate any recommendations people have of "fun" things to do/places to see with a toddler. Any feedback regarding babysitting services people have used would also be great. We will be staying in a condo in Kailua-Kona Mary

Walking through the Lava Tubes at Volcanoes Nat'l Park was fun. But, the biggest hits for our almost 2-year old was the warm pool at the hotel, the safe in our hotel room that she could pretend was her very own refrigerator, and the playground at Waimea (town on the north side), you can't miss it when you drive through town on the main road. This playground is a Robert Leathers playground and was the first of its kind we had ever encountered. It was great fun. Ironically, Waimea is at elevation, about 1000 ft, and the days we were there in December were cool and a little foggy --- alot like the Bay Area! Who knows, the fish pond at the hotel may be the big hit for your child! Lissa