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Day 1 - Afternoon in Waimea
Horseback Riding at Dahana Ranch
1 1/2 HOUR RIDE (known as Ranch Rides)
“This great open range ride (no nose to trail riding here!) will cover approx. 4 miles of beautiful ranch lands with breathtaking backdrops of Waipi’o Valley and stunning views of majestic Mauna Kea. Mingle with range cattle, sheep, ranch horses and foals. No riding experience is necessary. We take first timers to the most experienced horseman. We take pride in providing the best ranch horses in Hawaii for your riding pleasure.
FEE: $80 plus tax for adults – $70 plus tax for children 12 and under (The minimum age that we take is 3 years old).”
“This great open range ride (no nose to trail riding here!) will cover approx. 4 miles of beautiful ranch lands with breathtaking backdrops of Waipi’o Valley and stunning views of majestic Mauna Kea. Mingle with range cattle, sheep, ranch horses and foals. No riding experience is necessary. We take first timers to the most experienced horseman. We take pride in providing the best ranch horses in Hawaii for your riding pleasure.
FEE: $80 plus tax for adults – $70 plus tax for children 12 and under (The minimum age that we take is 3 years old).”
Anuenue Wooden Playground
Blog write-up: http://realmomtime.com/tag/waimea/
The Anuenue Playground in Waimea is a vast wooden maze-like structure full of imaginative pockets of play for kids of all ages.
Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach
Adjacent to each other, both Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beaches have perfect white sands for walking barefoot and building sand castles. They are said to be two of the best beaches for peace and quiet on the Big Island.
Day 2 - Full Day in Hilo Area
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is located just minutes from the heart of Hilo, Hawaii. It is an 80 foot tall and almost 100 foot in diameter waterfall that flows over a natural lava cave, the mythological home to Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. The falls got its name because around 10am in the morning the position of the sun creates a rainbow near the falls.
Coconut Island
Located just a couple miles from downtown Hilo on Banyan Dr., this small island known today as “Coconut Island” is connected to the Liliuokalani Gardens park by a footbridge. It is a wonderful place for a picnic, with a view of Mauna Kea and downtown Hilo.
Richardson Beach Park
Richardson Beach Park is the only black-sand beach in Hilo, with a seawall that runs along much of the rocky shoreline. This location provides lifeguards & picnic areas along with showers and bathrooms.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
“Established in 1916, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is a United States National Park located in the U.S. State of Hawaiʻi on the Big island of Hawaiʻi. Home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive subaerial volcano this park is worth a visit. The volcanoes in the park are very much active and can be seen erupting from the Volcano Lodge lookout. Visit the Jagger Museum at night to witness the glow of the lava deep within the crater.”
The list of attractions below is age-appropriate for a toddler.
Visitor Center
Kilauea Overlook
Devastation Trail
Thruston Lava Tube
Jaggar Museum
FEE: $15.00 per vehicle – good for 7 days
IMPORTANT: Call in advance to know the status of the park. Some areas may be closed depending on volcanic activity or air quality.
The list of attractions below is age-appropriate for a toddler.
Visitor Center
Kilauea Overlook
Devastation Trail
Thruston Lava Tube
Jaggar Museum
FEE: $15.00 per vehicle – good for 7 days
IMPORTANT: Call in advance to know the status of the park. Some areas may be closed depending on volcanic activity or air quality.
Day 3: Full Day in Kona Area
Morning Boat Tour
Dolphin & Whale Watching | Snorkeling Capt. Cook's Monument
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument)
Breakfast
BBQ Lunch
Snorkel Equipment
Snorkel Instruction
Underwater View Boxes
Inner Tubes and Other Flotation Devices
Two 15-Ft. Water Slides and Dive Platform
Check-in: before 9:00 AM
Return: 1:30 PM
Duration: 4.5 Hours
FEE: $135 - Adults, plus tax; $79 - Children (4-12.), plus tax; $29 - Toddlers (3 and Under), plus tax
Breakfast
BBQ Lunch
Snorkel Equipment
Snorkel Instruction
Underwater View Boxes
Inner Tubes and Other Flotation Devices
Two 15-Ft. Water Slides and Dive Platform
Check-in: before 9:00 AM
Return: 1:30 PM
Duration: 4.5 Hours
FEE: $135 - Adults, plus tax; $79 - Children (4-12.), plus tax; $29 - Toddlers (3 and Under), plus tax
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kahalu’u Beach Park is a shallow cove just south of Kailua-Kona on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. This is a popular snorkeling location. This family friendly beach park has an abundance of marine life such as tropical fish and green sea turtles “honu“. The park has just enough sand to help you gently get into the water to explore the reef. The north side of the cove is a place for surfers and body boarders alike to catch decent sets of waves.
Snorkel rentals, surfing lessons and other rental needs are available at http://learntosurfkona.com/
Snorkel rentals, surfing lessons and other rental needs are available at http://learntosurfkona.com/
Day 4 - Morning in Kona
Located on Alii Drive in the heart of Kailua Kona, the Kona Farmers and Crafts Market is a must see while on the Big Island of Hawaii. Come check out the huge selection of locally-grown produce, flowers, hand-made arts and crafts, Kona coffee and a whole lot more, all in a fun, outdoor setting. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs or gifts, this is the place to be.
Ocean Riders Seahorse Farm
Featured in Hawaii Magazine: The only aquarium to pet seahorses in the United States is in Hawaii!
FEE: Tickets purchased at the gate the day of the tour are $42 for General (Ages 13 and up), $32 for Children (Ages 7 to 12) and $30 for Toddlers (Ages 3 to 6). 5% Discount available for Online Purchases
Custom Map of the Attractions
I hope you find this itinerary helpful. Been to the Big Island with family? Feel free to share your tips in the comments section so we can help other travellers.
Many happy travels!
Many happy travels!
Spread the word!