Kona, Hawaii Family Fun with Kids
Planning a vacation with your kids to Kona Hawaii? You’ll want a plan full of fun, engaging, and budget-friendly activities. I’ve taken my son Ryder to Hawaii since he was born. Now that he’s older, our vacations are packed with big kid adventures — from beach days to underwater excursions. Here’s everything I’ve discovered about enjoying Kona with children.
Looking for the perfect place to stay?Book your stay at Kona Landing, my kid-friendly two-bedroom, two-bathroom ocean-view condo. It’s just steps from family-friendly beaches, restaurants with great kids menus, snorkeling, and even a little fun for parents — with bars and karaoke right downstairs.
Getting Ready for Your Trip to the Big Island
Traveling to Hawaii from the mainland takes at least five hours, often more. Booking direct flights with children is ideal, but even if you have a layover, being prepared makes all the difference. I pack a mix of screen time, coloring books, LEGO sets, and snacks. A small pillow and blanket also help make the journey smoother.
Car seats? Skip the hassle and rent through your car rental agency — it’s so much easier.
Each kid should have their own carry-on bag with their essentials. Shop the Kids Take Flight to Hawaii Amazon Edit for my favorite travel toys, beach gear, and island-ready clothes.
What to Do Upon Arrival in Kona Hawaii
Once you land at the open-air Kona International Airport, your first move is picking up your rental car. You’ll need it to explore the Big Island.
Next, get your groceries handled. I always plan ahead by ordering groceries from Target Kona, Costco Kona, or through Instacart. Having breakfast foods, snacks, and easy lunches ready helps keep everyone happy and avoids eating out every meal.
Then it’s time to unpack, relax, and plan one easy activity for your first day — like a dip in the pool or sunset beach walk.
Best Beaches for Kids on The Big Island
Beach days are a highlight for any family visiting Hawaii. Kona has several kid-friendly beaches with calm waters, soft sand, and nearby amenities. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and sand toys. I also bring our own snorkel masks with anti-leak valves for easy use.
Read my full Big Island Hawaii beaches guide for even more options.
Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach): A gentle, shallow beach with calm waters and nearby snack stops.
Kua Bay: Stunning white sand and turquoise water. Just watch for bigger waves
Kikaua Point Park: A protected cove that’s perfect for young kids.
Mauna Kea Beach: This hotel offers a limited number of beach passes. If you can get one, enjoy soft sand and a beach bar with drinks and snacks.
Hapuna Beach: A wide and scenic beach next door to Mauna Kea — a great backup option with plenty of space.
Sea Life Adventures for the Whole Family in Kona
One of my favorite parts of any trip to Kona is getting up close with the island’s marine life. From sea turtles to manta rays, these underwater adventures in Kona are always unforgettable.
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm: An educational and interactive tour where kids can hold live seahorses
Family Snorkeling Tours: Go with a kid-friendly guide and look for spinner dolphins.
Turtle Beach: Visit Kaloko-Honokōhau to see sea turtles resting on the rocks.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel: A magical nighttime swim, best for kids 7+.
Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Kona Hawaii
Kona has so many restaurants that welcome families — and I’ve tried most of them! Whether your kid is a picky eater or loves seafood, there’s something here.
Huggo’s on the Rocks: Tables in the sand and fish tacos that are always a win. Kids can play while you sip tropical drinks.
Magic Sands Beach Grill: Casual beachside eats with a full kids’ menu.
Big Kahuna Restaurant: Family-style portions and hearty breakfasts.
Kona Inn Restaurant: Oceanfront dining with room for kids to explore on their beach front lawn. Try their famous mud pie!
Ululani’s Shave Ice: Sweet, colorful, and perfect for an afternoon cooldown.
Big Island Adventures for Curious Kids
If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Kona Hawaii with kids, here are some interactive and cultural options the whole family will enjoy. Many are even free!
Don’t miss these additional free things to do in Kona Hawaii for budget-friendly fun.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hike lava tubes and watch steam vents erupt.
Aloha Adventure Farms: Learn about island cultures through ATV rides and hands-on demos.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm: See how early Hawaiians farmed and lived.
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden: Discover native Hawaiian plants and traditions.
Shop on Ali’i Drive: From shave ice to toy stores to boutique clothing shops, this oceanfront strip is fun to walk and explore.
Capture Your Hawaii Memories with a Photo Shoot
Matching family outfits are a fun and memorable part of any Hawaii vacation, especially if you're planning a beach photo shoot. I always recommend coordinating colors or choosing tropical prints that pop in photos. Whether you’re looking for matching shirts, swimsuits, or flowy dresses, these are my go-to picks that photograph beautifully and feel breezy in the Hawaii heat:
A beach photoshoot is one of the best souvenirs from your trip. Whether you use a tripod or book a professional, plan ahead with coordinated outfits or traditional Hawaiian attire.
A beach photoshoot is one of the best souvenirs from your trip. Whether you use a tripod or book a professional, plan ahead with coordinated outfits or traditional Hawaiian attire.
My top picks for Kona family photographers:
Quick Tips to Make Your Hawaii Family Trip Seamless
Shop the Kids Take Flight Amazon Edit to get fully prepared for your trip
Plan your grocery list ahead of time and pre order
Pre-book snorkeling tours and photo sessions well in advance
Book your accommodations at Kona Landing or see my review of the Four Seasons Big Island
Reserve your car and car seats with your rental agency
Schedule grocery pickup or delivery with Target Kona, Costco Kona, or Instacart
With a little planning, your Big Island vacation with kids can be seamless, fun, and full of memories you’ll treasure forever. Aloha!
Kids Take Flight to Hawaii Amazon Edit
Get ready for takeoff! I’ve pulled together everything I pack for our Big Island adventures. This is perfect for traveling with kids Hawaii. This edit includes tried-and-true essentials for the flight, beach days, and everything in between. Whether you're prepping for a long flight, planning a beach day, or booking a snorkeling trip, this collection has you covered with travel gear, sun protection, and family-tested favorites.
