May 6, 2022
Our first trip after a year of virtual school and not traveling due to covid restrictions was to The Big Island Hawaii in June 2021. It was the perfect trip for our family to begin to travel again, plus it was all our first time in Hawaii. We flew into Honolulu and spent one night in a hotel before flying to Kona. Kona Hawaii is on the west coast of The Big Island and it is full of beaches, restaurants, and amazing outdoor experiences. In the end, it was an amazing family vacation for our crew of 5. Here are all the details of our trip to The Big Island Hawaii!
*As always, please check covid testing, masking, and other travel restrictions. Hawaii was very strict with their requirements last summer which we appreciated and thoroughly researched prior to travel. Also, research tourism on the islands and if they need a break — we learned after this trip that Hawaii was asking for reduced travel and tourism.
Getting to Kona
There are two airports on The Big Island — one on Kona & one on Hilo on the east coast of The Big Island Hawaii. We had to spend a night in Honolulu before flying to Kona, but depending on where you are flying from, you may be able to get directly to The Big Island.
Where to Stay
There are several hotels and smaller resort spots in Kona, but we always prefer a vacation rental or Airbnb. Our condo was off the beaten path and included a resort pool, kitchen, and balcony with lots of covid restrictions. If you are not staying in a hotel, expect to not have air conditioning. This was fine and actually preferred after we realized how to get the winds flowing through our space.
Beaches
The Kona beaches are plentiful, all quite different, and free! We highly recommend renting snorkel gear for the entire time you are in Kona and keeping the gear in your car for quick access at any beach stop! Gear can be rented at various places throughout the town. We rented our gear at Kahaluu surf and snorkel. Here are just a few of our favorites beaches:
- Kahalu’u Beach is a real-life aquarium. The brilliant coral reef and species of colorful tropical fish and other marine life, it is known as one of the best beaches in Kona for snorkeling. Also, it was my girls’ first time snorkeling in the ocean, and this shallow but full of beautiful underwater things to see spot was perfect. My girls often held a noodle while snorkeling to stay atop the water easily.
- Magic Sands Beach is part of a resort, but accessible to the public. The sand was … well… magic. We did not snorkel here because the waves are much bigger but it was a great spot to ride waves.
- Hapuna Beach is the largest of the island’s white-sand beaches and a 30-minute drive from our Airbnb. Hapuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The coral reef at this beach was wonderful to explore.
- Richardson Ocean Park Black Sand Beach in Hilo is stunning. There is great swimming and snorkeling, and lots of spots with black lava rocks to explore.
Reserved Activities
Our family typically likes to reserve one or two activities for a trip and then play the rest by ear. We found that for reserved activities in Hawaii, you should plan to book several months in advance to ensure a spot. We were able to reserve a night snorkel with manta ray well in advance and this was a favorite activity, by far. Fortunately, we were able to book a kayak rental to Cook Monument while in Hawaii, but we were unable to secure a spot at a Luau which was a bit of a bummer but we’ve also heard that they are very touristy.
- Night snorkel with manta ray — this was my favorite activity. There are a couple of outfitters who do this, so look around.
- Kayak to Cook Monument (kayak rental) with Aloha Kayak . Also an amazing day.
- Attend a Luau — All of the hotel’s host Luaus, so just search around well in advance!
- Octopus and seahorse center — We weren’t able to reserve a spot here but I’ve heard it’s great for kids.
- Horse ride to waterfall – A trip to Waipio Valley came from a local where wild ponies can be seen among other things but decided to save it for another trip.
Non-Reserve Adventures
- Visit & Hike at Volcano National Park (pay National Park admission)
- Traverse the Local Farmers Markets
- Shop at Thrift Stores (buy all the Hawaiian shirts and dresses)
- Explore the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens & Education Center (Admission is free but donations are accepted)
- Watch Beach volleyball at Coconut Grove Marketplace (you can watch from Humpy’s or sit around the courts with ice cream)
Food & Restaurants
- One Aloha Shave Ice — All organic. We went 3 times.
- Manuela Malasada Donut truck by Hapuna Beach – These donuts are amazing and this stop was recommended by a local
- Puna Chocolate Company — amazing local chocolate & coffee
- Kona Brewery
- Humpy’s Big Island Ale House (by volleyball court)
- Huggo’s On the Rocks — Great atmosphere, delicious seafood, on the water, has music and hula dancing
General tips
- Rent a car – but drive slow & follow speed limits
- Ask locals for recommendations on beaches, places to eat, etc. They always have the best secrets.
- Pack snorkel/beach gear & leave in the car for any random beach stops
- Reserve any “must-dos” at least a couple months in advance
- Groceries are expensive!
- Wear lots of coral safe sunscreen, wear swim shirts and hats — we all got a little burned
- Drive across the island to Hilo and explore for a day
Have you been to The Big Island Hawaii? Please reach out on social media to share places you love in and around Kona.
