Adventures the whole crew will love
An absolute must. Drive the Crater Rim loop, walk through a lava tube, peer into the caldera of Kīlauea, and feel the raw power of the Earth’s geology in a way no textbook can convey. Kids are mesmerized.
Tip $30/vehicle entrance fee (7-day pass). The drive from Kona is about 2.5 hours each way — make a full day of it.
Descend 100 feet below the surface in a real 48-passenger submarine and watch the reef come alive through oversized portholes. Coral formations, tropical fish, and the occasional eagle ray drift past like a living aquarium.
Tip Tours depart at 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, and 2:00 PM. Book in advance during peak season.
Family-owned since 1971, Fair Wind runs snorkel cruises to Kealakekua Bay — one of the most pristine marine environments in Hawaiʻi. Their vessels have water slides, high dives, and glass-bottom viewing for younger kids who aren’t ready to snorkel.
A Kona institution since 1988. The 65-foot Kanoa II catamaran runs daily snorkel and dolphin-watch cruises, seasonal whale watching, and sunset dinner sails. The crew is warm, the gear is included, and lunch is served on board.
A paved half-mile loop through a lush tropical rainforest leads to two waterfalls — the towering 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls and the delicate Kahūnā Falls. The walk is easy, the scenery is spectacular, and the entire visit takes under an hour.
Tip $5/person non-resident entry plus $10 parking. Located near Honomu — combine with a trip to the Hamakua Coast.
An 80-foot waterfall that lives up to its name — visit in the morning when sunlight refracts through the mist to paint a rainbow across the falls. The viewing platform is steps from the parking lot, making this the easiest waterfall on the island.
Tip New 2026 fees: $5/person plus $10/vehicle. Best light for rainbows is mid-morning.
Forty acres of tropical paradise cascading down to Onomea Bay, with over 2,000 plant species, towering palms, orchid gardens, and a coastal trail that feels like walking through a botanical painting. One of the most beautiful curated landscapes in Hawaiʻi.
Tip Located about 5 miles north of Hilo. Last entry is at 5 PM.