Coral Beach Resort & Suites – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A highly-ranked Atlantic beachfront resort, Coral Beach Resort & Suites is a haven for families with kids of all ages. It boasts activities galore including water sports, an on-site recreation center with arcade, foosball, pool tables, an 8 AMF land bowling alley, 10 pool attractions including a water park with interactive play elements, lazy river, heated indoor pool, two children’s pools, a fitness center, saunas, children’s activity center, karaoke, family magic show, comedians, several dining options, a marketplace, and more.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites has activities galore for the whole family

Families will feel right at home with the spacious accommodations selections that include private balconies, free wireless internet, and suites with fully-equipped kitchens down to the dinnerware service for 4-6 people. Learn more about the Coral Beach Resort in one of our site reviews Best Family Vacation Spot on the US East Coast.

Myrtle Beach Attractions 

While visiting, take advantage of the wonderful offsite attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer as well. From Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Oceanfront Water Park, to Ripleys Aquarium, Children’s Museum of South Carolina, IMAX 3D Theater, and a host of shopping, theaters, and restaurants, there is plenty to see and do at this lovely destination. For more information on Coral Beach Resort & Suites, visit their website at www.coralbeachmyrtlebeachresort.com

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu – Big Island, Hawaii

Good for a tropical getaway any time of the year, Hawaii offers one of nature’s perfect family retreats:  balmy weather, sandy beaches, warm waters, lush vegetation, and good old fashioned Hawaiian hospitality that makes you say “ahhh” the moment you step off the plane.

The aerial view above the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is stunning (courtesy of Peter French)

Resting on the beautiful shores of a white sandy beach, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is a wonderful choice for families with children. It offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, lanais (porches), and dining and living rooms, all beautifully decorated with luxury and comfort in mind. The resort features seven swimming pools including a children’s pool with water toys to keep tots happily entertained. There is tennis, golf, a spa and fitness center, a rock-climbing wall, shops, onsite restaurants and lounges for delicious dining, and much more. There are plenty of amenities for children as well, including toddler activities and babysitting services for parents who want a little time to themselves.

Some of the resort’s complimentary activities include basketball, foosball, ping-pong, a playground, Hawaiian arts & crafts, flower lei making, movies, puzzles, games and treasure hunts. Kids ages 5 to 12 will enjoy the supervised program with its exciting activities planned just for them. Older children and adults can hang out in the game and activity center which includes six video game stations, big-screen television and outdoor grassy game area.

Island Activities

The Big Island of Hawaii has wonderful attractions that allow families to explore this paradise together. There are helicopter tours, zipline canopy tours, beautiful state parks and beaches, tide pools and hiking trails, botanical gardens, dolphin encounters, fishing, an astronomy center, and more. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Families can also visit the 12-acre Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo with its 80 resident species including monkeys, birds, sloths, a white Bengal tiger, a giant anteater, tortoises and more. For more information on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa – San Diego, California

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is indeed a piece of island-themed paradise found in beautiful Southern California.  Set on a private 44-acre island on the sapphire waters of Mission Bay, this nirvana offers a variety of family activities, while being close to the many popular attractions of San Diego.  Its bungalow-style guest rooms are tucked among tropical gardens, lagoons and the tranquil sandy shores of the bay.

One of the five pools at Paradise Point Resort & Spa

The resort features 5 pools, a spa, salon and fitness center, several restaurants, and an island market. Guests can take surf lessons, play golf, basketball, tennis, rent bicycles, Segways, quadracycles, and enjoy the blazing warmth of a bonfire at sunset, right on the beach in one of the 14 bonfire pits. The marina also has a variety of rentals for water sports including kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, speed boats, and paddleboards.

Offsite Family Attractions 

Some of the wonderful attractions in the area include the San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The resort offers packages and family deals at special pricing as well. Paradise Point Resort & Spa was also featured in our Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast.  For more information visit their website at www.paradisepoint.com

Pearl South Padre – South Padre Island, Texas 

South Padre Island in Texas’s beautiful Gulf Coast is home to Pearl South Padre hotel. This idyllic getaway boasts luxurious accommodations with private balconies commanding gorgeous views. Their hotel guestrooms and beachside condominiums are nestled on the shores of this Texas barrier island bathed in gentle ocean breezes and the warmth of the southern sun. All of the condos have spacious living rooms and fully-equipped kitchens, with one or two bedroom options to serve your family needs.

The beaches in South Padre Island are beautiful

Pearl South Padre hotel features a 6,000-square-foot swimming pool with waterfall and swim-up bar, an oversized whirlpool, children’s pool, beach volleyball, parasailing, horseback riding, banana boat rides, wave runners, spa, fitness center, and nearby golf club. Onsite dining and a gift shop are also at the hotel.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island boasts many watersports in addition to those offered by the hotel. There are boat rentals, kiteboarding, ecological tours, and dolphin watches, to name a few. The tranquil shores of South Padre island dotted with seagulls and natural beauty await. For more information on this hotel visit their website at www.pearlsouthpadre.com

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island, Florida 

It is no surprise to learn that pirates once claimed the shores of the beautiful Captiva Island just off the southwest coast of Florida. With so much natural splendor, this island is known for its lovely shells, white sandy beaches, and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Captiva Island’s glorious sunset

South Seas Island Resort is one of the best ways to explore the natural treasures of Captiva Island. It has a vast array of accommodations to suit today’s diverse family needs. From hotel rooms, villas and cottages, to private homes and condos, there is something here for everyone. What is most attractive about this resort is the endless range of activities including special things like the swim school with programs for kids and toddlers. Stunning beaches, turquoise pools, a host of dining options, shops, water sports, cruises, fishing, golf, tennis, a spa, fitness center and so much more await to rejuvenate the senses. The resort pool complex also boasts a family water park with two water slides, and poolside cabana rentals with stocked mini-refrigerators, cable television, internet access and poolside dining.

A family interactive center on the island provides recreational fun for all ages from tiny tots to kids and teens. Arts and crafts, games, competitions, an arcade and more are sure to keep kids happy. There is even a kids’ night out for children ages 4-11 that includes dinner, crafts and games, so that parents can enjoy a little time on their own as well. Resort specials and packages help make this oasis affordable. For more information on South Seas Island Resort visit their website at www.southseas.com

Here are two beautiful bed and breakfast’s that are perfect for families – as long as parents are willing to keep their eye on their offspring. I’ve always believed that part of the charm of a family vacation is to spend time with your family – not send your children off to hotel sponsored children’s program or plunk them in front of the television. If you feel the same way, these two stops are the perfect destination.

Hawaii’s Halaekilohana B & B

A view from Kalekilohana's front porch

Hawaii itself is a family friendly destination, and the Kalaekilohana Bed & Breakfast outside of remote Na’alehu, on the Big Island is a perfect example. Kind, welcoming, friendly hosts will feel more like friends than inn keepers by the time you leave, and the accommodations are stellar. We loved the massive outdoor lanai, or porch, perfect for conversation, a cool beverage, and star gazing. With a porch swing to rock the kids to sleep, first let the kids run out onto the vast, groomed lawn and watch the moon rise. Inside, the rooms are large, many with french doors and private lanais. Several family suites feature three queen size or king and queen beds each in a separate nook of the room. Smooth eucalyptus wood floors smell heavenly. This plantation style lemon yellow b & b offers craft classes such a lei making and basket weaving for older children and the entire family. There’s a true sense of the culture of the islands and a connection to it, and that warmth will be felt and welcome by kids of all ages, and their parents. Kalaekilohana is one of the only Hawaiian owned bed and breakfasts in the state of Hawaii.

The bed and breakfast itself – a welcoming Hawaiian plantation

Hawaiian music will play on the stereo while you breakfast on house made treats from pancakes to scones, local K’au coffee for adults, fresh squeezed juices, and island grown fruits like mango, papaya, and strawberries fill the table.

With a washer and dryer available for guests to use, you won’t have to worry about your family getting dusty on a pleasant hour-long hike to near by Green Sands beach. Centrally located between major Big Island attractions like Volcanoes National Park to the East and pristine snorkeling spots like Pu`uhonua `O Honaunau National Historic Park to the west, sightseeing as well as relaxing make this our number one favorite b & b.

For more information on this charming and family friendly B&B visit their website at: http://www.kau-hawaii.com or call (808) 939-8052.

Julian, California – The Observer’s Inn

Crisp winter days outside the Observer's Inn in Juilan - a little sledding with the star gazing

Well, maybe it’s a tie for number one, with our other favorite in Southern California -  The Observer’s Inn, a small B&B in a spotless guest house that shares this Julian, California property with a private observatory built and operated by astronomer Michael Leigh and his wife Caroline. We love that families can rent the entire guest house – two bedrooms, two baths, and a living room, all with star gazing art, books, and video.

The planetarium Michael built offers a private star-gazing tour through the clear night air, first with the aid of a laser pointer and then with the assistance of four observatory class telescopes. Stools are offered for the kids to get a solid view of Saturn’s rings, Orion, the Pleiades, the craters of the moon – whatever planets are “in season,” you’ll see them sparkling, no matter how many light years away. You and your children will learn about the star clusters and galaxies under your gaze; the smallest children will enjoy just looking at the sparkling stars, and settling back on the comfortable couches in the observatory with a staff-provided cookie as a treat.

A Julian Sunset - just wait til the stars come out

If the wonder of this special outlook into the universe wasn’t enough, in the morning, breakfast is served right in the guest house at an ample dining room table, along with friendly conversation by your hosts. With a strong emphasis on fresh baked local pastries and lovely fruit and teas, after the family-style repast, you can stroll the relaxing grounds, or head into the quaint town of Julian to take a horse and carriage ride. Not far away is the famous Palomar Observatory, open for tours and a look at a telescope even more impressive than those at the Observer’s Inn.

For more information on this charming and family friendly B&B visit their website at: http://www.observersinn.com or call (760)765-0088.

Two Grand Runner-ups

One runner up favorite bed and breakfasts in our family include the charming lighthouse keeper’s home on the windswept Oregon Coast, Heceta Head Lighthouse, where family board games and a fire place keep you company, and guests can share a kitchen for evening dining, or stroll a pleasant, gently  winding path to the lighthouse itself. Nearby: enormous sand dunes in the small town of Florence are made for coasting, rolling, climbing, and picture taking. For more info on the Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B visit their website at: http://hecetalighthouse.com/bed-breakfast

Another favorite B&B is the sparkling Trinidad Inn in northern California, whose peaceful luxury belies the rugged coast on which it is perched. Below the inn, tide pools beckon. Nearby, mighty redwoods tower.

Once you get started on bed and breakfast stays, you’ll want to discover your own special place  – away from the corporate owned and impersonal accommodations you may have thought were your family’s due.

Related Articles:

Apple Picking, Star Gazing and Pie Grazing in Southern California

Family Fun on the Oregon Coast

More Family Fun in Southern Oregon

No matter which farmer's market you attend, there's sure to be great produce!

You’ll find: some form of live music. Farmer’s Markets are usually ‘booked’ just like any other venue, although sometimes street performers peddle their musical wares spontaneously. Kids love music and you’ll hear, for free, something your little ones can dance to. As they get older, they’ll enjoy chatting with the musicians who are often performing to improve their fan base in the area. Be sure and encourage your kids to tip the musicians, who aren’t making a living any other way.

You’ll find: fresh flowers. And it’s a sad vendor who doesn’t offer a single, inexpensive bloom per child. We see this kind offer everywhere and it does wonders for business and is a delightful treat. Our kids have been handed blooms ranging from sun flowers to daisies and daffodils in the spring.

You’ll find: fresh fruits and vegetables, in season. It’s an education in taste – with free sampling allowed and usually offered – and sustainability. What time of year do strawberries grow when they’re not imported from half way around the globe?

You’ll find: an organic purveyor of either fish, meat, cheese, or eggs – depending on how large your market is, maybe all three, and usually under the rate you’ll pay at the grocery store.

You’ll find: an environmentally friendly vibe. Most shoppers bring their own, reusable bags. Information booths or vendors often provide literature – including coloring sheets for the kids – about recycling and earth friendly habits like composting.

You’ll find: interesting pre-made foods and household products. More interesting tastes too: items like home made balsamic vinegar, muffins, hummus, organic candies, nuts, vegetable spreads and more are usually sold and samples are free and freely proffered.

Mmm, apples

Here are some of our favorite Farmer’s Markets in a variety of locations:

Oahu- located on the spacious, pleasant grounds of the Kapiolani Community College, this Saturday morning family favorite has plenty of free parking. It also features cooking demonstrations with samples, free coffee (not for the kids, obviously), and wonderful island treats like fresh hot malsadas (Portugese donuts), and shave ice.

Big Island of Hawaii, Naalehu, K’au. Another Saturday morning staple, this is a small town haven with craft makers offering beautiful, inexpensive jewelry, home made soap and perfumes, and photography along with the fruits and veggies. We had vendors show our kids how to make a lei here and explain the difference between native and invasive flora.

Santa Monica, CA – Saturday and Sunday markets are the thing in this upscale beach community just west of downtown Los Angeles. Plenty of ready to eat items including funnel cakes, delicious vegan cobblers, and Middle Eastern treats like baklava and taboule. Excellent offerings of exotic fruits and vegetables, too. A real scene, with plenty of fun people watching and an easy stroll down to Santa Monica’s ocean pier and amusement arcade.

New York, New York – Hard to choose which market to attend here, Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, West or East side. Wherever you go you’ll find lots of music, clothing items and discount goods as well as wonderful prepared ethnic foods including Kosher items and Ethiopian dishes.

Named “Greenmarkets,” and begun back in the mid-70′s, NYC farmers markets run in every borough of the city, and along with bringing in the fresh fruits and vegetables grown outside the city, there are almost always interesting, one of a kind artisan bakery vendors, too.

Washington, DC – Adams Morgan district has a congenial neighborhood market, with lots of home made baked goods with a distinctly Southern feel. The Eastern Market constructed in 1873  offers its wares under a weather-proof and historic roof. Here you’ll find fresh produce and a great selection of dairy products. You’ll also find lunch – famous crab cakes at The Market Lunch. This market runs daily, but it moves outdoors, weather permitting, on weekends. Sometimes arts and crafts vendors join the scene on Saturdays; and in the summer free full-out concerts are run on the corner patio of the market.

Chicago, IL – Farmer’s markets run city wide, and there is a plethora to chose from. Independent markets, city-run, and church sponsored. One of the best is the Tuesday slot outside the Museum of Contemporary Art- a great stop for a little art browsing followed by food al fresco and fresh produce for home.

New Orleans, LA – Sadly the great French  market is mostly just a souvenir selling spot with a few farm stand vendors in between and some killer lemonade that’s almost, but not quite, worth a trip. Luckily, New Orleans has a new and wonderful food vending find Saturdays in the Crescent City Farmers Market located in New Orleans’ historic Warehouse District. The music is maybe the best in the country; there are many food demonstrations by master chefs, plenty of samples, and amazing, if decadent baked goods with a regional bent. Plenty of parking, and if the weather’s bad, the market moves indoors. We also found artists at work and hand crafted jewelry.

Miami, FL – Coconut Grove Farmers Market although we found parking a bit of a challenge. Along with the wide selection of organic produce, there were also wonderful organic cookies, prepared salads with fresh fruit, and interesting offerings of teas and spices. There were also plenty of fresh squeezed juices, an excellent Cuban food selection, and rare finds like fresh ceviche and non-dairy ice cream for sale.

Redondo Beach, CA – Held every Thursday morning starting at about 7am, this bustling Farmer’s Market takes place just South of the Redondo Beach Pier and adjacent to Veterans Park where the Esplanade Harbor Drive and Catalina Avenue intersect.  The vendor stands are lined up along Harbor Drive steps away from the beach and Pier.  There is a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, fresh grown herbs and spices and fresh caught fish.  Coffee addicts will love the gourmet brewed coffee available at a fraction of the cost of Starbucks.  Like many farmer’s markets, there is an abundant variety of home made products like hummus, nuts, baked pastries and other organic delights.

Enjoy the farmer’s market experience with your little ones now – someday soon, they’ll be helping you find the crispest broccoli and carrying their own canvas satchels.

Amazing View from lookout outside Hilo on Highway 19

Big Island of Hawaii Hilo Family Vacation – Hotels and Sights  

No matter which side of the Big Island of Hawaii you explore, the sand, sun, and lava rock beaches of the west, the raw sea scape and rolling farm land of the south, the steaming volcanos in the middle – it feels as if you’re visiting many different islands all rolled into one when you’re on the island of Hawaii. This blog covers the east side of the island, waterfall rich to the north end, tropical jungle to the south; Hilo, rainy but cultured in the middle.  

Although flights from the mainland and abroad land on the west side in resort-rich Kona, island hoppers frequently land in Hilo. We like coming to the Big Island via Hilo because the airport is less crowded, friendlier, and you can get a better buy on a rental vehicle. If you’re combining a trip to the Big Island with a visit to any others in the Hawaiian island chain, we highly recommend flying in to Hilo.  

And if you do, take a brief stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation just outside Hilo. This is the world’s largest macadamia nut product maker, purchasing macadamia nuts from orchards all across the Big Island. With free samples, a large grassy area for kids to run out on – a must after any flight, and a view of the processing plant assembly line, this is a fun way to begin your visit to this side of the island.  

Banyan Tree on Banyan Drive Hilo

In Hilo itself, you’ll find beautiful old banyan trees along the appropriately named Banyan Drive, the street that lines the waterfront and leads to several of the old fashioned Hilo hotels. Speaking of old fashioned hotels, Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel has a pleasant, inexpensive lunch menu and a bountiful brunch on the weekends, and a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. The fresh fruit juice is delicious. Ken’s House of Pancakes is another family-welcoming restaurant. Your kids will love the pancakes, the super friendly waitresses will offer you advice on what to see and do and offer chocolate chip and whipped cream faces on the children’s pancakes. Even nicer, they serve pancakes all day and into the evening – until 9 pm, which is late night dinner in Hilo.  

In front of the Hilo Hawaiian you’ll find the Babe Ruth tree – the baseball legend planted it himself. Take a pleasant stroll across the arched foot bridge in front of the Naniloa Hotel to Coconut Island, if it’s a clear day you may be rewarded with a view of the top of Mauna Kea mountain.  

Further along Banyan drive you’ll find a formal Japanese garden, the thirty acre Liliuokalani Gardens, with ponds filled with koi, ornamental bonsai trees, moon gates and pagodas. The kids will enjoy it, and it’s free to visit.  

The Lyman Museum is Smithsonian-run and filled with interesting history about Hawaii’s islands and people. A good introduction to flora, fauna, and volcanos and the variety of immigrant cultures that shapes the islands. Kids will like best the impressive collection of shells and gems and the recreations of 19th century missionary life available through a tour at the adjoining Lyman Mission House. This historic structure is the Island’s oldest wood frame building; built in 1839 it survived a tsunami. Speaking of tsunami’s, learn about Hilo’s big one at the Pacific Tsunami museum, a small scientifically oriented museum with some nice interactive exhibits for the kids and a wonderfully friendly staff to explain the power of the waves.  

Just outside Hilo to the north you’ll find Akaka Falls State Park. Termed the drive up water fall, you can literally drive up, park, and walk a short paved path to the beautiful four hundred and forty two foot fall which flows into a pristine pool in a rich tropical setting.  

We explored Rainbow Falls and many others on the Big Island's east side.

Want to see more waterfalls, check out Rainbow Falls and beyond. Be sure and make a stop at the corner fruit, fish, and smoothie stand just as you make the turn to Rainbow Falls road. It depends on the time of year and recent weather as to just how spectacular these falls will be, but you can see them either from an overlook or you can take a trail that leads off to the left side of the falls. Note that the trail can be slippery, and you should carry small children. There are beautiful trees with low hanging branches about one-third of the way down the trail, and these make a fun climb for kids ages four and up. Watch out for rainbows and remember to tell your older kids that legend has it that King Kamehameha’s father’s bones are buried beneath the waterfall. Back in the car, keep driving and you’ll find several other falls including Boiling Pots and Pe’e Pe’e – always good for amusing kids old enough to read.  

Puna district - lush ferns on the wet side of the island

Heading south from Hilo to the district of Puna Hawaii, you’ll find a different form of water-pleasure, the Kapoho tidepools. Individual natural swimming pools made of lava, many of them extraordinarily shallow and filled with warm, wave-less water. Calm water is perfect for swimming, floating, basking, or experiencing a mild, natural hot-tub experience. During the week you’ll have the larger pools adjacent to the open ocean more or less to yourself. A great water going experience for small children.  

In Puna, you’ll want to stop in Pahoa, an old fashioned small town with a wild west feel. The town has wooden boardwalks, and classic store fronts and Victorian houses. There are some galleries, Mexican and Thai food, and the historic Akebono Theater. Built in 1919, its the oldest operating theater in Hawaii, and showcases local live theater as well as classic movies like The Sound of Music or Lilo & Stitch – perfect for Hawaii.  

Nearby you’ll find The Lava Tree State Park- a sculpture by Mother Nature. Your kids will be fascinated by the weird and wild trees – this is what occurs when hot lava coats wet ohia trees. The trees burnt of course, but the lava formed a mold around the trees. End result: trees created by Tim Burton.  

From the east coast of the Big Island – Aloha again.

Not too far from Volcanoes, you’ll find Punalu’u's black sand beach on the Southern part of the Big Island, a well known example of a black lava beach worn into fine sand by waves and time. Your kids will love the black sand, and a view of sea turtles who often bask here. Swimming depends on the tide – it’s sometimes incredibly calm and at others the waves are a little rough for the smaller travelers. But it’s always worth a look for the sand, the tide pools, and the turtles. 

Meeting the sea turtles at the black sand beach on the Big Island

Not too far inland from Punalu’u, you’ll find the Wood Valley Temple & Retreat Center, also called the “Island of Melodious Sound”. This Buddhist temple has beautiful gardens, a small gift shop, and a peaceful temple that was rededicated in the ‘80′s by the Dalai Lama. Serene and ringed by hills, the temple grounds are a lovely spot for kids to wander, filled with birds who seem not to mind an elderly resident cat. 

Drive back to the main road on the Big Island, Highway 11, to access a turn toward the sea again via Southpoint road. We love the fairly wild area around Southpoint, also known as Ka Le, which you can easily access from the stellar Kalaekilohana Bed & Breakfast recommended in my last blog - which is perched on the north end of the road. No matter where you’re staying this less-traveled road is worth a look. 

The southern-most point in the U.S. - South Point, HI

It’s paved but bumpy; and leads straight to the sea, past bucolic meadowed farmland that may remind you more of Kentucky than Hawaii, with horses, cattle, and wild flowers along the roadside. You’ll also find energy-efficient windmills, which the kids will enjoy, plenty of wind, blue sky, sunshine, and at the end, a sparkling turquoise sea. Here adventurous swimmers jump into the waves from old boat hoists in calm waters, and fishermen yield large catch just beneath the light station. We don’t think you’ll be doing either, but the windy, gentle trek across the grassy meadow to the light station feels like a different world, old fashioned, pleasantly isolated, and with plenty of open space for the kids. Four wheel drive enthusiasts can make a two mile each way journey to Green Sand Beach. It’s a beautiful sight, and the drive is not difficult if you have high clearance. The beach is green due to olivine in the sand, and it’s a stunning coast line. But be sure to bring plenty of food and water if you make the drive – there are no concessions here. 

About thirty minutes west of Southpoint Road’s terminus at highway eleven, you’ll find Point of Refuge, a state park and preserve featuring the recreation of a temple and work buildings where Hawaiians could come, literally, to find refuge from crimes or transgressions. If they reached this place, no matter what they did, they were safe. You’ll feel the peacefulness too, in graceful coconut palms, hordes of yellow butterflies, and the appearance of honu, Hawaii’s gentle sea turtles, basking in the shallows. The snorkling is good too, offering a variety of fish large and small from a sand and black lava beach easily accessible to the right of the boat launch. It’s also a fascinating place to explore, and the kids will love some of the large carved tiki figures, and easy paths that gently lead you around buildings and view points. 

In Kona proper, one of the nicest, if small, white sand beaches is Kahuluu on the West side of the Big Island. Here you don’t have to snorkel to see the fish, just wade off the low reef near the adjoining Outrigger hotel. And this is sea turtle heaven, the beautiful creatures can be seen drowsing right along the reef. The water is shallow and the waves gentle – perfect for small kids and many, many fish to spot. 

Hapuna Prince Beach on Western side of the Big Island

Drive up to the Kohala coast for a perfect, wide, white sand beach with beautiful views and balmy waters. Hapuna Beach is a state recreation area, but one end of it stretches over to the Hapuna Prince Hotel which offers pleasant lunches in an outdoor setting, and snacks and beverages from its pool bar. Whether you chose the state recreational area or the hotel, this is a delightful, broad sandy beach, almost two hundred feet wide in the summer. In fact, we’re not the only ones to find it a great family beach – it’s been voted best beach in the US, and the water is sparkling clear. 

Another great beach is Anaehoomalu, also on the Kohala coast. Fringed with palms and sporting access to the former royal fish ponds which are still stocked with fish, this beach is rarely crowded and it’s easy to park at and access. Near the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, you can rent snorkel or kayak gear or grab some lunch at this hotel. There’s excellent turtle watching here too, and plenty of shade which makes it a good spot to spend the day. Full facillities, too. 

While you’ll want to spend at least one day just enjoying the sea, there’s still a lot of sights on land to pull you out of those lovely waves on the Big Island. 

Big Island Pololu Valley Lookout

Continuing North from Kohala coast will take you to an awesome look out, literally at the end of the road. The Pololu Valley Lookout affords picture perfect views of the deep green cliffs of the Hamakua Coast, and two off shore islands. 

Just before you reach the look out, you’ll pass through the artist’s colony of Hawaii. Here you’ll find restaurants, small galleries, and an enjoyable general store that serves the ubiquitous but always welcome Hawaiian treat, shaved ice – in a rainbow of tasty colors. You’ll also find Sushi Rock – great, inexpensive sushi and amazing macadamia nut cheesecake in a small, plain-wrap spot. Our kids loved the avocado rolls, and none of the entrees will break a family budget. 

We’ll take a look at the Hilo side of the Big Island in another blog! Until then, Aloha.

The Big Island is, well, big. And its climate and attractions vary greatly from coast to coast. Dry, warm beaches, resorts, rocky coasts, and beautiful snorkeling opportunities await you on the west side. On the east, lush tropical forests, water falls, a jungle atmosphere. In the southern middle, you’ll find Volcanoes National Park, and moving further south the beautiful raw coastline of K’au and South Point, which is the southernmost point in the non-continental U.S. To the north, cattle ranches, incredible cliffs and hiking trails, and art filled small towns.

We’ve headquartered at all ends of the island, but one of our favorite spots is the Kalaekilohana Bed & Breakfast outside of Na’alehu, HI; a fairly remote location on the South side of the Island, but close enough to the small town for a quick dinner run. Featuring beautiful, hand crafted and thoroughly Hawaiian breakfasts and huge rooms, several with three large beds, perfect for our family, this plantation style house is a real treat. For breakfast expect a spread of fresh, locally grown fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple, Asian pear, apples, and lychees. Large lanais offer stellar sunset and star watching, authentic Hawaiian decor and materials are used throughout. The large veranda is a restful spot with a porch swing and rocking chairs over looking a broad, flat lawn perfect for children to roll around, run around, or nap upon. There’s even a washer/dryer for guest’s use. On the west side, the family friendly Sheraton Keauhou Resort and Spa has large ocean view rooms and suites, several pools, one with a water slide, a kids club and discounted kids meals. Closer to Volcanoes National Park in the Central Eastern part of the Island you’ll find Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant, with a spacious cottage house and full kitchen available in a quiet, cool, wooded area. The restaurant at the lodge has beautiful, organic cuisine and is accommodating with ingredients and preparation for young appetites.

Lava beds we explored at the end of the road in Volcanoes National Park, HI

Where ever you stay, you can head in any direction and find activities the whole family will enjoy.

But let’s start at the center of the island and one of its most unique and heralded attractions: Volcanoes.

First, a few caveats – a few of the active vents have a sulphur smell. You’ll know it as you drive by, and there’s plenty of other spots to stop for a family outing – the smell may be too strong for the smallest members of your group. Second, recently the in-park concession has been closed, so bring along snacks or a picnic – Kalekilohana or Kilauea Lodge will accommodate you with a pre-prepared feast, or make a before visit stop to a grocery store. In the town of Volcano, the Volcano Golf and Country Club has a family friendly restaurant and will pack up to-go orders.

We enjoyed the view of the caldera near the Jaggers Museum

Now to the natural beauty: the national park showcases two active volcanoes, and reveals some dramatic volcanic landscape views. There’s steam vents, lava tubes, enormous and astonishing craters, smoking lava. The otherworldly landscape is great fun for kids of all ages and honestly jaw dropping for adults. You can make your trip to this special park into a brief but rewarding circular drive stopping at lookouts along the way. Or you can take Chain of Craters Road to the end, where there’s an easy hike over recently formed lava beds that lead all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Kids will enjoy short scrambles over the bumpy black surface. The temperature down here is warm and tropical; take the sun-screen.

Thurston Lava Tube entrance

Another easy hike can take you to astonishing petroglyphs within the park at Puuloa that may remind your kids of the ones they created on your kitchen wall. Just kidding. These beautiful petroglyphs depict travel around the island and aging, well being, and celebratory events. The large concentrated cluster of these petroglyphs make the walk to see them well worth doing; although a bit up and down in terms of stones in the path, it’s all one level, slightly more than a mile round trip, and features an easy to traverse boardwalk around the petroglyphs themselves.

In the upper portion of the park you’ll find temperatures are often cool; bring sweatshirts! Trails are well maintained and very short walks can take you to spectacular views. As long as you hold on to little hands there’s nothing here that’s alarming for parents.

Inside the Thurston Lava Tube

The Jagger museum, about one third of the way around the famous Crater Rim drive is a good place to start and learn about volcanoes, wild life, different forms of lava – all in simple to understand and interesting exhibits. And from the view point just outside the museum, you can look down into the caldera and see steam rising from the depths. Spectacular for all viewing ages. Along the drive back up to the rim, Kilauea’s environment turns into a lush tropical rainforest. A well known, short and exciting walk is to the Thurston Lava Tube. With small children in tow it will take you about twenty minutes to traverse the third of a mile, all paved, into a fairy-tale like tree fern forest and then into a lighted prehistoric lava tube. Like entering a long cave – with a lot of people, as this is a popular attraction. It’s also popular to check out the echo here – which our kids definitely enjoyed. Where several hundred years ago a river of lava stormed the tube, now you can walk through the center of this once molten part of the earth and sing Katy Perry’s latest. Coming out on the far side, there are spots to rest and contemplate the lush vegetation and the tube itself, and maybe do a little bird watching. The bright red one is called an apapane.

And when you’ve had enough volcanic exploration, you have beaches, waterfalls, and mountain vistas to enjoy – coming up more Big Island Overview of Beaches, Parks, Hotels and Restaurants in Part 2.

What a perfect Hawaiian vacation!  The first half of our adventure was spent at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel next to the ritzy glitzy Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on the island of Oahu.  Besides the daily ritual of sunning, swimming and fine dining, we spent countless hours in and out of the various stores, boutiques and street vendors in and around Waikiki in order to fulfill my pregnant wife’s passion and zeal for shopping (read about the first half of our Hawaiian Vacation: Waikiki Getaway During Pregnancy).  At the end of the trip we were ready for the second more relaxing half of our vacation at the Hapuna Beach Prince resort on the big island of Hawaii. 

Hapuna Beach Prince room ocean view

Neither of us knew what to expect since this was our first time visiting the Big Island.  All we knew was that it would be a more intimate setting with less crowds.  After claiming our baggage at the Kona International Airport we picked up our rental car from Avis without any delays.  The map they gave us with the directions were pretty simple.  It was a straight shot up the coast for about 30 minutes.  While we were driving we couldn’t help notice the vast fields of black volcanic rock on both sides of the road stretching out for miles and miles in every direction. 

We were told that this side of the island was more dry, but this was not at all what we expected.   I was a little concerned at first about the freakishly barren land and the idea that our hotel would be situated in a similar environment, but our fears were soon extinguished once we approached the Hapuna Beach Prince hotel.  The off ramp circled around and under the highway and lead through a well manicured landscape and golf course with palm trees galore.  After the valet greeted us and took our car, we walked into the lobby and were thrilled to see through the majestic structure out to the deep blue ocean.  We had an ocean front room and we couldn’t wait to check in!

Pool heated to over 90 degrees

Our room at the Hapuna Beach Prince was spacious and luxurious, and the view from our patio was spectacular.  This was not a high-rise hotel as we were used to at the Sheraton in Waikiki.  Instead there were only about 5 or 6 floors stretching far and wide along the hillside above a long and inviting sandy beach.  We spent each day either at the 90 degree heated pool or at the beach.  We were surprised at how few people there were at the resort  and wondered if it was full or if everyone was just hanging out in their rooms the whole time!  Unlike our previous experience on Oahu, we had no problem what-so-ever getting a prime seating location at the pool.  

There were a couple of times when we ordered room service for breakfast and just enjoyed our meal outside on our patio.  We also ate lunch often at the Coast Grille right next to the pool area.  I normally try to eat healthy food, but when I saw someone next to me eating the nachos I caved.  Those nachos were loaded with goodies and I can say with certainty that they were the best I’ve had.   For dinner and sometimes breakfast we ate at either the Ocean Terrace or the Reef Lounge depending on what was open.  As I mentioned before, there didn’t seem to be very many people at the resort so I believe that is why we found that there was only one or two restaurants open at any one time. 

Since we had a rental car, we did have a chance to go exploring for a while.  One day we visited a nice beach shopping area with art galleries, boutiques, and of course restaurants.  I was craving sushi so we decided to eat at the Kenichi Pacific Sushi Restaurant in that same shopping center.   My wife was pregnant so she couldn’t have any raw fish, but there were plenty of other things on the menu to choose from that were considered safe for our unborn baby.  I on the other hand didn’t hold back.  I ate every type of sushi imaginable and even had some of their specialty rolls.  The food was very good and I was more than satisfied.  The only problem is that after the meal it looked like I was more pregnant than my wife!  Well worth it!

On a different day we decided to drive from our hotel in Kona to Hilo which was on the other more wet side of the island.  It took a little over 2 hours to get there, and it was raining and overcast about half the trip.  When we arrived however, it had cleared up and the weather was perfect.  It was a very beautiful and scenic trek, but unfortunately we found there was not much to do once we got there.  Our mistake is that we didn’t do any research ahead of time so we had no idea where to go in Hilo.  We ended up driving around town just exploring and looking for something interesting to do.  We finally just pulled over at a small cafe, had dinner, and drove back that evening to our Hotel. 

Although my wife felt like our drive to Hilo was a waste of a day, I really enjoyed the ride itself and some of the beautiful scenery we encountered along the way.  It may have been a bit anti-climactic, but there were times when we turned off the main road and stopped at scenic points of interest which in my opinion made it worthwhile.  That side of the island looked and felt more like Kauai with the rich vegetation.  It was fascinating to see these thick and giant Banyan trees with their long exposed roots.  It almost looked like they were growing in reverse with the roots reaching up from the ground and into the branches above.

The Hapuna Beach Prince was a wonderful resort and we will definitely return someday.  It’s the perfect resort for a Hawaiian honeymoon.  Looking back I wish we had taken their free shuttle to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel right next door to check it out.  It’s a very nice hotel from what I have heard and it would have been nice to have dinner there at least once.  I didn’t even realize it was so close and that there were shuttles pickups ever 15 minutes or we would have definitely gone for a visit.  Next time for sure!