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.
Home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rainforest setting — the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Features a playground, pavilions, and a gift shop. Nāmele the white Bengal tiger is the star attraction.
Tip Free admission (donations welcome). Open daily 10 AM–3 PM. About a 2-hour drive from Kona — combine with a Hilo day trip.
Punalu’u is one of the most reliable spots in Hawaiʻi to see endangered green sea turtles (honu) basking on the jet-black sand. An all-ages activity with educational signage about turtle conservation and Hawaiian marine ecology.
Tip Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the turtles — it’s the law, and the fines are significant. Best viewing in the morning.
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.
Tip Located about 5 miles north of Hilo. Last entry is at 5 PM.
Family-friendly boat tours for snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal), or dolphin watching. Knowledgeable guides, well-maintained equipment, and an emphasis on marine education make these trips engaging for both kids and adults.
A colorful local artisan market along Aliʻi Drive featuring 20+ unique shops selling handmade jewelry, Hawaiian art, clothing, and gifts. A relaxed way to spend an afternoon browsing and supporting local craftspeople.
