Whether it be a family picnic next to an 80-foot waterfall, learning about Hawaiian marine life, exploring tide pools near where magnificent green sea turtles are nesting, ziplining through lush rainforest, or seeing wild animals at one of the world’s most unique zoos, our ideas for the best Volcano family vacation at our Volcano vacation rental is endless! After visiting Volcanoes National Park, explore these other close by family activities.
See a Waterfall
The Hilo side of the Big Island is one of the best places on Earth for chasing waterfalls, with several within an hour’s drive from the front door of your Volcano vacation rental. Some of the waterfalls are more isolated, on private property, and require a fee and hike to get to them (they’re still more than worth the effort, and to learn more, see our sister property’s blog about Big Island waterfalls). On the other hand, Rainbow Falls is free to access, right in the middle of Hilo proper, and doesn’t require a long trek, making it perfect even for younger kids. It’s only a 45-minute drive from Volcano to the Rainbow Falls parking area off Waianuenue Ave, one of the main thoroughfares through downtown Hilo. Part of the Wailuku River State Park, the area around the 80-foot waterfall is well-maintained, with clearly-marked trails, kid-safe zones to view the waterfall from, and beautiful trees alongside the river. Check out the massive banyan tree, whose network of roots you can walk under and through, and mango trees, where your kids can pick fresh fruit to enjoy with your 5th St. Ohana Aloha Bag picnic while watching a rainbow form over the falls.
Dive Into Hawaiian Nature and Culture at Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Built two decades ago to promote education and preservation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Island Marine National Monument (a UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing over 582,000 square miles), the Mokupapapa Discovery Center near the waterfront in Hilo is free to visit and captivating for kids and adults alike. A large saltwater aquarium is home to several types of reef fish, with their bright and unique colors, which your kids can see inches away. Exhibits feature everything from life-sized monk seals and common sharks to skeletons of some of the many seabirds that frequent the shores of the Big Island. Living up to their motto of “where nature and culture are one,” your kids will also learn about Hawaiian cultural heritage, including an authentic outrigger canoe used by native islanders for fishing. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Take the Whole Family Ziplining at Umauma Falls
The Umauma Experience is only 20 minutes north of Hilo, where their world-class network of 9 ziplines makes for a day of epic adventure for everyone in the family. The zipline course includes rides through the rainforest and along the Umauma stream, including views of the famous triple-level Umauma Falls, with expert guides that will make your kids feel safe even on the more exhilarating ziplines routes. They are often booked up in advance on weekends, so try to plan your visit well beforehand or make a reservation on a weekday. Kids must be at least four years old and 35 lbs to ride the ziplines, and your group will get in-depth safety instructions an hour before your tour. Ziplining above a waterfall is a quintessential Hawaiian experience that your kids will never forget!
Snorkel, Play, and Explore at Richardson Ocean Park
Routinely rated one of the best beaches anywhere on the Big Island, your kids will love swimming and snorkeling in Richardson Ocean Park’s protected cove, hanging out on a black sand beach, and seeing giant green sea turtles up close. This hidden gem is less than 5 miles from downtown Hilo, so it’s easy to plan a beach afternoon around other activities you may be doing in town (we suggest the Hilo Farmers Market, which is a must-visit during your stay). The black sand shoreline is an excellent opportunity to bring volcanoes to life for your kids – it makes the Big Island’s unique geology tangible as they hold deep-black volcanic sand between their fingertips. The tide pools are also teeming with reef fish and coral, while Honu, or giant green sea turtles, rest and relax just feet away – they grow up to 4 feet long and often live to 70 years old, making for a fantastic introduction to Hawaii’s rare sea life for your kids.
Spend An Afternoon at the Rainforest Zoo
The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, one of the only zoos in the world situated within a rainforest environment, has been a treasure for wildlife lovers for 45 years. Run by a non-profit and free to visit, the zoo’s unique property is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm, with animal exhibits alongside immaculate tropical gardens. It’s also just 30 minutes from our Volcano location, making it an easy day trip. As you walk the pathway through the gardens and rainforest, your kids will get a thrill seeing their 80+ species of animals, including sloths, anteaters, monkeys, iguanas, and snapping turtles. It’s also rare to see birds like macaws and green Amazon parrots in their natural rainforest habitat, unlike at “city” zoos where they are out of their element. And the highlight is an exhibit with two Bengal tigers, cutely named Sriracha and Tzatziki for their dark and white coats, who turn eight years old this year – they are stunning animals to see in person, and your kids will love how playful and entertaining they are. Before your day at the zoo, check their event schedule so you can time your visit to coincide with a snapping turtle or alligator feeding session, and their Saturday afternoon petting zoo is catered specifically for children.
Book your Volcano Family Vacation now, where your kids will make Hawaiian memories they’ll cherish forever!
