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Question

I'm going to the Westin at Hapuna beach for a conference in January and adding a few days to turn the trip into a brief family vacation. We have 2 kids ages 12 and 9. Please help me make tweaks to improve my plan, whether it's to drop activities or add local gems.

Day 1 Arrive midday. Pick up rental car, swim at one of the beaches (Hapuna?) before checking into our accommodation in Waimea.

Day 2. Morning at the conference. Waipio valley afternoon. If anyone has been to the Westin, are there places for the kids to hang out (pool, playground, day lounge) while I'm working there?

Day 3. Morning conference. Leave at noon to head to akaka falls. Check into Airbnb in volcano village. Go see the the lava after dark

Day 4. Explore volcano national Park. Take the southern route and make stops along the way to eventually end up in kailua-kona for the night.

Day 5. Explore around Kona, maybe visit a cocoa or coffee plantation? Manta ray swim at night.

Day 6. Leave on early morning flight.

Volcano national Park and manta ray swim are the must-dos, otherwise pretty flexible with our plans.

Thank you all!

Answer

Your itinerary for the Big Island looks well-rounded, with a mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and family-friendly activities. Here are some suggestions and tweaks to optimize your trip, considering you have young kids and want to balance work and fun.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

It’s a good idea to relax at Hapuna Beach before checking in. This beach is beautiful and family-friendly, with calm waters that are great for swimming. After your flight, a swim to shake off the travel fatigue sounds perfect. You can also consider visiting nearby Mauna Kea Beach (a short drive from Hapuna) for a quieter beach experience with white sands and gentle surf.

If time permits, head to Waimea Town in the late afternoon to explore a bit. The town has a laid-back atmosphere and some charming shops that the kids might enjoy. You could also visit the Waimea Nature Park or the Parker Ranch Shopping Center.

Day 2: Conference and Waipi'o Valley

If the conference occupies most of the morning, the afternoon trip to Waipi'o Valley is a great idea. It's a beautiful, historic valley with lush landscapes. You can stop at the Waipi’o Overlook to get panoramic views of the valley and coast. If you want to venture further, you can do a guided tour into the valley, but this may be a bit more strenuous for kids if you plan to hike down into the valley.

The Westin Hapuna Beach has great amenities for kids. There’s a family pool, and the beach offers calm waters for them to enjoy. The resort also has kids' activities, though you might want to confirm the schedule with the concierge. Additionally, the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is right next to the resort and a great place for the kids to explore.

Day 3: Akaka Falls and Volcano Village

After your conference session, visiting Akaka Falls is a great way to spend the afternoon. The falls are easy to access with a short, paved walk, and it’s an excellent spot for family photos. If you have some time left in the day, consider visiting Rainbow Falls in Hilo, which is nearby and also quite stunning.

Once in Volcano Village, take a short evening trip to see the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater glow. The kids will find the experience mesmerizing, but be prepared for some cool, sometimes damp weather in the Volcano area, especially in the evening.

Day 4: Volcano National Park and Road to Kailua-Kona

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the morning, focusing on the Kīlauea Visitor Center and the Crater Rim Drive. You could take an easy walk along the Devastation Trail or the Thurston Lava Tube, both of which are family-friendly and highlight the park’s volcanic features.

In the afternoon, head south towards Kailua-Kona, making stops along the way. Consider stopping at Punaluu Black Sand Beach to see sea turtles, or the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park to explore the sacred Hawaiian grounds. Both are scenic spots and provide a bit of historical education for the kids.

Day 5: Kona Area Exploration and Manta Ray Swim

Your plans to visit a coffee or cocoa plantation in Kona are great, as this area is known for both. Greenwell Farms offers a good coffee farm tour where the kids can learn about coffee growing and even try some samples. Another option is the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, where you can experience the history of coffee farming on the island.

The Manta Ray swim at night is definitely a must-do! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it might not be suitable for younger kids, as the night swim and cold water can be challenging for some. Be sure to check with the tour company about age restrictions and comfort levels before booking.

Day 6: Departure

Since you have an early flight, you might not have much time for activities. If possible, you could grab breakfast at Kona Coffee and Tea before heading to the airport, or if time permits, take a quick stroll through Kailua Village for some last-minute shopping or a walk along the waterfront.

Additional Tips:

For a quieter, more unique experience, try Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, where you can explore the ancient “place of refuge” and learn about Hawaiian culture. It’s an educational stop and perfect for families.
If you have a little more time, consider adding a stop at Mauna Kea Observatory for stargazing, especially since you’ll be in the area with your rental car. However, this activity is best for older kids and requires driving up to a higher elevation, so it’s a bit more strenuous.
For dining, Big Island Grill in Kona offers great local food in a casual, family-friendly setting. For a fun night out, you can also try Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.

Overall, your itinerary looks like a fantastic balance of family activities and must-see sights, with some flexibility built in for relaxation. If you're looking to add a bit more local flavor, consider stopping at one of the smaller beaches or parks along the way and exploring local food trucks. The kids will appreciate the fresh treats, and you’ll get a taste of authentic island life.

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