After nearly a year of careful planning and saving, my family and I finally made it to the Big Island of Hawaii in August of 2018. It was the first of four stops through the Hawaiian island chain. And, it was, without a doubt, our most favorite. Which is why we’ve just planned our return trip for this August! Seemed like a great time to reminisce.
Why? Well, for starters, the island offered so much in terms of varying topographies, Hawaiian culture, and adventure. It’s also the place where our daughter, Mallory Grace, fell in love with snorkeling.
Best of all, in just five days, we were able to experience a rainforest climate, 440-foot waterfall, lava fields, Kona coffee country, and a traditional luau. We also held baby seahorses and swam with sea turtles. And those were just some of the highlights!
If you’re already feeling inspired to get away with your family to the Big Island, to save you some time, I’ve put together our top ten island picks for you below. Enjoy!
1. Hapuna Beach
When a local gives you a recommendation, you take it. In this case, they sent us on a picturesque adventure to Hilo on the east side of the island. Our first stop? Hapuna Beach. It’s a public beach located about 45 minutes north from Kailua-Kona. And, it features perfectly calm waves, reef snorkeling right off the shore, and a serene paradise-like setting.
The locals consider this the best beach on the island. Personally, this spot stood out as one of my family’s favorites on the spent the Big Island. And, as I mentioned earlier, it’s the exact spot where MG fell in love with snorkeling.
Traveler Tip! Heading back to the west from Hilo, make sure to take Highway 200 through the sweeping lava fields and past Mauna Kea volcano. I can promise this is a sight you’ll never forget!
2. Tex Drive-In
Stop for an after-swim treat at Tex Drive-In in Honokaa. It’s been a local’s tradition since 1969! Be sure to load up on some malasadas. They’re deep-fried, sugar-coated donut balls that you can get with a variety of fillings. And, if you’re craving something a little heartier, there’s also burgers and other Hawaiian food choices you can choose from.
3. Akaka Falls State Park
Just another 45 miles up the road towards Hilo is where you’ll find Akaka Falls State Park. For only a simple $3 entrance fee and .40 mile hike (on a concrete-paved path with a decent amount of stairs), you’ll be amongst a 442-foot waterfall wonder! Oh, and a considerable amount of other tourists. 
We enjoyed the jungle-like hike with spectacular flora and fauna, and giant trees just as much as the waterfall. There were plenty of kids on this “hike,” and we only experienced a moderate amount of whining from our then 8-year-old. So, all in all, it was totally worth the experience.
Additionally, Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is located another 30 minutes away. It’s home to a white tiger! The small, but charming zoo offers free admission and great play areas, which may be worth an hour or so of your time if you’ve got some to spare. But, it’s not an absolute must see.
4. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
The Big Island is doing some seriously important work in the world of sustainable aquaculture, which is the rearing of aquatic animals or aquatic plants for food. Everything from lobsters to abalone and seaweed, and even mussels are thriving on Hawaii’s marine farms.
Luckily, visitors like yourself can get an up-close, interactive tour of the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm. The entrance fee will set you back $45 per adult. But, your “donation” helps them to achieve their mission of domesticating seahorses to save those in the wild.
Besides, what other opportunities will you have to get a seahorse to wrap around your fingers?
Traveler Tip: You can also take a seahorse home as a souvenir (following a two week online training course)!
5. Royal Kona Luau
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a traditional luau. And, the Royal Kona Luau was a perfect choice! We bought fresh mother-daughter leis from the local Walmart for $9 each to make the night a little more special. If you come expecting that this is at its essence a buffet and dinner show with a couple of hundred friends, then you’ll leave pleasantly surprised.
Think all-you-can-drink mai tais, truly delicious kalua pig cooked all day in the IMU (Hawaiian earth oven), talented hula girls, and a brazen fire dancer set against a fiery sunset, and voila! We transported to the South Pacific of years past.
Traveler Tip: Grab a drink at the bar beforehand at Royal Kona Resort. It’s home to the original mai tai, and you can also avoid the pre-luau line. There’s not a bad seat at the luau, so there’s no need to stand in the long line for seats. In fact, there’s actually a clear view to the luau show from the Royal Kona bar if you want to stay put and avoid the $70 entrance fee. The show starts at 6:30.