Big Island vacations for families

Final Frontier: Hawaii

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  Lava rock on the Big Island of Hawaii.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii1.jpg461991
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  Go on a petroglyph (lava rock carvings) hike on the Kona side of the Big Island.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii2.jpg462012
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  Pu ukohol Heiau National Historic Park was built as a place of worship by King Kamehameha in 1790.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii3.jpg462033
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  Take a drive along the Kona coast to see the King Kamehameha I statue.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii4.jpg462054
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  Take a drive along the Kona coast to see the King Kamehameha I statue.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii5.jpg462075
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  Polol Valley Lookout offers some of the most breathtaking views you'll see anywhere.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii6.jpg462096
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  Polol Valley Lookout offers some of the most breathtaking views you'll see anywhere.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii7.jpg462117
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  Polol Valley Lookout offers some of the most breathtaking views you'll see anywhere.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii8.jpg462138
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  Bamboo Restaurant in Kapaau often features live entertainment.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii9.jpg462159
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  Get up close with dolphins on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii10.jpg4621710
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  Get up close with dolphins on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii11.jpg4621911
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  Get up close with dolphins on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii12.jpg4622112
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  Stand-up paddle boarding is a relaxing (and surprisingly easy) way to enjoy the ocean.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii13.jpg4622313
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  Get up close with dolphins on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii14.jpg4622514
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  The crew on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure take you nice and close to natural wonders on the Pacific.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii15.jpg4622715
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  The crew on Captain Zodiac's Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure take you nice and close to natural wonders on the Pacific.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii16.jpg4622916
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  Luaus, like the one at Hilton Waikoloa Village, have "tourist" written all over them, but if you're looking for a place to try poi, here's your chance.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii17.jpg4623117
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  Luaus, like the one at Hilton Waikoloa Village, have "tourist" written all over them, but if you're looking for a place to try poi, here's your chance.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii18.jpg4623318
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  This cemetery, located outside of Hilo, is one of the unique surprises you'll find while driving a circle tour of the Big Island.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii19.jpg4623519
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  This cemetery, located outside of Hilo, is one of the unique surprises you'll find while driving a circle tour of the Big Island.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii20.jpg4623720
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  A local weaves a bamboo basket at Akaka Falls State Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii21.jpg4623921
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  The 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park is take-your-breath-away gorgeous.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii22.jpg4624122
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  The 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park is take-your-breath-away gorgeous.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii23.jpg4624323
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  Enjoy a fresh coconut at a roadside stand outside of Akaka Falls State Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii24.jpg4624524
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  Enjoy a fresh coconut at a roadside stand outside of Akaka Falls State Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii25.jpg4624725
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  Drive all the way through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a peek at this spectacular sight.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii26.jpg4624926
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  Drive all the way through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a peek at this spectacular sight.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii27.jpg4625127
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  Warnings in Hawaii aren't to be taken lightly.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii28.jpg4625328
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  Climb on hardened lava rock at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii29.jpg4625529
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  Molten lava covered this road before hardening into immovable rock.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii30.jpg4625730
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  A rare touch of green breaks through the lava rock at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii31.jpg4625931
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  Climb on hardened lava rock at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii32.jpg4626132
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  The Big Island boasts the only active volcano on the Hawaiian islands.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii33.jpg4626333
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  The Big Island boasts the only active volcano on the Hawaiian islands.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii34.jpg4626534
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  Don't forget to bring a flashlight to explore the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  Photo: Mike Burke009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii35.jpg4626735
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  Don't forget to bring a flashlight to explore the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

  Photo: Mike Burke009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii36.jpg4626936
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  The spectacular early-morning view from Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel option in downtown HIlo.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii37.jpg4627137
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  Farmers' markets, like the one in downtown Hilo, are a great way to score souvenirs and try exotic fruits without paying high grocery store prices.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii38.jpg4627338
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  Traditional snow cones have nothing on the Hawaiian shaved ice treat.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii39.jpg4627539
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  It takes awhile to shave all that ice by hand (and cover it in three flavors), but it's worth it.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii40.jpg4627740
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  It takes awhile to shave all that ice by hand (and cover it in three flavors), but it's worth it.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii41.jpg4627941
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  Get peaceful or search for sand turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii42.jpg4628142
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  Catch a wave at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii43.jpg4628343
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  Catch a wave at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii44.jpg4628544
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  Take a lstand-up paddle esson or just rent equipment from the super cool dudes at Kona Boys Beach Shack.

  Photo: Mike Burke009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii45.jpg4628745
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  Take a lstand-up paddle esson or just rent equipment from the super cool dudes at Kona Boys Beach Shack.

  Photo: Mike Burke009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii46.jpg4628946
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  The outrigger canoe ride at Kona Boys Beach Shack comes with a little Hawaiian history lesson.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii47.jpg4629147
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  The outrigger canoe ride at Kona Boys Beach Shack comes with a little Hawaiian history lesson.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii48.jpg4629348
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  Farmers' markets, like the one in downtown Hilo, are a great way to score souvenirs and try exotic fruits without paying high grocery store prices.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii49.jpg4629549
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  Farmers' markets, like the one in downtown Hilo, are a great way to score souvenirs and try exotic fruits without paying high grocery store prices.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii50.jpg4629750
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  Farmers' markets, like the one in downtown Hilo, are a great way to score souvenirs and try exotic fruits without paying high grocery store prices.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii51.jpg4629951
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  The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is located on the cliffs of Kona.

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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii53.jpg4630353
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii54.jpg4630554
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii55.jpg4630755
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii56.jpg4630956
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii57.jpg4631157
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii58.jpg4631358
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii59.jpg4631559
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  The Dolphin Quest Encounter at the Hilton Waikoloa Village is the closest you'll ever get to a dolphin.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii60.jpg4631760
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  The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa pool features a water slide and sandy beach area.

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  Island dancing and history are a big part of hotel luaus, like the one at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii62.jpg4632162
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  The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa pool features a water slide and sandy beach area.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii63.jpg4632363
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  The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa pool features a water slide and sandy beach area.

  009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii64.jpg4632564
• Photo: James L. Wing009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii65.jpg4632765
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  Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa offers families affordable condo accommodations on the Big Island.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii66_0.jpg4721966
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  Relax in the gorgeous pool at Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa.

  Photo: Amy Carr009.fl.ff.tock.Hawaii67.jpg4722167

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Lava rock on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Photo: Amy Carr

They had me at “Paradise is on sale.”

Earlier this year, I met with a representative from the Big Island Visitors Bureau who insisted there’s never been a cheaper time for families to visit Hawaii. Indeed, the deals are there if you know where to look—and if you keep in mind that, when you’re talking about paradise, the term good deal is relative.

Getting there is likely to be the most expensive part of your trip. Consider package deals like the one being offered by the Sheraton Kona Bay (sheratonkona.com), a family-friendly resort (with its own waterslide!) on the cliffs of Kona. A family of four can stay at the Sheraton in mid-June for five nights, including air, taxes and a car rental for $3,414.

Once there, you can easily spend a fortune, but why? Here are five practically free Big Island highlights—plus one splurge your family will never forget.

1. Walk across an active volcano. The largest of the islands boasts three active volcanoes, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers hiking, views and history you can’t find anywhere else. Park admission, good for a week (bargain!), is $10 per car. Skip the expensive tours and instead stop in the visitors’ office, where park rangers will customize a tour for you free of charge. Be sure to bring flashlights for the don’t-miss hike through the Thurston Lava Tube.

2. Stand-up paddle board on the Pacific. Rent paddle boards at Kona Boys (808-328-1234; konaboys.com) for $25/hour. (Get a coupon for a free second hour online.) The staff will gladly give you a lesson ($75/each for two or more people), but here’s what you need to know: Start on your knees, ease your way up, don’t lock your knees, and when you fall in shallow areas, fall flat. Coral reef stings.

3. Take an exotic road trip. A complete loop (from the lava rock–covered Kona coast to the tropical rain forests near Hilo and back) takes about eight hours by car. You’ll be stopping a lot, so consider doing it over two days. Don’t miss: Pololu Valley Lookout on the northern tip of the island; the breathtaking 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park ($1 per person); and sleeping sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.

4. Watch majestic mantas. Every night, like clockwork, graceful, giant manta rays (with up to 22-foot spans!) swim to the Sheraton Kona Resort’s free viewing area.

5. Try tropical fruits at a farmers’ market. Drink from a coconut (ask the vendor to whack it open with a machete), eat super-fresh—and cheap—pineapple, or be daring and try something new, like a spiky rambutan.

The splurge If you invest in only one of the pricier tours available, make it the Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure ($97 adults, kids ages 4–12 $78, captainzodiac.com). This awesome four-hour trip includes dolphin spotting, a wicked-fast boat ride on a Zodiac raft, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, snacks and Hawaiian storytelling from a super-cool crew.