Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 5 - Green Sand Beach)

I've always wanted to go to the Green Sand Beach near South Point (not far from the southern Ka'u town of Naalehu).  Alas, previous attempts usually ended at the eerie South Point cliffs because the road leading to the Green Sand Beach is an extremely rough, 4x4-only dirt path.  Some will drive their cars as far as they can, then park and hike … [Read more...]

Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 4 – Waipio Valley)

I've hiked into the Waipio Valley several times - most recently about 2 years ago.  Ever since then I've wanted to return, yet again, to explore further and to really enjoy the beauty and serenity of this magnificent valley.  With a 4 and 3 year old on the trip with me this time, I thought it would be best to drive into the valley - which I … [Read more...]

Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 3 - Captain Cook)

Kayaking across Kealakekua Bay

Slowly but surely, our sleep cycle is getting more steady - we are still somewhat jetlagged, waking at around 6:30AM - but at least we are going to sleep around 8-9PM, so we are getting plenty of sleep time. On this day, we decided to kayak across Kealakekua Bay to the marine sanctuary known as Captain Cook (named after the monument on the far … [Read more...]

Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 2 - Hilo/Hamakua)

Our second day on the Big Island started off much like the first - with a jet-lagged wake up at about 5:00AM. Soon after we were on our way to Ken's House of Pancakes for breakfast. This diner has been a fixture in Hilo for as long as I can remember. It is an interesting blend of pancake house food with island (local kine) flair. After some eggs, … [Read more...]

Busy Big Island Day with Kids (Part 1 - Volcano)

  We just arrived back on the Big Island for another exciting trip.  This time we have several young kids (age 3 and 4) in our group and we are excited to show them all of the wonderful things the Big Island has to offer.  My last several trips were with either friends or family (without the kids), so this trip will obviously be … [Read more...]