Hawaii Big Island and Maui Family Self Drive Adventure Tour Detail Page

Your Hawaiian family adventure begins as you land at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, where balmy breezes and swaying palms set the mood for island life. After picking up your rental car, make the short drive to your family-friendly Kona hotel or resort and settle in. In the afternoon, head out for a relaxed stroll along lively Ali‘i Drive, lined with oceanfront cafés, boutique shops, and the historic Hulihe‘e Palace, once a royal retreat. As evening approaches, treat your family to a beachfront dinner at Huggo’s or Lava Lava Beach Club, where toes-in-the-sand dining delights all ages. End your first day watching a golden Kona sunset from Kailua Pier or Magic Sands Beach, a perfect welcome to paradise.

Rise early for an epic family road trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get maps and learn about the island’s fiery origins. Walk through the fascinating Thurston Lava Tube, then stroll the Devastation Trail, where lava once reshaped the land. Continue down the Chain of Craters Road, where rugged lava fields meet the Pacific in dramatic fashion. Kids will love spotting steam vents and craters along the way. On your return drive, pause at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, famous for its unique shoreline and basking green sea turtles. Return to Kona in the evening, ready to relax after a day exploring one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural wonders.

Start your morning at Two Step, one of the Big Island’s best snorkeling spots, where colorful fish, coral, and maybe even sea turtles swim in crystal-clear waters. Located beside Pu?uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and culture. Next, head inland to the lush uplands for a Kona coffee farm tour. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, while parents enjoy tastings of world-famous Kona coffee. In the afternoon, unwind at your hotel pool or stroll through Kona’s charming art galleries and boutiques. As night falls, consider a manta ray night snorkel or dive, an unforgettable experience where these gentle giants glide gracefully under moonlit waters — a highlight for adventurous families.

After breakfast, set out along the scenic Kohala Coast, where lava fields meet turquoise waters. Your first stop is Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, an impressive stone temple built by King Kamehameha I. Learn about Hawaii’s fascinating history before continuing north. By late morning, head to Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, ideal for swimming, sandcastles, and picnics. In the afternoon, explore the charming towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au, filled with local shops, art galleries, and the iconic King Kamehameha statue. Return to Kona in the evening, where you can relax over dinner and reflect on a day filled with culture, history, and fun in the sun.

This morning, head inland to Waimea, a ranching town steeped in paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Visit Parker Ranch or browse the local farmers market for island produce and crafts. Continue north to the breathtaking Pololu Valley Lookout, where lush green cliffs descend to a black sand beach below. Adventurous families can hike down the short but steep trail for stunning views and a peaceful shoreline walk. For lunch, enjoy a family picnic at Spencer Beach Park, known for calm waters and kid-friendly swimming. In the evening, dine in Waimea at a local restaurant before returning to Kona, driving through rolling pastures and sweeping ocean landscapes — a perfect balance of culture and natural beauty.

After breakfast, return your rental car and take a short flight from Kona to Maui. Pick up your new rental car and head to your hotel in Ka?anapali or Lahaina, perfect bases for family adventures. Spend your afternoon exploring Lahaina’s Front Street, a lively hub filled with shops, art galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss the enormous Lahaina Banyan Tree, one of the largest in the U.S., where kids can play beneath its sprawling canopy. Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly oceanfront restaurant before strolling along the harbor at sunset. Relax back at your resort, listening to the sound of waves, as you prepare for more Maui magic in the days ahead.

Embark on Maui’s iconic Road to Hana, a family road trip filled with waterfalls, lush rainforest, and breathtaking coastal views. Pack snacks and set out early, making scenic stops at Twin Falls, Wai?anapanapa State Park with its black sand beach, and Wailua Falls, which tumbles down into a jungle pool. Kids will love spotting roadside fruit stands for fresh pineapple or banana bread. Pause for a picnic at a waterfall stop or coastal overlook before continuing through winding roads that reveal one natural wonder after another. While the drive is long, the journey is the reward — perfect for adventurous families who love the outdoors. Return to Lahaina in the evening for a relaxing dinner by the sea.