Top 5 Toddler-Friendly Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii
Wondering if Big Island is a good place to take your toddler? If you are looking for gorgeous calm baby beaches for relaxing and easy hikes to volcanoes and tropical waterfalls for adventure, then Big Island is your perfect family vacation destination! There are plenty of activities that both parents and toddlers can enjoy on the Big Island. This list of 5 toddler friendly activities on the Big Island is your sign to book that family trip to the Big Island!
1. Keiki (baby) Beaches
The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the best keiki (or baby) beaches we have been to in Hawaii. The water is so calm and shallow that you can let your toddler splash around with more peace of mind while you lounge on the white sand beach. The tricky part is finding parking at these popular beaches because there are only a few coveted public parking spots. But I got you covered! Find the best baby beaches in the Big Island and mostly importantly, parking tips, on our Big Island guide.
2. Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets are a family affair on the Big Island. The farmer’s markets take place on different days all around the island. Find everything from local jam and coffee to local art and delicious cooked to order foods. Toddlers will love the samples and dancing to the live music! The farmers markets are also a great place to pick up some foodie souvenirs. As a bonus, the Waimea Town Farmer’s Market is right next to a great playground. Perfect for little ones to burn off some energy before nap time.
3. Volcanoes National Park
Yes, you can visit Volcanoes National Park with a toddler! You probably won’t be able to go on any crazy hikes, but there are some easy hikes with great overlooks. The Thurston Lava Tubes are also a great hit with toddlers because of the tunnel factor. We debated whether it would be worth it to drive all the way there with a toddler, and it definitely was worth seeing an active volcano bubbling away. If you only have one day to explore Volcanoes National Park, follow our guide to hit the must sees before nap time.
4. Waterfalls
You don’t have to go offroading to find a beautiful waterfall in the Big Island. If you want a little more activity after all that beach lounging, spend a day doing a side trip to the Hilo side of the island. Take a detour to Akaka Falls on the way to Volcanoes National Park and you can go on an easy paved hike with your toddler down to an overlook of a beautiful secluded waterfall.
5. Shave Ice
Not gonna lie, shave ice was probably our toddler’s favorite Big Island activity. There is something about shave ice in Hawaii that you just can’t replicate back on the mainland. Maybe it’s the tropical atmosphere or just being in the vacation mindset. Original Big Island Shave Ice Co at the King’s Shops really hit the spot after a day of playing in the water. And if you’re hungry for more substantial food after that shave ice, check out our list of kid-friendly restaurants on the Big Island!
Kid Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed
- Sound Machine: If you’re sharing a room with your little one, a portable sound machine can be a total lifesaver. Because of the time difference and earlier bedtimes, kids are more likely to be asleep while there’s still noise around. A sound machine helps drown out outside sounds and keeps them sleeping longer.
- Pack and play sheets: Even if the condo/hotel has a pack and play, they may not always have sheets to go with it. We always bring our own. It’s even better if your kiddo has slept on the sheets recently, because then it smells like home and can put them to sleep easier in an unfamiliar place.
- Slumberpod: The Slumberpod worked wonders for us when our kid was smaller. Once he turned 2 though, being zipped up in the Slumberpod seemed to scare him more if he woke up in the middle of the night.
- Hip seat carrier: We love our hip seat carrier with convertible straps! It’s so much easier to move around beaches and carry beach gear when our kid is strapped to us rather than pull a wagon or stroller through the sand. The hip seat is also much more comfortable for him to nap in if we’re taking longer walks or hikes because he can actually sit rather than being suspended. We especially love ours because it’s hands free, and can be worn in the front or back.
- Oxo Tot 2-in-1 travel potty: I bring this potty seat everywhere. I love that it can be a standalone potty that you can use with any old plastic bag. And you can put it on top of a regular toilet to make it easier for kids to sit.
- Long sleeve rash guards: If your kid hates putting on sunscreen (as mine does), then a long sleeve rash guard is key for protecting them from the sun. Choose neon yellow, neon green, bright orange, or hot pink for maximum visibility in the pool.
- Sun hat with neck cover: A wide brimmed sunhat with a neck cover is so useful for a bit more sun coverage. Especially on the back of the neck, where we always forget to reapply sunscreen!
- Water shoes: Our kiddo got a blister once after walking in wet rubber sandals. So now we make sure to bring the water shoes that are made of neoprene.
- Kid’s reef safe mineral sunscreen: Walmart and Target on the island usually has adult versions of reef safe sunscreen. However, we brought our own mineral sunscreen for our kiddo when he was smaller and had more sensitive skin.
- Travel entertainment: Our go-tos are one new book (seek and find books or lift the flap books last longer!), Water WOW coloring books, sticker books (the ones from Daiso are amazing and cheap), a drawing pad, and mini magnatiles.
- Water bottles: We like the stainless steel ones.
- Health kit: I always bring a thermometer and Children’s Tylenol. If your kid has any allergies, definitely bring Children’s Benadryl. It’s easier to have it on hand when you need it. I also bring hydrocortisone 1% cream to Hawaii because I always get mosquito bites!
