Tag Archive for: Top 10 US Destinations

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Top 14 Things To Do with Kids On The Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is the perfect place to take kids of all ages. What started off as a “Top Ten” list turned into a Top 14 because there is just so many family-friendly activities!

Dolphins Swimming

Here are 14 of the best things to do with kids.

Dolphins and Whale watching:

There is nothing like seeing a whale or dolphin in its own beautiful home. November through March take a boat tour to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Body Glove Hawaii not only has a great reputation but has fully committed to sustainability and nurturing the environment.

Whale Breaching

Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour:

Explore the underwater world without getting wet by taking a glass-bottom boat tour. Kids can marvel at the colorful marine life and coral formations. Saltwater Soul Kona is right across from the Pier

Snorkel at Kahalu’u Beach Park:

Kahaluu Beach is known for its calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for kids to snorkel and observe colorful marine life. See more Great Spots for Snorkeling here.

Experience the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden:

Wander through lush gardens filled with exotic plants, flowers, and waterfalls at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, providing a peaceful and educational environment for families.

Try Ziplining:

For a thrilling adventure, consider a ziplining tour. There are several zipline courses on the island that cater to families, allowing kids to soar through the treetops. Remember to check the age and height restrictions for this to ensure they are suitable for your children. You don’t want to arrive only to find out Jr can’t do it!

Visit Volcanoes National Park:

Explore the fascinating volcanic landscape, walk through lava tubes, and witness the power of nature at Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Whether or not the lava is visible this is an amazing place.

Hike Akaka Falls State Park:AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK

Take an easy hike through the lush rainforest to see the stunning Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a gorge.

Stargazing at Mauna Kea Visitor Center:

Head to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station for a family-friendly stargazing experience. Arrive before the sun sets to watch from above the clouds and stay to see more stars than you’ve ever seen before. The high elevation and clear skies offer excellent views of the night sky. Bring warm clothes. 

Explore Waipio Valley:

Take a guided tour to Waipio Valley, where you can enjoy the stunning views, learn about Hawaiian history, and maybe even ride horses along the valley floor. These are a couple of the local tour companies operating in Waipio Valley. Hawaii Tours and Waipio Valley Shuttle. Non-residents are only allowed into the valley with a local tour.

Discover Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park:

Learn about Hawaiian culture and history at this sacred site. Kids will love exploring the temples and walking through the reconstructed village.

Attend a Luau:

Experience Hawaiian culture through a family-friendly luau, where kids can enjoy traditional music, dance, and a delicious feast. Legends of Hawai’i at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort is a great show as is Voyageurs of the Pacific at the Royal Kona Resort.

Visit Panaewa Rainforest Zoo:

Explore the only rainforest zoo in the United States, home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, parrots, and a white Bengal tiger.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm: 

Learn about coffee cultivation and processing at this educational farm, where kids can take a tour and see coffee plants up close. Also Free Samples! 

Or just pick a beach and relax:

Spend a day at Hapuna Beach, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, with its white sands and clear waters. It’s a great place for family picnics, sandcastle building, and swimming.

Check out more picks for the Best Beaches in West Hawai’i

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Hiking the Kaloko Cloud Forest in Kona

The beaches on the Big Island are amazing but there are also many beautiful hikes including the Makuala O’oma Trail hike in the Kaloko Cloud Forest. This cool, shady hike starts at Makahi Street is about a 4-mile loop trail in the Honua’ula Forest Reserve. The trail is well-maintained and offers moderate elevation gain, making it a good option for hikers of all levels. You can hike this clockwise or counterclockwise. This description takes you clockwise.

Trail Details

To start the hike, park on the side of the road at the Makahi Street trailhead. The trail begins with a steep descent through a lush forest of native Hawaiian trees and ferns. 

After about a mile, the trail reaches a flat section that winds through the forest. This section of the trail is particularly scenic, with views of towering trees and lush ferns.

After about two miles, the trail begins to climb back uphill. The climb is moderate, but there are a few steep sections. As you climb, you’ll pass by several viewpoints with stunning views of the Kona Coast and the Pacific Ocean.

At the top of the climb, you’ll reach the Makuala O’Oma Trail junction. Ahead of you are Mauka meadows and likely some grazing cows. Turn right to he

ad back to the Makahi Street trailhead. When you take the fourth right turn you’ll make your way back into the canopy. Somewhere along this area take a break to catch your breath and just listen to the sounds of the forest.

Plan Ahead

Yellow Flowers of the Kahili Ginger Plant

Hiking the Kaloko Cloud Forest in Kona takes about 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how many stops you make. Be sure to bring plenty of water.

Here are some additional tips for hiking the Kaloko Trail:

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, as the trail can be slippery and uneven in some areas.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as thereare no services on the trail.
  • Be respectful of the native Hawaiian plants and animals.
  • Leave no trace: pack out all of your trash.

Another great hike takes you to a beautiful snorkeling spot in Kealakekua Bay

Additional information for this hike can be found here

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Kona Vacation Rentals Receives 2023 Best of Kailua-Kona Award

KAILUA-KONA, October 30, 2023 — We are thrilled to announce that Kona Vacation Rentals has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Best of Kailua-Kona Award in the Vacation home rental agency category by the Kailua-Kona Award Program.

As one of the first vacation rental companies on the Kona Coast, established in 1986, Kona Vacation Rentals has a proven record of success. Our professional staff at KVR works tirelessly to optimize your valuable real estate investment, implementing strict rental policies, offering guest damage insurance, and ensuring guests sign our Reservation Agreement. We conduct thorough pre-arrival and post-departure inspections for each reservation to guarantee your property’s pristine condition after each guest’s stay. 

Family Owned and Operated

Kona Vacation Rentals is a family-owned and operated vacation rental company on the beautiful Kona Coast. We are three generations strong, having successfully managed properties on the Kona Coast since 1986. Our commitment to excellence and our deep-rooted experience and knowledge of the Kona Coast set us apart from many companies located on the mainland.

Aloha written in the sand

Our Commitment

We are truly honored to receive the 2023 Best of Kailua-Kona Award, and we believe this recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to our customers, our community, and our commitment to quality over quantity. We take great pride in enhancing the positive image of small businesses in the Kailua-Kona area through our services, contributing to making this region a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

The Kailua-Kona Award Program

The Kailua-Kona Award Program meticulously reviewed a variety of sources of information to select the winners in each category, focusing on quality, not quantity. This recognition highlights the exceptional marketing success achieved by local businesses in their community and business category.

 

At Kona Vacation Rentals, we view this award as a recognition of our ongoing efforts to provide top-notch service, maintain the integrity of our properties, and ensure the utmost satisfaction of our guests. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kailua-Kona Award Program for this honor and to our dedicated team for their hard work and commitment.

Mahalo

As your property representative, we pledge to continue handling all aspects related to guest satisfaction, maintenance, and more, and to maintain the high standards that have earned us this prestigious award. We look forward to serving you and the Kona Coast community for many years to come. 

Contact us to find the perfect spot for your next vacation.

 

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Top 10 US Destinations

Trip Advisor has put the Big Island in the Top 10 Destinations to Visit in the US! Part of the appeal no doubt is the perfect mix between the many adventures you can have on the Big Island and the peaceful way of living!Congratulations!

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