Top 11 Things To Do In Hilo Hawaii With Kids

Things to do in Hilo with kids is a short trip to the Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park. It is an easily accessible scenic place on the Big Island.

Take your little ones to the beautiful Wailuku River State Park and visit the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. You will be greeted by a morning rainbow and ancient banyan trees there. 

Rainbow Falls hike is a must for every traveler visiting Hilo. Visit the lower falls area which is only a short distance from the free parking lot.

• Address: Rainbow Falls Hilo, HI 96720
• Open 24 hours a day
• No Entrance Fee

Hilo Hawaii things to do is to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The natural landmark site is a 30-minute drive away from Hilo.

The Volcano National Park is the perfect place to seek some adventure with your little ones. Here, you will get close and personal with a volcano.

For the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to pick up a map. Seek some useful recommendations from the rangers for the best route.

At the site, hike the Kilauea Iki lava field, check out the Nahuku Thurston lava tubes, and drive at the Chain of Craters Road.

• Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
• Total Area: 532 square miles (approx.)
• Established Date: August 1, 1916
• Standard Entrance Fee: $15 per person / $30 for Private Vehicle

Child Friendly things to do in Hilo is taking a stroll down the Hilo Farmer's Market. This is a twice-weekly outdoor market that features over 200 vendors.

Hundreds of vendors sell fresh farm products, artisanal foods and crafts. Visitors can enjoy services like in-store shopping, in-store pickup and delivery at this market.

Big Island Farmers Market is a must-see experience for Hawaii travelers. You will find tropical flowers, orchids and plants along with local favorite dishes like Poke Bowls and Ice Shave.

Treat yourself and your children with the fresh farm products of the Big Island during your stay at Hilo. Wednesday and Saturday are the Big Market Days, the best time to browse.

• Address: Corner of Kamehameha Avenue and, Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720
• Phone: 808 933-1000
• Opening Hours: 7 am to 3 pm daily
• Big Market Days: Wednesday and Saturday
• Small Market Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Things to do in Hilo with children is to visit the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. This is the only zoo in the US located in a rainforest.

The zoo occupies a decent area of 12 acres. The place is a home to more than 80 species of animals and 40 different species of plants, flowers and tress.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is an unmissable site in Hilo for the young ones. A visit to the place will leave your children in delight and a chance to learn about wildlife.

Notable animals you must at the zoo include Drako, Makani, Caser, Lilo Salsa, Edwin Kapono, and Bling among many others. This place was opened to the public in September 1978.

• Address: 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm daily
• Free Admission

Hilo things to do with the young ones is to plan a visit to the Imiloa Astronomy Center. This cultural center features exhibits about Hawaiian culture, history, and astronomy.

The iconic structure, Imiloa Astronomy Center, showcases the fascinating fusion of Hawaiian culture and science. This feat is achieved through interactive technology, history, and story-telling in the Planetarium and Exhibit Hall.

A visit to the Center will give the children a chance to explore Hawaii'e exploration legacy. Furthermore, you can enjoy unlimited access to special events by being a member.

Imiloa brings the Hawaiian and astronomy community members together to share a vision for the future. The place links to early Polynesian navigation history and modern developments.

• Address: 600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720
• Phone: 808 932-8901
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm (Thu - Sun)
• Admission Fee: $19 per adult / $12 for children aged 5 - 12

Fun stuff to do in Hilo Hawaii is the Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. This is a 55-minute ride with a maximum of six people per group.

You will catch an uninterrupted view of Mount Kilauea and its active molten lava. Enjoy the mesmerizing scenes of the lush valley and tropical rainforest from the comforts of the chopper.

Choose from the two state-of-art helicopters that prioritize safety, and comfort. Make a reservation that suits your budget and a morning or afternoon flight.

The tour highlights are Kilauea, Mauna Loa volcanoes, and Halemaumau Crater. All fees are included in the price that you pay while booking.

• Departure Address: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
• Price: $389 per adult
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Hawaii Certified Tour Guides pilots

Things to do on the big island of Hawaii with kids is to enjoy at Onekahakaha Beach Park. The place has kid-friendly wading and tidal pools with play equipment.

The famous Onekahakaha Beach is located in South Hilo not too far from the Airport. It features a shallow, sand-bottomed tide pool ocean pool for kids.

Take your family and organize a picnic in the park. The place is perfect for group activity and provides a lovely view of Hilo Bay.

Onsite amenities include:

• A Free Parking Lot
• Picnic Areas
• Outdoor Showers
• Playground for children
• Lifeguard
• Restrooms

Visitors can enjoy fun-filled water activities like swimming and snorkeling at Onekahakaha Beach Park. The Camping Fee for Hawaii residents is $20 per night and $30 for non-residents.

• Address: 74 Onekahakaha Rd, Hilo, HI 96720
• Phone: 808 961-8311
• Opening Hours: 7 am to 9 pm daily

Things to do in Big Island with young ones to take a tour of the Kaumana Caves. The place has a massive lava-tube cave formed by Mauna Loa.

If you are looking for a little adventure with your family during a stay in Hilo, then start it at Kaumana Caves. Trailhead begins from Hilo along Saddle Road.

It is highly recommended that you wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight with you. Cross the Kaumana Dr. and descend the steep metal staircase into the lava tube.

• Address: 1492 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
• Opening Hours: 8 am to 8 pm daily
• Cave Hike Length: 0.1 miles
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 414 reviews

Things to do in Big Island Hawaii is camping at Mauna Kea State Recreation Area. This is a beautiful tourist site within the Mauna Kea Forest.

The Recreation Area is close to Pohakuloa Military Reservation. This place offers a warm environment for family-friendly activities camping, picnic, hiking, and sightseeing.

There are picnic tables and cabins onsite for lodging added with an excellent view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The cabins are available for rental.

This is a great place to see the sunset and the stars. It is located about 6,600 feet right on Saddle Road. It is highly recommended to bring warm clothes while camping.

• Address: 44-5400 Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
• Phone: 808 961-8311
• Total Area: 21 acres

Big Island Hawaii things to do is to take your children to Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. The 17-acre garden is a sanctuary that collects and displays tropical Hawaiian plants.

This garden is a Scientific and non-profit sanctuary and a nature preserve. It also serves as a living seed bank and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is committed to educating children and adults alike about the plight of the world's rainforest. You will have a great time exploring the richness for an hour or two.

The Garden is located on the eastern side of Hawaii and it is a must-visit place. Travel with your family and kids, and it will surely be the highlight of your Hawaiian adventure.

• Address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
• Phone: 808 964-5233
• Dine-in service is available onsite
• Admission Fee: $30 per adult / $22 for children from 6 to 12 years

A thrilling experience to have with kids in Hilo is ziplining at Akaka Falls State Park. It is a public park located about 11 miles north of Hilo.

The park features the 442-foot-tall titular waterfall that you can reach via a short hiking trail. Zipline adventure over the enormous fall is very popular in this area. 

Hawaii Zipline Tours is one of the best options for adventure located near the Park. It offers a seven-line course starting at $209.95 per person.

 You will have a memorable time with your family as you will be mesmerized by the scenic views. The highlight of the tour is the Hamakua Coast and the aerial view of Kolekole Falls.

• Departure Address: 28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomu, HI 96728, USA
• Age Limit: 10 years and above
• Weight Limit: 70lbs-260lbs
• All guests must wear closed-toe shoes