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Big island activities for a Dad and an 8 year old son?

foobarred - 2007-01-12 15:54:07 - Honolulu

I'm a divorced dad planning on taking my eight year old son with me for a 6 day trip to the big island for some bonding time (free stay with hotel points). I'm not one to sit around the resort and I'm looking for advice on things that we both will enjoy. I already have a helicopter ride over the volcano and horseback riding at waipio valley lined up, but I'm looking for suggestions for the other four days.

Best Answer:

I'm from the east coast (of the lower 48) and have visited the big island twice (in 1998 in 2002, and have taken a heli ride each time). I don't know your son's interests but I strongly suggest visiting the Volcano Observatory in person and spending at least one day walking and driving the areas around the Observatory in addition to the air rides. Guided tours are available (I went with a group of four others in a van tour) but call the Observatory to see if they'll give you contact info of a reputable outfit (I can't remember the fellow that took us around). I found that exploring both recent and 30 year old lava flows on foot was fascinating beyond description -- and the quiet, up close and personal time you spend with your son outdoors can be rather valuable. One word of caution (for your son's sake): many folks want to visit the Island's black sand beaches (they exist in only a few places on earth) but the one we went to turned out being a clothes-optional beach. Be aware of this ahead of time. My kids (14 15 at the time) were a little nervous at first but, as is always the case, if you don't make a big deal over something that isn't a big deal, everything and everyone is OK. We chatted with the folks there just like we have on any of our other vacation trips. I discovered later on that both kids ended up learning how to get along better with others who seem 'different' at first. Good luck.

Answers:

What time of year? Snorkel cruise, whale watching cruise, go to the volcano in addition to the helicopter ride. There is an ATV outfit up in Kohala that may be good. Ask if 8 year olds can go. Go to your favorite bookstore and get "The Big Island Revealed" It is a very good guidebook that offers some unbiased opinions of things to do but also things to avoid. Everyone I have encountered you used the book thought it very helpful

I'm from the east coast (of the lower 48) and have visited the big island twice (in 1998 in 2002, and have taken a heli ride each time). I don't know your son's interests but I strongly suggest visiting the Volcano Observatory in person and spending at least one day walking and driving the areas around the Observatory in addition to the air rides. Guided tours are available (I went with a group of four others in a van tour) but call the Observatory to see if they'll give you contact info of a reputable outfit (I can't remember the fellow that took us around). I found that exploring both recent and 30 year old lava flows on foot was fascinating beyond description -- and the quiet, up close and personal time you spend with your son outdoors can be rather valuable. One word of caution (for your son's sake): many folks want to visit the Island's black sand beaches (they exist in only a few places on earth) but the one we went to turned out being a clothes-optional beach. Be aware of this ahead of time. My kids (14 15 at the time) were a little nervous at first but, as is always the case, if you don't make a big deal over something that isn't a big deal, everything and everyone is OK. We chatted with the folks there just like we have on any of our other vacation trips. I discovered later on that both kids ended up learning how to get along better with others who seem 'different' at first. Good luck.