Hilo

The biggest and best farmers market in Hawaii with over 200 vendors on Wednesdays and Saturdays selling tropical fruits, flowers, crafts, and prepared foods. Kids are fascinated by the exotic fruits they have never seen before like rambutan, dragon fruit, starfruit, and fresh coconuts cut open for drinking. The flower section is stunning with orchids and tropical blooms. Fresh smoothies, macadamia nut treats, and plate lunch vendors provide delicious family-friendly food. It is a sensory experience that gives kids a taste of real local Hawaii.

The visitor station at 9200 feet on Mauna Kea offers free stargazing programs with telescopes every evening and sits above the cloud line for some of the best stargazing in the world. The evening program is family-friendly and guides point out planets, galaxies, and constellations through multiple telescopes. The Milky Way from here is so vivid it does not look real. The drive up passes through multiple climate zones from tropical to subarctic which fascinates kids. Children under 13 should not go to the summit (13796 feet) due to altitude.

A free self-guided tour of the macadamia nut processing factory set in a beautiful orchard. Kids can watch the nuts being processed through glass windows, walk through the macadamia nut orchard, and try free samples of flavored nuts and chocolates. The grounds include a short nature trail and garden. The gift shop has unique souvenirs. It is a quick and easy stop that breaks up a day of driving and the free samples are always a hit with kids. The surrounding orchards with their rows of trees are peaceful to walk through.

An 80-foot waterfall in the heart of Hilo that drops into a circular pool surrounded by a cave and tropical vegetation. The falls are visible from a paved overlook just steps from the parking lot making it one of the easiest waterfall viewpoints in Hawaii. On sunny mornings, rainbows form in the mist at the base of the falls, which is how it got its name. A short trail leads to the top of the falls through a grove of enormous banyan trees. The whole visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. A perfect quick stop in Hilo.

A protected beach park on the Hilo side with calm tide pools, a black sand beach, and an excellent chance of swimming with sea turtles. The lava rock forms natural pools that are sheltered from waves making it safe for kids to snorkel and explore. Green sea turtles feed on the algae growing on the rocks and sightings are almost guaranteed. The park has restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. The tide pools are fascinating for younger kids who can find sea urchins, crabs, and small fish. This is the best family snorkeling spot near Hilo.