The Ultimate Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide
Best Resorts, Restaurants & Family-Friendly Excursions
If you’re dreaming of a luxury Big Island vacation that blends stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and unforgettable island adventures—this guide is for you.
We recently returned from the most beautiful, heart-filling trip to the Big Island of Hawaii—and I couldn’t wait to share every detail. From romantic resort stays to unforgettable family memories, this island truly has it all.
We spent the first part of our trip at the stunning Fairmont Orchid, while our family watched our daughters for a few nights. It gave us the perfect chance to enjoy the romantic side of Hawaii—peaceful beach walks, spa time, and sunset dinners by the ocean. After a few days, we welcomed our girls and transitioned into full family adventure mode—and let me tell you, the Big Island delivered.
Whether you’re planning a couples’ escape, a multi-gen vacation, or a kid-friendly getaway with built-in luxury, this guide has everything you need—from where to stay, what to eat, and the best family excursions across Kona, Kohala, and Hilo.
Where to Stay on the Big Island: Luxury Resorts + Spacious Villas
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
The first half of our trip was split between relaxing adult time at the breathtaking Fairmont Orchid, while our family stayed with the girls nearby. The Fairmont Orchid offers classic Hawaiian hospitality in a lush, tropical setting, perfect for families looking to blend relaxation and cultural experiences. We were catered to every day and it was such a peaceful resort with so much to do on site!
With Fairmont Orchid being a Fora Preferred Partner, booking through Lux Level Travel means you get exclusive perks and upgrades that you won’t find anywhere else—making your stay even more magical.
Highlights:
Kid-friendly lagoon with calm waters perfect for little swimmers
Authentic Hawaiian cultural activities like lei-making and ukulele lessons
Oceanfront dining at the elegant Brown’s Beach House
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - Private Lagoon and Beach
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - Oceanview
Mauna Lani , Auberge Resort Collection Ariel View
We also spent time at the incredible Mauna Lani, where luxury meets authentic Hawaiian culture. The setting is peaceful and refined, and everything—from the spa to the daily programming—feels elevated yet welcoming.
Mauna Lani is also a Fora Preferred Partner, so when you book through me, you enjoy VIP access to exclusive family programs, private beach clubs, and special offers that elevate your stay.
Our daughters were completely entertained by the cultural workshops, while we soaked in the views with breakfast at Halani and the most amazing meal of our trip - sunset dinners at Canoe House. This resort truly nails the balance between upscale and family-friendly.
Read Lux Level Travel’s full Canoe House review HERE for tips, photos and our MUST order dishes.
Top perks for families:
Access to the private Mauna Lani Beach Club
Cultural classes like hula and Hawaiian storytelling
Family-friendly dining options and beachfront pools
Toddler Pool with zero entry beach- Perfect for the littles!
If your lucky enough to get a date night in like we were - the entire resort has a romantic candle lit feeling to it as soon as the sun starts to set, Drinks and Dinner at any of the resorts spots are worth the hype!
Spacious Family Villa in Mauna Lani Resort Community
For the second half of our trip, we moved into a spacious private villa inside the Mauna Lani Resort community—an absolute dream! This villa and others like it are part of Fora’s curated collection of luxury vacation homes and villas, available exclusively through Fora Advisors like us. Contact us for more information on our complete list of Luxury Homes and preferred partner perks.
The villa was beautifully renovated with every convenience you could imagine—from beach toys, snorkel gear, and bikes to a fully stocked kitchen and luxury linens. The management team was incredibly responsive and made sure everything was perfect.
3 BR at Mauna Lani Resort with Private Pool
Being inside the Mauna Lani community meant we had access to a beautiful community pool and private Beach club making it easy to zip around on a golf cart—visiting nearby resorts, shops, beaches, and restaurants. Everything was right there for us, blending the comfort of home with the perks of resort living.
What made this part of our trip even better was how easy everything was. The community gave us access to a wonderful Mauna Lani private beach club beautiful community pool, an on-site beachfront restaurant (Napua), and proximity to the shops, beaches, and other resorts—all within golf cart distance. It was the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and resort-style perks.
Why it worked so well for us:
Spacious layout with 3+ bedrooms
Private pool and covered lanai
Golf rental available for beach, restaurants, and shops
Best Big Island Restaurants: Where to Eat in Kona + Kohala
Canoe House – Best Sunset Dinner on the Island
Located at Mauna Lani, Canoe House is one of the most memorable meals you’ll have on the island. Ocean views, modern Hawaiian cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere made this one of our favorite date nights—but they’re also great with kids!
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club – Local Favorite
Steps from our villa, this was our go-to for beach day lunches. Fresh fish, delicious cocktails, and the best laid-back setting right on the sand. The kids could play nearby while we relaxed with a glass of wine—absolute perfection.
Lava Lava Beach Club – Casual & Fun
This place is made for families! Tables in the sand, live music, a fun kids’ menu, and lots of space for little ones to dance and play. We came here early one night and had the best time just soaking in the energy.
Brown’s Beach House – Elegant Island Dining
Located at Fairmont Orchid, this torch-lit oceanfront restaurant gave us our most romantic dinner of the trip. Service was incredible, the food was local and seasonal, and it’s a must-do for anyone staying nearby.
Halani – Best Breakfast Buffet on the Island
Mornings at Halani were such a treat. Fresh papaya, flaky pastries, Kona coffee, and tropical views—this is how every day should start in Hawaii.
-They turn into a Mediterranean inspired Dinner spot later in the day! - The food was wonderful!
Family-Friendly Big Island Excursions & Activities
Night Swim with Manta Rays
Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sea Quest Hawaii
This was the absolute highlight of our trip. Floating above graceful manta rays under a blanket of stars felt like something out of a dream. Sea Quest made us feel completely safe and well-prepared, and even our oldest loved watching the manta rays swirl just beneath us.
Beach Days at Mauna Lani Beach Club
This reef-protected beach was a favorite for our family. The water was calm and shallow enough for our girls to swim and snorkel, and there were paddleboards and loungers available. Having Napua Restaurant right there made lunch easy, too. Dinner there at night is a MUST!
Kona Day Trip
Perfect for a change of scenery!
Visit a Kona coffee farm
Walk Ali’i Drive for shopping and shaved ice
Take a snorkel cruise from the harbor
Hilo + Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Rainbow Falls + Akaka Falls
Lava tubes and craters in Volcanoes National Park
Liliuokalani Gardens for a shaded picnic
Why the Big Island Is Perfect for a Family Vacation
We’ve visited other Hawaiian islands, but there’s something truly special about the Big Island. It’s spacious, peaceful, and full of contrast—from black lava fields to green valleys and turquoise beaches.
We loved how easy it was to switch between romantic, relaxing moments and active family fun. The resorts welcomed kids with open arms, and the people we met along the way were full of warmth and aloha. We felt safe, cared for, and completely at ease the entire trip.
Plan Your Big Island Trip with Lux Level Travel
At Lux Level Travel, I help families, couples, and groups create unforgettable Hawaiian itineraries—complete with luxury perks, curated resorts, and seamless experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Ready to plan your Big Island trip? I’d love to help you build something magical.
Let’s work together: LuxLevelTravel.com