I recently vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii with my family which includes two teens. We had not been there since they were very young, so this time we got to experience some more active adventures.
Setting up the telescopes |
Chasing a fish off a volcano |
Checking out a steam vent with a GoPro |
Walk through a lava tube |
Kilauea by day and night |
Lava arches at the end of the road |
This was not only the highlight of our trip, but could very well be one of the most amazing wildlife encounters we will have in our lifetime. Because of the particular tour we booked, we had at least a dozen huge manta rays (3-10 ft. wing span) swimming within inches of us. Yes, it was scary at first, but it didn’t take long to relax, realize we were safe, and enjoy the experience. You can see a video my son took with his GoPro here.
This isn’t a spaceship, it’s the underside of a manta ray! |
And More Snorkeling!
The Big Island is known for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii and we were not disappointed. This is one of our favorite activities (we call ourselves “snorkel snobs”), so we chose a resort that had good snorkeling on site and several good beaches nearby, including one with black sand. There were also lots of turtles at our resort, so it was not unusual to see them in and out of the water.
Great snorkeling right at our resort |
Lots of coral reefs and fish like this Moorish idol |
Naptime! |
Waterfall zip line ~ ATV or horseback riding at Waipio Valley ~ Swim with dolphins
Akaka Falls |
Helicopter flightseeing ~ Lava hike ~ Bicycling tours ~ Scuba and SNUBA
Lava fields |
For more information about how to plan a fun Hawaii vacation for your family, send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.