10 Family Fun Things to Do on Spring Break
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
Spring break is nearly upon us. Who knew finding ways to keep the kids entertained could be so difficult. Worry no more, here are 10 ways to have some family fun during this spring break.
“There’s nothing like being a kid and finding a new playground to explore.“
Hit the Big Island’s Best Beaches
Before breaking the bank on the first day of spring break, let’s start with something free- the beaches! After all, Hawaii has some of the most breathtaking beaches around the world. The Big Island has such a variety of beaches, from white sands to black sands, beaches perfect for snorkeling, and some if you’re looking to catch some waves.
- 1.Kahalu’u Beach:Perfect snorkeling spot where the fish aren’t at all wary of the swimmers. With over a 100 different species of fish here, no wonder it is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
- 2.Kua Bay (Manini’owali): Secluded small white sand beach just north of Kona, perfect for popping up a tent and kicking back all day. Don’t forget to catch the spectacular sunsets this beach has to offer.
- 3.Hapuna Beach:This half mile long, almost always sunny, and has a continuous shore break that is great fun to play in for all ages. This beach gets only ten inches of rain annually, and the beach is lined by trees and a shaded picnic pavilion to offer shelter.
- 4.Green Sand Beach (Papakolea): Looking for more of an adventurous beach? Put your vehicle into four wheel drive and head down to find green glassy olivine crystals that make up most of the sand.
- 5.Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Punalu’u beach is the most famous black sand beach of Hawaii. It is easily accessible and great for swimming, seeing turtles, and snorkeling. This
- Anaehoomalu Bay (A Bay): This picture perfect sandy beach with classic palms and stunning sunsets. Bring your stand up paddle board, kayak, or snorkel gear for some fun ocean activities or rent some from the Hawaii Ocean Sports equipment shack.
Play a Round of Putt Putt Golf
Head on over to Waikoloa Kings’ Shops for a round of putt putt golf. Most miniature golf courses are known for their wacky themes complete with mini windmills, waterfalls, and other paraphernalia. The King’s Shops Lakeside Putting course has a slightly more refined theme with palm trees, lava rock, and local handcrafted artwork of whales and honus.
For more information and rates check out Kings’ Shop Lake Side Putting
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
Enjoy the ultimate movie experience at the Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas with luxurious love seats, bistro food, and a full service bar. Relax while your food is served right to you- recommended to order 15 minutes prior to your movie.
For more information and seat reservations check out Waikoloa Cinemas
KBxtreme
Kona’s premier family entertainment offers fun for the whole family. With 16 bowling lanes, Xtreme arcade full of games, karaoke lounge, and more for countless hours of fun. Get a bite to eat at Chubby’s Diner at the Avalux Cafe for tasty sandwiches, plate lunches, fresh smoothies, and breakfast that’s served all day.
For more information or to reserve a lane check out KBxtreme
Saddle Up
Take a horseback tour through the beautiful rugged terrain of Waipi’o Valley. This unique experience is a 3 hour guided excursion that takes you along the mile long black sand beach then to the spectacular Hi’ilawe waterfalls.
For information on Waipi’o Valley Tours Check out Waipio on Horseback
Show Your Creativity
Express your artistic flare at Tess’s Table Arts and Crafts Workshop. Paint bisque pottery, create customer signs, make handmade cards and more.
Check out Tess’s Facebook Page for more info Tess’s Table Arts and Crafts
Plant & Animal Lovers
The only topical zoo in the United States located just 4 miles from Hilo is the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens. You can find a variety of rainforest and endangered Hawaiian animals such as the spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State Bird), and over 80 other animal species. Featured at the zoo is also a botanical garden filled with orchids, bamboo, water garden and a hundred varieties of palms.
The Pana’ewa Zoo is open daily between 9am and 4 pm. Admission is free, but please consider either leaving a donation or stopping at their gift shop to support this local zoo and their outreach activities.
Visit the Pana’ewa Zoo website for more information.
Science, Culture & Marine Life
Explore the natural science, culture, and history of the Hawaiian Islands and its surrounding marine environment at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center. Located on the bayfront in Hilo town, MDC provides the opportunity to “bring the place to the people” and give greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. It features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and artwork inspired by the Hawaiian culture.
For more information and location visit Mokupapapa Discovery Center website
Become a Stargazer
‘Imiloa means “to seek far” or “explore”. Learn about the Hawaiian culture and astronomy. The ‘Imiloa center aims to build a bridge between science and culture through the stars and Mauna Kea. Offering educational fun through exhibits, activities and a full-dome planetarium. The must see while visiting is their 120-seat planetarium and their show called “Mauna Kea: Between Earth and Sky.”
For more information have a look at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center website.
Let’s Have a Picnic
There’s nothing like being a kid and finding a new playground to explore. Do you remember discovering a new fort or maze for the first time? Playgrounds are the perfect place to enjoy the day and maybe even make some new friends.
- 1. Higashihara Park: Pack a lunch and let’s head over to Higashihara Park and have a picnic on their Hawaiian Island shaped tables. Let the keiki run loose at the park filled with a wooden castle, tiny train, massive slides through turns and dark tunnel, tire swings, zipline, and a 22 foot whale sculpture to climb on. There is even a separate area perfect for the little ones
- 2. Mauna Kea Recreation Area:Heading through saddle road? Visit a unique spot for the little ones to burn some energy along the way at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area. A 3,700 square foot playground with fun ropes, rails and ladders. This one of a kind recreation area is only a few minutes away from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center.
It’s also a great spot for the family to stretch their legs after a long road trip exploring the island while admiring the majestic surroundings of Mauna Kea.
- 3. Anuenue Playground: One of our favorite playgrounds in the Anuenue Playground in the country town of Waimea. If you find yourself on a drive to Waimea, take a few minutes to let your keiki explore this wonderful fort.
This large playground with its colorful fun zones offer hours of fun and activities for kids of all ages. Don’t forget to check out the open grass field, skate park and tennis courts nearby.
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