The Big Island is an incredible place to visit and bring your family to, especially if you’re dreaming of a Hawaiʻi beach vacation with your kids. The west side of the island around Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and the Kohala Coast has some amazing family-friendly beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.

One thing people often don’t consider is that because the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, much of its lava rock and coral haven’t yet broken down into soft sand. Coarse lava rock and wana (sea urchins) that live nearby, combined with powerful waves, can cause injuries for those not used to navigating these Pacific waters.​

Bringing your little ones to some of these beaches can feel stressful, especially when you’re constantly worrying they might get hurt on a rock or pricked by a sea urchin. Choosing the right kid-safe beaches on the Big Island makes a huge difference in how relaxed your Hawaiʻi family vacation feels.