A Step-by-Step Guide for Families (Free 7-Day Email Course)
This post about how to plan a trip to the Big Island contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
The Big Island is not like the other Hawaiian islands — and that’s where families get tripped up.
It’s bigger than all the other islands combined, has wildly different climates, long drive times, and activities that sound amazing online but don’t always work well with kids.
This free 7-day email course shows you how to plan a trip to the Big Island with kids, step by step — so you choose the right area to stay, plan realistic days, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident instead of overwhelmed.
Who This Big Island Planning Course Is For
This course is designed specifically for families traveling to the Big Island with kids, especially if:
- This is your first visit to the Big Island
- You’re unsure where to stay (Kona vs Waikoloa vs Hilo)
- You’re worried about long drives and “doing too much”
- You want volcanoes, beaches, and adventure — but still need downtime
- You’ve heard the Big Island is “hard to plan” and don’t know where to start
If you’re planning a couples trip or adults-only adventure, this course may not be the right fit. Every recommendation here is written for parents traveling with children.
How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island With Kids (The 7-Step Framework)
This is the exact planning framework I use for my own family trips to the Big Island — and the structure behind this free email course.
Step 1: Actually Plan the Trip (Not Just Bookmark Things)
Most families start Big Island planning by saving random activities — without understanding distances, regions, or logistics.
This step helps you zoom out and plan the trip intentionally, instead of reacting as you go.
Step 2: Avoid the #1 Big Island Mistake Families Make
The biggest mistake families make on the Big Island is trying to “see it all.”
This course explains:
- why that backfires
- how to prioritize without regret
- what to skip so your days don’t feel exhausting
Step 3: Choose Where to Stay on the Big Island (The Real Answer)
Where you stay on the Big Island matters more than on any other island.
You’ll learn how families choose between:
- Kona
- Waikoloa
- Hilo
based on:
- weather
- drive time
- kid-friendly activities
- overall trip goals
Step 4: Renting a Car on the Big Island (Read This First)
A rental car is essential on the Big Island — but families often underestimate:
- how much driving they’ll do
- how long drives actually take
- what type of car makes sense
This step helps families plan transportation realistically.
Step 5: Things Your Kids Will Actually Love on the Big Island
The Big Island has incredible experiences — but not all of them are kid-friendly in practice.
This step helps families prioritize:
- volcano experiences that work with kids
- beaches kids actually enjoy
- tours and activities that feel worth the effort
Step 6: What a Real Big Island Day Looks Like With Kids
Instead of idealized itineraries, this course shows what a real family day looks like on the Big Island — including downtime, drive time, and flexibility.
This helps families plan days that are enjoyable instead of packed.
Step 7: Learn From a Real Family Who Planned Fast (and Well)
You’ll see how one family used this planning approach to:
- plan their trip in just a few hours
- avoid overbooking
- feel confident about their choices
Step 8: Don’t Forget These 7 Things (Families Always Do)
From packing mistakes to overlooked reservations, this step covers the things families most often forget — and regret later.
What You’ll Learn in the Free Big Island Email Course
- How to start planning a Big Island trip the right way
- The biggest mistake families make on the Big Island
- Where families should stay (Kona vs Waikoloa vs Hilo)
- Renting a car on the Big Island: what to know
- Kid-approved Big Island activities
- What realistic Big Island days look like with kids
- A real family’s fast, stress-free planning story
- What families forget to plan for
- How to pull everything together without overwhelm
Each email is short, practical, and written for busy parents.
Common Questions About Planning a Trip to the Big Island With Kids
Is the Big Island good for families with kids?
Yes — especially for families who enjoy nature, adventure, and variety. The key is planning realistic days.
How many days do families need on the Big Island?
Most families do best with 7–10 days, depending on how many regions they explore.
Is the Big Island hard to plan?
It can be if you underestimate distances and try to do too much. This course helps families avoid that.
Do families need a rental car on the Big Island?
Yes. The Big Island is not walkable, and activities are spread out.
Where should families stay on the Big Island?
That depends on weather preferences, activity goals, and how much driving you want to do. This course breaks it down clearly.
About the Big Island Planning Expert Behind This Course
Hi, I’m Marcie Cheung, a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert and mom of two who has visited the Big Island many times with my family.
I created this course after seeing families:
- underestimate how big the island really is
- plan unrealistic itineraries
- and feel stressed instead of excited
This free course helps you plan the Big Island in a way that actually works for families.
Start Planning Your Big Island Trip the Easy Way
This free 7-day email course shows you how to plan a trip to the Big Island with kids, step by step — without overwhelm.
👉 Sign up below to get started
New to Hawaii planning?
👉 Start with How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
Still Deciding on an Island?
If you’re still comparing islands, these free courses break down what each destination is really like for families:
Worried about costs?
👉 How to Save Money in Hawaii (Free Budget Guide for Families)