The Perfect Getaway: A long family weekend in Hawaii
Home to vastly different microclimates, Hawaii offers active volcanoes, snowcapped mountains, epic waterfalls, and, of course, world-famous beaches.
By Sarah Sekula | November 25, 2025
The Island of Hawaii, locally known as the Big Island, is the largest in among the Hawaiian Islands, creating a sweeping canvas for iconic wonders, ranging from desert landscapes to alpine climates. It’s the perfect combo of snow-capped peaks, lush rain forests, and fire-spitting volcanoes. In other words, the Big Island’s primordial landscape and national parks are bound to keep you busy in the great outdoors. Here’s a long weekend itinerary so you and your family can squeeze as much fun into your Hawaii getaway as possible.
Friday
Morning
Aloha and “e komo mai” (welcome) to Hawaii. Arrive on the Big Island and settle into your room at Hilton Waikoloa Village, a 62-acre (25-hectare) family-friendly property tucked away on the Kohala Coast with ample amenities, including 14 restaurants and lounges, three nine-hole golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and the island’s only interactive dolphin program. Here, the frenetic pace of daily life is replaced with the sound of myna birds and rustling palms. Beat the jet lag and start your long weekend getaway off right with coffee and light bites at Waikoloa Coffee Co.
Afternoon
After a busy travel day, the whole family will appreciate some downtime at the resort’s three pools, including one that’s the largest on the island. Kids will especially love the water slides, rope bridge, and winding lazy river. For the ultimate poolside pampering, book a luxury daybed or your choice of three cabanas (one even includes a private hot tub). No matter which pool you choose, a bar with tropical drinks and tasty snacks is never far away.
Evening
Get acquainted with the resort’s dining options with a casual first dinner at Kona Tap Room. This relaxed eatery offers shareable plates and local beers, perfect for raising a glass to the first night of your Hawaii getaway. After dinner, head outside via the Grand Staircase to take in the stunning Hawaiian sunset over the water and the sound of the ocean waves as you stroll along the lagoon path. When you’re ready to retire for the night, return to your room or suite where you can enjoy the island air from your balcony at any time.
Saturday
Morning
After a hearty breakfast at the resort, set sail with Hawaii Nautical to explore the Kohala Coast in search of dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. From December through May, humpbacks migrate to Hawaii to give birth and breed in these warm waters. Snorkel alongside red-pencil urchins, butterflyfish, and coral reminiscent of giant heads of cauliflower. Bonus: During whale season, listen to them serenading each other under the surface.
Afternoon
Are your kiddos adventurous eaters? Then sample locally sourced shareable bites like seared scallops, arare crusted ahi, or charred tako (octopus) straight from Hawaii’s waters at Kamuela Provision Company. Whether you opt for an assortment of appetizers and tropical drinks or stay for a three-course chef’s dinner, you’ll want to linger. Continue your dream vacation with one of the resort’s cultural classes, like learning to make traditional kukui nut bracelets or ukelele jam sessions.
Evening
For animal lovers, snorkeling at night with mantra rays, some with 14-foot (four-meter) wing spans, is bound to be a highlight. Using spotlights on the sea floor, outfitters like Big Island Divers attract loads of plankton, which the rays gracefully scoop up while doing back rolls. It resembles an enchanting underwater ballet. Afterward, treat the family to kid-pleasing Neapolitan pizzas cooked to perfection on an open stone-flame oven at Nui Italian. Then, recount your adventures around one of the resort’s fire pits.
Sunday
Morning
Start your Sunday itinerary with the Breakfast Buffet at Water’s Edge (free for children 12 and under when accompanied by a paid adult and staying overnight in MAKAI, Palace Tower, or Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations) or a cup of joe from Waikoloa Coffee Co. Afterward, work up a sweat with a pickleball session, spin class, or vinyasa yoga, while the kids enjoy more time at the pool. In need of some pampering? Check out the Kohala Spa, where you’ll find indulgent treatments like the Volcanic Body Ritual or the Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage.
Afternoon
Head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk through a 500-year-old lava tube, choose from more than 155 miles (250 kilometers) of trails, and find sacred petroglyphs. Check with the concierge ahead of time to see if Mauna Loa or Kilauea (considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world) are erupting.
Evening
No Hawaii family vacation is complete without a luau. The resort’s Legends of Hawaii Luau is a delightful mix of traditional music, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy poke and poi from the lagoon-side amphitheater and learn about Hawaii’s legends and traditions through hula dancing and “mele” (song). For an up-close view, early entry, and open bar, consider the premium tickets. From torch lighting to coconut husking, this luau provides unforgettable moments the whole family will enjoy.
Monday
Morning
Squeeze the most out of your vacation with a visit to Dolphin Quest, where you’ll get to interact with dolphins in the resort’s ocean-fed lagoon. Pet them in shallow water or put on a snorkel mask and swim alongside these beautiful creatures. Don’t worry, a professional photographer will capture the encounter for your bragging rights back home. Take it a step further by signing up to be a marine mammal trainer for the day.
Afternoon
Spend your last afternoon soaking up vitamin D at the resort by renting a pedal boat, snorkel gear, or stand-up paddleboard from the lagoon beach shack. Connected to the ocean, the 4-acre (1.6-hectare) saltwater lagoon is home to rare sea turtles and colorful reef fish that are sure to fascinate the kids. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the nearby Lagoon Grill is ready to refill your tanks before the journey home.
Until Next Time!
“A hui hou,” as is lovingly said in Hawaii. Rather than goodbye, it means “until we meet again.” With warm weather year-round, consistently mild ocean temps, and festivals galore (like the Merrie Monarch Festival, a showcase of hula troupes from across the state), there’s never a bad time to visit the Big Island. You may even find yourself planning your next Hawaii getaway on the flight back home.
Sarah Sekula
As a longtime Hawaii resident and coauthor of “Lonely Planet Experience Hawaii,” Sarah Sekula has a true love for island life and culture. As an adventure writer, photographer, content creator, and on-camera host, her assignments for Smithsonian Magazine, CNN, Lonely Planet, ESPN, NBC, USA TODAY, and Frommer’s, have taken her to all seven continents. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s hiking, camping, or working out.
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