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Family-friendly things to do on Hawaii Island, from manta rays to cultural experiences

Planning a family vacation to Hawaii Island means balancing adventure, culture and downtime. The Kona coast makes that balance easy, especially when you stay somewhere that builds unforgettable experiences right into your stay. At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, families can connect with Hawaiian culture, encounter marine life, enjoy stress-free dining and create shared memories without spending hours in the car.

Here are some of the best family-friendly activities on Hawaii Island, all made easier when you stay at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa.

Hands-on Hawaiian cultural activities for families

Hawaiian culture is best experienced, not observed. OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers complimentary daily cultural activities designed to welcome families of all ages into living traditions that are meaningful, approachable and fun.

Families can learn lei making using fragrant tropical flowers, craft ti-leaf and kukui  bracelets or try beginner-friendly hula lessons that teach how movement tells stories passed down through generations. Ukulele classes introduce Hawaii’s signature instrument, often sparking a lifelong love of music. The Kaukulaelae walking tour brings history to life, guiding families through the resort’s historic village while sharing stories that deepen appreciation for the land and its people.

These activities are relaxed, welcoming and designed to encourage curiosity. Kids learn through creativity, parents gain cultural insight and everyone leaves with memories and handmade keepsakes that last long after the vacation ends.

Feast & Fire luau, a must-do family experience in Kona

A luau is often the highlight of a Hawaii Island vacation, and Feast & Fire at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa delivers one of Kona’s most memorable evenings for families.

Set on the grand lawn overlooking Keauhou Bay, the evening begins with a traditional imu ceremony as a kalua pig is revealed after slow-roasting underground all day. Kids are fascinated by the process, while parents appreciate the cultural context shared by knowledgeable hosts.

The buffet balances authentic Hawaiian dishes like lomi lomi salmon and chicken long rice with familiar options for younger eaters. Once the show begins, professional dancers tell the story of Polynesian voyaging through powerful hula, live drumming and vibrant costumes. The night ends with a thrilling fire knife finale that leaves children wide-eyed and adults applauding.

Feast & Fire works so well for families because it combines dinner, entertainment and education in one seamless experience, all without leaving the resort.

Swimming with manta rays, an unforgettable Hawaii Island adventure

Few experiences compare to swimming with manta rays, and Hawaii Island is one of the best places in the world to do it. Staying at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa puts families right near Keauhou Bay, where manta rays feed nightly after dark.

Before heading out, families can attend Manta Talks at the resort’s Manta Learning Center, hosted in partnership with the Pacific Manta Research Foundation. Kids learn how these gentle giants can reach wingspans of up to 16 feet and how researchers identify individual mantas by their unique markings.

Guided snorkel tours provide wetsuits, snorkels and expert supervision. Participants float on illuminated boards while manta rays glide gracefully below, performing slow barrel rolls as they feed on plankton. The experience is awe-inspiring, often becoming the most talked-about memory of the trip.

For families, it is a rare shared moment of wonder that inspires curiosity about marine life and conservation long after returning home.

Tasty Tuesday food truck nights, easy dining with kids

Vacation dinners do not always need reservations and white tablecloths. Every Tuesday evening, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa hosts Tasty Tuesday, bringing a rotating lineup of Kona’s favorite food trucks right to the resort.

Families can sample garlic shrimp plates, poke bowls, sliders and mochi donuts while spreading out on the lawn. The casual format makes it easy for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers to both find something they enjoy. With most entrees priced between $12 and $18, it is also a budget-friendly option for families.

Local residents often join resort guests, creating a welcoming community vibe that feels authentically Kona. Kids can move freely, parents can relax and dinner becomes an experience rather than a chore.

Why OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is ideal for family travel

What makes these experiences special is not just what you do, but how easy it is to do them. OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa removes friction from family travel by offering cultural programming, signature events and access to bucket-list adventures all in one place.

Instead of rushing between activities, families can slow down, connect and truly be present. Days unfold naturally, filled with discovery, laughter and moments that bring everyone closer together.

Book your family stay at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

From cultural workshops and lūʻau nights to manta ray encounters and laid-back food truck dinners, Hawaii Island offers unforgettable family experiences. Staying at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa means those moments are right outside your door.

Book your family getaway today and discover how easy it is to come be here, together, on the Kona coast.