Hawai'i : Making the Most of Your Family Vacation

The Hawaiian Islands have always been a favorite destination for honeymooners and couples searching for a romantic getaway. In recent years, though, many families have discovered the fun and adventures that parents and kids can share on The Big Island of Hawai‘i. Last year alone, over one million people visited Hawai‘i. With the economic recovery stateside and continued economic slow-down in the Islands, travel to Hawai‘i and the other islands has never been more affordable.

To help you plan a family trip to Hawai‘i, Paradise Family Guides and Prima Publishing have released the fifth edition of Hawai‘i: The Big Island, by John Penisten. Inside you will find tips on all aspects of an island-style vacation, including where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and what to do. The revised fifth edition has an expanded list of Bed & Breakfasts, the fastest growing segment of Hawaiian tourism. It also covers the popular cultural and eco-tourism, as well as historic attractions and adventure tours.

Penisten uses his local insight to give you the Big Island?s best bets. Included on this list are:

• Best Nature Hike: Akaka Falls State Park, Hamakua Coast
• Most Beautiful Sunrise: From Mauna Kea overlooking Hilo
• Biggest Thrill: Helicopter ride over Kilauea Volcano eruption and lava flows
• Best Family-style Restaurant: Don?s Grill, Hilo
• Best Cultural Tour: Polynesian Village at Captain Cook


Going beyond the common tourist destinations, Hawai‘i: The Big Island covers the wealth of beauty and adventure the Big Island has to offer.

About the Author

John Penisten is a Hawai‘i-based journalist and photographer specializing in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Basin. A faculty member at Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo, he lives on the island with his wife and two daughters.