Discover the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii for your family reunion. From active volcanoes to black sand beaches, find perfect reunion destinations on Hawaii's largest island.
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Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
The world's tallest mountain when measured from its base on the ocean floor, offering spectacular stargazing and sunset viewing opportunities. Families can drive to the visitor center and participate in stargazing programs with telescopes. The summit provides breathtaking views and educational experiences about astronomy and Hawaiian culture.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The summit road requires a 4WD rental vehicle and visitors must stop at the Maunakea Visitor Station at 9200 feet for 30 minutes to acclimate before continuing to the 13796-foot summit. Groups of 10 or more can book guided summit tours at $250 per vehicle through approved operators who provide 4WD transport and cold-weather gear for temperatures averaging 30 to 40 degrees at the top. The summit is not ADA accessible due to unpaved volcanic terrain and extreme altitude but the Visitor Station has accessible restrooms and a paved stargazing area at 9200 feet.
Website: ifa.hawaii.edu
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
A stunning black sand beach formed by volcanic activity, famous for Hawaiian green sea turtles that often bask on the shore. Families can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this unique setting. The dramatic contrast of black sand against blue ocean creates unforgettable photo opportunities for reunion memories.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The beach park is free with a 40-car parking lot and ADA-accessible restrooms and a paved viewing path along the black volcanic sand shoreline where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles rest. A rental car is essential as the beach is 60 miles south of Hilo and 56 miles south of Kona with no public transit serving this remote coastline along Highway 11. Ocean safety advisories warn against swimming here due to strong currents and underwater lava rock ledges so this is a viewing and photography stop rather than a swimming destination for reunion groups.
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
A spectacular 80-foot waterfall that creates rainbows in its mist during morning hours. Families can enjoy easy access to viewing areas and short hiking trails around the falls. The natural beauty and accessibility make it perfect for all ages, providing stunning photo opportunities and a refreshing natural experience.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The falls viewpoint is free with a paved parking lot holding 30 vehicles and a fully ADA-accessible viewing platform with railings just 100 feet from the parking area in downtown Hilo. Visit between 9 and 11 AM when morning sun creates rainbow effects in the 80-foot waterfall mist and before trade wind clouds build over the Wailuku River valley. No reservation is needed and the site takes only 15 minutes making it an ideal quick stop for groups passing through Hilo on the way to Volcanoes National Park.
Akaka Falls State Park
A lush tropical park featuring the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls along a paved loop trail through dense rainforest. The short half-mile loop trail keeps groups of 15-50 together naturally, with the paved surface accommodating strollers and slower walkers without splitting the party. Viewing platforms at both waterfalls provide ample space for group photos with dramatic backdrops that everyone can enjoy simultaneously. The surrounding tropical vegetation—bamboo groves, orchids, and ferns—creates a sensory experience that sparks conversation among all ages. The park's compact size means the entire visit fits within an hour, making it easy to coordinate with other reunion activities.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is $5 per vehicle and $1 per pedestrian with payment via the Hawaii State Parks app or cash at the self-service station in the 50-car parking lot. The 0.4-mile loop trail to the 442-foot waterfall is paved but not fully ADA accessible due to steep grades exceeding 12 percent and sections with stairs that cannot be bypassed. Inter-island visitors should book flights to Hilo Airport rather than Kona since the falls are just 15 miles north of Hilo versus 95 miles from Kona on winding coastal roads.
Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
An ancient Hawaiian place of refuge featuring reconstructed temples, carved wooden images, and a royal fishpond along a dramatic lava rock coastline. The park's open layout and multiple interpretive stations allow groups of 15-50 to explore at their own pace while staying within sight of each other across the grounds. Ranger-led cultural demonstrations—including lei making, Hawaiian games, and storytelling—can engage the entire group in participatory activities. The flat terrain and shaded picnic areas make it comfortable for elderly family members to rest while others explore further. Its profound cultural significance adds depth and meaning to reunion gatherings focused on heritage and family bonds.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is $20 per vehicle valid for 7 days and groups of 10 or more on educational visits can apply for a fee waiver through the park superintendent with 6 weeks advance notice. The Royal Grounds loop trail and visitor center are fully ADA accessible with paved paths and wheelchair-friendly restrooms located adjacent to the 60-car parking lot. Rangers offer free 30-minute cultural talks at 10 AM and 2:30 PM daily and groups of 15 or more can arrange private programs by calling 808-328-2326 at least 4 weeks in advance.
Website: nps.gov/puho
Hapuna Beach State Park
One of Hawaii's largest white sand beaches stretching over half a mile along the Kohala Coast, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. The beach's generous size means groups of 15-50 can claim a substantial section without encroaching on other visitors, creating a semi-private reunion beach day. Calm summer waters provide safe swimming for children while bodyboarding conditions keep teens and adults entertained. On-site facilities including restrooms, showers, shaded picnic pavilions, and a food concession eliminate the need for complex logistics. The wide, flat sand makes setup easy for group games, volleyball, and beach activities that bring everyone together.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Parking costs $5 per vehicle in the 200-space paved lot with 6 ADA-designated stalls near the accessible restrooms and the beach is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Beach wheelchair rentals are available free of charge at the lifeguard station on a first-come basis and the paved path from the lot to the sand is ADA accessible with a gentle grade. Winter swells from November through March create powerful shore break unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers so check the ocean safety advisory board at the park entrance before allowing children in the water.
Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov
Mauna Kea Visitor Center
Located at 9,200 feet elevation, this visitor center offers stargazing programs, educational exhibits, and acclimatization stops for those heading to the summit. The center's free nightly stargazing program accommodates groups of 15-50 with telescopes and guided constellation tours that create unforgettable shared memories under some of the clearest skies on Earth. Daytime visits include interpretive displays about astronomy and Hawaiian cultural connections to the stars that engage all ages. The center's indoor facilities provide warmth and restrooms at altitude, keeping the group comfortable during evening programs. It represents a unique reunion activity that bonds the group through collective wonder at the universe.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The visitor center at 9200 feet elevation is free to visit with accessible restrooms and a paved stargazing patio that hosts free public programs every Tuesday through Saturday evening from 6 to 10 PM. Groups of 12 or more should call 808-961-2180 at least 2 weeks ahead to reserve space for the evening stargazing program as it accommodates a maximum of 60 guests per night. A rental car with 4WD is required to reach the visitor center via the steep Mauna Kea Access Road and temperatures average 40 to 50 degrees at this altitude so bring warm layers for evening programs.
Website: ifa.hawaii.edu
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.