Episode Details

Big Island Multi-Gen Trip Recap: Manta Rays, Mauna Kea Renovation, and Planning Tips with Trips with Tykes

Host Marcie welcomes travel blogger Leslie Harvey of Trips with Tykes back from a multi-generational Big Island trip with in-laws, including kids ages 3 to 17. Leslie, a frequent Big Island visitor, shares highlights like the Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style; notes on timing and operator differences), and reviews the renovated Mauna Kea resort, including its historic feel, new adults infinity pool, and a new, expensive but exceptional spa. She recommends a splurge meal at Kona Village, describes the Big Island as chill with both rural and luxury vibes, and notes drawbacks like long driving distances (she still hasn’t visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park). Multi-gen tips include renting a house, not overscheduling, and planning a few key family dinners. Challenges included wind, a Portuguese man o’ war sting, and disappointing value at Hau Tree. Costs were high, so groceries via Instacart helped; she sums the trip as expensive, relaxing, and delicious.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:42 Trip Group Rundown
01:21 Why Big Island Wins
02:23 Manta Ray Night Snorkel
05:14 Mauna Kea Hotel Refresh
06:45 Spa and Splurge Dining
09:26 Big Island Vibe Compared
10:55 Driving Distances Reality
13:20 Best Island for Who
14:48 Multi Gen Planning Tips
19:27 Weather and Food Hiccups
21:32 Budget and Cost Strategies
23:46 What Changed Over Time
25:00 Grocery Delivery Hack
29:08 Next Time Bucket List
31:00 Three Word Wrap Up

Who this episode is for: Families planning a multi-generational Big Island trip, or anyone deciding between a house rental and a resort stay with a mixed-age group.

What you'll learn: What a real multi-gen Big Island trip looks like, an updated review of the renovated Mauna Kea resort, and practical tips for traveling with a wide age range (3 to 17) and multiple generations.

Places discussed:

• Big Island (Kona)
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (mentioned as not yet visited)

Activities discussed:

• Kona manta ray night snorkel (with Kona Style)
• Spa visit at Mauna Kea
• Grocery delivery via Instacart

Hotels discussed:

• Mauna Kea (renovated) — historic feel, new adults-only infinity pool, new spa

Restaurants discussed:

• Kona Village — recommended splurge dinner
• Hau Tree — disappointing value

Guest recommendations (Leslie Harvey, Trips with Tykes):

• Book the Kona manta ray night snorkel with Kona Style; pay attention to timing and operator differences
• Splurge on dinner at Kona Village
• For multi-gen trips: rent a house instead of separate hotel rooms, don't overschedule, and plan a few key family dinners together
• Use Instacart for groceries to help manage high food costs
• Budget for long driving distances between areas of the island

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• Navigating Multi-Generational Trips to Hawaii with Melissa Conn— Ep 20

Related articles:

• Big Island travel guide

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii v