It'll take parents a day or so to relax and grow accustomed to the incredible freedom children are afforded at Kona Village. Kids can explore the resort's 82 acres on their own with newly made friends from around the world. Resort staff are always nearby, maintaining a watchful eye.The complimentary day and evening keiki program for kids 5 to 12 is called Na Keiki in Paradise and focuses on the Hawaiian culture. Many of the activities are paired with nighttime Kona Village events. For example, on the two luau days, Wednesday and Friday, children learn to make traditional grass skirts or headbands with coconut leaves during the day, are taught the hula and, later in the evening, perform for their parents at the luau. On Tuesday evenings, Kona Village celebrates the Hawaiian cowboy with the Paniolo Night BBQ. Earlier in the day, children practice roping cattle (with toys only), toss horseshoes and roast marshmallows for s'mores in the evening.
On other days, kids are offered an array of activities that include nature walks, treasure hunts, lawn games, coconut painting, Hawaiian crafts (such as shell necklace-making), net-throwing, pool games and more. At breakfast or lunch, parents can sign their kids up for the dinner program (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.), where the kids will eat dinner with a group of keiki and, afterward, play games like capture the minnow or, for younger kids, bead-stringing and coloring.
Children younger than 12 might feel left out of the older kids' water activities, like paddle-boarding and canoeing. Keeping hurt feelings in mind, Kona Village offers the Bubble Makers program. Kids 8 and older can take this 1.5-hour class and learn to scuba dive in the safe and fun environment of the Kona Village Shipwreck pool. Yes, your "baby" will be equipped with very small air tanks and taught how to breathe underwater.
Holidays are also very special at Kona Village for keiki. In December, kids get to decorate gingerbread men or houses and welcome Santa as he arrives in a decked-out canoe (depending on the size of the waves, of course). At Halloween, kids dress up and trick-or-treat throughout the village. Easter, of course, sees kids dyeing and hunting for eggs. Even the adults get in on the action. Staff hide colored rocks on the ocean floor, and parents dive for the rocks to the laughter and cheers of their kids. Fourth of July means picnic time at Kona Village, and the Four Seasons next door lights the sky with fireworks that can be seen for miles.
Important to note: Children are always welcome at Kona Village, but the children's program is not offered during parts of May and September. During these time blocks, children are charged full adult price, regardless of their age, whereas children's rates are based on their age during the rest of the year.
The Kahuwai Bay Beach, a protected marine sanctuary that fronts Kona Village, offers happy sand play for the younger set and a long list of water activities for kids 12 to 99 years. Complimentary activities include sand castle-building, snorkeling, kayaking, boogie-boarding and luxurious napping. Pricey-but-way-worth-it activities include stand-up paddle-boarding, scuba-diving, outrigger canoe trips, deep-sea-fishing, windsurfing, sailing lessons and more.
Don't miss the chance to ride a ribcraft (rigid inflatable boat) to snorkel, search for spinner dolphins or get incredibly close to the migrating Humpback whales. Or, maybe this is the year you and the kids will get scuba certified and take a one-tank, sunset or nighttime dive trip. Kona Village offers so many options that choosing your activity will truly be the hardest thing you do all day.
Two pools, the Bora Bora pool for families and the Shipwreck pool (mainly for adults), both provide picturesque, oceanview lounging (and free-all-day popcorn).
In 1998, an asteroid near Mars was named Asteroid Lomberg in recognition of a Mr. Jon Lomberg's achievements in the field of science communications. The guests at Kona Village have been the privileged recipients of Mr. Lomber's tours through the Hawaiian night skies since 1992. Drawing on a rich sense of humor and lively ability to share stories, Jon will transform how you and your family regard the night sky forevermore. Offered on a complimentary basis once or twice a month (depending on what the Hawaiian skies are up to -- no pun intended), call ahead to get Mr. Lomberg's schedule.
Kona Village's top-notch tennis facility will appeal to every age and skill level with three lighted courts and a tennis pro who carries impressive credentials. Court use, racquets, balls and even shoes are complimentary. Daily clinics and round-robins are also at no charge. Private lessons are for-fee.
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