Big Island Family Trip: A Dream Stay at Kauna’oa 9A
The Big Island of Hawai‘i has a way of making family vacations feel extra special — dramatic landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, incredible food, and the kind of sunsets that stop you in your tracks. For our latest family getaway, we stayed on the Kohala Coast at Kauna’oa 9A, one of the private luxury villas I represent through The Postcard Edit.
It was the perfect home base for a group of six — grandparents, parents, a child, and an aunt — with plenty of space for everyone to spread out, relax, and come together for unforgettable meals and moments.
Where We Stayed: Kauna’oa 9A
Kauna’oa 9A is part of the private Kauna’oa community within the iconic Mauna Kea Resort. The villa is a showstopper — four spacious bedrooms, 3 with an ensuite bathroom, plus expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces perfect for group gatherings. The layout gave every person or couple their own private retreat, while the shared areas encouraged connection.
Some of our favorite features:
Private pool and jacuzzi overlooking the Kohala Coast — perfect for sunset swims
A huge lanai with outdoor seating and dining for lingering over morning coffee or evening cocktails
Full-size gourmet kitchen and BBQ, stocked with everything we needed for family meals
Easy walking distance to Mauna Kea Resort amenities, including pools, fitness center, and restaurants
Close proximity to the white sand beaches of Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach, two of the island’s most famous
It’s hard to imagine a better setting for a multigenerational trip — luxurious yet comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully designed.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset at the Villa
We arrived in the afternoon, stopping first at Kai Eats + Drinks in Kona for lunch. This waterfront spot sits right on the edge of Kailua Bay — we enjoyed fresh fish tacos and burgers while our youngest traveler explored the sandy shoreline with Grandma.
Before heading north to the Kohala Coast, we made a Costco run in Kona — a must if you’re staying in a villa with a full kitchen. Stocking up on snacks, drinks, and grill-friendly meals made it easy to enjoy casual dinners and breakfasts at home.
Arriving at Kauna’oa 9A, we were immediately struck by the spacious layout and sweeping views. We settled in just in time to catch our first Big Island sunset from the lanai — pure magic. That evening, we grabbed takeout pizza from K.O. Pizza, a terrific local favorite serving huge pies out of a food truck near Mauna Kea.
Day 2: Beaches & BBQs
Our first full day was spent enjoying what makes the Kohala Coast so special: beaches and sunshine. After a relaxed breakfast at the villa and a dip in our private pool, we spent the morning alternating between Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach — both famous for their powdery white sand and calm, swimmable waters perfect for snorkeling. It was amazing all of the sea life we were able to see!
Lunch was poolside at the Mauna Kea Resort, followed by some lazy hours lounging in the resort’s infinity pool. Back at the villa, we ended the day with a family BBQ on the lanai — margaritas in hand, sunset painting the sky.
Day 3: Malasadas, Waterfalls & Volcanoes
We woke early for a full day of exploring the island. First stop: Manuela Malasada Truck on Mamalahoa Highway. Malasadas are Hawaiian-style doughnuts — pillowy, sugar-dusted, and sometimes filled with custard or tropical fruit cream. They’re a Big Island staple, and this roadside stop is beloved for good reason.
Fueled by malasadas, we headed toward the Hāmākua Coast. A quick stop at Waipi‘o Fruit Shack for fresh juice set the tone for a scenic drive, followed by a hike at Akaka Falls State Park. The short loop trail winds through lush rainforest before revealing the stunning 442-foot waterfall cascading into a gorge — one of the island’s most photogenic spots.
In Hilo, we enjoyed a casual lunch at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine — open-air dining, friendly service, and big portions of local favorites.
Our final adventure of the day: Kīlauea Volcano at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The volcano was actively erupting during our visit — seeing glowing lava flows and steam vents up close was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Day 4: Cloud Forest & Green Sand Beach
This day felt particularly unique. We began with a visit to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary — a hidden gem high in the hills above Kailua-Kona. The sanctuary is home to over 100 native plant species and has a mystical, almost otherworldly feel thanks to its cool mist and towering trees. We joined a guided tour paired with a yoga session and sound bath — a truly grounding experience surrounded by birdsong and rustling leaves.
In the afternoon, we ventured south to Papakōlea (Green Sand Beach). Its sand gets its rare olive hue from olivine crystals formed in volcanic eruptions — one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Reaching the beach requires a 2.5-mile hike each way or a ride in open-air trucks driven by locals for about $20 round trip. We opted for the truck since we had our six-year-old with us — bumpy but fun, and the views were spectacular.
Dinner that night was at Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Auberge Hotel — an open-air, oceanfront restaurant perfect for sunset. The menu highlights island-inspired dishes made with local ingredients — a must for any Big Island food lover.
Day 5: Waikoloa Shopping & Lava Lava Beach Club
We spent the morning at the Queens’ Marketplace and Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa — two open-air shopping centers with a mix of boutiques, galleries, and casual eateries. It’s a great spot for souvenirs, Hawaiian fashion, and local art.
The afternoon was all about beach vibes at Lava Lava Beach Club, a laid-back restaurant and bar set right on the sand. We snagged a table with our toes practically in the water, ordered tropical cocktails, and watched the sun sink behind the horizon as live music played — a quintessential Big Island evening.
Day 6: Villa Day & Merriman’s Farewell
For our last full day, we soaked up every moment at Kauna’oa 9A. Morning began with a walk to the Kauna’oa Amenity Center — fitness center workout, a round on the 3-hole Weiskopf-designed practice course, and a swim in their infinity-edge pool.
Afternoon was split between Hapuna Beach and our villa’s private pool, before we dressed up for our farewell dinner at Merriman’s in Waimea. Known as the birthplace of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, Merriman’s focuses on farm-to-table dishes with 90% locally sourced ingredients. The service is impeccable, the flavors unforgettable — definitely reserve ahead for this culinary highlight.
Day 7: Departure
After one last morning coffee on the lanai, we packed up and drove south to Kona for our nonstop flight back to San Diego — already dreaming about our return.
Why Kauna’oa 9A is Perfect for Families
Spacious layout with private bedrooms and bathrooms for every guest
Luxury amenities: private pool, jacuzzi, lanai, and full gourmet kitchen
Prime location: quick access to Mauna Kea Resort and Hapuna Beach
Flexible dining: cook at home, BBQ, or explore nearby restaurants
Kid-friendly and multigenerational: plenty of space for everyone to relax
Planning Your Own Big Island Getaway?
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and location on the Big Island, Kauna’oa 9A is hard to beat. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or celebrating a special milestone, this villa offers a home-away-from-home experience with all the perks of a five-star resort.