Kids & Families

Kids & Families

With dozens of adventures, discoveries, and fun-filled beach days, Hawaii is a blast with kids. Even better, the things to do here do not appeal only to small fry. The entire family, parents included, will enjoy surfing, discovering a waterfall in the rain forest, and snorkeling with sea turtles. And there are plenty of organized activities for kids that will free parents' time for a few romantic beach strolls.

Choosing a Place to Stay

Resorts: All of the big resorts make kids' programs a priority, and it shows. When you are booking your room, ask about "kids eat free" deals and the number of kids' pools at the resort. Also check out the size of the groups in the children's programs, and find out whether the cost of the programs includes lunch, equipment, and activities.

On the North Shore the best bet is the Princeville Resort, where kids can spend the day (without their parents) sightseeing or the evening at the movies. The Kauai Marriott Resort is a good choice on the East Side, and on the South Shore both the Hyatt Regency Kauai and Sheraton Kauai Resort have kids' programs.

Condos: Condo and vacation rentals are a fantastic value for families vacationing in Hawaii. You can cook your own food, which is cheaper than eating out and sometimes easier (especially if you have a finicky eater in your group), and you'll get twice the space of a hotel room for about a quarter of the price. If you decide to go the condo route, be sure to ask about the size of the complex's pool (some try to pawn a tiny soaking tub off as a pool) and whether barbecues are available. One of the best parts of staying in your own place is having a sunset family barbecue by the pool or overlooking the ocean.

On the North Shore, one of the most popular places for those with kids is North Country Farms, for its value and amenities. There are kitchenettes, and the common area is packed with videos and puzzles. There's also Hanalei Bay Resort, which offers kids' programs. On the South Shore, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation is a family favorite, with an excellent location that includes a very swimmable beach adjacent to a grassy field great for picnics.

Ocean Activities

Hawaii is all about getting your kids outside -- away from TV and video games. And who could resist the turquoise water, the promise of spotting dolphins or whales, and the fun of boogie boarding or surfing?

On the Beach: Most people like being in the water, but toddlers and school-age kids tend to be especially enamored of it. The swimming pool at your condo or hotel is always an option, but don't be afraid to hit the beach with a little one in tow. There are several beaches in Hawaii that are nearly as safe as a pool -- completely protected bays with pleasant white-sand beaches. As always, use your judgment, and heed all posted signs and lifeguard warnings.

Calm beaches to try include Anini Beach and Hanalei Bay Beach Park on the North Shore, Lydgate State Park and Kalapaki Beach on the East Side, Poipu Beach Park on the South Shore, and Salt Pond Beach Park on the West Side.

On the Waves: Surf lessons are a great idea for older kids, especially if mom and dad want a little quiet time. Beginner lessons are always on safe and easy waves and last anywhere from two to four hours.

The Blue Seas Surf School is best for beginners, and you can book your kids a 1 1/2-hour lesson for $65.

The Underwater World: If your kids are ready to try snorkeling, Hawaii is a great place to introduce them to the underwater world. Even without the mask and snorkel, they'll be able to see colorful fish darting this way and that, and they may also spot turtles and dolphins at many of the island beaches.

Get your kids used to the basics at Lydgate State Park on the island's East Side, where there's no threat of a current. For guided snorkel tours, SeaFun Kauai will show kids of all ages how to identify marine life and gives great beginner instruction.

Land Activities

In addition to beach experiences, Hawaii has rain forests, botanical gardens (the Big Island and Maui have the best), numerous aquariums (Oahu and Maui take the cake), and even petting zoos and hands-on childrens' museums that will keep your kids entertained and out of the sun for a day.

On the North Shore, kids will love Na Aina Kai, a garden with a 16-foot-tall Jack and the Beanstalk bronze sculpture, gecko maze, treehouse, kid-size train, and tropical jungle, and on the East Side is Smith's Tropical Paradise, a 30-acre botanical garden.

Horseback riding is a popular family activity, and most of the tours on Kauai move slowly, so no riding experience is required. Kids as young as two can ride at Esprit de Corps.

When it rains on Kauai, kids aren't subject to staying indoors. ATV tours are the activity of choice. Try Kauai ATV tours, which has two-passenger "Mud Bugs" to accommodate families with kids ages five and older.

After Dark

At nighttime, younger kids get a kick out of luaus, and many of the shows incorporate young audience members, adding to the fun. The older kids might find it all a bit lame, but there are a handful of new shows in the islands that are more modern, incorporating acrobatics, lively music, and fire dancers. If you're planning on hitting a luau with a teen in tow, we highly recommend going the modern route. We think the best luau for kids on Kauai is a Luau Kilohana, in Lihue. All guests arrive by horse-drawn carriage, and there's a bit of a history lesson, too, as the grounds were once a sugar-plantation manager's estate.