Destination Hawaii: Kauai with Kids
December 10, 2007
Filed under Destinations
Traveling to the glorious Hawaiian Islands can be, frankly, brutal. But Hawaii timeshare owners who make the trip each year know that the long flights and the multi-hour time change are well worth it. After all, vacationing in this tropical paradise is all about rest and relaxation at a wonderfully laid-back pace—on “aloha time.”With its fascinating, active volcanoes, opportunities for snorkeling, boogie-boarding and jungle hiking, as well as its community that embraces keiki (children), Hawaii is an ideal vacation for adventurous families, as well. In particular, the manageable, low-key island of Kauai is especially inviting for children. Here are six reasons why:
Sightseeing Wonders
Kauai is just 33 miles wide and 25 miles wide. Scenic sights are connected by only two highways that stretch along the coast and into the mountains on the western side for about 85 miles. So in a week, you can get to know Hawaii’s “Garden Island”—and its lush jungle, cascading waterfalls and verdant hills—intimately.
Hop in a rental car to explore the sights up north, such as the Kilauea lighthouse, a breeding ground for red-footed boobies, and to the west, including Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Stop in the locals’ beach towns for shaved ice and go inland to seek out photogenic waterfalls.
Smith Family Garden Luau
Sure, you can enjoy a luau on any of Hawaii’s developed islands. But there’s only one Smith Family Garden Luau, set on 30 acres of beautiful botanical gardens. Four generations of Smiths have been in the business of entertaining visitors for more than 50 years. Fill your bellies with barbecued pork, teriyaki beef, chicken adobo, flavorful rice, vegetables and fruit. The Polyneisan dances performed here are top-notch, and the open-air amphitheatre lit with tiki torches set the perfect tone.
Mountain Tubing Adventure
On Kauai, in order to see parts of the island that are privately owned, or other scenic spots that are simply inaccessible without an experienced outfitter, you’ve got to dish out the dollars for a guided tour. And the cost is usually justified—especially the Mountain Tubing Adventure from Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
Float on innertubes along the gently flowing waters of irrigation ditches that were once used on a sugar-cane plantation. Along the way, marvel at the mossy banks and the wide ditches that were all hand-dug by immigrant laborers in the 1800s. The 45-minute tube ride ends with a deli lunch at a picnic spot next to a swimming hole.
Na Pali Snorkeling
The rugged, northwest Na Pali coast of Kauai can only be reached by boat or helicopter. Here you’ll find pristine, white-sand beaches, sea cliffs, waterfalls, as well as spectacular snorkeling opportunities around the reefs just off shore.
A number of different outfitters offer snorkeling cruises on catamarans or giant rafts called Zodiacs. Amiable crew members not only give expert snorkeling instruction, but they share legends and lore about the island, teaching kids about the geography and flora along the way. Drinks, breakfast and lunch are typically included on board.
Lydgate Beach Park
A man-made lagoon surrounded by large boulders at Lydgate State Park is a big draw for visiting children, since it’s home to an amazing array of fish. Kids can learn how to snorkel in the calm waters, spotting tiger, parrot, angel and trigger fish.
The highlight at Lydgate Beach Park is the amazing community-built play areas. The Kamalani Playground, across the street from the lagoon, is a humongous wooden structure with slides, chutes, caves, monkey bars, balance beams, and intricate mosaic designs of sea life embedded into concrete benches and half-walls. Down the walking path (or a short drive south), the Play Bridge is another really cool wooden structure with mazes, catwalks, decks and covered slides for kids to explore.
Poipu State Park
Children of all ages can find a spot just for them at Poipu State Park. There’s an ocean pool that protects toddlers from rough waves, and a shallow bay for snorkeling and big-kid swimming. Ideal boogie-boarding spots can be found further down the beach, and Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, a casual lunch spot, is across the street. A playground, big grassy area, picnic pavilion and restrooms also make this an excellent beach for families.
