Hawaii - Pitstops for Kids

Haleakala National Park

August 26, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

When I think of Maui, I think sun-kissed sand and stunning beaches…not ascending to 10,000 feet to hike amid peaks. But families vacationing on the island would be remiss to skip Haleakala National Park, where kids will learn about the natural landscape of this breathtaking area, and get a glimpse of a Maui not well-known.

Haleakala consists of both Haleakala Summit and the lower Kipahulu Coast, making it possible for families to hike through barren and beautiful terrain as well as lush vegetation, all while learning more about native Hawaiian ecology and species during one of several ranger-guided talks offered. I love that Haleakala is such a region of contrasts: kids learn about many types of natural beauty, from the high peak to the streams and waterfalls in the park’s Kipahulu area.

Tip: The night sky is so clear at the national park, that it’s home to the Haleakala Observatory. Haleakala is open 24 hours a day, so if you time it right, you can take in the Milky Way as you’ve likely never seen it before!

For one family’s take on Haleakala National Park and its junior ranger program for kids, visit Mary at The World is a Book for an extensive review.

Distance from an interstate: See directions below.

Hours of operation: The park is open year-round, 24-hours a day, seven days per week. Visitor center hours are as follows: Haleakala Visitor Center (9740 ft/2969 m) 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission costs: Daily park passes are $10 per vehicle. For more information on park fees, see the Haleakala National Park site.

Directions: Getting to Haleakala National Park includes a beautiful drive through Maui’s ‘upcountry’ of ranches and farms. To reach the Summit Area, start at Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours. To the coastal area (Kipahulu), take Route 36 to 360 to 31. Driving time from Kahului is approximately 3 hours.

Popular state parks in Hawaii

July 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Many people around the world think that Hawaii is just a place where they can see a lot of beautiful beaches and water activities such as surfing and kiteboarding. This picture of Hawaii is what has always been portrayed on TV and magazines; however, there’s so much more to Hawaii than meets as it’s also a place for many natural and historical wonders. Did you know there are more than six state and national parks in Hawaii?

Popular state parks in Hawaii: Today, we will be going through six state and national parks that you have to visit.

1. Na Pali Coast State Park

Na Pali Coast State Park is known for the world’s famous footpaths – the Kalalau Trail. This trail is situated along the tropical rainforest facing the panoramic seafront.

You can reach Kalalau Valley from Ke’e Beach. The trail is a little dangerous during rainfall, so you have to equip yourself with good footwear and other safety gear.

2. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. However, unlike the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon State Park is mixed with lush and green areas.

The rocky portions are red, and the interior is wild and not barren. Although the road is undeveloped, you can have a short walk toward the Waimea Canyon and Pu’uokila from the paved Route 550 in order to get a perfect view.

3. Diamond Head State Park

Diamond Head State Park is located in the eastern part of Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s a circular volcano that looks like diamond crystals.

If you are in Honolulu, Diamond Head State Park is one of the most famous landmarks you will come across.

4. Makena State Park

Maui is what makes Hawaii famous for great beaches, and one of these is Makena State Park. It’s been declared a national park to preserve its beauty and wonder.

It’s not an ordinary beach as Makena State Park is surrounded with white sand and clear water. This is perfect for all beach activities like sunbathing and snorkeling.

5. Iao Valley State Monument

For hikers and mountain climbers, Lao Valley State Monument is another ideal destination. Most visitors climb this mountain not to seek adventure but to find fulfillment in reaching this sacred altar.

Aside from that, the place is also historical as this used to be the site where the Maui army and King Kamehameha I had their historic battle.

6. Haleakala National Park

Hawaii is known for its live volcanoes. When it comes to volcanoes, the Big Island is the place to think of.

There are several volcanic craters in the Big Island and one of them is Haleakala National Park. This attracts not only scientists, but also ordinary spectators.

Conclusion

Hawaii has many things to offer; aside from its great coastline and warm tropical weather, it possesses some hidden gems that are no longer secret to the locals and regular visitors. This is evident in the many national parks you can find in Hawaii.

You don’t have to visit them all just to appreciate Hawaii, because each of these national parks is a complete travel experience in its own. Try to visit at least one or more during your travels, and you will understand what Hawaii really is.

Fair Wind Big Island Kealakekua Snorkel Cruise review

June 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Note: The Big Island is tourism-ready and Fair Wind is open for business after Hawaii’s recent lava flows.

Snorkeling on the west coast of Hawaii (the Big Island) is always a hit due to the incredibly clear water on the dry side of the island, and there’s nowhere better than Kealakekua Bay. This calm, sheltered bay is the home of the Captain Cook Monument and is well known for its clear water, pods of dolphins, and the multitude of fish. However, it’s hard to get here on your own!

Fair Wind Big Island Kealakekua Snorkel Cruise review:

Visitors can hike into the Captain Cook Monument (a four mile round trip hike, often hot and exposed), kayak across the bay (with the proper permits only; keep in mind that you are not permitted to dock your kayak at the monument, so you’ll have to have it attached to you while you snorkel), or join a boat tour such as the Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. We chose the latter, and couldn’t have been happier with our choice!

Upon arrival at the Fair Wind offices in Keauhou Bay, we were fitted for masks and snorkels (fins were supplied on the boat) and provided with plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry—there was plenty available on the boat before, during, and after snorkeling. Once on board, we had a continental breakfast of muffins, quiche, fruit, and coffee while we cruised toward Kealakekua Bay. We even had a pod of spinner dolphins escort us around the point and into the bay! After a brief safety talk with info on where and where not to snorkel, we headed into the water for two and a half hours. Of course, because we had kids in our group (7 and 9 years old), they couldn’t resist trying out some of the other entertainment options on board. The Fair Winds II has two slides off the back of the boat that send the rider flying about 6 feet above the water. Needless to say, this was a big hit! There’s also a high dive off the top deck (my favorite!). Because we had so much time to spend in the bay, we found that we had plenty of time to enjoy the slides and high-dive without feeling like we were missing out on snorkeling.

Lunch was served near the end of the snorkel time, and gave us a chance to come in from the water for a little break. I found that one of the best things about having breakfast and lunch included was that we didn’t have to worry about lugging a cooler, sandwiches, etc. onto the boat and were able to pack light and enjoy the ride.

We had a great time on the Morning Kealakekua Snorkel and BBQ Cruise with Fair Wind; I would even say that no trip to the Big Island is complete without a snorkel experience in Kealakekua Bay.

Prices:

The morning cruise (2.5 hours snorkel time, plus breakfast and lunch): $149/adult; $89/child, + taxes and fees

For a less expensive option, consider the afternoon cruise to Kealakekua Bay (1.5 hours snorkel time, snacks only, same boat as the morning cruise): $89/adult; $49/child + taxes and fees

Disclosure: we experienced this snorkel cruise at a discounted media rate, for the purpose of review.

Best snorkeling beaches in Kauai North Shore

March 21, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the best activities in the Hawaiian islands is snorkeling in Kauai. Need to know where to go? Read on for our top snorkeling beaches on Kauai’s North Shore, compiled after a week of sampling (I know, rough job, right?). Here’s what we found out:

Anini Beach:

This was the first beach we visited on Kauai, and it did not disappoint. Because it’s surrounded by reefs, Anini is very calm and great for young kids…which is why we list it in our best Kauai beaches for babies and toddlers. But it also has great snorkeling. In the first five minutes we were out in the water, we saw multiple sea turtles. Further exploration off the shore rewarded us with schools of fish and sea slugs.

We loved that the shallow water lets you explore further out while still being able to touch, and that the sea turtles came in close enough that even young kids could see them easily. When not in the water, Anini still wins because it has a fun creek running into the ocean, lots of trees to play on with big exposed roots, and usually, a North Shore General Store food truck in the parking lot. How to get there: Take the highway past Princeville (toward Lihue) to Anini Road. You’ll go past a residential area, then end at the beach parking lot.

Hidaways Beach:

Not so hidden anymore, Hideaways, actually called Kenomene Beach is located right in Princeville, by the St. Regis. Getting to the beach can be tough, but that just means fewer other people to contend with, right? Start by hiking down a steep and rocky path…use the hand rails and ropes, and consider wearing sturdy sandals instead of flip-flops.

The best snorkeling is around the rock outcropping that separates the beach areas. Snorkel when the tide is partway in, to avoid it being too shallow. Waves during our visit were existent, but not large. However, we heard they can be quite large depending on the tide. How to get there: It’s easiest to approach Hideaways by the Pali Ke Kua condos by Hanalei Bay Resort. Enter the resort and follow the footpath to the beach. If you want to take the shorter but steeper trail, that starts at the parking lot, which is small (about 10 cars fit). This is also located right at the entrance of the condos and St. Regis, in Princeville. Tip: Go early in the morning to get parking and the beach to yourself!

Ke’e Beach:

The last beach accessible by car before the Na Poli Coast, Ke’e Beach is another good one for young kids, because of the lack of surf. This also makes it great for snorkeling. Ke’e Beach gets crowded, so hit it early to enjoy the gentle lagoon all to yourselves. The Kalalau Trail (Na Poli Coast Trail) starts here, too.

The beach is teeming with fish, and perfect for a snorkeling day. Just stay clear of the current that flows from the lagoon to the sea. Swim just outside the inner reef for the best fish sightings. You can see from the photo below that it looks rough…actually the reef shields the snorkeling area beautifully. Plus, it makes a great spot for using your bodyboards.

How to get there: Take the road to the end! That’s it. The parking lot is small here, which is another incentive to get here early. If you must park on the road, you’ll likely get a ticket to the tune of $35 or so. Many people deem it worth it. Tip: you can start at Ke’e Beach and take a four mile round trip hike along the trail to Hanakapiai Beach as well.

Queen Emma’s Bath:

While not technically a snorkeling beach, Queen Emma’s Bath is not to be missed. Kids can snorkel here, seeing rock formations and exploring the pools, and you’ll likely see sea turtles in the surf off the coast. This special geological feature is located in Princeville (follow signs as you enter this golf-resort community near the St. Regis). Park at the top of a short, downhill hike to the rocky shore, where you can explore along the coastline in either direction. Directly in front of you, after you exit the trail, will be beautiful chasms in the rock that form rocky bays for water to flow in and out of. In some seasons, these are swimmable, but not in spring or winter. Check for sea turtles here, then walk left, where you’ll find fully enclosed pools in the rock near the point. Families can swim and jump here, and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Tip: get to the parking lot early; it fills up fast and there’s no other street parking immediately adjacent.

Note: Queen Emma’s Baths have taken many lives, as noted on a sign when you enter. Never visit during the winter season, and heed all signs and warnings. We recommend never swimming in the exposed inlets at all.

Need a sure bet on the south side of the island? The inlet by the Marriott Vacation Club at Poipu Beach has great snorkeling from shore.

Where to stay on Kauai South Shore: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

January 24, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Every time I visit a Marriott Vacation Club, I’m equally impressed. The Waiohai Beach Club is the fourth property I’ve seen, and won’t be my last. Why? While every Marriott Vacation Club is different, in order to fit into its setting geographically and culturally, core amenities and values remain consistent across the brand: roomy, family-friendly suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, above average customer service, and a focused effort on kid-friendly activities.

If you’re not familiar with Marriott Vacation Club, go here to read more. In a nutshell, this ‘arm’ of Marriott offers a timeshare-modeled ownership plan, but also welcomes nightly guests at a fantastic value. I recommend MVCs often, because for a reasonable rate, families get tons of room and the ability to make their own meals. While service is good, the properties never feel ‘snooty’.

Features specific to Waiohai Beach Club:

This property has the prettiest grounds I’ve seen at a Marriott Vacation Club. Located right on the ocean on the south side of Kauai, the eight buildings, or ‘hales’ nestle in a semi-circle, with the resort’s three pools and three hot tubs tucked amid beautiful landscaping between them.

The beach is the best I’ve seen for Hawaiian resorts, though families can find even better by venturing around the island by car. However, when you pick a resort over a vacation home or town living, it’s crucial the beach on-site delivers, as you’ll be spending the most time there. The beach at Waiohai Beach Club certainly does: the resort is adjacent to Poipu Beach, with several small natural coves perfect for different activities. There a very calm, reef-sheltered ‘keiki’ beach if you walk a few steps from the resort to the left, a nice snorkeling spot closer to the resort, then, directly out front, a sandy beach with waves perfect for boogie boarding. Further off-shore, expert surfers can be spotted (in season).

Since it’s only a few steps from your villa to the beach, it’s easy to spend the day hopping from beach to pools to villa, returning for meals if you desire. If you want to drive elsewhere, several other Poipu beaches are within a few miles, or the wonders of the North Shore await if you’re willing to put in an hour plus drive (do…it’s worth it).

Additional activities:

Marriott Vacation Club activities are always listed on a schedule you’re handed when you check-in, and are as extensive as on some cruise ships. In other words, if you want to be active, you can be. There are children’s activities daily, most of which are free.

New to Marriott Vacation Club is Club Thrive, which opened during my visit to Waiohai. This fitness program is much more than simply exercise. Four key elements of a healthy lifestyle and vacation are hit upon in every Thrive class: move, refuel, explore, and revive. The Thrive instructors are warm, energetic, and welcoming, and tell me their goals are to help guests try classes or exercises they may not have tried yet at home, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated during their trip. Thrive classes are offered daily Monday through Friday, and range from stretching/yoga classes to Zumba to nature walks. Some are ideal for the whole family, while others require the industry standard of 13 and up. During my visit, I tried a Thrive AquaFit class, Thrive walk, and Thrive stretching/rejuvenation class, and enjoyed them all. Thrive instructor Troy is so engaging and enthusiastic, MVC should make him the poster boy of the program!

On site are boogie board, snorkel, and SUP rentals, plus surf rentals and lessons. If your kids (or you) have not surfed before, I highly recommend a lesson to start them off. Lessons are $75 per person, and after that, board rentals are much less expensive. During our Hawaiian vacation, we had lessons, then rented boards for the kids for an extra day, so they could continue working on their own.

The snorkeling is excellent from the beach, so definitely plan on renting snorkels (at the time of my visit, it was $25/week for gear). There are also gear rental shops in Koloa, located only two minutes by car from the resort.

The concierge on site can recommend various other excursions across the island. Definitely stop by to check out the offerings…there is so much to do on Kauai! We saw whales (in March) directly from the resort, but spotted even more, and up closer, on a catamaran cruise with Holo Holo Charters, located not far from the south shore in Port Allen.

What to expect from your villa:

We stayed in a two-bedroom villa (remember, all rooms are villas at Marriott Vacation Club), which slept eight. Honestly, eight would have been pretty crowded, but six would have been no problem. There’s a full kitchen, already stocked with all the silverware, plates, cooking utensils, and pots and pans you’ll need. Do a grocery store run after arrival, and you’ll be all set!

The living space is connected to the kitchen in the center of the villa, and includes extra space in the form of the large balcony, with seating. There’s a full dining room table in addition, which seats eight. The living room space also has a large couch (which pulls out to a bed) and flat screen TV and DVD player.

The two bedrooms of the villa come off of the main room, and are spacious and light. We loved the natural tones used throughout, which fit the Hawaiian vibe throughout the resort. Each bedroom has a full bath attached, with tub and shower. In one bedroom, an additional couch pulls out to be a bed as well. Each villa also has a full washer and dryer…worth their weight in gold when traveling with kids!

Those extras that add up:

You know what I mean…in many luxury hotels, the room rate is just the beginning. Once you pay for wifi, parking, and dining, you’ve spent far more. At MVC, wifi is always free, and parking is either free or has a minimal cost. At Waiohai, it was $10/day. Coffee is resupplied in the villa daily.

Dining:

Most, if not all, MVCs focus on causal dining and in-villa eating, so they don’t have a formal dinner restaurant on-site. At Waiohai, the Honu Bar and Grill, located beachside, offers very nice fare in an outdoor setting. Pick up lunch here, or drinks and smoothies. It’s open for dinner as well until 7:30 pm at the time of our visit. The same causal grill fare is offered during dinner, with the additional of a nightly dinner special. When we visited on a Monday, the dinner special was grilled mahi mahi with a garlic butter and the traditional rice and macaroni salad of the Hawaiian plate lunch. It was delicious.

In addition to Honu, Waiohai has a marketplace, as do all MVCs I’ve visited, which offers grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, and bento or rice bowls. They also had convenience food items like chicken tenders and hot dogs. Our kids didn’t like the chicken tenders, so I’d stick with the freshly prepared items. Also in the marketplace are grocery items, wine and beer, and snacks. This market will not replace a full grocery run elsewhere, but is perfect if you need some snacks, milk for your cereal, or more coffee. They also offer some basic breakfast plates, Starbucks coffee, and muffins and pastries in the mornings.

So would we stay here again? Absolutely. There are basically two lodging options when visiting Kauai: families can rent a vacation home, or stay in a resort. There are pros and cons to each, of course, but if you’ve chosen the latter, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value in a beach-side resort than MVC. You’ll get more for your money here, and have the cost-saving conveniences of a rental home (the kitchen and laundry) combined with the fun and pampering of a resort.

Directions:

The Waiohai Beach Club is located at 2249 Poipu Road, Koloa. From the Lihue airport, it’s an easy 20 minute drive, following signage to Poipu.

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As we disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Waiohai as guests of MVC, for the purpose of review.

Where to eat with kids on Kauai North Shore

May 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Eating out is one of the most expensive aspects of any family vacation, right after airfare and lodging. When your vacation is in the Hawaiian islands, the cost can be even higher.

Wondering where to eat with kids that won’t break the bank? We have plenty of picks for Kauai, particularly on the North Shore. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, all the better…you can make meals at home, and supplement with these fun eats:

Best lunch to-go or dinner pick-up:

North Shore Country Store:

Grab a great plate lunch here, or pick up a pizza to go to eat at home after a fun beach day. This store is right by the gas station at the entrance of the Princeville resort community, near the Foodland store and other convenience stops.

Kilauea Fish Market:

This cute hole-in-the-wall near the Kilauea Lighthouse is located in a small shopping center (go around back). They have a limited menu with only what’s most fresh and available, and offer plate lunches with fresh fish, rice, and potato-mac salad. There’s also fish tacos, and people rave about the mahi mahi wraps…we tried the plate lunches only, and loved them. Order ahead and pick up to take back to your vacation rental or to the beach, or eat at outside picnic tables.

Puka Dog:

Located in Hanalei, Puka Dog has to-die-for hot dogs topped with relishes like pineapple relish, banana relish, or mango relish, plus mild to hot garlic sauce and Hawaiian spicy-sweet mustard. Veggie dogs are also available. Grab dogs to go for the beach, and be sure to try the homemade lemonade, too!

Sunshine Markets:

Look for these open-air farmer’s markets across the island, on designated days and times. We found the Hanalei one on Saturday morning, with acai smoothies, lots of fresh produce, juice bars, and handcrafted items. Pick up produce for dinner and treats for your morning.

Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand:

This small dining space along the highway between Princeville and Kapa’a is so much more than a fruit stand, but still looks just like one, which is part of its charm. When you pull up into the dirt parking lot, the first thing you see is fresh fruit lining the front counter in baskets, with a list of prices by the pound. At the counter, grab a menu and pick out a fresh fruit smoothie or freeze, or opt for a full meal. They serve amazing breakfasts and sandwiches here. Try the Ahi sandwich or the breakfast burrito. Eat at the open-air counter or take it to go.

Note: many readers also seem to love Bubba’s, in Hanalei, for their great burgers. We didn’t get a chance to try this counter-service establishment ourselves, however.

Best nice dinner out:

Dolphin Restaurant:

Located in downtown Hanalei, the Dolphin features an open-air dining room, outdoor ‘garden’ seating, and a fish market. Come at night to eat in the glow of tiki torches, and be sure to try the sushi. We had a nice meal out with the adults only during our trip, but we saw plenty of kids, too. Dolphin manages to be casual but also upscale, a rare but beautiful quality in a restaurant. They have a nice wine list and lots of fun cocktails. I loved the Skinny Chi Chi with coconut vodka. Plan to spend about $25-$35 per entree for adults…a bit overpriced, in my opinion, but off-set by the friendly service and nice ambiance.

Postcards Cafe:

We didn’t get a chance to eat here, but my sister and brother-in-law did, and reported that the food was as tasty as at Dolphin, in a more intimate, cozy setting. You’ll get excellent service at Postcards, and enjoy your meal in a quaint Hawaiian plantation house. The restaurant is located right across the street from Dolphin in Hanalei, and does require reservations on most evenings.

Best Shave Ice:

Let’s get serious: the most important meal of the day is your daily shave ice on Kauai, right? We enjoyed several shave ice stands in Hanalei, but the lines get very long in this resort area. Instead, head up the road toward Princeville to the shopping center. Directly across from the North Shore General Store, you’ll see Kauai Shave Ice. This hole-in-the-wall stand uses natural syrups, without any corn syrup and non-GMO. Hang onto your cone though, because the cups used can topple over.

We found the shave ice with the best price in Kapa’a, at Ono Ono Shave Ice. It’s in a parking lot, so we took our shave ice here to go, but prices start at just $3.50 instead of the usual $4 for four flavors. Add a scoop of ice cream to the bottom for just a $1 or $1.50 more.

Note: for a healthier option, try an acai bowl. This smoothie-type treat comes with fresh cut fruit and granola on top.

Best Luau:

Smith’s Tropical Island Paradise:

An evening at Smith’s is a full schedule of food and entertainment. Get there right when it opens (at 5 pm in the spring and summer) to walk the grounds before the excitement begins. When you arrive, you’ll be handed shell leis and a map of the gardens; either take the tram on a loop tour, or explore on your own. We took the tram, then wandered back to our favorite spots. Be sure to buy bird feed for the kids to throw to the many peacocks, chickens, and ducks!

Dinner is served following a ceremonial uncovering of the roasted pig (which is optional to watch), and is served buffet-style. There was plenty to eat and drink, and the kids had fun trying Hawaiian dishes such as poi and shredded pork. There’s an open bar for the adults, with Mai Tais, wine, and beer, but we found out the bartenders will make you whatever you want. During dinner, you’ll be entertained by dancers and a band.

Check out the kids, or ‘keikis’ learning the hula:

After dinner, head to the amphitheater for the luau show. It lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, and everyone in our group, from the four-year-old to the grandparents, enjoyed it. It was very professionally done, though the length was a tad long after a full day (we wouldn’t have minded a one hour show). The whole evening was well organized and relaxing, and we recommend it as a first luau for newcomers to the islands. Smith’s is affordable for families with kids (they’re only $19 each) but you’ll pay over $78 for each adult. Consider it a full scale evening out…dinner and a show.

Where do you like to eat on Kauai?

Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (with teens to toddlers)

May 11, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

You don’t have to be a through-hiker with a backcountry permit and backpacking equipment to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.Yes, the further you hike, the more you’ll see, but it’s entirely possible to hike just half a day and see enough to be wowed.

The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one-way along the stunning and steep Na Pali Coast, and provides the only means of traveling this section of Kauai coastline…on foot. Through-hikers either traverse the entire 11 miles in one day, camp at the end near the south shore, then hike back, or break up the adventure further, camping en route at about mile six, mile 11, and mile 18. It’s a route that requires the right gear, plenty of fresh water, and nerves of steel on some sections, where the trail hugs the mountains with steep drop-offs to the ocean.

Experiencing the Kalalau Trail with kids:

Most likely, you’re not prepared to make a multi-day adventure out of the Kalalau with kids in tow, but parents can certainly carve out a day of a Kauai beach vacation to see some of the trail. Start at Ke’e Beach on the North Shore, literally at the end of the road (you can go no further on Highway 56). The trailhead is well-marked, and you’ll likely see plenty of other hikers. Get to the trailhead early (before 9 am is best), as the parking lot fills up fast.

From the start of the trail at Ke’e Beach, families have multiple options on the length of their hike. We suggest:

hiking 1/2 mile in to the lookout point, then heading back for a 1 mile hike with preschoolers and young kids
hiking 2 miles in to Hanakapai’ai Beach, returning for a 4 mile hike with kids or teens
hiking 2 miles to Hanakapai’ai Beach, then an additional 2 miles up a side trail to Hanakapai’ai Falls and back, for a total of 8 miles with strong hikers

No matter which option you decide is best for you, note that the way will be steep. The Kalalau Trail rises and falls in elevation with every quarter mile (sometimes with every step!), with rocks, water runoff, and mud throughout. In many places, there are significant drops on the side of the trail to the ocean. There are not guardrails or other safety measures in place, so it’s crucial that young children are secured or holding a parent’s hand and older children follow directions and refrain from running along the trail.

Our extended family of 11 set out on the trail on a March morning, with the plan to hike the four mile out-and-back with the option of some family members continuing on for the eight mile option. We made a family rule: all kids, even the teens, would be sandwiched between adults as we hiked. This prevented my teens from running ahead, and the preschooler and kindergartener from feeling left behind or getting too close to the edge. No where in the first two miles of the trail did we feel the trail was too dangerous, and I never felt too close to the edge, but a child running, jumping, or playing along the trail would not work.

We hiked the first two miles slower than our usual pace, due to the steep trail but also due to the many photo opps along the way. At the 1/4 mile marker, families get their first glimpse of beautiful Ke’e Beach from above, but the even better views are yet to come at the 1/2 mile. The trail is mostly uphill for the first mile, then downhill for the second, as the trail drops down into Hanakapai’ai Valley and they rugged beach there.

There’s a pretty major creek crossing right before arriving at the beach, which can be either an exciting reward for reaching the destination or a final obstacle, however you want to think about it. We had to help the young kids across, but the teens managed just fine. On the other side, there’s room for a picnic lunch and some ocean watching, but no swimming…the beach here is unsafe for swimming. Check out the lovely cairns other hikers have made from the smooth rocks lining the shore, instead.

If you’re going on to Hanakapai’ai Falls, be sure to have plenty of water and adequate supplies, such as an extra layer of clothing, a small first aid kit, and snacks. The additional two miles to the falls is among the most strenuous I’ve encountered anywhere. There were at least six creek crossings, lots of muddy trail, slick rocks, and some actual bouldering to get up to the falls. The reward: one of the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen, with space to take a dip in it’s pool. (Though if you opt not to get in the chilly water, you’ll get wet from the spray coming off the falls anyway!)

Retrace your steps to return to the beach, then retrace again to return all the way back to Ke’e Beach where you’ll end your eight mile day. We found the experience amazing, and would recommend the falls to anyone in good shape and used to hiking. The youngest hiker in our group for the extended hike to the falls was age 13. However, all kids, from age 4 and up, made it to and from the beach for a total of four miles.

What to wear:

Don’t wear your swimsuit, unless it’s comfortable to hike in. The only swimming is at the falls, and even that’s primarily a quick dunk. Be sure to have hiking shoes or very sturdy, rugged sandals, such as Keens or Tevas. Running shoes are a good bet, if you prefer them to hiking boots. (Browse more good stuff at Runnerclick.) I wouldn’t recommend anything without a closed toe. Wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing, and consider a bug repellent. We didn’t encounter many insects, but the area is known for them in certain times of year.

Additional activities and excursions to try on Kauai:

Cost of trail:

Free

Hours of operation:

Daylight hours. Note that the trailhead is often closed, depending on weather. The trail closes in severe rain, due to slippery mud and heavy flow of the creeks along the route (hikers have been swept all the way out to sea via flooded creeks along the trail). If the trail is closed when you arrive, wait a while. It usually opens. This was the case on our visit: at 9 am it was closed following a rainfall. We snorkeled at Ke’e Beach for a while, then the trail opened at about 10:30. This gave us a later start than we’d like, so please note possible trail closures when planning your trip.

Directions:

From Hanalei, continue along 57 to the end of the road, at Ke’e Beach.

Tubing on Kauai: Kauai Backcountry Adventures

May 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the most unique excursions families can take on Kauai is a tubing adventure through a sugar cane plantation. This adventure is very hard to describe until you’ve tried it: essentially, families are guided through the flumes and tunnels of unused irrigation channels on a now-defunct plantation for a fun, beautiful, and pretty thrilling ride through Kauai’s jungle-like east side.

Start at the headquarters for Kauai Backcountry Adventures, located in Wailea. This big warehouse is the place to check in, get fitted for helmets and headlamps, and wet suit tops if you need them. Next, you’ll be placed into groups of about 12 and paired with a guide and driver, who will take you via van to the put-in site. This site is on the sugar cane plantation, about 20 minutes from the warehouse. You drive along roads for about 10 minutes, then dirt roads for another ten, arriving into the plantation where your guide tells you about the history of the area.

After a short stop at an overlook, which is a great opportunity to see some of the inland valleys of Kauai, you become acquainted with your inner tubes and the irrigation canals. You’re met with another, ‘back’ guide, who pairs with your head guide to help everyone navigate the flumes and tunnels.

We weren’t prepared for the cold temperature of the water, but found it refreshing. (The guides make a joke of this, banning the word ‘cold’ from everyone’s vocabulary, but we actually did find it perfectly pleasant, once used to it.) The flumes are fast-moving at times, slow and restful at others, but always active and fun as you bump into others as you float down the narrow canals. Everyone, from the grandparents in our group to the five-year-old, had a good time, though the youngest kids were unsure at first. There are five tunnels to go through, which are beautiful and just scary enough if you turn off your lights to keep the older kids entertained. Throughout the float, the Kauai forests and unused plantation lands surround you, with bird song at all times.

The actual float takes about an hour and a half, and ends at a nice picnic spot for a deli lunch that’s set out. It’s nothing fancy, but perfectly good and satisfying. After the return drive, the whole experience takes about three hours. We definitely recommend it, as it’s unique to Kauai and a fun way to see countryside you may otherwise not be introduced to.

Curious what the dark tunnels look and feel like? Here’s a short video clip!

What to bring:

You can take a day bag with you, which will be transported for you from the put-in spot to the picnic spot. We were glad to have dry shirts and light sweatshirts at that point. Also be sure to wear sturdy sandals, such as Keens or Chacos, because you’ll be pushing off from the concrete walls of the canals and walking on dirt roads a bit. Wear swim suits for the excursion. You’l also want towels.

Cost:

$106 per person, no matter what age. Budget for a tip for your guides as well (they will split it amongst themselves). Tours depart on the hour from 8 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Our day was rainy, but it didn’t matter much!

Directions:

Find Kauai Backcountry Adventures at 3-4131 Kuhio Highway.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we tried out Kauai Backcountry Adventures at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

How to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai: Holo Holo Charters

April 29, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Wondering how to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai? There are four ways to see the famous (and roadless) Na Pali Coast along Kauai’s west shore. Families can take a helicopter tour, kayak tour, hike the Kalalau Trail, or take a chartered sailing tour.

We opted for two of the four: we hiked several miles of the trail (the entire 11 miles requires a permit), and saw more of the coastline via catamaran with Holo Holo Charters. ‘Holo’ means adventure in Hawaiian; if someone says they’re going to ‘go holo’, they’re going adventuring. ‘Holo holo’ means a big adventure. Our excursion with Holo Holo Charters was just that: an exciting adventure.

We took their Napali Snorkel Sail, which took us from Port Allen to the Na Pali Coast on the Leila, a 50’ sailing catamaran that sailed at up to 18 knots. Our sailing was in March, and we experienced a mixed bag of winter and summer sailing conditions: the water was choppy and waves were quite large (in the opinion of this non-sailor).

Our tour began at 8 am (which required an early wake up for us on the North Shore, in order to complete the 1.5 hour commute to the South Shore in time to depart). After a brief safety talk, we were off to find an ideal snorkel spot along the South coast, where we were issued snorkel gear and spent about an hour in the water. While we had snorkeled off the shore several times already in Kauai, we saw more varieties of fish here than anywhere else, even in slightly murky water (due to waves). If you plan to focus on finding the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, you may not ‘need’ this snorkel cruise, but if you want to be sure to find at least one good spot, this is your best bet.

Next, we set sail (literally) for the Na Pali, while the crew set out a continental breakfast. During the entire day, the coolers were self-serve for juice, water, and soda, and crew members were on-hand to assist with the open bar of wine and beer. Our captain even opened a bottle of champagne to make ‘Hawaiian mimosas’ with guava juice. We past empty beaches near the western end of the Na Pali (also where the Kalalau Trail ends), and saw its famed rugged cliffs and sea caves. It was fun for us to see this side of the Na Pali, since we’d hiked a bit on the eastern end. Now we’d seen both ends of the trail and coastline.

While our kids enjoyed the snorkeling, the most memorable part of the trip for them was laying flat on the mesh fabric at the front of the catamaran, allowing waves to rock them and soak them with spray as we sailed. If your kids like this sort of thing, they’ll have a blast!

On the return journey, we ate a nice deli lunch of sandwich fixings, pasta salad, and cookies, and along the way, we stopped to see humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Tours such as this one can never guarantee to see such wildlife, of course, so this was a very special treat: for the first time, our family saw whales fully breach, and we were close enough to note the calf—baby whale—jumping and playing while his/her mother swam beside. The dolphins surrounded our boat, playing in the waves and talking amongst themselves…a beautiful sight. We were indeed lucky.

A note about seasickness:

I get seasick easily, so I was concerned about this trip. I was right to be: several people did succumb to seasickness. I believe the only reason I did not was the Bonine I took beforehand. The crew also had ginger candies to suck on, and ginger ale. We may have sailed at a particularly choppy time, but the crew said they’d seen worse…and our boat was really rocking over the waves. While you can see shoreline at all times, you are on open ocean. It helps to sit at the back of the boat where there’s less movement, and it’s easy to be outside in the fresh air, but once sick, there’s little you can do. Take something for seasickness if you think it will be a problem. The crew was very helpful to those who did get sick.

What you’ll need to bring:

waterproof camera
sunscreen
sunglasses
sun-protective clothing
an extra long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt for everyone (it does get chilly in the wind)
towels (at least 2-3)
wear any shoes…you’ll take them off before boarding

Safety onboard:

We had a crew of four for our tour (with approximately 20 people), and we felt safety was a priority. There are rules onboard the catamaran, such as how to hold on and walk on the decks, and crew members let people know when it’s best to stay seated. However, it’s a catamaran, so there are no railings along the edges of the boat. Children absolutely must be able (and willing) to listen to instructions and follow rules.

Cost:

The snorkel sail costs $134 for adults and $94 for kids (up to age 12), if you pre-order online. You pay when you arrive. Once you make your reservation, you cannot cancel for a full refund (only a half-refund). The only exception: if the tour is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund. Please plan on tipping your guides.

Directions:

Holo Holo is located in the marina shopping center in Port Allen, at 4353 Waialo Road. After passing Lihue from the North Shore, take 50 until you reach 541, then turn at the McDonalds at Waialo Road.

Want a preview of additional excursions and activities to try on Kauai? Check out our video:

As we disclose whenever applicable, we toured with Holo Holo at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

Learn to surf in Hawaii: Hawaiian Surfing Adventures

April 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you want to learn to surf in Hawaii, you need to learn from the locals. The minute we checked in at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, we knew we were with o’hana, or family. We met many members of the Alapa family, who have owned this business for years. We were met by an uncle, driven to the beach by the father, and taught by a son and cousin.

Everyone took pride in the business, and best of all, seemed to have fun doing what they do. Their motto at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures is that surfing (and anything you do on Hawaii, actually) should be ‘easy’. They made that happen as we successfully surfed and had a blast doing it.

What to expect:

We found the business location easily enough along the main road of Hanalei, just last the liquor store if coming in from Princeville. We were asked to be there 30 minutes before our lesson time, and we filled out the usual waivers and got fitted for our rash guards. We then locked any valuables in our car and left the keys with the office crew, and hopped on board a surf jeep that took us on the short drive to Hanalei Bay Beach.

You’ll want sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera with you at this point; we were advised we could bring towels too, but we actually never needed them. At the beach, we placed our belongings in a plastic bin (everything valuable should be at your car) and spend about 20 minutes learning how to paddle, stand up, and get back down on our boards while on land. We got useful tips on balance and stance—plus practical tips on getting out into the surf—from our teachers, Evan and Mitchell, before being let loose on the waves.

We entered the water, and here’s the good news: it was easier than I’d anticipated to paddle the board through the surf to the area where we’d be catching waves. Mitchell and Evan helped us know which waves to try for, and when to start paddling to catch them. The bad news: the hardest part for most of us was timing the waves to actually catch them. Luckily for us, the Alapa family motto of ‘make it easy’ ensured a nice push from the team to get us in front of good waves. Once we’d caught them, we were all successful in standing up and riding them. And yes, it was as fun as it seems.

Everyone in our group, from age 10 to 40, had a blast. Evan and Mitchell took care to ensure the kids were always helped and accounted for (which isn’t easy with our adventurous kids) and made them all feel great about their attempts. We enjoyed our hour on the water so much, we decided to return to Hawaiian Surfing Adventures later in the week to rent surf boards to keep practicing on our own. Rentals are only $15 for half a day, and they’ll deliver them to the beach for you. Again…they make it easy!

Pricing:

You can opt for private or semi-private lessons, but we found the ratio in group lessons to be excellent. Group lessons are $65 per person. Plan to tip your instructors!

Directions:

Find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures at 5-5134 Kuhio Highway 96714. Look for the yellow surfboard outside!

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced our surfing lesson at a media rate, for the purpose of review. We wanted to be able to tell readers what surfing in Hanalei is really like!