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Islands Of Enchantment Hawaii For Families

Sunset, August, 2001

It has blowholes and lava tubes, the wettest spot on earth, and the nation's only royal palace. Whales breach the warm turquoise waters, surfers ride 30-foot waves, and Hawaiian cowboys, called paniolos, ride the range. Imagine taking a family vacation in this island paradise, where flowers grow taller than your children, people flock to the latest volcanic eruption, and hundreds of torches are lit in a nightly ceremony that keeps alive traditions of the ancients. Hawaii is an enchanted land, where the extraordinary becomes commonplace--just watch a hula danced by the sea as the sunset streaks across the sky in shades of flaming mango, or photograph your child underwater, framed by fish in a rainbow of irridescent colors. Little by little, a spirit of aloha will wash over the entire family, smiles will radiate more freely, and family bonds will be renewed. The Hawaiian word ohana means family, and the concept of ohana holds great importance here in the Islands, where children are warmly welcomed.

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So take the sandals and bathing suits, plenty of sunscreen and a day pack or two, and prepare to penetrate the layers of the Islands' magic and mystery.

OAHU

Home to Hawaii's capital city, Honolulu, and its world-famous beach resort, Waikiki, Oahu is cosmopolitan and full of life night and day. Yet with 50 miles of beaches and two mountain ranges, there's also no shortage of natural beauty. In fact, Oahu's the island for families who want to mix active adventure with the best cultural choices.

For example, follow an early-morning swim in the clear waters off Waikiki with a beachside feast of taro pancakes with lilikoi (passion fruit) syrup and fresh island fruits, or try dim sum in Chinatown. Poke into an herbalist's shop, a bustling food market, and a traditional lei stand, and begin to distinguish the heady perfume of pikake (jasmine) from tuberose and ginger. Then immerse yourself in the exotic oasis of nearby Foster Botanical Garden* (522-7060), and send the kids sleuthing for chocolate, cinnamon, and chicle (chewing gum) trees, amid other varieties.

Wander the cool galleries of the Honolulu Academy of Arts (532-8700), which open onto tiled courtyards with splashing fountains.

Learning is hands-on and fun at the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center (524-5437), and even at some of Oahu's most revered institutions. At the Bernice P. Bishop Museum (847-3511), world-renowned for its collection of Pacific artifacts, kids communicate through interactive exhibits--whether on Hawaii's cultural and natural history or how a squid propels itself, a chameleon changes color, or a fly walks on ceilings. Don't miss the daily hula performance at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. and Family Sunday-Island Style is held quarterly. The Hawaiian Maritime Center (536-6373) engages families with exhibits on everything from surfing to tatooing to outrigger canoes.

Family-Friendly Trends in Hawaii

Hawaii hoteliers understand the growing importance of the family market, and are finding new and innovative ways to serve it. Children's programs have been refined over many years, moving beyond child care alone, to programs involving active adventure, art and crafts, music, stories, and legends. A return to Hawaiiana is based on a commitment to deepen understanding and appreciation of the Islands' culture. There are hula, ukelele, and lei-making lessons, tidepool, petroglyph, and living history walks. Kids are chaperoned on off-site excursions, such as museum visits and cruises. Cost averages $40 to $50 for a full day with lunch, snacks, and transportation.

Outrigger has created a "family-friendly certification" that rates each of its properties on amenities. Marriott sees time-share as a growing trend that offers distinct advantages to families. ASTON revolutionized family travel by providing spacious condominium units with hotel services. Marc Resorts focuses on value and flexibility for families. Independent properties like Kona Village Resort (800/367-5290) on the Big Island was an early pioneer in the family vacations concept. The resort has been rewarded as families return generation after generation to its unique thatched-roof village complete with "plush primitive" hales or cottages by the sea, with meals and activities included, a wonderful children's program, and a loyal staff.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows (885-6622) on the Big Island's Kohala Coast makes good use of a stunning setting that is home to ancient fishponds and volcanic caves that gave shelter to early Hawaiians. Its fishfeeding tour and annual July 4th turtle release program never fail to delight.

"Area code for all numbers is 808 unless noted.

HAWAII FOR FAMILIES

At the Waikiki Aquarium* (923-9741), sign up for a reef walk, make close observations of creatures at the Edge of the Reef exhibit, or simply be awed by the undersea life. Then swim with some of these newly familiar creatures at Hanauma Bay (396-4229), a marine sanctuary scooped out of a collapsed volcanic crater. Go one step further and visit Tamashiro Market (841-8047), a bustling fish market awash in local color.

Islands Of Enchantment Hawaii For Families

Sunset, August, 2001

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