San Diego Magazine / March 2010 / Hawai'i: 10 ways to enjoy the islands with your family

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Hawai'i: 10 ways to enjoy the islands with your family

Whether the reason is the year-round warm weather, the stunning natural beauty or the range of fun to be had, the Hawaiian Islands are a favorite among visiting families. Here’s a guide to some of the best kid-friendly activities in the Aloha State.

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Feast at a Lū'au

In ancient times, lū'au  could last for days or even weeks. The feasts were held for numerous occasions, such as to celebrate the birth of a baby or the dedication of a canoe or house. A sample menu could include chicken, fish, limu (seaweed), sweet potatoes, coconuts, bananas, poi and many other delicacies. The most desired dish, however, was the pig. Hawaiians would create an imu (underground oven) and steam the pig in a pit. To experience a modern-day lū'au with your family, visit the Old Lahaina Lū'au on Maui. The event takes place on 2 acres of beachfront property (with a sunset view), and guests are treated to cultural demonstrations, such as woodcarving, coconut husking and hula dancing, as well as historical talks about the days of old Hawai'i. The best part: You get to watch as a pig is taken from the imu—and then you get to eat it. 808-667-1998, oldlahainaluau.com.

Look for Fish

At Hulopo'e Bay on the island of Läna'i, you can snorkel with your little ones in a large lava-rock tidepool. Due to typically calm water, this is a great place to try on a mask and practice swim strokes. As a bonus, the water is crystal clear, making it easy to spot tiny fish. Insider tip: Glance up every now and again, as spinner dolphins are often seen in the bay.

Attend a Local Festival

Hawaiians mashed the root of the taro plant to create a sticky, purple substance called poi. A staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet, it was typically consumed by dipping fingers into a large wooden calabash (bowl). For your chance to try freshly pounded poi, attend the 18th annual East Maui Taro Festival in the small town  of Hāna. At the Hāna Ball Park all day Saturday, April 24, 2010, the family-friendly event includes multiple food booths, hula dancing, live music and local art and crafts. This is a great way to mingle with locals and learn about Hawaiian culture. What's more, the event is free. 808-264-1553, tarofestival.org.

Watch Wildlife

At Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kaua'i, watch as seabirds glide over the ocean and fly from one steep cliff to the next. The rugged 203-acre protected area on the island's northernmost tip is visited by thousands of migratory birds annually, including Laysan albatrosses, Pacific golden plovers and Wedge-tailed shearwaters. If you're lucky, you may also spot nēnē, Hawai'i's state bird. Bonus: At the peninsula's edge stands the  Kīlauea Lighthouse, built in 1913 and home to a 4.5-ton lens. 808-828-1413,

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Established in 1951, Matsumoto Shave Ice is an institution on O'ahu's North Shore. Located in the quaint town of Hale'iwa, the shop serves roughly 1,000 cones on a busy day, and lines are often longer than the building. Choose from dozens of flavors, including coconut, banana and lychee. 808-637-4827, matsumotoshaveice.com.

Snorkel with Manta Rays

Imagine this: You're snorkeling at night in Keauhou Bay off the Big Island's Kona Coast, and a manta ray with a 14-foot wingspan approaches out of the deep blue. What do you do? Enjoy. Manta rays lack a stinger, making them harmless to humans—and your encounter one of the more unforgettable experiences of your life. Go out with Hula Kai, a two-story, 55-foot catamaran, and crew members disperse a flotation device that allows you to lay flat while mantas feed on plankton directly beneath you. Touching the protected species is off-limits, but they often get so close, it'll make you flinch. Snorkelers must be at least 5 years old. 800-677-9461, fair-wind.com/hula-kai.

Go Surfing

Every surfer remembers the first time he or she learned how to surf, from the excitement of standing up on a board to the satisfaction of catching a wave. Earn your own memories by taking a lesson with Waikīkī Beach Services on O'ahu. Founded in 1955, the outfitter takes beginners out to smooth, forgiving breaks, ensuring the best situation possible. You can sign up for a group lesson and learn how to surf with your entire family. 808-352-2882, waikikibeachservices.com.

Hike Through a Lava Tube

If your family seeks adventure, contact Kïlauea Caverns of Fire. The outfitter leads one-hour walking tours through the BigIsland's Kazumura Cave, one of the world's longest lava tubes. The environment is pitch-black, but hard hats, flashlights and gloves make this a kid-friendly activity. Keep your eyes open as the tube reveals stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone formations. Hikers must be at least 5 years old. 808-217-2363, kilaueacavernsoffire.com.

Trek the Nāpali Coast

Hiking Kaua'i's Kalalau Trail is no small feat. You have to wind your way through deep valleys, travel up and down endless switchbacks and carefully cross narrow cliffside paths. Why do it? The trek offers amazing views of the legendary Nāpali Coast, and leads to postcard-perfect Kalalau Beach. Once you set up your tent—either on the beach or at the edge of the valley—explore huge sea caves, take a jaunt to a freshwater pool, or simply lay on the gold-sand beach. Insider tip: Make sure your family is up for the challenge, and check the weather for favorable dry conditions. Camping permit required. 808-274-3444, hawaiistateparks.org.

Do Nothing

On any vacation, time needs to be set aside to relax. If this sounds like the theme of your dream getaway, head to Moloka'i. With no stoplights and fewer than 9,000 residents, you'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. While you're there, visit the island's western coast, home to 3-mile Pāpōhaku Beach, known as one of the longest white-sand beaches in Hawai'i. Got kids? Bring tools to make sand castles, or just let them bury you for amusement.

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