Oahu offers great beaches and exciting family-friendly activities, but this summer it’s time to venture out and island hop with the ohana. Explore HAWAII Magazine’s “2010 Best of Hawaii” reader picks for the best swimming and hiking activities, as well as some of the best places to have an affordable meal with your family on the Neighbor Islands. Check out some of the kamaaina deals offered at family-friendly hotels and take advantage of exclusive “Fly and Drive” packages offered by go!Mokulele for the month of June. Book your Neighbor Island getaway now and enjoy.
FAVORITE SWIMMING BEACHES
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| Photo: Courtesy of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel |
Kauai: Poipu Beach Park
Maui: Kaanapali Beach
Big Island: Hapuna Beach
For insight into Hawaii’s best swimming beaches, HAWAII Magazine went to John R. K. Clark because he’s an expert and avid Hawaii waterman. According to Clark, a swimming beach is a place he would take his own family. “A great one will have nice, white sand. It’s going to be relatively danger-free, with no big surf and no worries about reef, spiny sea urchin or jellyfish. There are going to be showers and bathrooms for the kids,” says Clark.
Kauai: Salt Pond Beach Park (Hanapepe)
- Beautiful setting—wide, white sand beach and nice, clear water
- The lagoon inside remains protected and safe for swimming
- Tidal pools with lots of marine life for kids to explore
- During the summer, watch caretakers of the beach’s salt ponds make Hawaiian sea salt
MAUI: Kapalua Beach Park (Kapalua)
- Nice, little pocket of curved, white sand beach
- Great for swimming and snorkeling—you’ll see fish and other marine life
- Public parking and restrooms available
BIG ISLAND: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (South Kohala)
- Shallow sandbar that heads out about 50 yards so little kids can play safely near shore, while older kids can bodyboard further out
- There are restrooms, picnic areas and lifeguards
FAVORITE INEXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS
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| Photo: Sherie Char |
Kauai: Hamura Saimin
2956 Kress St., Lihue
(808) 245-3271
You’ve never really been to Kauai, if you haven’t eaten here. Named an “American Classic” by the James Beard Society.
Maui: Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-3322
From the same company that brings you the Old Lahaina Luau comes this plate-lunch eatery with an ocean view.
Big Island: Ken’s House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo
(808) 935-8711
Hilo’s go-to place for a meal 24 hours a day. You’re likely to find something you want to eat on the 10-page menu.
FAVORITE HIKING TRAILS
Kauai: Kalalau
Maui: Haleakala
Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
KID-FRIENDLY HIKES TO CONSIDER
Kauai:
- Kuilau Ridge Trail. Starting from the end of Kuamoo Road, five miles inland from the Wailua River bridge. It is a gentle uphill hike, not steep, and the trail is wide and never too muddy. It has great views and a picnic table on a big lawn toward the end where kids can play.
- Kuamoo-Nounou Trail. As you drive up Kuamoo Road, about a half mile after passing Opaekaa Falls there will be a pasture and yellow gate on your right. The easy trail crosses the stream on a bridge and goes less than a mile up to a nice picnic table and viewpoint.
Maui:
- The Iao Needle. A 2,250-foot-tall rock formation surrounded by lush, green mountains, in the center of the west half of Maui, 22 miles from Kaanapali Beach. There are great views from the top of the walkway, and a lovely stream to stroll by at the bottom of the walkway.
- Blue Pool. Kahanu Gardens, Hana (East Maui), one of Maui’s best kept secrets. Family hike to a beautiful coastal waterfall and pool.
- Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Kula Forest Reserve, Kula (Upcountry Maui). Miles of hiking trails at the 6,200-foot elevation through a magical, misty forest.
Big Island:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. More than 150 miles of trails available. Stroll through the Thurston Lava Tube, take a day hike along Chain of Craters Road or walk over volcanic fields to witness the power of creation as lava flows into the sea at Kalapana.
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, also known as the King’s Trail. On the Kona coast. This 175-mile trail weaves through hundreds of important cultural sites, including sacred heiau, Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyph fields and other historic places.
- Pololu Valley Lookout in North Kohala. Leads to a black sand beach and guided hikes into lush Waipio Valley, known as the Valley of Kings.
KAMAAINA HOTEL DEALS
MAUI
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Room Rates: Starting from $159
Amenities/Specials:
- 2-for-1 breakfast
- Kamaaina discounts at the spa, luau and restaurants
Contact: visit hyattregencymaui.com or call 1-808-661-1234
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
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| Photo: Courtesy of Westin Maui |
Room Rates: Starting from $189
Amenities/Specials:
- 25 percent discount on food at select resort restaurants
- Kamaaina spa discount
- 2 p.m. late check-out based upon availability
- 87,000-square-foot aquatic playground with five outdoor pools, two slides, swim-through grotto and waterfalls
- Watersport and beach fun on famed Kaanapali Beach
- SPG Kids Pass allows children 12 and under to eat and drink on an all-inclusive basis (some restrictions apply)
- Organized activities for all ages
- Stand-up paddling in the pool and organic based henna tattoo body art
- rePHresh Poolside Escape with music, “Minute-to-Win-it” games
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Westin Kids Club for children ages 5 to 12 years old
Contact: visit westinmaui.com or call
1-866-716-8112
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
Room Rates: Starting from $189
Amenities/Specials:
- 25 percent discount on food at select resort restaurants
- Kamaaina spa discount
- 2 p.m. late check-out based upon
- availability
- Spacious villa rooms complete with kitchen or kitchenette, washer/dryer, whirlpool Jacuzzi in each villa
- Poolside barbeque grills for fun and casual family outings
- Online grocery service can stock villas prior to a guest’s arrival
- SPG Kids Pass allows children 12 and younger to eat and drink on an all-inclusive basis (some restrictions apply)
- Outdoor pools, a fun slide and dedicated children’s play area complete with pirate ship kids pool with slides
- Beach fun, including stand-up paddling and canoe rides
- Resort activities for families including Hawaiian story-telling, Movie under the Stars, Aloha Friday craft fair
- Westin Kids Club catering to children ages 5 to 12 years old
- Spa fun for keiki at award-winning Spa Helani. Keiki will enjoy the Keiki Manicure Pedicure special with fun polish change designed for children ages 4 to 12 years old
Contact: visit westinkaanapali.com or call 1-866-716-8112
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
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| Photo: Courtesy of Sheraton Maui |
Room Rates: Starting from $189
Amenities/Specials:
- plus 25 percent discount off food and beverage
- Adventure Club
- Hawaii Marine Life Talks
- 142-yard fresh water swimming lagoon
- Chef’s culinary tours
- Ohana suites
Contact: visit sheraton-maui.com or call 1-866-716-8109
BIG ISLAND
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
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| Photo: Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel |
Room Rates: Starting from $259
Amenities/Specials:
- Room rate includes daily breakfast buffet for two
- Kids eat free until 9/30/11
Contact: visit PrinceResortsHawaii.com/kamaaina or call toll free 1-866-PRINCE-6
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Room Rates: Starting from $169
Amenities/Specials:
- Room rate includes daily breakfast buffet for two
- Kids eat free until 9/30/11
- Kids golf free until 12/18/11
- Age appropriate children’s amenities upon arrival
- Children’s programs are available for a fee
Contact: visit PrinceResortsHawaii.com/kamaaina or call toll free 1-866-PRINCE-6
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
Room Rate: Starting from $139 (resort fees not applicable)
Amenities/Specials:
- Enjoy a FREE daily breakfast buffet
Contact: visit keauhoubeachresort.com or call toll free 1-866-326-6803
Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona
Room Rate: Starting from $143 (resort fees not applicable)
Amenities/Specials:
- Children 5 to 10 years old receive a FREE Island Explorer Kit with a minimum of 3 night purchase
- Childcare, available on request
- Family-friendly accommodations
Contact: visit outriggerkanaloaatkonacondo.com or call toll free 1-866-956-4262
Outrigger Fairway Villas
Room Rate: Starting from $165 (resort fees not applicable)
Amenities/Specials:
- Children 5 to 10 years old receive a FREE Island Explorer Kit with a minimum of 3 night purchase
- Extraordinary spacious accommodations, perfect for small groups, families, and guests who seek modern comfort
Contact: visit outriggerfairwayvillascondo.com or call toll free 1-800-322-9625
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
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| Photo: Courtesy of Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa |
Room Rates: Starting from $129
Amenities/Specials:
- 25 percent discount off food and beverage
- Multilevel pools with waterfalls, hidden grottoes, bridges, interactive children’s fountains and a 200-foot-long, lava-tube waterslide that ranks among the biggest and best in Hawaii
- Manta Talks
Contact: visit sheratonkeauhou.com or call 1-866-716-8109
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Room Rates: Starting from $159
Amenities/Specials:
- Salt-water infinity pool and a second one with a sandy-bottom keiki area and slide
- Sunset Family Luau
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Ocean sports activities available: Dolphin Crystal Cove Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
Contact: visit waikoloamarriott.com or call 1-808-886-6789
KAUAI
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Room Rates: Starting from $189
Amenities/Specials:
- Playground of Poipu Beach
- Beach fun rentals
Contact: visit sheraton-kauai.com or call 1-866-716-8109
ALL ISLANDS
Aston Hotels & Resorts
Room Rates: Starting from $85
Amenities/Specials:
- When booking two consecutive nights or more, ask for the K-Class Pass. Kamaaina automatically receive the following:
- Free room upgrade
- Free parking
- Free 2 p.m. late check-out
- Frequent-flyer miles on a specified carrier
- Complimentary “Aston Aloha Book,” containing more than $2,500 in offers and savings on dining, shopping and activities
- Children receive a special gift at check-in, from sand toys to coloring books
- Kids stay, play and eat FREE
- Children 17 years and younger stay FREE with their parents at any Aston Hotels & Resorts hotel or all-suite condominium resort when using existing bedding
- Children 12 and younger receive FREE ADMISSION at top island attractions when accompanied by a paying adult
- Children 12 and younger receive FREE MEALS at popular family friendly restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult
Contact: Call toll free 1-877-997-6667 or visit AstonHotels.com
