HAWAI I
From left: Fire Juggling in Hawaii © Deborah Kolb, Shutterstock.com
The Wailua falls, Kauai, Hawaii © Alfgar, Shutterstock.com
FAST FACTS WHEN TO GO Hawaiian weather is consistent all year round, with the average around 25°C to 29°C. GETTING THERE Hawaiian Airlines flies to Oahu daily from Sydney and three times a week from Brisbane, with flights available on to Kauai. MORE INFORMATION Visit www.gohawaii.com/au www.hawaiianairlines. com.au
a wide, sandy beach with waist-deep water and a reef-free bottom. There can be strong currents and big surf at times, so it’s highly recommended to learn with a respected surf school. There’s also paddle boarding, which is hugely popular. For smaller kids try swimming and snorkelling at the more protected beaches of Poipu, Ke’e, Kiahuna and Salt Pond. A standout is Lydgate Park, which is sheltered by a lava rock wall and has the impressive Kamalani Playground nearby.
Hula heaven If you’re still looking for activity there’s horseback riding at one of Princeville’s beautiful ranches, zip lining, ATV off-road adventuring or tubing for the adrenaline junkies. An activity the whole family will enjoy is a cruisy bike ride along the bike path at Kapaa, on the east side of the island. Known as the Coconut Coast, due to the
rows of coconut palm trees, this mostly flat trail stretches for about six kilometres each way and is privy to the most breathtaking ocean views. There are plenty of pretty lookout stops and picnic spots too. The only time Kauai isn’t a hub of activity is when the sun goes down, but there’s still enough going on to stay occupied. Many hotels offer free hula shows on certain nights – the Hyatt’s show is particularly popular. The Smiths Garden Luau is a whole night of welcome leis, ceremonies, music, a luau feast and a hula show in an open-air amphitheatre, complete with an erupting volcano. It’s not cheap, at around $200 for a family of four, but you can also book to just see the show.
Fresh is best Dining in Kauai is a treat; the food is sensational and while the upmarket restaurants, such as Merriman’s, are
excellent, there is also plenty of fresh familyfriendly fare. The kids will love the delicious quesadillas at Bar Acuda (and the wine selection is outstanding), but the real winners would be Brick Oven Pizza, Bubba Burgers, Chicken in a Barrel and Keoki’s Paradise. Needless to say, each meal should be finished off with one of Hawaii’s famed shaved ices. For lunch, Living Whole Foods is a must-do (I had to go back twice for the lobster pot pie with spring vegetables) and I’m still thinking about the crab quesadillas we enjoyed at Kalypso’s. Way too soon, it’s time to say mahalo and aloha and head home. Need a tip for the return trip? Have those iPads loaded with a selection of Jurassic, Pirates and Raiders movies, and you won’t hear a peep after takeoff. Recline your seat and enjoy a peaceful flight home.
AUTUMN 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au
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