HAWAII FAMILY ADVENTURES

multigenerational experiences in the Aloha State By Jennifer Schaefer

Unlike my athletic husband, I have a vacation style that is
best described as relaxed. Im happy spending hours with
my nose tucked in a book on the beach or at the pool, while
Joel has always been quick to rent a stand-up paddleboard,
a surfboard, a bike or some other form of high-energy
entertainment.
One thing weve always agreed on is our favorite vaca-
tion spot: Hawaii. The Islands are the perfect escape for
us both, with beautiful beaches for me to lounge on and
adventure sports aplenty for my more ambitious hubby. As
a bonus, it takes less than six hours to reach this tropical
paradise from our San Francisco Bay Area home.
Our approach to vacation changed after we had kids. We
still love Hawaii, but with two young ones (Kaya is 7, and
Cam is 4), my days of lazy lounging on golden sands are
mostly a memory, as are Joels epic 112-mile bike rides on
Hawaii Islands Ironman course.
These days, were all about finding activities that make
everyone happy. And Joel and I agree: One of the many
gifts of parenthood has been the chance to see our beloved
Hawaiian Islands in a whole new light.
If youre planning your own family adventure, read on for
some of our favorite excursions from past visits, as well as
some were planning for our future trips.

150 a l a s k a b e yon d april 2017

 OAHU
Giddyup! As we step out of our rental
car at the expansive Gunstock Ranch, Cam
tries out a phrase from his newly acquired
cowboy vocabulary. Were visiting the
600-acre ranch nestled at the base of the
Koolau Range on Oahus Windward Coast
for a taste of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy)
culture, as both of our kids love horses.
I havent been on a horse since I was a
few years older than Kaya, but our bubbly
guide, Natalie, quickly puts me at ease.
Whos ready to ride? Natalie asks, as
she outfits the kids with safety helmets.
Me! Me! they squeal in unison.
Cmon then, lets saddle up! she says,
leading us toward a set of gentle-looking
brown horses, some with white blazes.
While the kids choose their mounts, I
gaze around the working ranch, noticing
Old West touches, such as saddles fas-
tened to barrels for children to play on.
Joel nudges me when its my turn to climb
on Rondo, who will be my transport.
Rondos great. Just dont let him
opposite page, Mark Holl aday Lee; This page, top Right, Atl antis adventures; lower left, Mark Holl aday Lee
graze, Natalie tells me, demonstrating
how Ill need to pull up forcefully on the
reins if Rondo tries to grab a grassy snack.
Joel has volunteered to skip riding to
walk alongside Cam on a 20-minute guided
keiki (kids) ride. They split off while Kaya
and I steer our horses after Natalie, who
will guide us on our hourlong trail ride on
her own horse.
This is the fairy forest, Natalie tells
Kaya as we follow a shady path through
thick stands of native trees, leaving my
daughter wide-eyed as she hunts for magi-
cal creatures concealed in the brush.
We continue on the dusty trail, passing
open pastures where cattle graze, until at
the top of a rise, we stop to admire a view
of the ocean that stretches southeast to
Kneohe Bay and northwest to the North
Shore. As we enjoy the vista, Natalie tells
us a bit about the history of Gunstock
Ranch, which has been operated by the
Smith family for 40 years.
Back on the trail, Natalie points out a
cave used in the filming of Hawaii Five-0,
but Kaya is too distracted to notice, busy
giggling at my slightly frantic murmurs of,
Whoa, Rondo! Whoa! as I try to keep my
horse focused on the trail instead of the
grass alongside it. Besides Rondos snack
attacks, the ride passes peacefully as we
meander up hills and through valleys until
we rejoin the boys at the main office.
Look, Mommy! Baby goats! calls Cam
when he spots us. He is squatting next to
a pen where a tribe of newborn goats is
curled in a pile next to their mother. Im
eager for our next stop, Matsumoto Shave
Ice, the famous North Shore shop. But Im
happy to linger for a few moments to
admire the cozy family thats lucky to call
this place home.
At Gunstock Ranch, families enjoy
horseback rides and a taste of Hawaiian
cowboy (paniolo) culture.
MORE OAHU ACTIVITIES
Littler kids/Whole family
n Atlantis Submarines tours.
Passengers view marine life from
submersibles. (Tours based on
Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island.)
n Dole Plantation. Features the
Pineapple Garden Maze, a 2-mile
train ride and frosty Dole Whips.
n Hawaii Pirate Ship Adventures.
Kids can search for treasure from
aboard an 83-foot pirate ship.
n Ko Olina Beach Park. This public
lagoon is in the Ko Olina Resort area,
also home to Disneys Aulani resort.
Bigger Kids
n Diamond Head State Monu-
ment. A fairly steep 1.6-mile round-
trip hike leads to views from a
volcanic tuff cones summit.
n Hanauma Bay State Park.
Formed within a volcanic crater, the
bay features amazing snorkeling
with colorful tropical fish.
n Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona
Memorial is part of the World War II
Valor in the Pacific National Monu-
ment, which honors fallen heroes.
n Polynesian Cultural Center. A
living museum with re-creations of
traditional Polynesian villages.
n Waikk surfing lessons. Gentle
rollers just off the iconic beachfront
provide a perfect place to learn.
n WetnWild Hawaii. This 25-acre
water park has attractions that
range from chill to extreme.
april 2017 A l a s k a B e yon d 151
 maui
Ive been to Maui plenty of
times and have stayed in
several of its bustling resort
areas. But I have never ex-
plored the area known as
Upcountry Mauithe rolling
hills and slopes around and
on Haleakal, the gargantuan
volcano that forms more
than three-quarters of the
island. Thats about to
change, because today were
visiting Haleakal National
Park, after a few pit stops along
the way.
From Kanapali, where were staying,
we drive first to Olowalu to visit Leodas
Kitchen and Pie Shop, a cozy cafe known
for its flaky home-baked pies and gener-
ously topped burgers and sandwiches.
The plan is to pick up a picnic lunch,
but everything looks so good, we cant
resist and end up eating on the spot. I
order avocado and cucumber on thick
multigrain bread, while Joel gets the Pork,
Pork ... Mmm, Pork sandwich. Both are
topped with tangy housemade balsamic
dressing. The kids get simple PB&J sand-
wiches, and we add two tasty-looking
mini piesbanana cream and mac-nut
chocolatefor dessert.
More pie! exclaims Cam when the
miniature tins are empty, and we promise
well get some on another day of the trip.
From there, its on to a Maui gem
on the side of Haleakal: the Alii Kula
Lavender farm. Created by the late master
gardener Alii Chang, who grew up on a
Top, j. Anthony martinez; right, patt y okuda
farm on Oahu, the 13.5-acre botanical
garden is home to an amazing 45 varieties
of lavender, as well as olive trees, hydran-
geas, succulents and many other native
and nonnative plants.
Although lavender isnt indigenous to
Hawaii, it thrives in the rich mountain
soil and cool, dry climate. We wander
through fragrant fields, looking for the
Alii Kula Lavender farm, in Upcountry Maui,
has fragrant fields and beautiful views.
perfect spot to sit for a bit. We find it on a
peaceful bench with a panoramic view of
the surrounding countryside and the
ocean far below. Were kept company by a
stoic stone Buddha statue thats part of
Changs collection of interesting artifacts
displayed around the grounds.
After the kids burn off energy chasing
each other through the fields, we stop by
the gift shop for a lavender-scented sou-
venir (a room spray aptly named Zen),
then pile back in the car and continue on
the steep, windy road to the national park.
We head straight for the summit area
at 10,023 feet. Ive been warned that it can
be chilly at the top, so Ive packed us
jackets, but the nippy temperature, gust-
ing winds and high elevation still take our
breath away.
Its cold! squeals Kaya, grabbing her
little brothers hand and tugging him
toward the observation deck, while Joel
and I follow.
The view of the craggy desert land-
scape from our vantage point above the
cumulus clouds is breathtaking in a differ-
ent way. Kaya and Cam strike a Titanic-
esque pose (think Rose and Jack on the
prow) while we snap a few photos.
Im king of the world! shouts Joel
playfully. And indeed, its impossible not
to feel that way.
MORE MAUI ACTIVITIES
Littler kids/Whole family
n Leilani Farm Sanctuary. Res-
cued animals on 8 acres, with tours
by reservation.
n Maui Ocean Center. More than
60 indoor and outdoor exhibits,
including a giant open-ocean
tank.
n Old Lhaina Lau. This ocean-
front lau has a buffet feast and a
lineup of Hawaiian entertainment.
n Puunoa Beach (Baby Beach).
This sandy stretch fronts a shallow
lagoon protected by an offshore
reef. (Note that there are no life-
guards.)
n Whale-watching. December
through May, humpbacks bear
young in warm Hawaiian waters.
Bigger Kids
n Alexander & Baldwin Sugar
Museum. Exhibits focused on the
history of Mauis sugar industry.
n Maui Tropical Plantation. The
bright-green Tropical Express
tram takes guests through grounds
filled with native plants and fields.
n Molokini snorkeling tours.
Boat trips journey to two world-
class snorkeling locations, at the
offshore Molokini Crater and
Turtle Town.
n Ulalena. This long-running show
at the Maui Theatre shares the rich
history of the Hawaiian Islands
through dance and music.
april 2017 A l a s k a B e yon d 153
 hawaii island
Cam has wanted to see a volcano since he
saw the short Pixar film Lava. Today his
dream will come true. Were visiting Ha-
waii Volcanoes National Park, home to
two of Earths most active volcanoes,
Klauea and Mauna Loa, within its roughly
333,000 acres.
Our destination is Klaueaor, more
precisely, the Jaggar Museum, a geological
center overlooking the volcanos caldera.
The eastern part of this shield volcano has The short hike into Nhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is an
accessible form of adventure for young families.
been erupting since January 3, 1983, and
we hope to find some lava for Cam (and
weve checked the park website in ad- entrancewe drive on to the museum. Its surroundings resemble another planet.
vance, as conditions change, and some only 2.5 miles away, at the gateway to the The museum houses equipment used
areas periodically close). Ka Desert Wilderness, and is in a much by scientists to study the volcano, and a
After picking up a map at the Klauea more desolate landscape than the park few other exhibits, but the main attraction
Visitor Centera building surrounded by entrance. Except for the museum and a is the view, which we observe from an
lush rainforest, just beyond the parks few other signs of civilization, the barren enclosed overlook. The scene is dominated

Come with us to see the other side

of Waikiki. Three luxuriously
appointed decks of dining, drinks,
and awe-inspiring sunset and
skyline views all yours.

E X P LOR E OUR H AWA II a t l a n t i s a d v e n t u r e s . c o m | (800) 422-2044

above and below the surface | # a t l a n t i s h awa i i

Peer into the deep and discover Hawaiis

marine mysteries in a Coast Guard
approved submarine that dives over 100
feet below the oceans surface.

154 a l a s k a b e yon d april 2017

Opposite, sergi reboredo / al amy stock photo; right, dave G. houser / al amy stock photo
by the enormous caldera and the fuming
Halemaumau Crater within it. We learn
from an interpretive display that the
crater has an actual lake of lava inside.
Cam takes one look at the billowing
steam and whispers, Is it safe?
As long as we stay on the marked
paths, I tell him, squeezing his hand.
Thats where Pele lives, chimes in
Kaya, pointing to the crater. She is making
reference to the Hawaiian goddess of fire
and volcanoes we read about in a book
last night.
Its hard to tear the kids away, but
weve planned another stop inside the
park: Nhuku, the Thurston Lava Tube, a
walkable tunnel formed from lava around
500 years ago. The tube is less than a
5-mile drive from the museum, but its in
a verdant forest of ferns and exposes us
to another dramatic change in scenery.
From the parking area, its a 1/3-mile
walk to get to the tunnel, and we let the
kids run ahead a bit on the path that
winds through tropical foliage. They stop
short at the spooky-looking tube, letting
us catch up and reaching for my and Joels
hands. Together we enter the darkened
tunnel, dimly lit by electric lights that
illuminate the drips and swirls of the Among the attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes
hardened lava walls. Joel and I have to National Park are the views of active
duck under some of the lower spots to volcanism from lookout points.
avoid bumping our heads.
The last 150 feet of the roughly 500-
foot-long tunnel are dim, so we pick our true adventurers. I feel like one, too.
way through carefully. When we exit into Although the only lava we see that day is
the tree-fern forest on the other side, we black, not red, we still leave feeling like
all exchange high-fives. The kids feel like our mission is accomplished.
april 2017 A l a s k a B e yon d 155
 MORE hawaii island ACTIVITIES
Littler kids/Whole family
n Kahaluu Beach. Protected by
an ancient breakwater, Kahaluus
shallow, generally calm water is
great for swimming or snorkeling.

n Kailua Village. This seaside

area was once a retreat for
Hawaiian royalty. It features a pier
and historic Hulihee Palace.

n Kaloko-Honokhau National
Historical Park. Families can hike
to see heiau (temples), petro-
glyphs and traditional fishponds.

n Liliuokalani Gardens. Hilos

30 acres of Japanese gardens
were dedicated in 1917 to Ha-
waiis Japanese immigrants.

n Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm.

Tours showcase 30 seahorse
species and include babies and
pregnant males.

Hawaii Titanium Rings Bigger Kids

n Imiloa Astronomy Center.
This planetarium and cultural
Made center explores the link between
in Hawaiian culture and astronomy.
Hawaii
imiloa astronomy center

n Hilo Farmers Market. The

twice-weekly outdoor market
Natures finest elements combined features 200 local vendors.

to create the perfect ring. n Manta Ray Experience. Snor-

kel and dive boats venture at
night from the Kona Coast for
experiences swimming with rays.

n Ziplining near Akaka Falls

State Park. A set of seven
Call for locations 808-756-1173 ziplines near the park provide
views of two waterfalls.

www.HawaiiTitaniumRings.com
156 a l a s k a b e yon d april 2017
Kauai
Joel and I havent taken the kids to the
Garden Isle yet, but were planning our
next vacation there. Im already making a
list of things to do.
At the top is a trip to expansive

Waimea Canyon. Stretching 14 miles long,
and more than 3,600 feet deep, its known
as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The
colorful canyons main viewpoint is only
about an hours drive west from often-
sunny Poip and its scenic south-shore
beaches, which we plan to make our
home base.
Ive heard the best way to see the
canyon is by hiking the easy, 1/3-mile Iliau
Nature Loop. Not only does this trail offer
great vistas of Waimea and Waialae can-
yons, it also winds through tropical wild-
flowers and interesting native vegetation
irina88w / istock.com
Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the
Pacific, is a must-see destination on Kauai.
identified by interpretive signs. recently learned that kayaking on Kauais
Were also planning to visit nearby tranquil Wailua River is a popular activity.
Kkee State Park, perched high above The 20-mile-long waterway winds under
sea level. Reputed to offer some of Ha- tree canopies and past picturesque jungle
waiis best hiking on its seven trails, the landscapes, including paekaa and
park includes a small museum with exhib- Wailua falls. If we decide kayaking is too
its on local natural and cultural history. ambitious, Wailua River cruises are also
While Hawaii had never before available, including tours to Fern Grotto, a
brought river kayaking to my mind, I natural lava-rock cave curtained by ferns.

april 2017 A l a s k a B e yon d 157

 Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
For the Tour of a Lifetime,
Every Time.
Far beyond the beaches and hotels Bose noise-canceling headsets,
and places you can drive to, and two-way communication
theres another Hawaiithe between you and your pilot,
real Hawaii of iconic sights, a State of Hawaii Certified
cascading waterfalls, gorgeous Tour Guide. Experience the
tropical vistas, fiery lava flows, ultimate in aerial touring with
and lush rainforests. Blue Blue Hawaiian Blue Hawaiianthe worlds
Hawaiian reveals this hidden is the only aerial most honored helicopter tour
tour company
Hawaii like no one else. Every tour in the world company, and the only one
features in-flight HD video, so honored. that serves all of Hawaii.
RECOMMENDED BY
013 2014
2
HALL

20
1 2012

15 2016
of
TRAVEL GUIDES
FAME

201
Blue Hawaiian is the
Cadillac of helicopter
Hawaiis premier tour companies.
#1 SINCE 2013
helicopter tour Frommers Guide
company. to Hawaii 2016

Oahu Maui Kauai Big Island 800.745.2583 BlueHawaiian.com

now open for tours

EXPERIENCE CHOCOLATE
taste. explore. discover.

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10a-3p

RESERVE AT seattlechocolates.com/tours or call 425.264.2705

1180 Andover Park West, Tukwila WA 98188 | #experiencechocolate

158 a l a s k a b e yon d april 2017


left to right, photo75 / istock.com; courtesy: smiths tropical par adise
Also on my must-do list is the Smith
Family Garden Luau, run by four genera-
tions of the Smith family in a 30-acre
botanical garden where peacocks roam
free. The menu includes classic Hawaiian
dishes such as klua pig roasted in an imu
(underground oven) and lomilomi salmon,
plus that famous pounded-taro root dish
called poi.
Kauais gentle Wailu River, left, is
great for boating. The Smith
Family Garden Luau, above, is
another classic Kauai experience.
The family-style meal, along with the
shows high-energy, drumbeat-fueled
traditional songs and dances, prompted
The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook (a popular
travel reference) to name the Smiths
lau best on the island.
Wherever our trip takes us, one thing
is certain: I wont spend it lazing around
on the beach. Instead, I will be out there
MORe Kauai ACTIVITIES
Littler kids/Whole family
n Kauai Kunana Dairy. Tours of
this working goat farm include
chances to interact with animals.
n Klauea Point Lighthouse. The
historic light in a wildlife refuge is a
great place for spotting seabirds.
n Kilohana Plantation. This 1930s
sugar estate offers tours, dining,
hiking, train rides and more.
n Lydgate Beach Park. Families
come for the protected swimming
area and the creative, community-
built Kamalani playground.
n Maniniholo Dry Cave. This deep,
broad cave is named after the head
fisherman of the Menehune (Ha-
waiis legendary little people).
april 2017 A l a s k a B e yon d 159
 MORe Kauai ACTIVITIES
Welcome to BIgger Kids
email virus n Alekoko Menehune Fish-
pond. This fishpond is one of the

Monday. best examples of traditional

Hawaiian aquaculturethe story
goes that it was built in one night
by the legendary Menehune.

n Kauai Cultural Center. Fami-

lies can arrange private or group
lessons in hula, lei-making and
other traditional Hawaiian arts.

n Koloa Zipline tour. Kauais

longest zipline course, with eight
routes, gives riders a birds-eye
view of the south shore; sunset
tours are among the highlights.

heather gill
Whats more shocking than a cyber attack? Employee
Training
The costly consequences that come with it.
With cybercrimes increasing, nows the time to Forensic n Mini-golfing at Anaina Hou
Analysis Community Park. An 18-hole
get CyberSmart, only from Propel Insurance.
Breach course represents a journey
This unique coverage takes care of staggering through Hawaiian culture.
Notification
breach-related costs, including data restoration,
Data n Snorkeling at K Beach. The
notifications, legal liabilities and more. Your Propel
Restoration North Shore lagoon is ideal for
expert will also make sure youre covered for finding many rainbow-hued fish.
Public
downtime and lost business. Dont wait. Relations
Get CyberSmart.
Defense and
Find your momentum Settlement
exploring new places and making
family memories. And I wouldnt
have it any other way.

Jennifer Schaefer writes from the San

Francisco Bay Area.

Alaska Airlines offers daily service

800 499 0933 to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and
Hawaii Island (Kona). For flight
propelinsurance.com reservations, visit alaskaair.com.
Book a complete Alaska Airlines
Vacations package to Hawaii at
alaskaair.com/vacations.

160 a l a s k a b e yon d april 2017