Sea Life on Maui
A visit to the Maui Ocean Center is a thrill for all ages. The center features more than 60 exhibits of fish, eels and sharks; invertebrates from sponges to sea stars; marine mammals such as whales and dolphins; and reptiles (think sea turtles). To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide or take a tour conducted by a naturalist.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 270-7000
mauioceancenter.com
Surf's Up
Let your kids learn from a pro at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy on Maui. They can have their choice of individual or small group lessons, all of which emphasize safety, skill and just plain fun. Owner Kimo Kinimaka, called "Chairman Of the Board," has taught surfing for 20 years, and he and his staff specialize in patience while teaching children.
Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy
117 Prison St.
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
(808) 662-4664
royalhawaiiansurfacademy.com
Kayaking on Kauai
Enjoy the scenery of Kauai by taking the kids on a kayak ride. Depending on the age of your children, you can go up a river to a waterfall or take a coastal trip. The latter includes snorkeling and bodysurfing, and sometimes viewing dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
Outfitters Kauai
2827A Poipu Road
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(888) 742-9887
outfitterskauai.com
In the Garden
If you think botanical gardens are boring for kids, Na Aina Kai on Kauai will change your mind. This botanical garden features a living maze; a tree park and lagoon; a stunning desert landscape and another fog-shrouded one; and a wild forest garden. Youngsters love the children's garden, with its pond, gecko maze, tree house, train, covered wagon and jungle featuring tunnels and slides.
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
4101 Wailapa Road
Kilauea, Hawaii 96754
(808) 828-0525
naainakai.org
Sea Life on Oahu
Get up close and personal with sea animals at the Sea Life Park on Oahu. You can swim with dolphins, join sea lions in the water and dive down to see a variety of eels and fish. Kids enjoy the Hawaiian Ray Encounter because they get to snorkel among stingrays, touch and feed them. And that's just the beginning---don't forget the shows, aquarium, trainer talks, seabird sanctuary and young kids' play area.
Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy. #7
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
(808) 259-2500
sealifeparkhawaii.com
Capturing Tradition
Don't miss the Polynesian Cultural Center, also on Oahu. The whole family will enjoy demonstrations of traditional activities such as wood carving, fire pit cooking and tree climbing to pick coconuts. You can also take in dancing and drumming; a colorful IMAX film about a coral reef; and a barbecue lunch buffet or a full-on luau.
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii 96762
(800) 367-7060
polynesia.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
