Kauai Adventures
The staff at Outfitters Kauai specializes in adventure. For starters, they offer kayak rides on rivers or along the coast (the coastal trip includes snorkeling and bodysurfing, plus seasonal viewing of dolphins, whales and sea turtles). Other exciting options include zipline treks and all-downhill bike rides in the Waimea Canyon.
Outfitters Kauai
2827A Poipu Road
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(888) 742-9887
outfitterskauai.com
Surf's Up
Hawaii and surfing go together, and youngsters love to join in the fun. On Kauai, the Margo Oberg Surf School has taught surfing since 1977. Oberg, a seven-time world champion, offers beginning and intermediate lessons to all ages---the only requirement is that a student can swim and float.
Surf Lessons by Margo Oberg
Lessons take place in Koipu near the Sheraton Hotel; call for reservations and directions
(808) 332-6100
surfonkauai.com
Snorkel on Maui
Kids have a great time learning to snorkel and scuba dive at the Scuba Shack on Maui. Depending on their age and ability, they can participate in different activities. SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) is one of the easiest---it lets them simulate scuba diving on the surface of the water. From age 10, kids can go all the way to earn junior scuba certification.
Scuba Shack
2349 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753
(In the ABC Store Complex across from Kamaole Beach Park 1)
(877) 213-4488
scubashack.com/justforkids.php3
Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is a must-see for the whole family. To get the most out of their visit, many people take a tour led by a naturalist-docent or else rent audio guides. The center's 60 exhibits are divided into sections: fish, including eels and sharks; marine mammals (whales and dolphins); invertebrates such as shrimp and sponges; and reptiles (a variety of sea turtles).
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 270-7000
mauioceancenter.com
Oahu Watersports
On Oahu, Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks offers a wide variety of water adventures that attract kids and parents. There are group and private surfing lessons, guided kayaking tours, stand-up paddling lessons and windsurfing lessons and tours. It also rents equipment such as boogie boards, snorkeling gear and bicycles.
Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks
130 Kailua Road
Kailua, Hawaii 96734
(888) 457-5737
kailuasailboards.com
Talk to the Animals
Sea Life Park on Oahu involves action with animals. Kids love to swim with the dolphins and get in the water next to sea lions. The Hawaiian Ray Encounter is always popular, because it includes snorkeling among the stingrays. The park also has an aquarium, trainer talks, shows, a seabird sanctuary and a play area.
Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy. #7
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
(808) 259-2500
sealifeparkhawaii.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.
