If you want to learn to surf in Hawaii, you need to learn from the locals. The minute we checked in at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, we knew we were with o’hana, or family. We met many members of the Alapa family, who have owned this business for years. We were met by an uncle, driven to the beach by the father, and taught by a son and cousin. Everyone took pride in the … [Read more...]
Where to stay on Kauai North Shore: HomeAway vacation rental pick
April 15, 2015 By
We recently spent 10 days exploring as many off-the-beaten-path locations on Kauai we could. Our home base: this North Shore Kauai vacation rental. Located in the resort community of Princeville just a few blocks from the ocean, the home was perfect for our extended, multigenerational family of 11. If you're wondering where to stay on Kauai North Shore with your family, read on! When we … [Read more...]
The north shore of Kauai with babies and toddlers
August 5, 2014 By
The north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth for a Hawaiian holiday, but it can be tricky to manage a kid-friendly family vacation without a few insider tips! Kauai is a small island, but indirect, winding, two-lane roads and local traffic can slow families down, making outings longer than they appear on the map. We’ve put together a brief list of some … [Read more...]
The Grand Hyatt Kauai with babies and toddlers
November 2, 2011 By
Kauai, and Hawaii in general, is a great place for a family vacation, especially if you’re staying at the impressive Grand Hyatt Kauai. However, when you're traveling with children who are much too small for local and resort activities like surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, how do you meet baby and toddler needs while still enjoying all the island has to offer? The following amenities at both the … [Read more...]
Na Aina Kai: fun for kids in the ‘garden isle’ of Kauai
November 1, 2011 By
Kauai is often called the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Na Aina Kai botanical gardens. Nestled in a residential neighborhood not far from the eco-bed and breakfast North Country Farms, the gardens include 240 acres of gardens, forests, and beaches. For young kids, the Children’s Garden really is a paradise. There are fountains to splash in, a train to climb … [Read more...]
North Country Farms: a stay on Kauai’s north shore
October 27, 2011 By
When it comes to staying somewhere funky and off the map, I’m all in—and this time, on a family vacation to the north shore of Kauai, HI, it paid off! We spent three nights and four days staying at, and exploring around, North Country Farms in Kilauea. North Country Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm with three acres of planting beds, orchards, and even a pineapple field. There are … [Read more...]
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: dining guide for families
October 6, 2011 By
During any resort family vacation, dining is a huge factor...both on the budget and in terms of enjoyment. While at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, I made it a point to try every dining option at least once in order to get the skinny (oh, don't I wish!) on taste, value, and ambiance, both for kids and adults. Because Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, families will be making choices during … [Read more...]
Aulani, a Disney’s Resort and Spa: what’s included in the Aulani value
September 28, 2011 By
There's no doubt about it: Aulani, Disney's new Hawaiian resort on the leeward side of Oahu, is jaw-droppingly fabulous. Throughout my stay, I experienced first class service, amenities, and activities across the board. For the average traveling family, however, it's also jaw-droppingly expensive. Utilizing a quick room rate and availability search on Aulani's reservations page, I was hard pressed … [Read more...]
A stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
September 26, 2011 By
I'll admit it: as my airport shuttle pulled up to Aulani, Disney's destination resort on Oahu, I expected to find Mickey front and center. I was prepared to greet that familiar pair of mouse ears from every angle: in person, in silhouette, in every scrap of signage and decoration. I was wrong. And while I have nothing against the guy, I'm so glad I was wrong. Throughout my four-night stay, … [Read more...]
