• Kauai with Newborn
• Trip to Hawaii with a 13 month old
• Hanalei Bay rental
• Plantation accommodations, old fashioned and kid-friendly
• Condos on the North Shore
• Family Vacation with grandfather
• Snorkeling Day Trip
• North Shore with 21-month old
• Poipu with Older Kids
• More Recommendations

Kauai with Newborn

We are heading to Kauai for a week with our daughter, who will be 3 months old, and looking for some recommendations specifically for things to do with an infant. We'd like to do a sunset cruise and also a few hikes - would these activities be OK with her in the Baby Bjorn or carrier? Any recommendations for restaurants - in addition to those on the website - for really little ones that are also somewhat nice for the parents? We're staying at the Princeville and I understand they have babysitters available. We were thinking about trying to sneak down for a private dinner one night - any experiences with their babysitting services? Any luaus good for kids? She is a pretty mellow baby but as you can tell I am a bit nervous about what we will do with her all week! Any recommendations are appreciated.

We recently stayed at the Princeville Hotel for 9 nights with a 7 month old. The hotel is quite fantastic, especially the location overlooking Hanalei Bay. If you’re stuck in your room most of the day waiting for your baby to wake up from his nap, at least you’ll have a world class view. They have a wonderful infinity pool and a small pool especially for babies. The beach right in front of the hotel is terrific; relatively calm (especially in the morning) and good for swimming and snorkeling. Dinners are a little difficult because if you don’t want to eat at the hotel you need to get in your car and drive to a near-by town, which will most likely be Hanalei. Some of the restaurants we enjoyed in Hanalei were Neide’s Salsa and Samba (quiet, with outdoor dining), Zelo’s, and Postcards. For a quick bite to eat (lunch) Tropical Taco, Bubba’s Burgers, and Mixed Plate were all good. In the town of Kilauea there’s a bakery which has breakfast items, soup and salad, pizza, etc. and everything is REALLY good. It’s also a nice little area to walk around and browse in the shops. The lighthouse there is worth visiting. We ate in the hotel for buffet breakfasts, lunch at the pool, room service and had dinner at the piano bar a couple times. We didn’t try any formal dining or get a sitter, we were always too tired. There’s a luau at the hotel which seemed as good as any. We didn’t go but you can see and hear it from most rooms in the hotel.

I don’t know of any hikes you can do with an infant, most hiking in Kauai is pretty difficult (muddy, steep, dangerous). You’ll also have the heat and mosquitoes to cope with.

If you do go, just take it slow, relax and enjoy the scenery. Be prepared to spend lots of money, Kauai is not cheap. Anon

You'll be able to visit Kilauea lighthouse and see the nesting frigate birds with a newborn.

And limahuli gardens will be a great hike for you. The gardens are gorgeous and the hike is very easy. We never had mosquito trouble there, but they have bottles of Avon Skin so Soft on hand if you want to use some. It is on the north shore not far from Princeville.

Hanalei is a great little town to hang out in with shops and cafes on the north side of the island.

If you go to Tunnels Beach (access was a little dicey last time we were there, but two of you should be able to get a baby safely down the incline to the beach) one of you can stake out a spot in the shade while the other enjoys fabulous snorkeling. Skip Hideaways beach!! it is far too dangerous a climb down the rickety staircase and slippery muddy trail.

If your baby doesn't mind a long drive you can go all the way around the island and up to Kokee park where you can have a very reasonable and tasty lunch at the nature station and drive to lookouts over Waimea Canyon. Make sure to get gas before you go.

On that side is the National Botanical Gardens, very pretty, very different from LImahuli and very expensive, but entirely possible with a newborn.

ON the south shore in Poipu you can visit Spouting Horn with a newborn. A dinner at Beach House at sunset time is fun, but the food is just ok for the price.

Helicopter tours leave Lihue (on the east side) regularly. THey are quite spectacular. I imagine they'd let you take a newborn on your lap, but I can't be sure.

The boat trips all leave from the Southwest side of the island, so it is a long drive. The power catamarans are nice, not too bumpy, and offer shaded areas to sit. On a good day you'll make it to Na Pali Cliffs. The trips are long, though, because they start from the least scenic shore of the island.

There is a movie van tour. You ride in a van and they show clips from movies and take you to places on the island where the scense were filmed. I have never done this, but it should be possible with a newborn.

Have a great time! susan

We stayed for a few days at the Hyatt Resort in Poipu, which has an AMAZING pool/ garden/waterslide set up with a warm lagoon that was perfect for swimming with the baby. After that, we stayed for a week at the Embassy Vacation Resort (also Poipu) which was a condo w/ full kitchen, bbq pits, pools, etc. That was great because we could shop for groceries and make our own meals. We went out to dinner a few times and the baby just slept in his infant seat next to our table.

The sunscreen could be a bit of a problem, but talk to your pediatrician. We used Waterbabies and it was OK, even though our son has sensitive skin. His eyes would sometimes get a little red (maybe some of it washed off into his eyes??) But we used a floppy hat and long-sleeved t-shirt every time he went into the water (only 10-15 minute stints at a time.)

Feel free to contact me if you would like any more specific info. paula

Re: Trip to Hawaii with a 13 month old

My in laws have a large one bedroom condo on Poipu Beach in Kauai. The condo is nestled in a garden setting just minutes from Poipu Beach- which is the perfect beach for baby- it is a protected cove and so there are rarely any waves and it isn't deep at first. There's a concession stand for those moments when you just have to have some french fries. The condo has a beautiful pool area right next to the tennis court. Kauai is simply the most beautiful island with many good places to eat but not the nightlife scene like on Maui. The shelf is shallow so you can easily go snorkeling and see lots of good stuff. Poipu is conviently located to all the natural sights on the island including Waimea Canyon known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are so many good spots to go without the overcrowding of some of the other islands. Enjoy your trip. If you are interested in more info on my family's place call Phyllis at 925-248-0263. Juliette

Hanalei Bay rental

Can anyone recommend a *specific* vacation rental in the Hanalei Bay area of Kauai? We'd like something in the moderate price range ($1000-$1500/week), 2 bedrooms minimum, and a hot tub would be great (although not essential). It is for my husband, my one year old son, and me :). Thank you!
[P.S. I have read the recent postings that recommend Waimea plantation cottages and rentals on other islands. We're specifically interested in Hanalei Bay on Kauai. Thanks!] --Mom needs a vacation

Plantation accommodations, old fashioned and kid-friendly

Greetings - We're planning ahead to a vacation on the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Hawaii, and would like recommendations for (what we've heard are) fairly simple, plantation like accommodations that are old fashioned and very kid-friendly. We've looked at the recent posts and the archives but these don't quite offer what we're after. We'd like to avoid fancy condos/apartments/hotels and go for something more rustic (although still clean and comfortable). We'd also like to know about great activities with the kids (ages 8 and 10) on either of these islands, especially swimming and hiking. Any ideas welcome and appreciated. Thanks. Deborah

Consod on the North Shore

We are looking for some new recommendations for condos in Kauai, (I've already checked the archives) preferably on the North Shore. The condo we've rented before in Hanalei is no longer available, but we really enjoy that area of Kauai. We will be traveling with our toddler, so family friendly is a plus! bw

Family Vacation with grandfather

We are going to Kuaui for a week in February with three girls (ages 7 1/2, 9 1/2 and 12) and an 81-year old grandfather. Advice on activities, beaches, restaurants etc. would be welcome - especially regarding water sports and outings. Thanks. ellen

Snorkeling Day Trip

I'd like to get a gift certificate for a snorkeling day trip (out on a boat, with guide, etc.) on Kaui for my mother and stepfather. I believe they're staying near Poipu beach, but will have a car, so anywhere on the island is probably alright. Any good suggestions appreciated. Also looking for restaurant suggestions for gift certificate if snorkeling doesn't pan out. Thanks! Nina

They give some restaurant reviews, and if they say it is ONO (tasty) you can be sure it is. For ambience a good choice near Poipu is Beach House at sunset. The view is stunning, but I cannot say that the food is great, but it is pretty good --- if you have ever been to Bigwater Grill in Incline Village at Lake TAhoe, Beach House is run by the same folks, and the fare is about the same, maybe a smidgen worse.

I have been to Kauai 3 times since 1998 (twice last year), and haven't heard of any GREAT snorkel tours. If your parents are going during Whale Watching season (DEC-MAR) a WHale Watching Tour may be a better bet. I think we went with Na Pali Eco Adventures 826-6804 (sorry, don't know the area code!) on a power catamaran and it was terrific. If you book a Na Pali Coast tour at least you get to see the spectacular Na Pali Cliffs even if you don't get to see any whales (we saw lots including two humbacks breaching together --- Wow!). Helicopter tours are also FANTASTI 246-4666 Air Kauai, Jack Harter 245 3774, leave from Lihue airport. Expect to pay $200/person for 90 minutes or so.

Your parents will have a great time, not matter what you choose! susan

I don't know of a particular charter company, but I would just do a google search. There are plenty of companies out there.

For non-tour adventures, I love Tunnels and Ke'e beach (both on the north side). At Ke'e, swim out toward the left (as you're facing the water) and look for turtles!

One of the nicest places to eat on Kauai is the Pacific Cafe in Kapa'a. It's not much to look at from the outside (in a strip mall) but it has excellent seafood and is one of the most highly rated places on the island.

If you can't tell already, I LOVE Kauai. Email me if you want more input. I hope they have a wonderful time! Bora

North Shore with 21-month old

We'll be traveling to Kauai next month with our 21-month old daughter. Neither of us has ever been, so we're kinda going blindly (except for travel books' recommendations). We'll be staying on the North Shore -- does anyone have any ''must-sees'' they'd be willing to share? We're young, energetic and up for hikes - but with our little one, we'd appreciate pointers on where to go to just kick back, relax and fill a pail with sand, as well. Thanks! Nora

Limahuli gardens. You can take a lovely hike through this amazing garden on the North Shore. The circular route is perfect for a short hike with a 21-month-old in a backpack. Though your child is certain to want to get out and climb the little rock stairways that wind up through the woods! http://www.alohanui.com/limahuli.html

Best place to eat: A Pacific Cafe (shopping mall on the East Side of the Island --- in or near Kapaa). Pacific Rim Cuisine --- really WONDERFUL food. I have been there twice, and it was terrific. My husband went most recently without me and he was blown away by how good it was --- he said it was significantly better than an average dinner at Chez Panisse, Rivoli, or Lalimes. He did add, however that it may just be the novelty of Pacific Rim cuisine versus more continental California cuisine, but in any case, on par with those three.

Also in the eating department, in a completely different vein, is Hamura's Saiman in Lihue. This is a mostly-locals place with no ambiance whatsoever (unless you count kitsch --- low yellow formica countertops, red-cushioned stools) but the saiman is really good. OUr 3-year-old and 20-month-old gobbled up the noodles and egg, ham, etc. in the large, cheap, tasty bowls of soup.

We rented a boogie board with a little glass bottom and took our daughters floating to see the fish in the reef-protected waters of beaches like Anini. If your child likes to play at a playground Kamalani playground is fun, and Lydgate is a VERY protected and calm place to swim and play in the sand (also on the East side!). http://www.kamalani.coconutpalace.net/playground.htm Oh, and we found the Ultimate Kauai guide to be the best guide book. Have fun! susan

Re: Hawaii with Grandma & the kids
Every year for many many years we've taken our family to Kauai to Kiahuna Plantation on Poipu Beach. It's often the scene of family reunions. The beach is beautiful and it's far less rainy (especially in November) than the North Shore- although that's an easy day trip. If you book with Kiahuna Beachside http://www.kiahuna.com/ (there are different property managers for the resort) you can specify a unit on the ground floor and avoid stairs. I work as a travel agent and this would be my top choice. Another possibility on Maui is Napili Kai. Also very low key and pretty but a little more prone to rain at the time of year you're going. I've never had a client unhappy with either property. Kauai especially has wonderful old Hawaiian towns- it's the quintessential Hawaiian Island! Barbara

Poipu with Older Kids

We will be travelling to Kauaii this summer for the first time in many years. We want a condo that has a nice pool, since we will be travelling with an extremely social 11-yr old and her much older sister (who does not want to be the sole "kid" entertainment for her sister)and the pool seems to be where she always hooks up with other kids. There is a place we are considering called Poipu Kai that is managed by an organization called Suite Paradise. We like the Poipu area for the weather (and no mosquitos). Has anyone had any experience with either the place or the organization? Anyone got any other ideas of places to stay that might have kids around to satisfy my young girl? Anyone know of an owner who rents out a Kauaii condo privately? Obviously, we need two bedrooms, four beds. Thanks. (2001)

More Recommendations

I have visited Kauai for a dozen years, just lived there for two with a 
9-11 yo. You don't say where you're staying, which might affect what you 
do. The North Shore will be beautiful in the summer, the south shore is 
central to the whole island; the West will be dry, but the undertow will be 
calmer than in winter and nights in Koke'e will be warmer. 
* local markets are on different days in different towns. Poipu is Monday 
at noon, I think Hanalei is Thursday at 3, Lihue Friday at 2. Some line 
everyone up and blow a whistle at which the crowd charges. Great place to 
buy flowers for cheap, local fruit & veg (don't think you find raw edamame 
in Berkeley, but you can on Kauai - boil in lots of salted water) - bring 
bags and dollar bills. The vendors near the entrance are often the most 
expensive and don't necessarily have the best stuff. 
* Poli'hale beach and state park at the west tip of the island. Keep 
driving after the road ends and follow the signs. You can swim there in 
summer, but use care until you know if there's much undertow. You can camp 
there. for state park permits contact the Division of State Parks at 3060 
Eiwa St., Room 306 in 
Lihu'e. Or call (808) 274-3444 (8 am to 4 pm weekdays). There is no fee for 
the permit. County sites which include Lucy Wright, Salt Pond, Niumalu, 
Hanama'ulu, Anini and Ha'ena Beach Parks also require permits. They are 
$3.00 per person, per night. Write to the Division of Parks and Recreation 
at 4193A Hardy 
St., Bldg. #5, Lihu'e, HI 96766. Or Call (808) 241-6670 for more details. 
* Can be combined with a night in a cabin in Koke'e state park. There's a 
charming museum there that has trail maps. The cafe food isn't much to 
speak of, so bring food if it's convenient. (There's a supermarket in 
Waimea.) Don't do the Pihea-Alakai swamp walk, it's not worth the work. The 
Nounou Mt. Trail (Sleeping Giant) isn't worth it either. 
* On the other hand, hike the Kalalau trail on the Na'Pali coast on the 
opposite end, it is worth the work. With a 10 yo, you can make Hanakapi'ai 
Beauch (2 mi), and the falls (5 mi) if you make it a very long day - which 
tells you how hard the trail is. Try to team up with another kid, it makes 
hiking much easier. Bring walking sticks if you can, and wear clothes that 
can get red-dirt wrecked. Bring lots of water - a couple of litres per 
person if you can carry it, because the streams sometimes carry 
leptospirosis from the wild pigs and goats at the top. There is fresh water 
at the beach and falls. We ate our lunch in a little cave at the beach that 
my kid enjoyed. 
* Anini Beach, which someone on the recommendations page mentioned, has a 
tree to climb on that my kid thought was swell at 10; there's also bit of 
a view of the lighthouse. There are other beaches on the North Shore that 
are a bit of a hike in - eg, Secret, Lumahai, with fabulous views of the 
Na'Pali coast. 
* For a splurge on the south shore, there is guided horseback riding in 
Poipu on the road past the Hyatt at CJM Country Stables. I gave this to my 
son for his 10th birthday. We had a great time. 
* Another splurge that we enjoyed was kayaking up the Wailua River. There 
was a rope swing at the end, great swimming, and a pass by Fern Grotto. 
Rent the kayak closer to the site, rather than at an activities place 
somewhere else on the island. We got from the place right at the river so 
we wouldn't have to deal with getting it on the car. 
Dana:=



We took our 16 month old to Kauai this summer and it is a great place
for babies. We did have to take more than one plane but a few airlines
have started offering direct flights. We rented a condo on the beach --
at the moderately priced Kiahuna. You can rent much cheaper by going
directly to an owner. Ads are in the Sunday Examiner travel section. If
we were to go again though, we'd stay on the north shore--the most
beautiful part of the island and you can find cheaper accomodations.Have
a great trip!



Stan 

This past summer, we had a fantastic experience on the North Shore of
Kauai, which is the greatest place in the world.  We have two children,
ages four and one.  After a lot of research, we rented a house on Anini
Beach, which is great for kids.  It's sheltered by an extensive reef, so
there is no surf, and it's quite shallow.  For grown-ups, it offers
decent
snorkeling and is a good place to learn wind-surfing.  It's quite
uncrowded, but near Hanalei for grocery-shopping, restaurants for
take-out,
and the like.  The house we rented was reasonable -- between $800 and
$900
for a week in a 3-BR, with fully-equipped kitchen, oodles of beach toys,
the works.  Agencies offering home rentals are easy to find in guidebooks
and on the web.  The family in the home next to ours (2 young children
and
an infant) was staying there for their fourth year in a row, and we could
sure see why.

Have fun!


Karin

We stayed at Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu on Kauai in October with our 6
mo
old. It was great for families! 40 acres of beautiful grounds with lovely
lawns & shade (palm trees) right at the beach; gentle swimming in natural
black lava pool at the beach (warm water & no surf); pleasant condos w/
kitchens; very little traffic (you just park your car near your condo &
walk); *many* families. A 5 year old could run endlessly
& without worry.
Aso, United has a new Sat. flight direct from SFO to Kauai -- no plane
change in Honolulu!
Sandy Hayashi at Point of Departure in Berkeley booked us & is great --
very sensitive to what works for families.
Have a wonderful time -- wish we were going back in Jan.!






From: Karen

We stayed at Glo Manor at Anini Beach with our 2 year old and really liked
it.  You can find it on the web at
http://www.homexchange.com/vac/anini.html    or e-mail dinky@aloha.net or
phone 808/828-0328.  It was quiet, pretty and had some good dirt road
walking out to catch the baby chickens in the bushes or to the beach.  This
beach was best for sand and shallow water play...swimming here was so-so so
we drove to snorkel and play in waves elsewhere.  There aren't a lot of
other kids around the way there are at the Poipu Beaches ( in case you want
to find lots of families with kids) but that was OK with our daughter at
that age.  Have fun!!

From: Laura

We camped on Kawai in March of '98 with our two-year-old son.  It was very
easy to do and nice.  Camping is not strictly prohibited per a previous
post, its just that you have to have a permit.  You can get a permit from
only one place, an government office in the town where the airport is.  They
are not open on weekends.  You need to know what beach you want to camp at
and what nights you will be at what place.  It costs $3/night.  No one ever
asked us to show our permits.  We camped up in the mountains on the NE side
of the park (Waimea Canyon?) which was beautiful, but a little cool at night
because of the altitude.  Also at two beach parks where you just pitch your
tent on the sand.  It was mostly locals at some places, others we had almost
to ourselves.  Most of the parks have an open building which usually has
picnic tables inside (good in case of rain) and sinks and bathrooms.  Some
have showers.  They also have electricity.  We thought it was a great place
to camp.  You just have to pick the places you plan to be and then get your
permits.  







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