Globe Pequot Press (GPP)
With over 600 new books published each year, Globe Pequot Press (GPP) is the largest publisher of regional travel in the United States. Their imprints include the Footprint Guides, The Lyons Press, FalconGuides®, and the Insiders’ Guides®.
GPP has partnered with Trekaroo to provide their Fun with the Family™ series to parents through the Web for the first time. The Fun with the Family series is an opinionated, personal, easy-to-use set of state guides. Each book is packed with hundreds of great ideas for keeping kids age’s two to twelve entertained for an hour, a day, or a weekend. From historical attractions and children’s museums to wildlife habitats, festivals, and parks, each guide includes hundreds of fun—and many free—things families can see or do. Each book also provides comprehensive listings of family-friendly places to stay. Now through Trekaroo, parents can get all this great information for free online.
"Bound to lead you and your kids to fun-filled days . . .
that help compose the memories of childhood."
—Family Travel Times
GPP_HI's Passport
Member since:
11 September 2008
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 | Been to 159 Attractions |
 | 231 Reviews |
 | 196 First to Review |
 | 44 Photos |
 | 9 Helpful Votes |
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
As former managing editor of Hawaii Magazine, Julie Applebaum-DeMello
became well versed in the beauty, history, culture, and activities of the Hawaiian Islands. Her career gave her the opportunity to explore the nuances of Hawaii’s small towns, many beaches, and fun-filled attractions. She has felt the pulsating heat from the erupting Kilauea on the Big Island, sailed Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, hiked to the top of Diamond Head, ridden mules on Molokai, picked pineapple on Lanai, and watched the dawn of a new day from the top of Haleakala.
Julie currently works as a full-time mom, always searching for the next great family
adventure.
Top Pick's for Family Fun in Maui
Maui, the Valley Isle, is the third most populated and second most visited island. Every year more than two million visitors grace its shores. With 150 miles of
coastline, Maui offers several miles of swimmable beaches. Many of these beaches are pristine, shallow, and ideal for children.
300 Maalaea Road
Maalaea, Hawaii
Comment:
For whale-watching tours families can expect to spend $30 to $99 per person, depending on the season, the length of the tour, and the inclusion of meals. Humpbacks can also be seen along the west and south Maui shoreline. Favorable vantage points along the west shore include Papawai Point, McGregor Point scenic overlook, Launiupoko State Wayside, and Wahikuli State Wayside; on the south shore, Wailea Beach Park. The Pacific Whale Foundation supports its research with daily whale-watching cruises beginning in November and running through May.
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
The foundation offers educational tours via cruises, whale watching and snorkel trips. There are also day programs for children ages 6-12 and one geared towards preschoolers.
Haleakala Crater Road
Kula, Hawaii
Comment:
Watching the sunrise atop Haleakala and horseback riding on the slopes.
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
At the park’s entrance, there’s a small trail to the left of the headquarters; take it. It leads to two spectacular overlooks: Leleiwi and Kalahaku. Of the two, Kalahaku is the better because you get a good view of rare silversword plants from here. You can follow the signs for the Silversword Loop Trail; it’s less than 1⁄10 mile and will offer up-close views of these beautiful plants.NOTE: On any hiking trail it’s important to stay on the well-worn paths. With a slight misstep or detour, a hiker could unknowingly crush the roots of an endangered plant, not only killing the plant, but eventually killing the insects that feed off of the plant. Please explore with caution and be aware that the ecosystem here is very fragile.
Several companies offer guided hikes throughout the park. Hike Maui, operated by naturalist extraordinaire Ken Schmitt, features a veritable menu of hiking options designed to accommodate different ages and skill levels. Many of his hikes include a picnic lunch, and all of them offer a great chance to learn about the biological, environmental, and geographical particulars of the area. In addition to Haleakala, Schmitt leads hikes in the remote areas of Hana, La Perouse Bay, Polipoli Springs, and Iao Valley. Don’t miss a chance to join his living classroom—it’s educational, fun, and beautiful all at the same time. For more information call 879–5270; or visit www.hikemaui.com.
The park’s visitor center is at the end of the road, about 10 miles beyond the headquarters. The center is open from sunrise to 3:00 P.M. and features informative displays that explain the nearby natural wonders. Every hour, the staff rangers provide a short, interesting lecture about the geological wonders of Haleakala. The rangers also host a variety of hikes, during which they take time to explain certain outstanding features of the flora, fauna, or landscape. For more information call the center at 572–4400.
101 Maalaea Harbor Rd
Wailuku, Hawaii
Comment:
Snorkeling at Molikini
reviewed on: May 04 2009
"one of the best snorkeling spots in all Hawaii"
Just offshore from all Wailea beaches sits Molokini, which looks like a tiny, half-moonshaped islet but really is a submerged cinder cone. It’s also a marine preserve and one of the best snorkeling spots in all Hawaii. There are a variety of commercial outfits that will take you there; some offer picnic lunches, and most offer snorkeling instruction and equipment rental. It’s best to pick an early-morning cruise, when the waters are the most clear. Too many snorkelers kicking around tends to create murky, sandy water.
Hana Highway
Hana, Hawaii
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
Just as a sunrise on Haleakala is a must-do for any Maui vacation, so too is the Road to Hana. A stay on Maui simply would not be complete without taking your family over the 54 miles and fifty-plus one-lane bridges that lead to one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.This is the tropical Hawaii that everyone imagines. The road leads through rain forests where waterfalls plummet down craggy cliffs into isolated pools framed by fragrant tropical flowers. At periodic turnoffs you can dip your toe in these little pools or jump completely in and let the waterfalls tumble over you, as a sort of hydro-gravity powered massage!
The road begins just after Paia, as Route 36 leads into Route 360, the daunting yet beckoning Hana Highway. Actually, the road is more impressive, interesting, and scenic than the town itself. There reportedly are more than 600 hairpin turns in this curvaceous coastline, but the views are so captivating it’s hard to keep count. The going is definitely slow, but the scenery is spectacular, and you wouldn’t dream of speeding by. From Kahului it takes about four hours to get to the town of Hana and four hours to get back. So either start early or plan to spend the night. You can do it all in one day, but it’s a bit much, and you may be navigating the curves in the dark on the way home.
The Road to Hana has earned an undeserved bad reputation. Throughout Maui, you’ll see tank tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, golf hats, and water bottles all imprinted with the famous slogan: I SURVIVED THE ROAD TO HANA. What began as a joke has become a misleading deceit. There’s really nothing to “survive” about the road. It’s a safe, well-maintained route that is never scary, just long and winding. It does rain often, however (the lush rain forests got that way for a reason), so the road can get a bit slippery. And make sure you bring plenty of mosquito repellent—the little pests are quite fierce in this damp area.
It’s impossible to list every stopping place and name every waterfall on the way, but what follows are some highlights. After Hookipa, you’ll pass the minuscule towns of Huelo and Kailua. The entrance to the Waikomoi Ridge Trail and Nature Walk isn’t very well marked, but it’s definitely worth a stop. Look for a bunch of picnic tables in a clearing above the road and a metal gate. You can pull over and park here. The short trail travels into a bamboo grove. If you remain quiet, you can hear Mother Nature singing as the wind whistles among these tall, hollow trees.
Just past Waikomoi, you’ll see Puahokamoa and Haipuaena Falls, two consecutive waterfalls streaming down the mountain. You can park a bit beyond the falls at Kaumahina State Wayside Park. You’ll see Puahokamoa first, and a short trek from the road leads to its pool base at the bottom of a large cliff. If you walk upstream for a few minutes, you’ll find Haipuaena Falls and another pool.
The first “town” on the road is Keanae, a small agricultural community and a good place to rest your engine and stretch your legs. The scenic vistas from here are delightful, with native rain forests growing in wild contrast with neatly sculpted taro farms. Stop for a picnic at Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park. There are grills here for a do-it-yourself barbecue. Various trails lead from here to small waterfalls and idyllic pools, but don’t let kids wander off. The earth is damp, and it’s easy to slip and slide into potentially hazardous rocks.
The next town is Nahiku, identifiable by its small church, serving the local congregation here since 1867. If you happen to be driving this road during the summer, look for a pod of dolphins swimming offshore. Locals say that the graceful animals perform spontaneous shows of acrobatics, like a real-life version of Sea Life Park on Oahu.
Once you’ve reached the town of Hana, you’ll be amazed at the sense of “civilization” you feel, even at this isolated spot. After such a long drive through wild, lush greenery, you’ll be happy to see some buildings, homes, and stores. But don’t expect too much; Hana epitomizes life in a small town, where residents all know each other and life moves very slowly. Both the local attitudes and the lush scenery create an atmosphere that’s captivating and alluring. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh became so entranced with Hana, his last wish was to be buried here. His gravesite is near the Hoomau Stone Church.
In Hana be sure to visit Hasegawa General Store. Even if you don’t need any supplies, this local institution is surely something to see. It stocks everything from clothing to fishing lures to camera equipment—it’s truly an all-in-one spot.
The town of Hana is so small it’s impossible to miss the Hana Airport. Yes, you can skip that beautiful drive and fly here directly from Kahului. Pacific Wings (873–0877; www.pacificwings.com) offers two flights daily.
Highway 31
Hana, Hawaii
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
If you haven’t had your fill of the road, a slightly longer drive leads to the picturesque Oheo Stream and Seven Pools. The stream spills over the mountain, forming a series of pools that eventually empty into the ocean. You can walk and swim in each of the naturally formed pools, and the scenery is spectacular. Parts of the area are very slippery, so keep a tight rein on wandering children. Also, keep an eye on the sky for sudden rainstorms. This area is prone to flash floods, during which the stream rises quickly and can trap people on the cliffs. Most people swim in the pool just under the bridge. Only truly rugged and fit hikers should attempt to climb up the mountain. 
2525 Ka'anapali Parkway
Lahaina, Hawaii
Comment:
Taking a sailboarding lesson at Kaanapali Beach
reviewed on: May 04 2009
"great spot to learn how to sailboard"
Kaanapali Beach is a great spot to learn how to sailboard; I learned here myself when I was a child, though we called it windsurfing back then. Lessons can be arranged through any of the local hotels’ activities desks or from Kaanapali Windsurfing (808-667-1964).
975 Limahana Place
Lahaina, Hawaii
Comment:
Riding the Sugar Cane Train in Kaanapali
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
Miles and miles of sugar cane still grow in fields across the highway from Kaanapali Resort. Although the sugar industry is no longer the powerful moneymaker it was in the late 1800s, a few scenic, sweet acres remain. The Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Pacific Railroad, today known as the Sugar Cane Train, used to haul the crops from the inland valleys to the coast, where ships waited in the bay, ready to transport the cane to refineries.The train is a fun excursion and offers a glimpse into a historic way of life that changed Hawaii for generations. he narrow-gauge trains are modeled after steam locomotives that were used in the 1890s and take visitors on the same tracks on which crops were hauled.
192 Maalaea Road
Wailuku, Hawaii
Comment:
Exploring the Maui Ocean Center
reviewed on: May 16 2009
"Fun with the Family"
This five-acre marine park has sixty exhibits, one a life-sized whale model. Don’t miss the shark feeding in the 54-foot, walk-through tunnel aquarium.
