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
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Member since:
11 September 2008
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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.
June 21 2009
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Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaole Highway,
Honolulu,
Hawaii 96825
Honolulu,
Hawaii 96825
"Oahu family highlights"
Continuing on Kalanianaole past Maunalua Bay, the road ascends Koko Crater. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be on the right. A visit to Hanauma Bay definitely will be one of your family’s Oahu highlights. The natural inlet, surrounded by coral reefs, creates a warm-water safe haven for Hawaii’s most colorful exotic fish and has a well-deserved reputation as a world-class snorkeling site.
Snorkeling equipment is available for rent at the visitor center (about $15 a day), so you needn’t lug your own down the tiresome hill that leads to the beach. Supplies are limited, so be sure to get there early. Once you’ve donned the requisite mask, snorkel, and fins, a whole new underwater world unfolds. Coral and more than 1,500 different types of shells sit in a rainbow spectrum of colors, forming a reef that feeds and shelters thousands of multicolored fish.
The water is so clear that even children who don’t know how to swim can simply walk along the shoreline and still see multitudes of fish. The aquatic life here is protected by state law, meaning you can look but can’t touch, and you most definitely cannot try to bring anything home as a souvenir. As a result, the fish here are so tame and so used to visitors that they will eat right from your hand. Fish pellets are sold on the premises.
It’s a good idea to bring an underwater camera so Mainland friends and family will really believe you had fish eating from your outstretched palm.
Recently, constant overuse by Oahu’s six million–plus annual visitors has begun to affect Hanauma Bay. After so many years of being hand-fed, the fish were beginning to quit nibbling on the reef, upsetting the natural symbiotic relationship. Even worse was the reef’s condition, severely compacted and broken from thousands of tromping feet. As a result, the crowds at the beach are now kept to a minimum. When the park gets too full, a friendly police officer is situated at the entrance and will not let any more cars into the park. Also, the bay is closed to the public every Tuesday, allowing park staff and Mother Nature time to repair and replenish.
It’s best to arrive early, before 9:00 a.m., to guarantee admittance. Additionally, early morning hours offer the clearest water, as the sand has yet to be kicked around by hundreds of fins, creating a kind of gray murkiness.
Snorkeling equipment is available for rent at the visitor center (about $15 a day), so you needn’t lug your own down the tiresome hill that leads to the beach. Supplies are limited, so be sure to get there early. Once you’ve donned the requisite mask, snorkel, and fins, a whole new underwater world unfolds. Coral and more than 1,500 different types of shells sit in a rainbow spectrum of colors, forming a reef that feeds and shelters thousands of multicolored fish.
The water is so clear that even children who don’t know how to swim can simply walk along the shoreline and still see multitudes of fish. The aquatic life here is protected by state law, meaning you can look but can’t touch, and you most definitely cannot try to bring anything home as a souvenir. As a result, the fish here are so tame and so used to visitors that they will eat right from your hand. Fish pellets are sold on the premises.
It’s a good idea to bring an underwater camera so Mainland friends and family will really believe you had fish eating from your outstretched palm.
Recently, constant overuse by Oahu’s six million–plus annual visitors has begun to affect Hanauma Bay. After so many years of being hand-fed, the fish were beginning to quit nibbling on the reef, upsetting the natural symbiotic relationship. Even worse was the reef’s condition, severely compacted and broken from thousands of tromping feet. As a result, the crowds at the beach are now kept to a minimum. When the park gets too full, a friendly police officer is situated at the entrance and will not let any more cars into the park. Also, the bay is closed to the public every Tuesday, allowing park staff and Mother Nature time to repair and replenish.
It’s best to arrive early, before 9:00 a.m., to guarantee admittance. Additionally, early morning hours offer the clearest water, as the sand has yet to be kicked around by hundreds of fins, creating a kind of gray murkiness.
It's helpfulMay 16 2009
0 families found this helpful
0 families found this helpful
Sleeping Giant Hike
Haleilio Road,
Wailua (Maui),
Hawaii
Wailua (Maui),
Hawaii
"Fun with the Family"
If you look very carefully at the mountains above Wailua with a bit of imagination and an open mind, you should see a reclining form, known as Nonou, the sleeping giant.
You can hike up to the sleeping giant on the Nonou Mountain Trail. The eastern side of the trail is a bit more difficult than the western side. The eastern trailhead is just north of the junctions of Routes 56 and 580, at Haleilio Road. Look for a space to park near a water pump about 11⁄2 miles up Haleilio (at mile marker 38). The trail starts across from the drainage ditch and proceeds up the mountain for about 11⁄2 miles. It’s a steady climb that concludes at a picnic site, complete with a shade-providing shelter and tables.
From here you can walk across the giant’s face by taking another trail just south of the picnic site. While you’re afforded expansive views, this section of the trail is difficult and dangerous—suited only for experienced, hardy hikers.
To get to the easier, western side of the trail, turn onto Route 580, then 581, and look for parking at mile marker 11. There’s a little path here that joins the trail. After about 11⁄2 miles this trail joins the eastern trail and heads up to the picnic site. Bring
plenty of water for whichever trail you choose.
You can hike up to the sleeping giant on the Nonou Mountain Trail. The eastern side of the trail is a bit more difficult than the western side. The eastern trailhead is just north of the junctions of Routes 56 and 580, at Haleilio Road. Look for a space to park near a water pump about 11⁄2 miles up Haleilio (at mile marker 38). The trail starts across from the drainage ditch and proceeds up the mountain for about 11⁄2 miles. It’s a steady climb that concludes at a picnic site, complete with a shade-providing shelter and tables.
From here you can walk across the giant’s face by taking another trail just south of the picnic site. While you’re afforded expansive views, this section of the trail is difficult and dangerous—suited only for experienced, hardy hikers.
To get to the easier, western side of the trail, turn onto Route 580, then 581, and look for parking at mile marker 11. There’s a little path here that joins the trail. After about 11⁄2 miles this trail joins the eastern trail and heads up to the picnic site. Bring
plenty of water for whichever trail you choose.
May 16 2009
0 families found this helpful
0 families found this helpful
Princeville Ranch Stables
5-4430 Kuhio Hwy,
Hanalei,
Hawaii 96714
Hanalei,
Hawaii 96714
"Fun with the Family"
Princeville Ranch offers four different horseback-riding adventures. The longest one is a four-hour ride to a remote waterfall, where riders may spend some time frolicking about in the natural pool ($135). There is also a three-hour waterfall picnic ride for $125 per person, an hour-and-a-half country ride on the bluffs overlooking Anini Beach
for $80 per person, and an hour-and-a-half cattle drive ride for $135 per person.
for $80 per person, and an hour-and-a-half cattle drive ride for $135 per person.
May 16 2009
0 families found this helpful
0 families found this helpful
Opaeka`a Falls
Kuamo'o Rd. (580),
Wailua (Kauai),
Hawaii
Wailua (Kauai),
Hawaii
"Fun with the Family"
Although you can see the falls from the road, it’s definitely a place to park the car and walk around. There’s an overlook that offers views of Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Wailua River, and pristine Kauai country.
Across the highway from the falls overlook is a series of descriptive signs that offers information about Poliahu Heiau and the archaeological sites below, along the Wailua River. Some scholars believe Wailua was home to the highest-ranking ali`i, who worshiped at a private heiau.
Across the highway from the falls overlook is a series of descriptive signs that offers information about Poliahu Heiau and the archaeological sites below, along the Wailua River. Some scholars believe Wailua was home to the highest-ranking ali`i, who worshiped at a private heiau.
May 16 2009
1 family found this helpful
1 family found this helpful
Waimea Canyon
Koke'e Road, Highway 552,
Kekaha,
Hawaii 96752
Kekaha,
Hawaii 96752
"Fun with the Family"
The spectacular Waimea Canyon should definitely be included on the itinerary of any Kauai visitor. It’s commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” after its similarity to Arizona’s natural wonder. The canyon is only 1 mile wide, but it’s a whopping 14 miles long. It features a wide variety of trails designed for all levels of hikers.
Officially, Waimea Canyon State Park begins about a mile inland from Waimea, on the Waimea Canyon Road. The park borders the road for the remainder of its winding path, which culminates at Kokee State Park.
Outfitters Kauai (742–9667, www.outfitterskauai.com) offers informative, exciting Kokee mountain-bike trips, in which guides explain the native plants, special geographic features, and local legends. Children must be ten years old. Outfitters offices are in Poipu Shopping Village.
Kauai Mountain Tours (245–7224, www.alohakauaitours.com) offers van tours of Kokee, a great alternative for families with children too young to hike. You’ll get to see the backwoods of the park from an air-conditioned vehicle. Views include Waimea Canyon, sugi pine forests, waterfalls, and rare birds. The trip costs $125 for adults, $90 for children twelve and younger. The tour includes hotel pickup and lunch. A half-day
tour costs $70 for adults and $50 for kids. The company’s offices are in Lihue.
Although quite curvy, the road is well maintained as it leads up the mountain, where the landscape changes almost immediately and the temperature drops a few degrees. Along the way don’t miss the chance to park at one of the many scenic points. The views are expansive and get even more glorious as you climb higher.
When you reach an altitude of 3,100 feet, the first stop is Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you have a fantastic view of the canyon. At Pu`ukapele Lookout, about 3,700 feet up, there’s a small rest area with picnic tables. The best views of the canyon are from Pu`uhinahina Lookout. A short trail beginning behind the restrooms leads to an even better view, where, if cloud cover permits, you can see Niihau.
The road ends at the 4,345-acre Kokee State Park, where another slew of hiking trails can accommodate any skill level. It gets cold up here, so bring warm clothes. Be sure to follow the road all the way to its end, at Kalalau and Pu`u O Kila lookouts.
From Kalalau you can see deep into Kalalau Valley, the largest and widest valley in the Na Pali cliffs, and you can also see the ever-beautiful Na Pali Coast from a different angle, as opposed to viewing it from the ocean. From Pu`u O Kila you also can see into Kalalau Valley, as well as across the Alakai Swamp to Mount Waialeale, in the center of the island.
Staff at the park headquarters can answer questions about the particular plants and animals in this region and about the conditions of certain trails. Be sure to pick up a free map that details all the trails in the park.
Officially, Waimea Canyon State Park begins about a mile inland from Waimea, on the Waimea Canyon Road. The park borders the road for the remainder of its winding path, which culminates at Kokee State Park.
Outfitters Kauai (742–9667, www.outfitterskauai.com) offers informative, exciting Kokee mountain-bike trips, in which guides explain the native plants, special geographic features, and local legends. Children must be ten years old. Outfitters offices are in Poipu Shopping Village.
Kauai Mountain Tours (245–7224, www.alohakauaitours.com) offers van tours of Kokee, a great alternative for families with children too young to hike. You’ll get to see the backwoods of the park from an air-conditioned vehicle. Views include Waimea Canyon, sugi pine forests, waterfalls, and rare birds. The trip costs $125 for adults, $90 for children twelve and younger. The tour includes hotel pickup and lunch. A half-day
tour costs $70 for adults and $50 for kids. The company’s offices are in Lihue.
Although quite curvy, the road is well maintained as it leads up the mountain, where the landscape changes almost immediately and the temperature drops a few degrees. Along the way don’t miss the chance to park at one of the many scenic points. The views are expansive and get even more glorious as you climb higher.
When you reach an altitude of 3,100 feet, the first stop is Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you have a fantastic view of the canyon. At Pu`ukapele Lookout, about 3,700 feet up, there’s a small rest area with picnic tables. The best views of the canyon are from Pu`uhinahina Lookout. A short trail beginning behind the restrooms leads to an even better view, where, if cloud cover permits, you can see Niihau.
The road ends at the 4,345-acre Kokee State Park, where another slew of hiking trails can accommodate any skill level. It gets cold up here, so bring warm clothes. Be sure to follow the road all the way to its end, at Kalalau and Pu`u O Kila lookouts.
From Kalalau you can see deep into Kalalau Valley, the largest and widest valley in the Na Pali cliffs, and you can also see the ever-beautiful Na Pali Coast from a different angle, as opposed to viewing it from the ocean. From Pu`u O Kila you also can see into Kalalau Valley, as well as across the Alakai Swamp to Mount Waialeale, in the center of the island.
Staff at the park headquarters can answer questions about the particular plants and animals in this region and about the conditions of certain trails. Be sure to pick up a free map that details all the trails in the park.
