Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu provides a fun learning experience, but keep children close to shore.
Visiting Hawaii can be an extraordinary adventure for kids. The 50th state is a rainbow of cultures, and it's the only U.S. state with two official languages: Hawaiian and English. Swimming in a hotel's fantasy pool amid man-made lava rock waterfalls, watching hula and fire dancers at a luau, and shopping in Waikiki for souvenirs can all be fun, but many kids will enjoy more active and educational experiences such as snorkeling on a coral reef, hiking on a volcano or the quintessential Hawaiian sport -- surfing.
Surf
Few experiences in Hawaii are as exhilarating for a child or teen as riding a wave -- or telling friends about his "Hawaiian roller coaster ride." The 75 to 85 degree Fahrenheit water temperature and the gentle surf at Waikiki and Kailua Bay on Oahu and Kaanapali on Maui make this possible for children as young as 5 years old. Lessons are offered at concession stands on these beaches; choose an instructor who is good with kids. Surfing schools are found on all the main islands. On Maui, Goofy Foot Surf School has a good reputation and provides private lessons to children and teens.
Snorkel
Many kids enjoy floating in the water, looking through masks at the unusual and colorful fish and big sea turtles that swim around the coral and rocks. Fair Wind Cruises on Hawaii Island includes in their tours instruction, snorkeling gear, flotation devices, if desired, and underwater viewing boxes for those who aren't comfortable snorkeling. Children 4 years and older are welcome. Fair Wind (fair-wind.com) takes you to one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots, the pristine marine preserve of Kealakekua Bay. Family friendly snorkeling beaches on Hawaii Island include Kahaluu Beach in Kailua-Kona and Kauanoa Beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (princeresortshawaii.com) -- public parking is free, but be there by 9 a.m. because it is limited. On Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is teeming with fish, and the kids can see plenty while snorkeling close to shore. They should not touch marine life for safety and ecological reasons.
More Marine Life Close Encounters
At the Maui Ocean Center (mauioceancenter.com), take the kids through a transparent tunnel surrounded by 750,000 gallons of water teeming with fish, including rays and sharks. Touch tanks outside invite further exploration. Teens who are into marine life will enjoy the Waikiki Aquarium, but otherwise they might prefer hanging on the beach while the children visit. Atlantis Submarine (atlantisadventures.com) rides in Kona and Waikiki are fun for all, but perhaps not as exciting as a whale-watching cruise, especially when looking down at the water and seeing a whale the size of bus glide under the boat. Humpback whales cavort off the coasts of Hawaii from December through April. Most of Hawaii's whales are seen off Maui, but you can see them from whale-watching tours off any of the islands.
Inland Fun
Children 5 years and older can participate in the Jungle Adventure at Princeville Ranch on Kauai's North Shore. Additional adventures are offered to older children, including horseback riding and zip lines. Children ages 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult of 18 or older. The Jungle Adventure is a 4 1/2 hour tour involving kayaking, hiking, zip-lining and a waterfall swimming hole, where kids can jump, swing, swim and float on inner tubes.
On Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, families tour an active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes Park. Begin at the visitor center by watching the movie and getting safety brochures and information from the rangers. Hike across craters and near steam vents or through bird-song filled rainforests and ancient lava tubes. Learn about volcanology and view working seismographs in the park's Thomas Jaggar Museum. View the red glow arising from Halemaumau Crater where lava bubbles hundreds of feet below the surface.
Considerations
The tropical sun's intensity is easily forgotten on Hawaii's beaches where trade winds keep you comfortable, so ensure the kids are wearing sunscreen. Hawaii's currents, including rip currents, can be strong, so stick to beaches with lifeguards and review ocean safety tips provided by lifeguards and other safety professionals at the Hawaii Beach Safety website. When swimming, surfing or snorkeling, ensure that your kids are aware of changing ocean conditions below and above the surface. If in doubt about conditions, check with a lifeguard before letting your kids go out. With safety measures taken, Hawaii can provide life-long lasting memories for children and teens.
Tags: Hawaii Island, Children years, Children years older, close shore, Fair Wind