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3-For-1 Family Fun in Maui, by Carrie Simmons

Ever dream of sailing the open oceans, cruising between exotic islands of the South Pacific? Now you can…and without ever learning to sail. Open-air ferries connect the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai allowing visitors to experience three very different islands. Enjoy beautifully contrasting sights of pure waterfalls backed by lush vegetation and craggily black lava rock devoid of plant life.

Hike eerily quiet valleys where no sound is heard except cheerful giggles from your little ones chasing a lizard through the grass. Snorkel turquoise fish-packed waters keeping an eye out for spinner dolphins and whales. With a welcoming aloha spirit and long list of activities, these islands are set up for family fun. And, it’s easier, and cheaper, than ever to plan your trip.

Family Fun:

-         Snorkel Cruise – Watch spinner dolphins and humpback whales leap from the water en route to some incredible underwater sites.

-         Road to Hana – With bamboo trees forming a lush tunnel over this windy road (over 600 turns in all…Dramamine anyone?), waterfalls and spectacular sea views, it’s the ultimate family picnic destination.

-         Bike Down Haleakala – What do you get when you combine a road that descends 10,000 feet in just 38 miles, a volcano at sunrise and a bike?  One exhilarating ride! 

Down Time:

-         Lahaina – Surrounded by bustling shops and restaurants, the Banyan Tree Square has museums, an open-air market, and live music. Relax and watch life go by!

-         Ka’anapali Beach/Black Rock – A wide stretch of white sand (with a flour-like consistency perfect for sandcastle building), sheltered cove, beach chairs, boardwalk, sunset cliff diving at Black Rock…need I go on?

-         Fly A Kite – Molokai’s west end has some of the best kite-flying weather around with a warm and consistently blowing trade wind. 

Feed The Brain:

A family that learns together…well…learns together. Hawaii is full of educational opportunities with volcanoes, oceans and tales of Polynesia (beyond the girl swinging her grass-swaged hips).

-         Maui Ocean Center – An excellent museum, spectacular aquariums, and a knowledgeable staff including a scuba diver who answers questions while swimming with sharks and stingrays. www.mauioceancenter.com

-         Kalaupapa Peninsula – Mosey down the world’s tallest sea cliffs (1700 feet – don’t look down!) on a mule while learning about Molokai’s leprosy colony and Father Damien’s exceptional work.  Age Requirement: 16 yrs.  www.muleride.com  

-         Pacific Whale Foundation – The schoolhouse does rock when you go snorkeling or whale watching with this non-profit company that combines education and fun with wildlife guidebooks, on-board naturalists and a kid’s Junior Naturalist program with hands-on activities and games.  www.pacificwhale.org

Save-A-Buck:

-        ATA.com – Flights starting at $265 Roundtrip from U.S. West Coast

-       MolokaiFerry.com - $40 Adults/$20 Kids (4-12)

-       Go-Lanai.com - $25 Adults/$20 Kids (2-11)

-      TravelZoo.com – Log on to find the best deals out there like 5 nights in Hawaii including air and hotel for under $300 per person.

Do Your Homework:

A family that learns together…well…you’ve heard it before.  Turn your vacation into a learning opportunity by doing a little research. 

-         Travel With Kids Hawaii: The Islands of Maui & Molokai ($14.95 www.islandtots.com) This DVD offers a kid-friendly presentation of Hawaii-s history and culture and coverage of the islands’ family-friendly attractions and activities. 

-         Hit the Library:  Pick up a travel guidebook (Lonely Planet is particularly good for off-the-beaten-path) and some kids’ books like High Tide In Hawaii, Volcanoes, and The Shark God.

-         Host a Hawaiian Luau family night: Dress the part; cook up some Hawaiian food (Hawaiian-Luau.com) or order a ham and pineapple pizza; and rent a Hawaiian movie like South Pacific or A Very Brady Sequel.

Down Time:

-         Lahaina – Surrounded by bustling shops and restaurants, the Banyan Tree Square has museums, an open-air market, and live music. Relax and watch life go by!

-         Ka’anapali Beach/Black Rock – A wide stretch of white sand (with a flour-like consistency perfect for sandcastle building), sheltered cove, beach chairs, boardwalk, sunset cliff diving at Black Rock…need I go on?

-         Fly A Kite – Molokai’s west end has some of the best kite-flying weather around with a warm and consistently blowing trade wind. 

Travel With Kids Hawaii: The Island of Oahu

For more information on traveling with your family to Oahu, check out Travel With Kids Hawaii: The Island of Oahu by Equator Creative Media ($14.95 at IslandTots.com) The DVD offers an innovative kid-friendly presentation of Oahu’s history and culture as well as coverage of family attractions and activities (many of the ones mentioned above) and plenty of tips for traveling with kids.

 Above Photo Credits: © USA Travel Magazine, Judy Worley, Terry Girt, Sue & Kavin Heath

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