Hawaii
is the perfect place to raise a family with fun
things to do around every corner. Whether you're
planning a family outing to the beach, Honolulu
Zoo or Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, the fun
never seems to stop. Here are some "must
dos" for keiki:
In Kaka'ako, a beach-front urban Honolulu
treasure exists in the Hawai'i Children's
Discovery Center, that even has hours that cater
to that all important mid-day necessity, nap
time! Closed Mondays, the center's hours from
Tuesday through Friday are 9-1 p.m. and on
Saturday and Sunday, it's open from 10-3 p.m.
Reasonable admission charges of $8 for adults
and $6.75 for children 2-17, makes this
state-of-the-art keiki exploratorium a standout
destination for parents eager to prompt a
child's inner genius.
Most of us would be happy just exploring the
real world with our little ones at the tide
pools along Makapu'u. But if the sun is too hot
or the rains persist, a great place to putter
around is Glow Putt Mini Golf at Windward Mall.
Hours from Monday-Saturday are 10-9 p.m. with a
last tee time of 8:15 p.m., and Sundays from
10-5 p.m., last tee time at 4 p.m. It's a blast
to take in all 18 holes in the semi darkness,
but it's also a lot of fun looking at each other
in aloha attire, logo T-shirts, and amazing
dental work! A round of golf runs $7, children
under five can play for $5. Glow Putt has party
packages for birthdays, features group, military
and law-enforcement discounts, and even allows
for same-day replays for just $5.
There are several activities out on Oahu's West
Side that are drawing residents from all over
the Island. Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in
Kapolei, and American Box Car Racing
International in Kunia, appeal to boys and girls
of all ages.
Prepare
to be thrilled at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
with rides such as the Waianae Coaster, the Big
Kahuna - a free-fall six stories down - or the
Volcano Express. Kids love anything that leaves
them soaking wet and exhilarated, and HWAP
delivers. This is a great place for a party, and
packages for a minimum of 10 people are
available.
Another fun spot to get lost is the maze at Dole
Plantation, purposely designed to qualify as the
world's largest maze in the 2001 Guinness Book
of World Records. Opened in 1998, the three-acre
maze features 3.11 miles of paths and features
14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants including
hibiscus, heliconia, croton, panax, and
pineapple. Admission is a reasonable $6 for
adults and $4 for children. To get a head start,
a link at its Web site, http://www. dole-plantation.com
/maze/ features a virtual maze, and if you
complete it successfully, you'll get a
15-percent off coupon for any retail item at
Dole Plantation.
If you and your family are into protecting the
environment-"Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle"-as a famous Jack Johnson song
reminds us, then perhaps a day of volunteer
service at Waimea Valley Audubon Center is just
the experience your family would treasure.
Various nature-based programs are available at
Waimea Valley Audubon Center throughout the
year, and fees are nominal.
It's Party Time!
Most of the above keiki
venues offer party packages, but here are some
additional places to throw a party:
- Chuck E. Cheese (Aina Haina Shopping
Center, 373-2151; 850 Kamehameha Hwy., 455-1448)
- Lisa Rose Dollhouse & Tea Room
(1365 Nuuanu Ave., Suite 11, 528-4552)
- Leapin' Lizards (99-900 Iwaena St.,
485-5327)
- The Honolulu Zoo (971-7171)
- Sea Life Park Hawaii (41-202
Kalanianaole Hwy. 259-7933)
- Hawaii Nature Center (2131 Makiki Hts.
Dr., 955-0100)
Questions
to ask when planning a keiki party:
- How much will it
cost? Parties can cost anywhere between $200 to
$400 (even higher depending on the number of
guests).
- Can we bring our own food? Some places
allow you to bring your own food, which can save
money.
- How many children can the venue
accommodate? Is there a minimum number? Is there
a charge for adult chaperones?
- Is there a time limit?
- What extras does the venue provide?
(Decorations, invitations)
