Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 111

here. Recently, after 29 years at the same spot, they moved some 150 yards down
the street and opened a new 75-seat eatery. It's as busy as ever, many diners get
their burgers to go and head for the beach. Kua Aina's thin and spindly french
fries are renowned islandwide and are the perfect accompaniment to its legendary
burgers. (They offer “kiddie burgers” for younger children.) The tuna/avocado,
roast turkey, and mahimahi sandwiches are excellent alternatives to the burgers.
Kua Aina is unparalleled on the island and is a North Shore must, eclipsing its
fancier competitors at lunch.
66-160 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa. & 808/637-6067. Highchairs. Most items less than $6. No credit
cards. Daily 11am-8pm.
Paradise Found Cafe VEGETARIAN A tiny cafe behind Celestial Natural
Foods, Paradise Found is a bit of a hunt, but stick with it. For more than a few
townies, the North Shore sojourn begins at Paradise, the only pure vegetarian
restaurant in these parts. Their smoothies (especially the Waimea Shorebreak)
are legendary, and their organic soups, fresh-pressed vegetable juices, sand-
wiches, and healthy plate lunches are a great launch to a Haleiwa day. Vegan sub-
stitutes are willingly made in place of dairy products and to accommodate
dietary needs. Kids will love the nan 'nut (a tortilla with peanut butter, honey,
and bananas).
66-443 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa. & 808/637-4540. All items less than $7. No credit cards. Mon-Sat
9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm.
5 Exploring Oahu with Your Kids
Note: Very few attractions have strollers available for use; unless noted below,
assume that you will have to bring your own stroller.
KIDS' TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS
Bishop Museum All ages. This forbidding, four-story, Romanesque lava-
rock structure (it looks like an Addams family residence) holds safe the world's
greatest collection of natural and cultural artifacts from Hawaii and the Pacific.
It's a great rainy-day diversion; plan to spend at least half a day here. The museum
has something for everyone. For preschoolers and kindergarteners, there's “The
Science of Hawaiian Culture,” a 30-minute hands-on demonstration of how the
Hawaiians planted food using water sources; a 1-hour program called “Ali'i,”
including a guided tour of the Hawaiian royalty exhibits; and “The Science of
P ∂ haku,” an hour-long interactive demonstration of the art of adze making.
There are numerous activities for older kids, including cultural demonstrations,
interactive exhibits and games about Hawaii culture, canoe building, and kapa
making. A visit here will give you a good understanding of Hawaiian life and cul-
ture. You'll see the great feathered capes of kings, the last grass shack in Hawaii,
pre-industrial Polynesian art, even the skeleton of a 50-foot sperm whale.
Hula performances take place weekdays at 11am and 2pm, and various
Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, feather working, and quilting are demonstrated.
This cultural event is worth making time for. Also, for a look at spectacular arti-
facts such as the ancient feather cloak of King Kamehameha and other items not
shown to the general public, take the “Behind the Scenes Tour” offered week-
days at 1:30pm for an additional fee of $15.
Don't miss the Bishop Museum at Kalia , 2005 Kalia Rd., Waikiki
( & 808/946-9478 ). This “mini” version of the Bishop Museum is just right for
visitors who want to get an insider's view of Hawaiian culture but are pressed for