Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 309

The Kaanapali Beach Hotel (p. 244) has a wonderful show called Kupanaha,
which features renowned magicians Jody and Kathleen Baran and their entire
family (including child prodigy magicians Katrina and Crystal) in a dinner show
with magic, illusions, and the story of the Hawaii fire goddess, Pele, presented
through hula and chant performed by the children of the Kano'eau Dance Acad-
emy. The shows are Tuesday through Saturday; tickets cost $69 to $79 for
adults, $49 for teens, and $29 for children ages 6 to 12. (It's free for children 5
and under.) Included in the ticket price is dinner; entree choices include island
fish, roasted stuffed chicken, steak and shrimp, or a vegetarian dish. A keiki
menu is available. For reservations and tickets, call & 808/661-0011 or check
www.kbhmaui.com.
Maui does have live community theater, at the Iao Theater, 68 N. Market St.
in Wailuku ( & 808/244-8680 or 808/242-6969; www.mauionstage.com). The
performances range from locally written productions and well-known plays to
musicals to community events.
MOVIES
If your kids are clamoring for a movie, check the local newspapers to see what's
playing at the other theaters around the island (or go to www.mauigateway.com/
~rw/movie). Major cinemas include: Maui Mall, 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahu-
lui ( & 808/249-2222); Kaahumanu Theatres, in the Kaahumanu Center in
Kahului ( & 808/873-3133); Kukui Mall Theatre, 1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
( & 808/875-4533); Wallace Theatres ( & 808/249-2222), in Lahaina at the
Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front St.; and Front Street Theatres at the
Lahaina Center, 900 Front St.
The Maui Film Festival presents “Academy House” films for the movie buffs
on Wednesday nights at the Maui Art and Cultural Center, 1 Cameron Way
(just off Kahului Beach Rd.), Kahului ( & 808/572-3456; www.mauifilmfestival.
com), usually followed by live music and poetry readings. In the summer, either
around Memorial Day weekend or in June, the Maui Film Festival also puts on
nights of cinema under the stars in Wailea.
STORY HOURS
Maui's public libraries frequently have wonderful free programs for children. The
Kihei Public Library, 35 Waimahaihai St. ( & 808/875-6833 ) has a Toddler's
Story time on Thursday at 10:30am, featuring simple stories, songs, movement,
and crafts for 2- and 3-year-olds. On Friday at 10:30am, the Kihei Library has
a Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5); and on the last Tuesday of each month, also
at the Kihei Library, at 7pm, is a Pajama Story Time (ages 2-8), where your kids
can come in their PJs, fuzzy slippers, and holding their favorite stuffed animal to
enjoy the storytelling. Also check out the Lahaina Public Library, 680 Wharf
St. ( & 808/662-3950 ); the Makawao Library, 1159 Makawao Ave. ( & 808/
573-8785 ); and the Wailuku Library, 251 High St. ( & 808/243-5766 ).
Borders Books & Music, in the Maui Marketplace at 270 Dairy Rd., Kahu-
lui ( & 808/877-6160 ), also features storytelling and songs for kids; call for the
latest schedule of events.
ARCADES
The Fun Factory, in the Kaahumanu Center in Kahului ( & 808/877-5096 ),
has been expanded to 5,000 square feet of entertainment for kids of all ages.
They'll play the video games, ride the kiddie cars, and join in the dozens of other
activities here until they drop.