Kauai - Hawaii with Kids - page 394

hike continuously for 3 to 4 hours on uneven and steep surfaces. It's only 2 miles
to Hanakapiai Beach, but the first mile is all uphill. This tough trail takes about
2 hours one-way and dissuades many. Day hikers love this initial stretch, so it's
usually crowded. The island of Niihau and Lehua Rock are often visible on the
horizon. At mile marker 1, you'll have climbed from sea level to 400 feet; now
it's all downhill to Hanakapiai Beach. Sandy in summer, the beach becomes
rocky when winter waves scour the coast. There are strong currents and no life-
guards, so swim at your own risk. You can also hike another 2 miles inland from
the beach to Hanakapiai Falls, a 120-foot cascade. Allow an additional 3 hours
for that stretch.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Only in Kauai can you ride a horse across the wide-open pastures of a working
ranch under volcanic peaks and rein up near a waterfall pool. Near the Poipu
area, CJM Country Stables, 1731 Kelaukia St. (2 miles beyond the Hyatt
Regency Kauai), Koloa ( & 808/742-6096; www.cjmstables.com), offers both
2- and 3-hour escorted Hidden Valley beach rides. You'll trot over Hidden Val-
ley ranch land, past secluded beaches and bays, along the Hauupu Ridge, across
sugar-cane fields, and to Mahaulepu Beach; it's worth your time and money just
to get out to this seldom-seen part of Kauai. The Secret Beach and Breakfast
Ride costs $85 and includes breakfast. The 2-hour Hidden Beach Ride is $75.
There's also a 3 1 ⁄ 2 -hour swim/beach/picnic ride for $95. Kids should be at least 8
years old to participate.
Princeville Ranch Stables, Highway 56 (just after the Princeville Airport),
Hanalei ( & 808/826-6777; www.princevilleranch.com), has a variety of out-
ings. The 1 1 ⁄ 2 -hour country ride takes in views of the Hanalei mountains and the
vista of Anini Beach ($65), while the 3-hour adventure meanders along the
bluffs of the North Shore to Anini Beach, where you tie off your horse and take
a short stroll to the beach ($110). The 4-hour Waterfall Picnic Ride crosses
ranch land, takes you on a short (but steep) hike to swimming pools at the base
of waterfalls, and then feeds you a picnic lunch for $120. Riders must be in good
physical shape and at least 8 years old. Don't forget to put your swimsuit on
under your jeans. The Princeville Ranch Stables also offers other adventures,
ranging from the less strenuous wagon rides to a cattle-drive ride.
PLAYGROUNDS
Located at the north end of Lydgate Park, near the Aloha Beach Resort in
Wailua, is the Kamalani Playground. Built by 7,000 volunteers in 1994, the
playground features a volcano slide, swings, mazes, a Japanese garden, a
labyrinth, and lots of artwork by Kauai children.
TENNIS
The Kauai County Parks and Recreation Department, 4444 Rice St., Suite
150, Lihue ( & 808/241-6670 ), has a list of the nine county tennis courts
around the island, all of which are free and open to the public. Private courts
open to the public include the Princeville Tennis Club, Princeville Hotel
( & 808/826-3620; www.princeville.com), which has six courts available for
$15 per person ($12 for guests) for 90 minutes. On the south side, try Hyatt
Regency Kauai Resort and Spa, Poipu Resort ( & 808/742-1234 ), which has
four courts, available for $30 an hour; and Kiahuna Swim and Tennis Club,
Poipu Road (just past the Poipu Shopping Village on the left), Poipu Resort
( & 808/742-9533 ), which has 10 courts renting for $10 per person per hour.