Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Haleakala. If the kids are old enough,
you might consider going back down
on cruiser bikes that coast 10,000 feet
and 37 miles from the top. If not,
spend the day at the Haleakala
National Park.
The next day, head to Lahaina.
Spend a day in this historic town, tak-
ing a submarine ride (if the kids are
tall enough) under the sea, riding the
sugar-cane train and, at night, stargaz-
ing on the roof of the Hyatt Regency
in Kaanapali. On day four, jump
aboard
Trilogy
and sail to Lanai for a
day of playing in the surf, relaxing on
a beach, and enjoying a barbecued
lunch, and still make it home in time
to see the sunset.
For days five and six, head out on
the Hana Highway. Plan to spend the
entire day cruising the narrow lane-
and-a-half road, stopping to take pho-
tos, jump in cool mountain streams,
smell flowers, and explore the coun-
tryside. Spend the night in this quaint
Hawaiian town. The next day see the
Kipahulu side of the Haleakala
National Park: Enjoy the mountain
pools, take a hike up into the rainfor-
est, and wander back in the evening.
Your last day can be filled with
snorkeling in Makena, playing with
the interactive exhibits at the Hawaii
Nature Center in Iao Valley, or splash-
ing around in your hotel or condo
pool.
14 The Adventurous Family's Vacation Planner
If all you want is a fabulous beach,
then Hawaii has what you're looking
for. But the islands' wealth of natural
wonders is equally hard to resist; the
year-round tropical climate and spec-
tacular scenery tend to inspire almost
everyone to get outside and explore.
If you don't have your own snorkel
gear or other watersports equipment,
or if you don't feel like packing it,
don't fret: Everything you'll need is
available for rent in the islands. We
discuss all kinds of places to rent or
buy gear in the island chapters that
follow.
SETTING OUT ON YOUR
OWN VERSUS USING
AN OUTFITTER
There are two ways to go: Plan all the
details before you leave, and rent gear
or schlepp your stuff 2,500 miles
across the Pacific; or go with an out-
fitter or a guide and let someone else
worry about the details.
Experienced outdoors enthusiasts
may head to coastal campgrounds or
even trek on their own. But in Hawaii,
it's often preferable to go with a local
guide who is familiar with the condi-
tions at both sea level and summit
peaks, knows the land and its flora and
fauna in detail, and has all the gear
you'll need. It's also good to go with a
guide if time is an issue, or if you have
specialized interests. If you really want
to see native birds, for instance, an
experienced guide will take you
directly to the best areas for sightings.
And many forests and valleys in the
interior of the islands are either on
private property or in wilderness pre-
serves accessible only on guided tours.
The downside? If you go with a guide,
plan on spending at least $100 a day
per person. We've recommended the
best local outfitters and tour-guide
operators on each island in the chap-
ters that follow.
But if you have the time, already
own the gear, and love doing the
research and planning, try exploring
on your own. Each island chapter dis-
cusses the best spots to set out on your
own, from the top offshore snorkeling
and diving spots to great daylong
hikes, as well as the federal, state, and
county agencies that can help you
with hikes on public property; we also
list references for spotting birds,
plants, and sea life. I recommend that
you always use the resources available
