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Keiki corner
 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) |
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