Children

Kauai Sugar Plantation is the last working sugarcane plantation in the Kauai Island and among the last two remaining in the Hawaiian islands. It is located off Highway 50, just after mile marker 19 in the city of Kaumakani. A tour of the plantation is offered by Gay & Robinson Tours. Taking this tour will enable you to understand the harvesting and processing of sugarcane. There is also an on-site museum where you can check out photographs, documents, equipment and artifacts, all related to the sugar industry on the island for free. For details, check the website.

A visit here fills sightseeing requirements and leaves plenty of time to relax. The pier is located in busy Black Pot Beach Park, and is nearly a century old. Agricultural exporters originally docked their vessels here, but it ceased being of any commercial importance years ago. Now it is a landmark and a hangout spot. Kids gleefully jump off the edge of the pier (a short fall, but good for a splash) while adults sunbathe, fish or talk story; pidgin for "shooting the breeze."

The Kauai Marriott gets all kinds of praise from travel publications, travel agents and travelers themselves for its children's program. The experienced staff members who head up the program keep the kids busy all day long with a variety of island-related activities. All kinds of things might be included on the daily schedule: lei making lessons, hula classes, beach walks, athletic competitions and so forth. The club is open to ages 5-12. Open to hotelguests and no-guests the cost per day includes lunch.

It looks like something out of Disneyland or Universal Studios, but in fact, this wondrous playground is just a community project, built by the parents and used by the children of Kaua'i. There are mazes, special slides, swings and much more. Parents can relax in the Japanese garden while the children play. More than 7,000 people helped to create this playground in the autumn of 1994. While parents built the structures and landscaped the surrounding area, kids kept busy designing tile artwork in all colors of the rainbow. The cheerful, fanciful tile creations decorate the playground to this day. Admission is free.

Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where people can watch professional polo. O'ahu has its own team, as does Kauai. Games take place on a grassy field across from Anini Beach. The world's top players compete in the games; some of them come from South America or New Zealand. Family and social groups are welcome. Even people who are not interested in polo should enjoy the outing. Pack a picnic and bring a swimsuit. During intermission, you can head over to the beach for a swim.

Check out beautiful streams, mountains, rich botanical and animal life on Kauai's North Shore with the Silver Falls Ranch. Peacocks, rare flowers and other treasures are all waiting to be found! This ranch offers leisurely and fast paced horseback rides, swims, picnics, customized rides and stable visits for all you horse and nature lovers. Let the trained & affable staff guide you through the gorgeous property and lush surroundings. The Hawaiian landscape awaits you! Check the website for details.