- Paradise Found in Kauai - Jeff Kubina, Wikimedia Commons
Archaeologists believe Kauai was first inhabited by settlers who came from Tahiti, Samoa and other South Pacific Islands more than 1500 years ago. Missionaries arrived in the 19th century and planted sugar cane, blanketing the island with green. The sugar cane plantations prompted an influx of immigrants from Asia and Europe that would shape the cultural diversity found in Kauai today. Kauai is a manageable 33 miles wide and 25 miles long but there are distinct micro-climates including coastal sand dunes, desert-like plateaus, verdant river valleys, foothills and mist-shrouded mountain tops. Kauai will appear familiar to your teen as it has had a starring role in more than 75 films such as all the “Jurassic Park” films, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Kauai--A Verdant Landscape of Rolling Fields, Lush Tropical Foliage and Glistening Beaches
Kauai’s brilliant sun beckons and rouses even the most nocturnal teen. Begin your perfect day by fueling up on carbs and caffeine at Java Kai, located in the Hanalei Center, just off the Kuhio Highway. Get an early start to your day as Java Kai opens at the eagerly energetic hour of 6:30 am and serves up a tempting selection of waffles, tropical fruits, muffins, and breakfast burritos. One bite of their Aloha Bars, made with toasted coconut, macadamia nuts and chocolate chips on a shortbread cookie crust, will have you coming back for more—even once you’re back home in Omaha. Hawaii is synonymous with amazing coffee and Java Kai brews up a formidable selection of specialty drinks. You might end up waiting in line behind Pierce Brosnan who comes for their Shark Bite, which blends multitudinous shots of espresso, half-and-half, and is topped with raspberry syrup...or you could sit at a table next to Sally Field who is smitten with her Maui Mocha (which can be served hot or cold), combining espresso, milk, chocolate and coconut.
Hanalei Bay, Voted "Best Beach"
In 2009 Hanalei Bay was named the Number 1 Beach in the United States by “Dr. Beach,” Stephen P. Leatherman. The great thing is that no one seems to have learned about this distinction as Hanalei Bay retains a remote, uninhabited feel along its two-mile crescent-shaped stretch of pristine sand, swaying palms with emerald green mountains as backdrop. Hanalei Bay is a world away from Waikiki Beach where pasty-white tourists seem to cover every square inch.
Learn to Surf in Paradise
Nearby is the North Shore Surfing School offering small group classes at 7:30 am (or 10:30 am if the early rise just couldn't’t be accomplished), and they also offer one-on-one private surf lessons for beginners, intermediate or advanced surfers on Hanalei Bay. For $60 per person you receive a two-hour group surfing lesson (with a maximum of 4 students) which combines 15 minutes of beach practice, learning techniques of paddling, standing up, catching waves, positioning, safety skills and surf etiquette with 1 hour and 45 minutes in the water surfing with your professional surf instructor. Remember, this is a perfect day with your teens, so you’ll not be excused from participating. Never fear, they pride themselves in a 99% success rate with beginners, so they’re not willing to let you lower their percentages. It may prove more a challenge for them than you. For $80 you can receive two hours private instruction. Hanalei Bay is perfect for this activity as beginners are taught in a safe area with a shallow, sandy bottom and close proximity to the shore. There are also more challenging areas in the Bay depending upon your ability. Keo is one of the very patient instructors and can be reached by email for further information at keokauai@yahoo.com.
Fuel for Adventure: Kauai's Tropical Taco
In Casablanca, everyone heads to Rick’s. In Hanalei, everyone heads to Tropical Taco—for good reason! Tropical Taco is an affordable lunch option that prepares all of their ingredients fresh every day and all fish are caught by local North Shore fishermen. They offer a variety of tacos and burritos, as well as vegetarian options, but their fish tacos are simply amazing. Tropical Taco is located a mile past the Hanalei Bridge in the Halele’a Building next to Kai Kane. Portions are huge and the menu warns not to surf an hour after consuming. You will need to allow your food to settle before moving on to our next exciting adventure in your Perfect Family Vacation Day in Kauai with teens.
"As Good as it Gets" Horseback Riding
A short drive along the Kuhio Highway brings you to Princeville Ranch Adventures, a 2500 acre working ranch offering guided horseback riding tours. They offer a 3-hour afternoon tour at 1:30 pm with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Friendly, knowledgeable guides provide a captivating history of the farm and island, as well as a lesson in local botany. Remember, this is a “tour,” so while it can easily accommodate beginners, you have the option to knock up the adventure decibels a few notches by combining other action-options, such as hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining through the jungle canopy. If you’re a more experienced rider and would like to enjoy a more challenging pace, you may wish to book a private ride with a guide who can tailor your visit to your level of experience and interest. See all that is on offer at Princeville Ranch Adventures. If you have ever dreamed of coming to Hawaii and riding a horse along a beach, be aware that the State of Hawaii does not allow commercial horse riding on beaches.
Pizza in Paradise
Even the most skeptical pizza aficionado will be impressed by Hanalei Pizza, owned by an authentic, transplanted New Yorker. They offer a traditional and also whole-wheat crust, with your standard mushroom, sausage or pepperoni toppings, to gourmet inspired vegetarian with caramelized onions and goat cheese, as well as the obligatory tropical topping of ham and pineapple. Hanalei Pizza is also centrally located along the Kuhio Highway on the right hand side just as you enter Hanalei from the east.
Ice Cream from Cows Skilled at Hula
You cannot have a more complete end to your Perfect Day in Kauai with Teens than at Pink’s Creamery. Let your adventure run wild and combine any of their amazing tropical tastes, such as passion fruit, coconut, papaya, and pineapple. I envisioned Arnold exiting with the words, “I’ll be back."
Brian Berenty - Not all who wander are lost.
