Hawaiian resorts that the children will love, too

Photo by Hilton Waikoloa

Hawaiian resort prices are near, or at, all-time lows. But if you're traveling with children, in addition to a good price you will want  activities that let parents rest while knowing their youngsters are well supervised. Here, from Hawaii.com, are resorts that fit that category. Although rates are given, they are constantly changing and new specials are offered daily.

Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu. This resort on the North Shore boasts some of the best surfing in all of Hawaii, as well as the island's only on-site helipad. For teens looking to "catch a wave," group lessons begin at $75. (For safety reasons, children under 13 require private lessons, starting at $95 for one hour.) For future equestrians, The Stables at Turtle Bay offers a 20-minute pony walk for children under age 7. Plus there are  clear-bottom kayaks, allowing them to see the sea life in an unforgettable way. There's also a "buried treasure" hunt and 12 miles of hiking trails to accommodate any age. Prices for an oceanfront king room have been spotted for $237 a night.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Koloa, Kauai. Youngsters can choose from a variety of complimentary activities available in the lobby atrium each day including lei making, hula lessons or ukulele lessons. Or there's a meandering river pool, a 150-foot waterslide and an active pool for basketball or volleyball. At the saltwater lagoon, they can swim, float or kayak together. Non-water options include an easy hike along a sea cliff with spectacular views; they might see endangered humpback whales, green sea turtles or monk seals. Prices start around $300 a night for a garden-view room.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu. This resort has a  Keiki Club (keiki is the Hawaiian word for child) for ages 5-12.  Among activities are reef walking, snorkeling, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula dancing, crabbing and cavorting with dolphins. Possible rates are $395 a night for a scenic view room.

 

Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala Coast, Big Island. The Dolphin Quest, where you meet and swim with the lovable creatures,  is a hit with children and parents, and there are classes in hula and making flower, ti leaf or shell-and-bead leis. Also,  Waikoloa Family Golf Days take place every day after 3 p.m. through July 31. Families can inexpensively play nine holes. Hawaii.com has seen prices starting at $199 and calls it one of the best island deals for a major resort.

Hyatt Regency Maui, Lahaina, Maui. Camp Hyatt Ka'anapali gives cameras to children of all ages, and their favorite picture will be turned into a photo T-shirt. Youngsters can also play tennis, try "coconut bowling," fish and explore Maui's wildlife and volcanoes. By night, children can learn about the Hawaiian  sky with the Tour of the Stars astronomy program. Rates have been spotted at $240 a night.

 

Prince hotels on Maui, Oahu and the Big Island.  You can request a private nanny for about $18 per hour or have your children participate in the Prince Keiki Club. Half-day and full-day programs are available, with many fun activities. Counselors are certified. Rates usually begin at $415 a night, but currently there is a special rate beginning at $269, with the possibility of a fourth night free.

For more information or to book, visit www.hawaii.com.

Busted guitar can't stop this fellow's music 

Dave Carroll's You Tube video for the song "United Breaks Guitars" has gone viral, receiving more than 600,000 hits as of yesterday. To view the saga of a guitar that Carroll says was broken by United Airlines, click here.

Last-minute specials on Nantucket

Summer rates on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket can seldom be considered inexpensive, but you will pay less with these last-minute specials: The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, July 12-16, starting at $350 a night.  The Wauwinet, July 12-16 and July 21-22, $395. And the White Elephant, July 11-15, $395.

Fascinating fact

The lowest recorded temperature, minus 129 degrees Fahrenheit, occurred in Antarctica in 1989.

$129 summer rate at some Kimpton hotels

Through Sept. 7, Kimpton Hotels has a Sunday-Thursday online rate of $129-$179 a night, along with your choice of a $30 dining credit or free parking.

Click here.

Worth quoting 

"A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. ... We do not take a trip; a trip takes us."

                                                                                                                         -- John Steinbeck

Trivial question

What is the world's largest sea? Answer Monday.