Expert: Lena DeMarco - 8/18/2009

Question
My husband and I are thinking of a trip to Hawaii in December with our 1.5 year old.
My husband can swim, I and my toddler cannot. I am not very fond of any adventure sports. I am not sure how my toddler will react to water and any sports. We both love nature and its quietness and serenity.
Also, we are vegetarians, do not eat egg or any meat or any seafood.
What kind of activities can we expect? What can we plan for vacation?

Answer
Hi S.,

Hawaii has a broad range of activities for you, your husband and toddler. There are plenty of health-food/ veggie friendly dining options as well. But first I will consider which island would be a good fit for you. All of Hawaii is pretty kid friendly, but if you seek a slower, quieter pace I would recommend Kauai. This island is very lush, and offers hiking and other non-beach activities. For example, you could visit the botanical gardens, specifically the Na Aina Kai gardens, which have a children's garden with a train, etc. Also consider taking the Smith Family river tour. This is on a large boat, down the Wailua river... stopping at the Fern Grotto. It is amazingly beautiful. You can also take a drive up to Waimea canyon, a green version of the Grand Canyon... Also very beautiful. Hiking this island in the winter months is a bit trickier because some of the most popular & beautiful hikes are closed off due to the rain washing out trails, etc. However, there are several safe options and I would recommend checking out conditions closer to the time you plan to leave. Kauai's hiking website is a great place to get preliminary info:
http://kauai.hiking.info

And although you do not swim, you can visit Poipu beachpark and expose your toddler to the warm, calm pacific ocean safely from this beach. Specifically, check out Baby Beach, to the west of the main beach area where there is a little shallow lagoon. Another place to try out the ocean is Anini beach. This is a great beachpark with plenty of shade, picnic tables and large grassy areas fronting the beach. The water here is very clear, warm, shallow, and protected from waves by a natural breakwater that is Hawaii's longest reef. Whatever you do, do not leave the island without seeing Hanalei. It is so breathtakingly beautiful. There are several beaches in this area, but I would recommend that you enjoy walking along the warm sand vs. trying to manage the harsher waves in this area during the winter months.

As far as dining, Kauai offers a few good health food stores, and most restaurants offer a veggie option or three...This island is vegetarian friendly! Papaya's Store and Cafe offers great veggie options for dining in, plus a grocery store with all types of health foods/ veggie/vegan stuff to buy and cook on your own. You should consider renting a home or condo. This will allow you to cook most of your own meals. Consider renting a house around Anini for its high serenity factor.

Take special note: You will need a car on this (or any Hawaiian) island, no matter what. But driving is very mellow here and the views promise to be beautiful!

Aloha,
Lena