Last summer nearly half of Poipu’s visitors were families, which
doesn’t surprise Margy Parker one bit. The Poipu Beach Resort
Association executive director credits her destination’s family
appeal to the growing popularity of multigenerational travel and to
the many family-friendly activities available in South Kauai.
According to PBRA’s most recent visitor profiles, families
comprised 46% of Poipu’s total visitors during the summer of 2002,
compared to 28% in 2000. “We’re seeing a real increase in family
travel, particularly since 9/11,” Parker said. “Families have
rediscovered the importance of being together, and they’re choosing
to vacation together.”
At Poipu Beach, the area’s major natural attraction, ocean
conditions and the adjacent beach park cater to all ages.
Along with wading, swimming, snorkeling, boogie-boarding,
bodysurfing and surfing, families can take advantage of the park’s
picnic tables, showers, shade trees, lawns and pavilions, and
there’s a rental shop and a deli across the street.
Other South Kauai activities include hiking along the coastline,
ATV tours, kayaking, horseback riding, bicycling, garden tours,
tennis, surfing lessons, scuba trips, boat tours and snorkeling
cruises.
The area’s restaurants cater to families by offering casual
settings and children’s menus. Clients also can carry out picnic
food from shops such as Shipwreck Subs, Koloa Fish Market, Sueoka
Snack Bar and Lappert’s Ice Cream. PBRA is tapping the family
market with ads in such publications as Sunset, Midwest Living and
Frommer’s Budget Travel.
Among the Poipu-area companies with family appeal is ATV
Off-Road Tours. Guests 16 and older can explore the back roads on
all-terrain vehicles, while younger children can ride in larger
all-terrain vehicles with guides. Per person rates range from $80
to $120, depending on the tour. Call 808-742-2734. With Poipu-based
Outfitters Kauai, parents and kids can go river kayaking for $94
per adult and $72 per child 4 and older. Downhill bicycling also is
available for $80 per adult and $60 for ages 10 to 14. Call
808-742-0667.
Captain Andy’s operates catamaran trips with stops for swimming
and snorkeling. Rates of $109 per adult and $79 for ages 4 to 12
include continental breakfast and a deli lunch. Call
808-822-7833.
Blue Dolphin’s sunset cruises along the North Shore cost $85 per
adult and $70 for kids 2 to 11. Call 808-742-6731.
" Margo Oberg’s surf school helps clients ride the waves for $50
per person. Children ages 5 to 6 require a parent to join them in
the water. Call 808-742-8019.
" CJM Stables offers horseback rides for clients ages 7 and
older. Rates range from $70 to $90 depending on the itinerary. Call
808-742-6096. Among accommodations with family programs, Hyatt
Regency Kauai Resort & Spa presents Camp Hyatt for children
ages 3 to 12 and family theater nights during the summer. Call
800-554-9288.
Sheraton Kauai Resort’s Keiki Aloha program for children ages 3
to 12 provides half-day and full-day indoor and outdoor sessions.
Call 800-782-9488. Children stay free with their parents in the
condominiums at Aston at Poipu Kai (800-922-7866) and at Sea View
Suites (808-332-9744).
Call the Poipu Beach Resort Association at 888-744-0888. Web
site: http:// www.poipu-beach.org.
