Immersing your kids in Polynesian Culture

Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu with your Familiy
By Mark Fitzgerald

Fijian Island area at PCC

The Polynesian cultural center is a wonderful place for your family to learn about culture, be entertained and live the island experience for a day.  It is a great destination for all ages.   The center is divided into the 7 islands of Polynesia.  There are 30 minute presentations to entertain you at each island, repeated as various times throughout the day.  In between the presentations there are activities, games and demonstrations in which you can participate.  The day is capped off with a luau buffet and evening spectacular show called the Ha: Breath of Life.

Musical and cultural presentation

If you are going as a couple I highly recommend upgrading to the Ambassador package.  It includes extras such as a guided tour, priority seating at the luau and show, a shell lei and other things that quickly pay itself off.  I think for a family you may be better off with the normal package.  All packages come with the opportunity to come back to continue touring the island presentations and activities t 3 days after your initial visit free of charge.  There is enough to do we found it a nice option.

To get the most of your visit with your family I recommend arriving at 11:45 to pick up your tickets.  I would work your way to the back of the park to Hawaii to begin with their 12:05 presentation.  Afterwards I would bring your family to the 12:30 Samoa presentation and the 1:00 Aotearoa (New Zealand).

The stage for the Ha: Breath of Life evening dance show

At 1:30 I would seek out some food.  They have several “tastes of Polynesia” that were fun to try.  At $3 to $4 each they didn’t break the bank.  They included curry, sausage and rice, bread with a sweet coconut sauce and pineapple pies other interesting island treats.  As a side note if you want food in the park opens up 1 PM.  If you want to eat before that get it outside of the park gates in the Hukilau Market area.  About 2:15 or so wander over to stone benches along the river just by the Hawaiian Mission Settlement to watch the 2:30 Canoe Pageant.  This is a dance show that has people moving past you on canoes.

Trying to start a fire

After the canoe pageant take the family the Hawaiian Journey Theater.  This is an IMAX movie that flies you through the island of Hawaii while rumbling your seat and slashing the cool ocean breeze on your face.  It is a nice break in the middle of the day to go inside a cool, dark theater.  At 3:30 return to the island presentations starting with Tahiti, followed Fiji at 4 and Tonga at 4:30.

This schedule will get you to all of the presentations but it doesn’t have to be that jammed packed.  There are children activities at each island if your young ones start to get restless.  There is also a canoe tour of the center and a tram tour of the city of Laie.

Bathrooms and water fountains can be found in the front and back of the park, as well as in the center by each of the buffet areas.

A map of the Polynesian Cultural Center and help you plan and navigate your day.

Map of the Polynesian Cultural Center

This video can help give you a feel for the evening performance, the Ha: Breath of Life.  I highly recommend splurging for their $5 Hawaiian Delight ice cream during intermission.

One last thing I like about bringing the family to the PCC is the social aspect.  The performers are students at the nearby Brigham Young University Hawaii.  They are here on scholarship and have the chance to work, preserve their culture and prepare for the future.  I feel good about being able to help and be entertained for a day as a reward.

At an hour away driving out to the cultural center isn’t hard and parking is free.  It is possible to take public transport but it is slow and on the way back will require a transfer.  You can also purchase transportation as part of your package when you buy tickets.  They will pick you up in the Waikiki area about 10 am and return you back about 10:30 pm.

Their website is www.polynesia.com

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Polynesian Cultural Center sounded interesting, you may also like Kaena Point. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.

Get the kids to explore under the water

Snorkeling at Mokuleia Beach Park

By Mark Fitzgerald

Trees shading Mokuleia Beach Park

I believe a key part of raising children is providing experience to help them explore the world they live in.  Snorkeling can open a new view to a foreign and exciting environment.  The calm ocean, shallow approach and combination of sand and rock at Mokuleia Beach Park can make it easy to try snorkeling for the first time.  

Snorkeling does not have to be complex.  It helps to have the proper gear but we started with basic swimming pool goggles and a simple snorkel.  Just go far enough to stand, put your face under and look around.  From there it is easy to progress to swim and confidence levels.

When we went Mokuleia Beach Park did not have huge schools of fish but it did have a wide variety of fish, colors, shapes and sizes.  It also had lots of rock, coral and anemones.  Certain times of years also have turtles!  Mokuleia was also very quiet without a lot of people, even on a Saturday afternoon.  

The beach is really only accessible by car.  Located on the north shore, it is west of Haleiwa, the closest community you can access via public transportation. There is a port-a-potty at the beach and a place to shower off, but no permanent bathroom or changing facility.  

To give you an idea of what to expect under the water check out this quick video.  Notice how much of the beach we had to ourselves as well!

Mokuleia Beach Park is technically a city park of Honolulu and information can be found on their website at http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/dpr-park-closure-hours.html

The beach itself in on the Farrington Highway and is adjacent to an old army airbase, Dillingham Field, which is now used for sky diving and other private airplanes.  Note on the map below the amount of trees that can provide shade to the thin strip of beach.

Mokuleia Beach Park stretching along Dillingham Field

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Mokuleia Beach Park sounded interesting, you may also like Kaena Point. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.

A family hike to Kaena Point in Oahu Hawaii

Tide Pools along the Kaena Point Trail
By Mark Fitzgerald

Kaena Point trail looking down on the Pacific Ocean

30 miles from Honolulu is Kaena Point, the western most tip of Oahu and a wonderful hike for you and your family.  Boarding the Kuokala forest reserve this flat trail provides picturesque mountain views, ocean waves, tide pools, sea birds and monk seals.

The north shore trail is about 2.5 miles each direction.  You can come in from the north or from the south.  The trail itself is part of an old rail bed that was used for transporting sugar cane a 100 years ago.  While it is level, the terrain is uneven and may be difficult for strollers and the like.  But because it is flat kids should have no problem with this hike.  The hardest part of the hike is that you are in direct exposure to the sun – so bring sunscreen and lots of water.

The trailhead is really only accessible by car.  There is a large dirt parking lot on the north shore, but on the weekends that can fill up quickly and people park lining the road.  The south starting point is where the pavement ends.  The parking lot is not as large.  There is no charge for parking nor entrance to the trail.

Tide Pools at Kaena Point

Public transit can get you as close as Waialua on the north and Makaha on the south but both of these are miles from the trail head.  The other limitation is there are no onsite bathrooms.  The closest bathroom is at Mokuleia Beach Park 3 miles down the road from the north trailhead, so come prepared.

I believe the highlight along the trail is all of the rocky tide pools.  As waves crash onto the rocks it brings with it crabs, snails and other small fish.  There is so much to explore and look for.   As you get out to the point you will find a predator proof fence to protect the nesting sea birds in the area.  You are welcome to go in but your dogs and other pets are not.

This video is to give you a feel of the area and terrain:

And a trail map of Kae’na point:

Kaena Point Trail (Click to Enlarge)

The trail is part of the division of state parks and their web site is:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/kaena-point-trail/

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Kaena Point sounded interesting, you may also like the Mokuleia Beach Park. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.

The Queen Mary 2 with a family

The Queen Mary 2 with a family

By Mark Fitzgerald

Many people have asked us about our recent transatlantic crossing with the family on the Cunard Line Queen Mary 2.  The fact that this cruise is 7 days at sea with no ports of call and that life on a Cunard ship is more formal gives many families pause in selecting it as an option.  I suggest thinking again.  Lots has been written about activities aimed at adults but there isn't much from the kids perspective.

Since this is a large ship we will break it out into several posts including:

• The Kids and Teen Zone
• Dining, dress code and evening activities
• Programmed events and things to do on the ship
• Daily Programme's

Overall the family loved having a time disconnects and away from our normal routine.  The ship was truly the destination and we enjoyed it.  It was also a great way to travel to Europe.  Rather than having jet lag we changed one time zone a day and easily adjusted.  When we got off we were all rested and ready to tour.

North Atlantic Daytime Activities with Your Children

Things to do with Kids on Board the Queen Mary 2

By Mark Fitzgerald

Most of the activities on board aimed at kids are run through the Youth Zone but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty for them to try and explore.  There are sporting activities, views, cultural events, games and things to watch.  

Tennis atop the Queen Mary 2

The top most deck things like shuffle board and quoits. Often grade school children learn these activities in PE, so they were pretty excited to try them out on the ship.  The basketball hoops had been removed but you can still use the court for other activities.  The tennis court was fun to use but rumor has it after May 2016 both courts will be removed.  

Of course there is swimming. The top deck has a splash pool between two hot tubs. The splash pool can be more than a few inches deep.  Not much to see there. On deck 12 is the pavilion pool, a covered pool with a retractable roof.  It was between 4 and 5 feet deep.  The rear of the ship had two other pools.  The pool connected to the zone was a family pool with a splash area and a 4 foot deep pool.  The other pool was labeled adults only but we saw plenty of teens using it. 

QM2 Library

In the Golden Lion Pub you could play darts.  Down by the Illuminations theater there were a few board games, chess and puzzles.  Youth could check out additional board games from the zone.  Playing cards were available but not to keep.  The library had a small teen book section.  

The adult cultural activities may have some appeal to your kids.  The lectures, at an hour, are a little long for most youth.  Our kids liked the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts who performed Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and other smaller shows.  We also enjoyed the various singing and performance groups on board.  There were also creative classes for art and acting.   

Flower Fruit Carvings

There are also great vistas to explore.  On deck 12 from 10 to 4 there is a viewing area that you can watch the bridge.  No pictures allowed though.  There are also viewing areas above and below the bridge on deck 13 and 11.  Deck 7 forms a track to do an outside loop of the ship.  Forward of the loop deck 7 opens to an observation deck.  It is usually very windy.  Inside the library and commodore clubs have similar views.

Galley Tour of the Britannia Restaurant

Lastly there are tours and demonstrations kids will be interested in.  We all enjoyed watch the chef's perform a fruit carving demonstration.  We were equally interested in a tour of the galley.  There are also movies to watch in your cabin or the Illuminations Theater including the on board planetarium show.

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the day time activities sounded interesting, you may also like the article about the evening events. You can also look at our entire list of Queen Mary 2 articles. 

#QueenMary2withFamily
#ThingsToDo

#QM2

Dining and Evening Activities with Youth on the Queen Mary 2

Enjoying the Night with Youth on the Queen Mary 2

By Mark Fitzgerald

Dining on the Queen Mary 2 with a family is a lot of fun but often raises a few questions  about food, dress code and evening activities.

Dinner in the Britannia Restaurant

First comes the food.  For the younger folks in the crowd they have a separate menu.  The menu only has a few choices and they tend to be standard kid favorite - spaghetti, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and the like.  You are also welcome to order off of the normal menu.  While they will not server smaller portions, there is lots more choice and have a good chance of finding something your kids will like.  The Maître D' also told us that if we had specific requests they would work with us. 

The waiter will be quick to point out that the items on the kids menu are made on demand so take a little longer to come out than a dish off of the normal menu.  It was obvious with things like the chicken nuggets, it was made from scratch and when we sampled them they tasted delicious.  

Parade of Chefs in the Britannia Restaurant

Our older children loved having the variety of choices from the menu. They also ordered an appetizer and sometimes a salad too.  The challenge was understanding all of the ingredients and terms. To help we put together a glossary to help understand the menu.  They all tried new things, some of which they like and others not so much.  No one went away disappointed.

We chose to eat dinner every night in the Britannia and use other venues for lunch and breakfast. Each night the boys went up to the buffet for more and also availed themselves of room service.  

On a standard crossing there are three formal nights. Cunard is very formal and many of their clientele sail with them because of the formality. As a result dress is frequently discussed on forums and boards.  Cunard posts that "Children under 18 do not have a dress code but should adhere to the daily dress code where possible."  Our kids really enjoyed dressing up but we didn't go overboard. 

On normal nights our boys wore slacks, not jeans, and a knit shirt.  They didn't have a jacket and that was just fine. Our daughter wore a dress or skirt, but nothing fancy. On the formal nights they wore a tie. We did have a tux for the oldest one that he had for school music performance. They all received a lot of positive comments from other passengers.  Most of the teenage girls had on skirts but very few had formals or prom type dresses. 

Performance of Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA)

There are a variety of options for children in the evening.  The zone is available and can even be used to put younger kids to sleep for the night.  Most nights the movies shown in the Illuminations Theater were family oriented.  The family also enjoyed the music themed performances in the Royal Court Theater.  Though the children were welcomed at the balls, it was late and they didn't seem interested.  Swimming is also an option nail 10 pm.  

One thing we found challenging was to find bathrooms near to these large venues, especially the Britannia restaurant. On the upper level you go out of the restaurant and head left and there is a small hallway heading towards Sir Samuel's that has a bathroom. On the lower level you have to leave the restaurant and turn left for women's, right for men, head to the end of the hall and turn again. 

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the evening activities sounded interesting, you may also like the article about the Youth Zone. You can also look at our entire list of Queen Mary 2 articles. 

#Britannia
#FamilyFood

#QM2

The Queen Mary 2's Kid and Teen Zone

The Queen Mary 2's Kid and Teen Zone

By Mark Fitzgerald

The aft part of the ship on deck 6 is large area called the Zone.  Aimed at providing activities and amenities for children, it is broken down into 3 age groups.  It had programs for 2-7 year olds, 8 - 12 and 13 - 17 year olds.  Our youngest was in heaven as she saw this has a chance to go to preschool each day.  Each day had a theme, like pirates or space, for the crafts, activities and games.

The kids zone for 8-12 year olds and the Teen Zone did activities both in the zone and supervised out and about the ship.  Lots of the games in the Zone were interactive group games, though they also had board and card games available for checkout.  Out and about they had time exploring the ship, in the sports courts and scavenger hunts.  They even had a time in the golf simulator, which is normally a paid activity.  They also had a wide variety of Play Stations and Nintendo Wii games.

The Zone opens at 9 am and goes until late, with closures for the families to have lunch and dinner together.  There is a strict protocol of checking kids under 13 in an out of the Zone.  It involves stickers on the kids and parents ID cards.  Those children also have to have a wrist band that identifies their emergency evacuation area.  This was challenging for our 11 year old that is used to having more freedom to roam on his own.  The teenagers on the other hand were free to come and go as they please.

The Pavilion Pool, Deck 12

Behinds the Zone, on the deck of the ship were additional amenities for kids.  There was a splash pool connected to a full size pool.  There was also a playground pirate ship in the corner aimed at little kids.  The Zone is where they keep the chess pieces for the large chess set on deck.  With that said between the weather and the depth of the pool my kids preferred the covered pool on the top of the ship.

When you check in to the Zone the first time there is a fair amount of paperwork that needs to be filled out.  They want to make sure of allergies, waivers and other standard legal stuff.  At that time they give you and activity program that lists all of the themes and activities for the cruise.  At the end of the crossing they have an awards ceremony and give the kids a certificate stating they crossed the Atlantic.  Also based on their level of participation they also earn points.  Those with the most points earned a prize.

On our particular cruise there wasn't more than 10 kids in each age group.  They were primarily American though there was Welsh and English as well.  Though the cruise ship had lots of Germans, they weren't hanging out in the Zone, which was English speaking.  I loved that my kids had interaction with people from other cultures and area of the world.  At first my kids were suspect about using the Zone facilities.  It ended up being a important and liked part of their vacation.

Queen Mary 2 Activity Programme from June 21, 2015

Play Zone Activity Programme:

    

Kids and Teen Zone Activity Programme:

 

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#ActivityProgrammes
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