After spending three days at Northstar-at-Tahoe resort with my kids, ages 12, 10 and seven, I asked them what, in their opinion, kids shouldn’t miss on the slopes. Their top picks:

Cat’s Face, the 22-foot half-pipe: Built for Olympic medalist Shaun White (who recently selected Northstar as his home resort), this intimidating half-pipe (with vertical sides 22 feet tall) is used by Shawn for training purposes…but open to the public when he’s away (which is nearly all the time). The kids (and parents!) dared go down it…and had a blast once our hearts stopped dropping into our stomachs!

The Northstar Terrain Park off Vista chair: When snow depth allows, this huge terrain park splits into both medium and small sections, but the groomers and designers in charge of the various features are such masters (Northstar is known for this) that no matter how much (or little) snow the resort has to work with, there are a variety of options for everyone from beginners to experts.

Mom Tip: if you have young kids who are not terrain park experts, but still love to spend time tearing it up there, go in the morning. The park will be far less crowded, ensuring that your kids don’t get hurt by other riders and skiers (and also don’t get in the way of more serious athletes).

Lookout Link: This poma bar lift serves as a quick transfer to Lookout Mountain (which is great for glade skiing, by the way) and is located right below the new Zephyr Lodge. The novelty of a poma bar is fun for those who haven’t tried it (even beginners can do it) and a bit of nostalgia for those parents who grew up with them!

The Stash: The Stash, located toward the bottom of the Zephyr Express lift, is an inspired wonderland of natural elements and features, such as logs to slide along, tunnels, and even a cabin skiers and boarders can ride off the roof of when snow levels are high enough! Consider The Stash an all-natural terrain park, with tree skiing added in! (Smaller ‘Adventure Parks’ are located throughout the mountain for younger skiers, too.)

Mom Tip: Since terrain can change drastically, even during the course of a single vacation, we love that the Northstar grooming team always lets guests know which runs have been groomed overnight. Just check for the orange symbol on trail signage!

The Woods route back to the Village: This (not so) secret route back to the Northstar Village is a great alternative to the super crowded Village Way. (In the late afternoons, that route can become downright congested.) Find the entrance to The Woods run at the end of the Cat’s Face super half-pipe.

Tubing! Don’t forget about tubing! Located mid-mountain right above the Day Lodge (look for the Tubing Yurt), the tubing track at Northstar is faster than most (and these kids have tried many!). Tubing tickets are sold separately (buy them for $30/hour in the Village where you buy lift tickets…you won’t need more than one hour). It’s a great choice for non-skiers who still want to spend time on the mountain. Kids can go in a ‘train’ of two or more tubes (at the operators’ discretion), which makes it even more fun. We opted to tube during our day off skiing, and it made for an entertaining morning activity. Parents who don’t want to purchase tickets can easily watch hill-side.

How did the Pit Stops kids’ know where all this cool stuff was? They started their vacation with a private family lesson, during which their instructor, Jon, showed them all over the mountain. Not only did the kids get great instruction, but they got their own private tour guide while enjoying fast pass line access! Families can add up to six people to one private lesson, making it a very good value. And I hear (though I wasn’t allowed to see for myself) that there’s a secret kids-only lodge for lesson attendees, where the hot chocolate and marshmallows flow freely!

Want to see some of the action for yourself? Time for a Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam!

Maybe your whole family is gathering for a destination wedding or reunion, or maybe it’s family tradition to meet up at a favorite lake, beach, or resort every year. No matter what reason has spurred the planning of your multigenerational vacation, it can be an affordable as well as fun experience. We’ve traveled extensively with grandparents, in-laws, cousins, and siblings, and can vouch for the following cost-cutting measures:

1. Spread out (and save money) in a vacation rental. Our family is in the planning stages of a multigenerational ski trip. We need a place to stay that will sleep 12-14 people, and has at least four bedrooms. Using HomeAway, we’ve been able to narrow our search to precisely our criteria and can see the savings of a rental vs. a block of lodge or hotel rooms in black and white. For instance, we’ve priced appropriate rentals in the Big Bear, CA area at approximately $2000-3000 per week, compared to alternative Big Bear accommodations, such as renting a standard two-bedroom condo (of which we’d need two) for approximately $2000/week ($4000 total) or a lodge or hotel room (of which we’d need at least four) for approximately $200/night ($5600/week).

2. Stay in one place. Travel (airfare, gas, and overnights en route) comprises of at least 1/3 of a family’s total vacation expense. It stands to reason that the more people traveling, the more expensive getting there will be. Instead of hopping from destination to destination, choose slow travel: whether to your family, that means staying in one place for a week or a month. Choosing and staying put in one destination will also allow your large group the time and freedom to explore it more thoroughly, as you’ll likely have varied activities your party wants to enjoy.

3. Eat in. Remember that 1/3 of vacation money that goes to travel? Sometimes it feels as though another entire 1/3 goes to dining out! Eating in is a huge cost saver, and more relaxing for a large group as well (who wants to wrestle with babies and toddlers or sulky teens in a restaurant anyway?). Divvy up the shopping, cooking, and clean-up tasks, and no single family or family member will feel overburdened.

4. Look for group rates. Vacation destinations that cater to educational groups (like cities or national parks) or conferences (like beach resorts and ski resorts) often have group rates for activities and amenities, occasionally for parties as small as 15-20. Make sure you ask about what’s offered on your next family reunion or multi-generational vacation: you might be able to snag tickets, tours, or activity rentals for less.

HomeAway offers the world’s largest selection of vacation home rentals that provide travelers with memorable vacation experiences and benefits, including more room to relax and added privacy, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. Make memories where you stay, not just where you go. HomeAway.com – let’s stay together.

Between the expense, the equipment, and the logistics of getting everyone where they need to be (preferably with both gloves), skiing with kids can be daunting. California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe makes it easier by continuing to be one of the friendliest and most family-oriented mountains my family and I have ever skied. With a fun, centralized ski village, luxury accommodation options, and multiple ski school programs, Northstar offers everything your family needs to have a successful, memorable Tahoe ski vacation. Here’s how to get the most out of a Northstar ski trip:

Plan to stay a minimum of three days. With 170 acres of newly skiable side-terrain, a new express quad chairlift doubling the capacity on the backside, and one of the best terrain parks (including the new 22′ Shaun White super pipe), families simply can’t full experience Northstar in only a day, especially if they plan to spend even half a day in group or private lessons. Renting equipment, buying tickets, and registering for ski and board school all take time: you only want to have to do it once per ski vacation. Staying at Northstar more than one day saves you money too: buying 3, 5, or 7 day passes is much cheaper than day-of ticket window pricing. If you plan to ski more than seven days, consider purchasing a local Epic Pass instead, which allows entry to both Northstar and Heavenly.

Immerse yourself in ‘village life’. We loved staying in the heart of the Northstar Village at Tahoe Mountain Lodging’s Big Horn Lodge. Of course, it’s convenient to be steps away from the slopes, ice skating rink, equipment rentals, restaurants, shops, and hot tubs, but what we hadn’t counted on was how much enjoyment we’d gain from staying in the heart of such a contagious ‘ski town’ atmosphere. The Northstar-at-Tahoe Village truly is the heart of the resort; we loved the cheery bonfires lining the village streets (bring marshmallows!), the live music in the evenings, and the view from our balcony of the Northstar gondola whisking guests up and over the snow-blanketed slopes.

Take advantage of private family lessons. Like many resorts, Northstar-at-Tahoe offers a wide variety of ski and board lessons, from group classes for kids as young as three to adventure and ‘guided’ sessions for advanced skiers and riders. At first glance, springing for a private lesson may seem like an extravagance, but because families can add up to six people to one private lesson, the cost can become equal or even less than a group lesson. Your children will get far more personalized instruction, and if you join in as well, you’ll learn how to help your kids learn! Our kids (ages 7, 10, and 12) had a great time with their private instructor, Jon, who served as not only a teacher, but a guide, familiarizing the kids with the mountain as they zipped around, enjoying twice as many runs in as most guests (by utilizing private lesson lines). Time is money, and dedicating half a day or one full day to a family private lesson can not only jump start your ski instruction, but get your group familiarized with Northstar like nothing else!

Utilize EpicMix. A brand new social networking and tracking service offered by all Vail Resorts (of which Northstar is a part), EpicMix is touted everywhere you go at Northstar, and for good reason: you should be using this fun and free tool! In fact, if you have a ski pass, you already are: every time you enter a lift line, an EpicMix sensor scans your pass, recording your lift habits, total vertical feet, and lots of other fun stats throughout your day. After skiing, families can log into their account (kids are securely added by you to yours), select avatars, compare stats and achievement ‘buttons’, and view photos taken by the equally free EpicMix photographers (which work just like Disney’s PhotoPass photographers). And if your tween or teen is skiing without you (or your kids are in lessons while you’re in the lodge), you can log onto EpicMix from any smart phone to find out where on the mountain they’d last ‘checked in’.

Save time for all the extras. Northstar offers so much more than skiing: in the village, families can take in a first-run movie, ice skate on the public rink (skating is free; if you need skates, rentals are $10/person), roast marshmallows over the open fire pits, and tube at mid-mountain.

Much thanks to Northstar-at-Tahoe for hosting our stay. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

As with any large Tahoe ski resort, families have many lodging options at California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe, from rental homes to studio suites and condos, to hotel rooms. For our three-day weekend family getaway, we choose to stay in a luxury condo at Big Horn Lodge. Operated by Tahoe Mountain Lodging, Big Horn Lodge is located ideally in the heart of the Northstar Village. From our 5th floor balcony, we could watch the Big Springs Gondola whisk skiers and boarders up the mountain and eye the comings and goings on the lively village street below.

Last winter, our family enjoyed a week in an isolated vacation home on the south side of Lake Tahoe, so at first, the kids weren’t sure how much they’d like being so close to the action. They were won over by ‘village life’ almost instantly; they loved being steps away from the village ice skating rink (open afternoons and evenings and free to use), the hot tubs (directly across the village street from the Big Horn building), and most importantly, enjoying the novelty of grabbing their skis out of our assigned Big Horn locker and walking 35 steps (yes, they counted) to the gondola.

Our 1300 square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo included a full, gourmet kitchen (stocked with everything you’ll need except groceries), a dining area, living area (with fireplace), and sleeping space for six (two bedrooms, plus a quite comfortable pull-out sofa). The kids loved the deep tubs, and I appreciated having a full-sized washer and dryer…no more damp gloves! Our ski locker downstairs fit six pairs of skis, and the proximity to the lifts made getting three kids ready to go each morning very easy. Ditto for the reverse: it was so fun to ski right down to our door!

In the evenings, we stepped outside Big Horn (located at the end of the village next to the slopes) and walked just a few doors down to all village shops and restaurants, as well as the ice skating rink (rentals are $10, and run big), where the kids (and me!) loved roasting marshmallows on the big fire pits (surrounded by welcoming outdoor seating). Tip: S’mores kits are available for purchase at True North, directly across from the ice skating rink, but plan ahead…they close at 8 pm!

All Tahoe Mountain Lodging guests enjoy the use of fitness centers and hot tubs located within their properties (the closest to us was right across the street in the Catamount Lodge) and the heated outdoor pool (with lap lanes) in the Village Swim and Fitness Center (directly across from the village near the Hyatt). All amenities were within easy walking distance for our family.

Bottom line? Our condo at Big Horn Lodge was beautiful inside and out, but what guests are really paying for (and is it ever worth it!) is the location. At the end of our stay, I asked the kids again if they would rather be deep in the woods like last year, and they couldn’t decide! They truly loved both experiences, but if a relaxing stay for you, Mom and Dad, is paramount, go for village living! Our experience at Big Horn Lodge was the epitome of logistical ease: everything we needed was at-hand, and we never even saw our car again until we checked out!

Date last visited: January 26-28, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Several miles off I-80 near Truckee CA.

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by season and condo size. The rate for our two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo was $425/night, at the time of our booking. Rates for a similar condo range from $300-900.

Directions: Northstar-at-Tahoe is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Follow signs from Big Spring Drive to the second loop (by the Hyatt), where you’ll see parking for Tahoe Mountain Lodging. Check-in is easy at their offices (open to 11 pm nightly).

As I disclose whenever applicable, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Mountain Lodging generously hosted our stay at Big Horn Lodge. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Visiting western Massachusetts with young kids this winter? A great option for a cold or rainy morning is the Northampton Parents Center, a co-operative community center for young kids (birth to kindergarten) and their caregivers. While most visitors live in the area (my kids are regulars at the parents center—we’re there each week!), there are always new families stopping by, many of whom are in the area for a visit with local family or friends.

The Northampton Parents Center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30am, has music class on Thursday mornings, and often hosts special events, such as local storytellers, musicians, or puppeteers (check the website for an updated schedule). There is a big room for tumbling, tricycles, and ride-on cars; a smaller room with rice and play-doh tables; and another small room with books and toys for younger babies.

The Northampton Parents Center provides a comfortable, supportive environment for parents and plenty of fun and stimulation for kids. If you do stop by, be sure to ask for me—I’m sure we’ll be there!

Date last visited:

Distance from the interstate: About one mile off of I-91, in the center of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 9:30–11:30. The Northampton Parents Center follows the Northampton public school calendar, and is closed during school holidays and during the summer (although informal summer playdates at local parks will be posted on the website). Be sure to check the website to plan your visit.

Admission: Everyone is welcome at the Northampton Parents Center, regardless of ability to pay. Visitors donate between $0 and $5 per family for a visit, or local families can buy a year membership for $100.

Food services: Coffee is always brewing in the kitchen! Also, snack time is provided for the kids at 10:15am. There are also plenty of spots nearby in the town center for breakfast or lunch before/after your visit to the parents center.

Directions: The Northampton Parents Center is located in the basement of Edwards Church (the parents center is not affiliated with Edwards Church, although the church generously provides space for the center) on Main Street in Northampton, but the entrance is located on State St. (you’ll notice all the strollers parked by the door!) (Detailed driving directions.)

This Thursday, February 2nd at 9 pm EST, Pit Stops for Kids is co-hosting a KOA Campfire live chat on gearing up for camping with kids, during which we’ll be giving away a brand new Kelty Journey 2.0 child backpack carrier. East Coast Editor Kate Lepore had the opportunity to review the carrier beforehand, and we’re now even more excited for the giveaway!

We like to trek around with our kids a lot, so I was excited to review the Kelty Journey 2.0 Child Frame Carrier.

Like most families, we look to buy products that are versatile: meaning that they can be used by both kids and by both parents. And like a lot of families, there are some pretty significant size differences between Mom and Dad (I’m 5’2” on good day, and my husband is 6’5”), and between our two kids (aged 3 and 1). That being said, the Kelty worked well for all of us. It was a great fit for me, and worked well for my husband (maybe it was a little short) due to its torso range of 15 to 19 inches. Keep in mind that this is a pretty standard torso fit range in the high-end baby backpacks. We’ve had a hard time finding a carrier that truly fits someone as tall as my husband, as well as someone as…er…vertically challenged as me. As most families don’t need such a drastic height range, trust me: if the Kelty worked for us, it almost certainly will work for you!

The next test was to see if the Kelty could work for our one-year-old and our three-year-old. We went for a walk with baby Greta in the backpack and “big kid” Homer walking, but about half way through, Homer was begging for a ride. So I took little Greta out, loosened the straps, quickly adjusted the height on the child seat and adjusted the backpack for the tallest setting (you didn’t think I was going to carry the 40 pound toddler, did you?). Within a few minutes, the switch from Mom/baby to Dad/toddler was complete, and we were happily on our way again.

Other handy features of the Kelty Journey 2.0 include lots of storage space (more than I’ve seen with most other backpacks, including the Deuter we’ve used in the past), an auto-deploy kickstand, which is especially handy when you’re trying to get the pack off by yourself (trust me), and lots of safeguards on the hinges and clamps to avoid pinched fingers. The pack is easy to use, and is comfortable for both passenger and carrier. All in all, it’s a great pack, and well worth the price tag, especially if you’re the type to take kids along hiking, snowshoeing, you name it!

Buy the Kelty Journey 2.0 at Amazon, or shop other carriers we recommend directly through our gear store!

As I disclose whenever applicable, Kelty provided Pit Stops for Kids with the Journey 2.0 at no charge, for the purpose of review.

This post is sponsored by The Hawaiian Islands, where you could be Living in the Moment on the Island of Kauai.

Miles past the smattering of resorts, tourist destinations, and restaurants dotting Kauai’s scenic coastline, a rusted pick-up truck sits at the end of a dirt drive, waiting to be loaded with the week’s mango crop. My three-year-old nephew, barefooted and shirtless, hefts one in, grinning as it rolls loudly across the dented truck bed. His mother snaps a photo, catching the blur of his hibiscus-patterned swim trucks against the backdrop of the truck’s rainbow-tinted plates. 

It’s their second day of vacation on Kauai’s North Shore, during which they’re staying at North Country Farms in Kilauea, just one of many tucked-away places in which families can slow down and find peace in the Garden Isle. A family-owned and operated organic farm, North Country Farms offers more than just a place to lay one’s head: it’s a quiet respite for adults that simultaneously provides endless entertainment for children. Their two guest cottages include dining areas and kitchenettes, and throughout their stay, kids and adults alike are encouraged to pick all the fruit desired from the surrounding orchards.

Down nearby (and ridiculously scenic) Kuhio Highway, additional genuinely Hawaiian experiences await (though I’ve heard there’s a killer shaved ice stand en route). Kids will appreciate the short commute to the sanctuary of the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, where the slopes of an extinct volcano provide able space to run and play and spot green turtles, monk seals, and even humpback whales.

Up the shore, the Na Aina Kai botanical gardens include playgrounds for little ones amid 240 acres of gardens, forests, and beaches. Bring a picnic meal to enjoy at a North Shore beach afterward; Anini and Ke’e are rarely crowded. (Ke’e is perhaps the calmest we’ve seen, making it perfect for babies and toddlers.)

Of course, the most hidden-away spots on Kauai can’t be reached by car. For a moderate hike even the youngest island visitors can manage (while still yielding big rewards), leave Ke’e beach to join the adjacent Kalalau Trail. Two miles in, families will be treated with Hanakapi’ai Beach, where shallow creeks and caves demand exploration.

Evening meals can be had back in the town of Kilauea, where the local fish market promises the freshest catch. Afterward, the sunset over the volcanic rock of the coastline beckons. Kids go to bed tired and get up with the sun on the Garden Isle, but that’s ok: back at North Shore Farms, the roosters will be crowing, anyway, and the organic coffee’s perking.

The short answer: it depends on where you go. Asking whether Mexico is safe for traveling families is like asking whether the entirety of the U.S. is safe, or the Caribbean, or anywhere else you may wish to travel in the world. One cannot judge an entire country by unsafe activities in isolated parts.

For the long answer, I spent several days last month in Puerto Vallarta with the e-Commerce manager of Velas Resorts who, in addition to graciously (and enthusiastically) playing tour guide throughout her city of Nayarit and neighboring Puerto Vallarta, helped to put me at ease about the safety of the region.

The good news: traveling families can (and should) visit this beautiful Pacific coast of Mexico. Taking the following common sense precautions will ensure a happy (and worry-free) vacation:

1. Lock up valuables. Use your in-room safe! Store valuables whenever you’re out (even to meals). It may be an overreaction, but most hotels and resorts prefer you utilize the resource of your safe. That’s why it’s there!

2. When outside your room, take only what you need. All-inclusive resorts and resorts that allow room charges make this easy. During our stay at Velas Vallarta, my wallet and all cash was stored in my safe 90% of the time. When I did need money while away from the hotel, I found that all I needed was a small amount of cash, one credit card, and my phone. You can use a money belt such as this one by Dovetail Travel in Peace, but you will probably feel safe without it.

3. Book excursions and activities through your hotel or resort. This is not to say you shouldn’t venture beyond your resort…you should! But use the resource of your hotel’s concierge or activities planner. He or she can book second party tours on your behalf, and/or recommend reputable and professional companies. If nothing else, a conceierge can point you and your family in the direction of the best beaches, snorkeling, or shopping.

4. Don’t drink the water. After talking with my host for some time about the safety of her country, I asked, mostly in jest, whether the advice not to drink the water in Mexico was a false rumor as well. Her face fell as she asked urgently, “You’re not drinking the tap water, are you?! Don’t drink the water!” So yeah…don’t. In all high-quality resorts such as Velas Vallarta and neighboring Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, families will be served safe, bottled water in their restaurants (so yes, you can order a glass of it there), and tap water, as Americans think of it, is not served (or used at all in food preparation) at all. Outside of restaurants, traveling families need to follow due diligence: this means no glass of water taken from the kitchenette tap at bedtime, no swallowing rinse water while brushing teeth or in the bath or shower. Kids, especially, have a hard time remembering all this, and parents do need to remind them. Instead, have bottled water by the bed and in the bathroom, and along with you on any outings.

5. That said, drink lots of water! It’s important to stay hydrated in the warm Mexican sun, especially if you’ll be consuming your share of tropical drinks by the pool (or pursuing strenuous activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or paddling). All-inclusive resorts such as Velas Vallarta makes this easy; bottled water is continually supplied. If you don’t have such service, be sure to make a stop at a grocery store (or Wal-Mart) after arriving to stock up.

6. Lastly, don’t be an easy target for scams. Upon arriving past customs at Puerto Vallarta airport, families face a gauntlet of official-looking taxi drivers, shuttle services, and the like, all ready to take you to your resort (often combined with a ‘resort credit’ or ‘discount’). These are actually time share affiliated. My advice? Pass right by this onslaught to curbside, where taxi cabs await. Better yet, arrange for a specific shuttle or car service ahead of time. On public beaches and streets, comparison shop before purchasing souvenirs, and when possible, arrange for tour experiences such as snorkeling or deep-sea fishing through the concierge at your hotel, not through beach or street vendors.

Are you hitting the road for a family vacation this winter? Later this January, the Pit Stops for Kids family will be driving five hours to review family-friendly ski and snowboarding options at Northstar-at-Tahoe, and as we tackle several summits on the road south, you can be sure we’ll be prepared for winter driving conditions.

1. Be prepared. Before leaving home, bookmark the highway and weather condition websites you’ll need along the way, for easy access on your smart phone. (We’ll be using CalTrans and ODOT.) Prep your car as well; I know it’s not a fun use of vacation money, but tune-ups are crucial to avoid a car breakdown. Snow tires may be necessary, or at very least, a set of snow chains to toss in the back of the car. Don’t forget to check that your windshield wipers are operational, as well! (We learned that the hard way.)

2. Overpack. Winter is the only season during which I make this recommendation, but for lengthy winter road trips, extra supplies are a must. Before packing suitcases and gear into your car, layer your storage space with extra blankets, and store an emergency kit (with gloves, working flashlight, and ideally a small snow shovel) somewhere within reach. Buy a small flat of bottled water, and keep it stored with emergency supplies. You’ll be glad it’s there when needed, and if nothing else, it’ll come in handy come summer.

3. Remember that you’ll still need pit stops! Kids need to get out of the car and play and explore as much in the winter as in the summer. Road-side sno parks make for great pit stops; they’re listed along with recreational spaces and state parks, and usually have clear signage along state highways and interstates. If you opt to stop to play in the snow elsewhere, make sure you’re well off the roadway before trekking out to build snowmen. Be advised that you may be required to have a snow pass in many winter recreational areas. Tip: Bring a heavy-duty trash bag to store wet gloves, boots, and snow pants.

For more winter driving and winterizing tips, visit the KOA Campfire community, where camping and outdoor experts gather to share information. Winter weather doesn’t have to keep you home!

With the sparkling cobalt Pacific lapping on all sides and lush rainforest covering the land, sometimes it’s hard to believe Hawaii isn’t a mirage. It’s real, and it’s here for everyone to enjoy. From miles of pristine beaches on which to soak up the sun, acres of tropical foliage to explore and the bustling international hub of Honolulu, visiting Hawaii is an enriching experience that everyone should enjoy at least once…or multiple times!

Whether you choose to relax or plunge headfirst into the many exciting outdoor activities Hawaii has to offer, you are sure to leave the islands feeling enlightened by all the natural wonders of mother nature. Snorkeling, kayaking, surfing or hiking are just some of the past times of Hawaii, and are best experienced when coupled with restoration sessions at some of the world-class accommodations of Oahu hotels. After awakening to the sound of waves crashing on the beach, ease into the day with top tier culinary delights amid a laid-back atmosphere. Follow up with an action-packed day of exciting outdoor activities, and cap it all off with a relaxing dinner or cocktails poolside. In Hawaii, we believe the ideal day should come full circle. How will you spend your Hawaiian vacation?

Invigorating Hikes. If you are staying in Honolulu, you can easily escape the noise of the city with nearby hikes. Hoof it up to Diamond Head Crater, one of Oahu’s most recognized landmarks, for stunningly beautiful 360-degree views of the island, or head over to Manoa Falls for a true rainforest experience. Amid the wide variety of native Hawaiian plants and flowers, you’ll end up at an incredibly gorgeous 200-foot waterfall that will leave you speechless.

Shark dive. Do you have a high threshold for thrill? Put your bravery to the test by embarking on one of Hawaii’s most extreme activities- get inside a shark cage and come face to face with some of nature’s most exciting animals! The naturally curious and surprisingly graceful big fish will leave you in awe and with a newfound sense of respect.

Do as the locals do. One of the bedrocks of Polynesian culture, surfing is synonymous with Hawaii. The beginner-friendly breaks of Waikiki are good year-round for safe, reliable waves as well as an abundance of surf schools and board rental shops. Surfed before and want to take it up a notch? Visit the famed North Shore of Oahu for a chance to cut up some of those infamous big waves. Even if you choose to just be a spectator, the lovely small town of Haleiwa is worth the trip for a chance to glimpse some of the awesome power of the Pacific.

Aloha, nightlife! Oahu is the epicenter of vibrant nightlife in Hawaii. Amazing local food, dancing and live music are available every night of the week. Whether you prefer a romantic dining experience under the stars or a fun-filled night of bar-hopping, bustling Waikiki has an extraordinary array of options, and it’s not all found on the main strip. Do a little homework and you may stumble upon some of the up and coming wine bars or jazz clubs infusing Chinatown or Downtown Honolulu.

Restore. There’s nothing like slipping into a little luxury after a long day experiencing all that Hawaii has to offer. Hundreds of resorts and hotels, such as the Modern Honolulu, offer all the amenities and world-class service you have come to expect in Hawaii, conveniently located in close proximity to the excitement of the city as well as unspoiled nature. Come experience the different pace and quality of life in the Aloha state!

This promotional post was written by a guest writer. Photo source: Aqua resorts.