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Tons of Fun
It's a fact of modern life that kids spend more time watching television, searching the Internet or playing video games, and less time on physical activity, unless it's structured and squeezed into a tight family schedule.
Family dynamics may have changed, but the fun doesn't need to stop. And Carrie Ching's written a book, "Tons of Things to Do for Hawaii's Kids," for those who've run out of ideas for spending quality family time in the Great Outdoors.
Ching grew up in Kailua and spent lots of time exploring the outdoors. "What was great about the area where I lived, in the Keolu Hills, was that there was this big empty field and a hill across the street from my house where my sisters and I played as kids. We'd build forts and hike up to the top of the hill to the pillboxes where you can see Lanikai on the other side. ... It was fun. We spent all of our daylight hours -- when we were not at school -- outside," she said.
When she was about 10 years old, the field was paved and new housing construction cut off access to the hill. That didn't stop the family from planning outdoor activities: camping at Bellows Beach every summer, swimming and boogie boarding at Kailua Beach and trips to Camp Mokuleia.
"But after that, at home, we starting watching a lot more TV. It's a shame. You don't realize it, but TV can really kill family communication. Instead of hanging out together, talking and telling stories, everyone just zones into the television."
Ching's book encourages an array of activities, adventures and excursions involving the whole family. The work was a collaboration between Ching and Beachhouse publisher Jane Hopkins, who actually came up with the idea. "(Hopkins) grew up in Colorado," Ching said, "so she didn't have the experience to lend to the book. I grew up on Oahu, and I was always telling her about the fun things I was doing with my nephews.
"Together we decided it would make a great book, and it seemed to be filling a void in Hawaii literature. There are a lot of general guidebooks about Oahu, mostly targeted at visitors, but there wasn't really any guidebook out there that was specifically for kids, particularly local kids, about kid-friendly activities and places," added Ching.
"I think people fall into a routine and get kind of stuck in that routine. Especially when you have kids and life gets hectic, weekends turn into this downtime of just hanging around the house and watching TV or playing video games. My mom used to call it 'Polynesian paralysis' -- that languid feeling you get when it's hot out and you just don't want to go anywhere or do anything.
"It's a shame when you live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I think sometimes people aren't aware of the family and kid-friendly programs that are out there, but often we just take our surroundings for granted."
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EASILY read and colorfully illustrated chapters highlight various beach parks, camp sites, museums, hiking trails, skate parks, bike trails and annual events. Ching even has a chapter on "great neighborhood grinds" -- casual and affordable dining. Safety tips accompany information on various activities as warranted, and free attractions are clearly indicated.
"Did you know?" boxes throughout the book offer tidbits of historical information. One states, "Olympic champion and Ambassador of Aloha Duke Kahanamoku surfed with a solid koa wood surfboard which weighed over 150 pounds." Another: "Electric trolleys replaced mule-drawn trolleys in 1903. Each trolley could transport 56 passengers and ran from Honolulu to Waikiki Aquarium."
The book is also filled with puzzles, mazes, word searches, jokes and car games kids can play when embarking on new adventures.
"Driving places can be fun for parents, but kids get bored looking at the scenery. I remember going on road trips when we went on family vacations in California ... we played so many car games. I figured the games would be helpful for kids and parents to make the process of getting places more fun for everyone.
"Plus, with the puzzles and crossword games, kids can learn things about Hawaii at the same time. Jane Hopkins designed the puzzles; I think she did a great job. That way, parents don't have to hear 'Are we there yet?' during the drive."
Ultimately, the book is one Ching wishes had been around when she was younger.
"As a kid I went to Kailua Beach almost exclusively. It was easier because it was close to home, but going to the same place every weekend can get boring. We rarely ventured out to the North Shore.
"I think the first time I went to that amazing saltwater pool at Black Point wasn't until I was 15. Once I started venturing out of my hometown, my little comfort zone, I realized there was a lot I didn't know about Oahu. There's a lot to discover."
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