Any ideas out there, not sure what to do with 3 kids 8-10-12. Visited and was not happy with Polynesian Cultural Center. Would love info on Hawaiiana stuff in the area. We will rent bikes and ride on the bike path. Can anyone else suggest an activity on the North Shore. Would not mind a hike in on the west side. Any ideas?

Mark: haven't been there (yet) but have you checked out Waimea Valley and Adventure Park? It looks great (and guidebook "Driving and Discovering Oahu - Richard Sullivan" gives it two full pages of raves.....)

Did you like that book Linda I just ordered it on Amazon. I hope it is good. We were looking into that park. It is just that park has changed hands a couple of times. It use to be filled with rare hawaiian plants and flowers. A lot of attention was also paid to showing hawaiian culture as it existed way back when. It use to be the only place on Oahu that you could see an authentic hula. Authentic in terms of dress and for us tourist. But we will be looking at it, just not sure what to expect. They use to open the park for a night walk out to the falls inside on a full moon night. I think I will cry now.

Mark, yeah, I LOVE this guidebook (got mine on Amazon too). 'Course, won't know for sure how useful it is till our trip (will August 26th NEVER get here?!!!), but just from my home-reading it seems to be very informative as to out-of-the-way places and experiences we might miss otherwise. I also got "Frommers Hawaii 2001" which isn't as in-depth as the Sullivan one, but makes a really good add-to.

We have a cottage reserved for North Shore (Mokuleia) and plan to relax there and do day trips to other parts of island. And now I will definitely check on full moon night at the Park (I think we'll have one while we're there) - sounds heavenly.....

Funny Linda, I am doing the same anticipation game. Yah know you should check out the Glider ride Post at this chat room, that is at Dillingham airforce base that is right where your house is. You sail in the sky on a plane without an engine, only 45$ for a half hour. If nothing else go to the airport and watch them land, pretty interesting, they are so graceful and they don't make a single sound. There are also some very comprehensive hike sites that will introduce the island to you.http://www.rcarchive.com/hhg/ has nice photos of some trails also hawaiitrails.com and a third that I cannot remember. Anyway have fun!!!