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  We're Traveling Mamas sharing our adventures with the world. We offer tips on great (and not so great) places to visit with children and how to have the best family vacations -- but it's not all about the kids, of course! Romantic escapes, girlfriend getaways, and solo trips are also important to us. Plus, we cover industry news and review travel gear, and we love to give things away!

  
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Good, Big Eats at Kahuna Kabobs in Lahaina, Maui

After our morning of adventure the other day on West Maui, Mudslide Mama and I were hungry, so we stopped in Lahaina on our return trip to the Westin Maui. No, we didn’t backtrack on that super crazy, cliff-hugging road. We took the “safe” way back, turning inland and then skirting the west coast back to Ka’anapali (on a real highway, this time).

That meant we went through the former whaling town of Lahaina — a destination I’d heartily recommend to Maui visitors who are looking to do some fun shopping (loads of little boutiques and souvenir stores) and eating (seafood restaurants, little bakeries, as well as some chains) along the main drag of Front Street.

I remembered Mudslide’s rave review of Maui Tacos, and it only seemed fitting that we go there for some affordable, Hawaiian fast food. But as we were making our way to Maui Tacos, we passed by another freshly made meals-on-the-spot type of joint: Kahuna Kabobs.

Serving up Mediterranean-influenced plates, like fish, chicken, steak and shrimp kabobs, as well as pupus, wraps, burgers and soups, Kahuna Kabobs is fresh, fast, filling — and relatively cheap. It also seemed popular with locals, since quite a few young people (eesh, I sound ancient) stopped by to chat with the twenty-something guy behind the counter.

Jen ordered the Blackened Fish Kabobs — fish of the day with sweet Molokai mashed potatoes, asparagus in coconut curry sauce topped with wasabi cream sauce. And I scarfed down Dr. J’s Island Style Curry — roasted eggplant, bell pepper, celery, onions, pineapple, tofu, garbanzo beans in “secret yellow curry sauce” over brown rice. YUM YUM!

Our meals, each with a diet Coke were about $15 to $17 — again, not bad for Maui standards. The portions were super filling. We liked knowing that everything was being cooked to order. Sitting outside in the fresh air, picnic-style at a patio table was more enjoyable to me then paying for an overpriced burger at one of the sit-down restaurants along Front Street.

Kahuna Kabob’s is in a little pedestrian area/alley off of Front Street between Lahainaluna and Dickenson streets. Save your money for souvenirs by eating lunch or dinner at this great locals’ place.

Mamas on the Move – Hiking Off the Beaten Path, Maui

As Mudslide mentioned in her last post, the four Mamas are in Hawaii, enjoying a fabulous stay at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. From our hotel in Ka’anapli, on West Maui, we’ve made excursions to a few different attractions on the island.

Since both of us like to hike, Mudslide Mama and I asked our friend Michael from the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau to recommend a great trail for us. He got us driving directions–via outfitter Hike Maui, I believe–to the Waihee Ridge Trail. Great! We thought. An hours’ drive along the northwest coast to a 5-mile round-trip, moderate trek.

Indeed, the actual hike itself was amazing. We felt like we’d been dropped in Jurassic Park, with all the lush foliage, bright-green ferns, deep gorges and striking cliffs we spotted along the trail.

But what our buddy Michael didn’t tell us was that the drive to the trailhead–Honoapiilani Hwy and Kahekili Hwy–was treacherous. So much so, the rental car company’s contract is void if you drive on the crazy, winding, curvy, cliff-hugging so-called “highway” (ha!) above the Pacific Ocean! (Naturally, we discovered this while reading the “don’t drive here” map the rental-car company gave us, while already hugging the cliffs in said rental car. )

Thankfully, Mudslide was at the wheel, handling the crazy winding roads like a pro. She dutifully tooted the car horn when we’d pass a “Blow Horn” sign, to warn drivers who couldn’t see us around the rocky corner. Of course, I got to enjoy all the amazing scenery, while she kept her eyes on the road.

And you know what? Even though the ride was mildly anxiety provoking (okay, white-knuckle inducing), we were actually pleased we didn’t know we weren’t supposed to drive on the Kahekili Highway in a rental car. If we’d been given the option of taking the “easier” route to the trailhead, we probably would have taken it.

Instead we found ourselves passing through tiny towns way off the typical tourist route. We marveled at the little houses in remote Old Kahakuloa Village, and wondered how many people attended services at the small, green clapboard church. We giggled at the signs that proclaimed “Free Samples of Julia’s Best Banana Bread on the Planet – 3/4 mile ahead.” And wondered why we’d see a sign, “Narrow Road Ahead,” when we’d already been on “narrow winding roads” for the past 45 minutes! What? How much narrower and more winding could a road get!

And we stopped and chatted with Bruce Turnbull at the Turnbull Studios & Sculpture Garden. He moved to the area after “dropping out”in the 1960s and never left–creating a little slice of paradise in an area where few visitors tread.

So, we’re thrilled that we ended up on the road less traveled for our excursion the other day, but we do wonder if Michael was trying to tell us something by sending us on the most treacherous road either of us had ever encountered! Was it something we said?

Family Travel: A Great Child-friendly Luxury Resort in Maui

Let’s face it, there are a lot of hotels in the Westin family (owned by Starwood). We’ve been to some that are just fine; nothing wrong but nothing to write home about. And now, we’ve experienced the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, in Hawaii. This is, truly, an outstanding hotel, and great for family travel. The Traveling Mamas recommend it!

Located in the resort area of Kaanapali on West Maui, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is impeccably designed. The recent renovation resulted in calm, open spaces with simple lines and a lack of clutter in the hallways. The previous owner (over 20 years ago) left behind may genuine Asian antiques, which we found throughout the resort property. At first, the idea of real relics simply exhibited made me feel a little nervous – after all, this is a completely family-friendly hotel with lots of young kids running around - but the antiques appear to be in no danger of Destruction by Wayward Child.

Those kids running around are kept plenty busy, you see; the water slides, 4 family pools (and a 5th for adults only), an activity filled day camp…even daily feeding of koi, those big red carp, every morning at 9:30AM. The Traveling Mamas were invited to stay at this hotel without our our children, but it was great seeing families enjoying themselves so much.

The Westin Maui has a Director of Fun, which just might win the award for Best Job Title Ever. If you’re planning a Hawaii family vacation at the Maui Westin Resort & Spa, the Director of Fun will help plan out all the child friendly activities you’d want to keep your children happy on the trip (as if “happy” and “Hawaii” don’t go together so perfectly anyway). Children will love starting the day feeding the koi, and ending it by making Hawaiian s’mores on the beach (these have pretty much the same ingredients as regular s’mores, plus fresh Hawaii pineapple). And for us old marrieds, the Director of Romance can help rekindle those honeymoon feelings. Fun and Romance: It’s what a vacation at the Maui Westin Resort & Spa is all about.

Aquariums to Zoos: Finding Family Fun on a Budget

The price of gas and rising airline tickets are forcing many families to stay closer to home this summer. Here are some travel tips to help families save money while still being able to vacation.

Grandma sure would like to see the grandkids, so why not save a few bucks by bunking at her place. Just be sure to help her out with the dishes and don’t eat her out of house and home.

Rest stops are a great place to stop for a pre-packed lunch, which would save Dad from having to shell out the dollars at a drive-through. This will also help with back-seat wiggles that the little ones get during long rides. After the picnic, take time to walk through the rest stop to learn more about the state you are visiting (or just passing through) and collect a few brochures and attraction coupons.

Tourist destinations can be a pricey place to purchase diapers, snacks, and all the extras. Try and over anticipate your family’s needs so there is no need to visit a store for overpriced items.

Many places offer farmer’s markets or weekend festivals for the entire family to enjoy. Not only are some of these events free, but they offer great learning experiences for the kids. Visit your planned destination’s official website for current event ideas.

Most cities offer a zoo or aquarium near their area. These places vary in price, so be sure to check the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ website to find a fun attraction for your family that will fit your budget.

No matter where your family decides to visit this year, be sure to plan a budget that fits your family’s needs. Spontaneous activities sometimes end up being the most memorable on vacation, so don’t plan every second. Remember to have fun and check TravelingMamas.com for travel ideas for you and your family.

Father’s Day Contest Giveaway: Lush DAD Gift Box

Father’s Day is coming, and I still haven’t recovered from Mother’s Day. What’s that? Breakfast in bed? Oh, thank you, my sweet children – ugh, that’s orange juice on my sheets now, isn’t it? - you really are so thoughtful. Father’s Day is usually completely different; while the moms are typically given time away on OUR day, dads are expected to spend some real Quality Time with their kids. Sure, it’s archaic – a vestige of the days when most moms stayed home and most dads hardly saw their growing children – but traditions are traditions (dads still generally don’t take the weekend off with their buddies on Father’s Day). This year, add a little adult twist to that tradition with a Lush Gift Box for men. Lush is that handmade, organic bath and body products company we’re constantly raving about.

Those kind folks at Lush are supplying the Traveling Mamas Father’s Day Contest Giveaway with a DAD gift box. This box itself is brightly colored and fun to receive. Inside, you’ll find an Ice Blue soap, New! solid shampoo bar, and Happy Hippy shower gel. Ice Blue soap smells like peppermint and really is a nice blue color; I like the sea salt for its scrubby action too. The New! Solid shampoo is great for travel (no getting bothered by those TSA guys at the airport security line) and is made with organic peppermint and cinnamon, smelling mostly like cinnamon. It stimulates the scalp during shampoos. Last, the Happy Hippy shower gel is a strongly citrus-scented gel that can sub as a shampoo.

As if Lush isn’t happy enough to share their products for Father’s Day, they kindly threw in my favorite melty massage bar too. The Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar heats to the touch (or the backrub) with cinnamon leaf oil, and aduki beans add pressure to the massage. I love the Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar. A massage with this Lush bar would be the perfect way to end Father’s Day.

To enter to win this great Father’s Day gift box from Lush, simply leave a comment describing your ideal Father’s Day. The Father’s Day gift box giveaway is only open to US residents. Sorry, MudslideDad, you and other relatives of the Traveling Mamas may not enter this contest! For the rest of you, leave your comments below; the contest remains open until 11:59 PM Tuesday, June 3rd. And guess what? June 4th, the Winning Wednesday on which the contest winner will be announced, is my father’s birthday! Happy birthday, Dad. Hope Mom treats you to a massage.

A Chilly Arizona Memorial Day Morning

Memorial Day in Arizona is usually hot, very hot. At our home burgers and corn on the cob are on the grill. The pool is being put to good use and the first sunburn of the year has already come and gone. But not this year. In fact, yesterday my husband was wearing a sweatshirt as he cleaned the 64 degree pool.

We have had the windows open all month and I keep thinking it’s April. My kids are going crazy to play in the sprinklers, and I did let them once, but they ended up freezing with goosebumps.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. After all, the weather forecast is showing the heat is making its way here. But until then, I’ll happily enjoy the 55 degree mornings and wear my sweatpants as I lay by the pool this Memorial Day.

But, the truth is, weather isn’t what Memorial Day is about. The TravelingMamas want to thank all of the men and women who have died for our country. You are not forgotten.

Teen Queen For The Day

I feel so lucky to have a little girl. She’s only two, but recently she has gotten into playing dress up. She tromps around in her too-big princess shoes, lacy dresses, clip-on earrings and fancy purse on her shoulder. She announces to her father and I that she is “The King”. I cherish these moments because I know one day playing dress up like this will cease.

If you already have a preteen or teenager and are longing for those cute dress up days again, the Lakeside Spa at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort here in Tucson has a spa package called Queen for a Day. The “royal treatments” include: A No-More-Chores Cinderella Classics mani/pedi, the Marie Antoinettea up-do with a tiara, and the Perfect Princess Pout lip service. I think this is such a cute idea for a mother-daughter getaway, birthday girlfriend getaway with your best friend and her daughter, or even a grandma-granddaughter getaway.

So if you’re longing to see your “little girl” get that glimmer in her eye one more time as she plays “dress up”, this is your chance.

Star in a Travel Reality Show!

Travel and reality TV — two of my faves!

If you’d like to go on a multi-generational trip, while being filmed for an online reality show, then click right over to Grandparents.com to enter this fun contest.

The winner and his or her family will spend August 27 to September 3 cruising from Alaska to Vancouver, B.C., aboard a Regent Seven Seas cruise. Along the way, a film crew will capture their experiences for the debut of “Grandest Adventures,” a new online reality program from Grandparents.com.

To be eligible, at least one grandparent and grandchild needs to make the voyage. You need to answer some questions about your family, upload a photo or optional video, and voila, you’re entered. Deadline for entry is June 30, 2008.

While you’re on the site, check out some of the travel articles written by yours truly. My most recent favorites are my pieces about the Great Wolf Lodge and family-friendly spas. DesertMama has a story about Arizona going live on Grandparents.com soon, too.

Good luck!

Camping with the Kids in Moab, Utah

It’s springtime here in the Colorado Rockies, and that means it’s time to break out our family’s pop-up camper! Traditionally, we make spring trips to Moab, Utah, where the desert temperatures just get too hot in the heart of summer. April, May and September are fabulous times to visit.

Last weekend we camped with friends at the Sand Flats Recreation Area, very close to the world-famous Slickrock mountain-biking trail. Our campsite in the “D” section was right near a main road, and we heard plenty of 4-wheelers first thing in the morning. But the campsites we secured (thanks to friends who scouted them out Thursday night, before the weekend crowds descended) were spacious, with lots of space for the kids to play in the sand.

We were also close to a deserted hiking trail that led up to some awesome sandstone formations. The kids (ages five to eight) were troupers as we bushwacked off the trail on our hour-long excursion (all the better for Mama to work off two nights’ worth of s’mores). Here are a couple more photos:

Travel Warning for Popular Mexico Vacation Destination

Is the travel situation getting worse in Mexico, or is it just that the media is picking up more stories about the drug cartels, gangs, and other generally illegal acts in our neighbor to the south? TravelingMamas posted earlier about the US State Department’s travel advisory against taking vacations in certain parts of Mexico. At that point, two suggestions was to stay in an all-inclusive resort, or to travel to the most popular tourist destinations, like Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. But a Canadian tourist was recently shot inside his hotel room in Cabo San Lucas (Calgary Herald) and the increase in criminal activity in Tijuana is well-known. UPDATE: New 2009 Mexico Travel Alert.

On the Gulf side (the Yucatan), Cancun and the Riviera Maya are gorgeous tourist destinations, with white sandy beaches and archaeological marvels that would make Indiana Jones drop his hat. The Riviera Maya starts at Playa del Carmen and ends in Tulum. Certainly worth considering for a family vacation, right? Consider this: The “hotel zone’ of small charming hotels and restaurants in Tulum is experiencing a scene right out of the Wild West.

One of those charming Tulum restaurants, owned by an Australian-born US citizen, was literally invaded last week by a group of men working for a corrupt local politician. John Kendall, who bought the land six years ago, already has a certified local presence in the Mayan Riviera; his acclaimed Mezzanine hotel overlooks the sea in along the same historic stretch of Mexico. The Mexican politician, Gaston Alegre, has called Kendall the “Devil of Tulum” and sent police (and 30 private security guards) into Kendall’s beachfront restaurant to take the property by brute force. The restaurant, El Pez, was filled with tourists and customers; they were kicked out, and the restaurant was completely trashed. When Kendall attempted to take back his property, corrupt police from nearby Playa del Carmen fought him off. Kendall has said, “Gaston Alegre still thinks he’s in 1930’s Mexico.” Kendall will get his day in court, of course, but clearly corruption runs deep in many travel destinations here. This illegal land grab illuminates the need for stronger anti-corruption laws in Mexico (or at least that the ones on the books be upheld).

Criminal activity in Mexico has not just increased in recent months, but also has begun to spread into popular tourist destinations. Pack more than just your bathing suit and sunblock for a vacation south of the border; take some extra precautions as well. Watching Indiana Jones on the big screen is one thing. Finding ourselves in the middle of frightening battles in real life, quite another.

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