Take the teens to Kauai

The zip course has eight lines in all, and each one is progressively more challenging. The longest is 740 feet, which gives you plenty of time to look down at the dense jungle canopy 150 feet below you.

By the end of our three hours, Caitlin and I were pros, taking one hand off the cable and even tucking into a ball to go faster.

That afternoon, we recounted our adventure together for Patrick and Sara. I was proud to hear Caitlin tell her sister: “Mom was actually pretty good.”

Something new, something to remember, something we could do together: Now that’s my kind of adventure.

Kauai highlights

Kauai is typically wetter than the other Islands overall, but the south shore is usually drier than the north. For general information, contact the Kauai Visitors Bureau (800/262-1400).

Lodging

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. A fantasy vacation hotel. Many guests never even venture out to the rest of the island. Spacious rooms; six restaurants. 602 rooms and suites from $455 (many special rates available). 1571 Po‘ipu Rd., Po‘ipu; http://www.grandhyattkauai.com/ or 800/554-9288.

Poipu Kapili. Intimate, oceanfront property near the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Pretty pool area. 60 condos from $220 (five-night minimum). 2221 Kapili Rd., Koloa; http://www.poipukapili.com/ or 800/443-7714.

Dining

The Beach House Restaurant. Make reservations here as soon as you arrive on the island. Spectacular views, outstanding fresh fish. $$$$; dinner daily. 5022 Lawa‘i Rd., Koloa; 808/742-1424.

Plantation Gardens. Ask to sit on the veranda. Good mix of seafood and steak. $$$; dinner daily. At Kiahuna Plantation Resort, 2253 Po‘ipu Rd., Koloa; 808/742-2121.

Poipu Tropical Burgers. Extensive, please-everyone burger menu. $; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. At rear of Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., Koloa; 808/742-1808.

Attractions

Princeville Ranch Adventures. Zipline tours. The Zip n’ Dip (41/2 hours; $145) includes a picnic lunch and swim. Must be 12 years or older and 80 to 280 pounds. On Kuhio Hwy. (State 56), just past milepost 27, Princeville; http://www.adventureskauai.com/ or 888/955-7669.

Spouting Horn. Watch as the tide rolls in and blasts dramatic geysers into the air, and listen for the moaning sound that sometimes accompanies them. Nearby vendor stalls are open from 10 to about 4 daily. On Lawa‘i Rd., just west of the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Allerton and McBryde gardens.