Ka'anapali Beach Hotel has all the requirements for the quintessential Hawai'ian vacation, like sun, sand, surf, and sports, plus some extra bonuses like all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and close proximity to an enormous amount of shopping.

Not all teenage concerns are shallow, but I mention this because when my son's interest in consuming massive amounts of food and my daughter's fascination with consumer culture are satisfied, their vacation enjoyment definitely ratchets up a notch or two.

The resort is very committed to preserving Hawai'ian traditions and to insure that your kids get some authentic aloha culture along with their noshing and shopping, there are Hawai'ian activities such as hula lessons, lei making, grass skirt design, and the complimentary nightly hula shows and twice-weekly Hawai'ian music shows. 

Instead of a brochure filled with bikini-clad girls, guests receive a Mission Statement about the value of po'okela, or excellence in every aspect of the hotel's operation.  There's even a breakfast luau and slide presentation to orient arriving guests.  And when your teens long for sparkles, sequins, and sleight of hand, make reservations at the flashy dinner magic show, with roving magicians performing tricks at your table as well as a stage show.

There's a beautiful sandy beach right out back, plus superlative snorkeling at Black Rock just steps from the hotel - you can rent a boogie board or snorkel and mask when you pick up your beach towel. A "resort course" in scuba diving is offered to anyone over the age of 12. Surfing lessons are a couple of minutes' walk down the beach, jet-skiing is available May through December, whale watching December through May, and parasailing is available from June through November.

This hotel's "Aloha Passport for Kids" entitles children 12-years and younger to free souvenirs and cool logo items like insulated water bottles, sunglasses, ballcaps, and sand toys, as well as free meals for kids 5 and under and a special children's menu for kids 6 to 12-years-old.  Children of all ages are encouraged to participate with parents in many activities focused on local culture, such as lau printing, lei making, and pineapple cutting -- all free of charge. In addition, ages 3 to 12 enjoy a daily children's program. Your youngest ones can be left in the care of private babysitting, assuring you time with elder children, or a night out at the popular, local Mama's Fish House.

The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel has been voted T&L's #1 Best Value Hotel in Hawai'i.  Other family-friendly services include a coin-operated laundry, buffet restaurant and poolside grill. A cute trolley takes guests on a short jaunt to Lahaina town, which is filled with more shopping, restaurants, cafes and the traditional lu'au celebration with its own float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. 

The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is located at 2525 Ka'anapali Parkway Lahaina Maui, Hawaii 96761. To make a reservation call (800/262-8450, 808/661-0011)