HAWAIIAN HULA dancers strut their stuff on scenic Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. -- Kate Pocock photos

Parents who want to try an exotic vacation but also want to play it safe within North America borders might opt for Hawaii.

Chances are they'll fly directly to the island of O'ahu, or as it's known in Hawaiian, "the gathering place."

Its capital city, Honolulu, certainly gathers more than its fair share from around the world, especially along world-famous Waikiki Beach. It's a great starting point for introducing your kids to the concepts of Aloha (which means hello, love and kindness) and local Keiki (kid) culture.

Sure you'll come across kitschy ukulele tunes, racks of flowered swim trunks and old television reruns every day of Hawaii Five-O. But this is also a state that is reclaiming its authentic culture.

Like Quebec, it's a distinct society. Little girls do learn hula dancing at school, teens are already out paddling on their surfboards as the sun comes up (weather forecasts include surf heights around the island) and a newly elected governor will give her acceptance speech in a colourful Hawaiian shirt.

Spend a few days here and your kids could gain a new appreciation of the stars by which the Hawaiian navigators steered their ships, a language that can produce a word like humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the state fish) and treats such as shave-ice flavoured with red beans.

They'll learn about the magic of the kukui nut and experience a lu'au with fire power under the stars. Before you know it, your young ones may be saying Mahalo (thank you) with a smile as often as the locals.

To offset the cost of flights and food, opt for a smaller apartment-style hotel (there are many just blocks from the beach), shop for food at local markets, and take advantage of the free sand and surf, which is some of the world's best.

To help the credit card even more, the O'ahu Visitors Bureau have come up with 101 Free (or almost free) Things To Do for visiting families.

Here are just a few of the Honolulu Top 101 hits:

- Hike to the top of Diamond Head, Hawaii's most famous landmark: Active kids will want to climb to the top of this landmark seen from every blanket along Waikiki.

The extinct volcanic peak is 760-ft high and there are hundreds of stairs and dark tunnels so go early, bring a flashlight and plan to spend time at the top admiring the Lego-like views of the city and ocean.

- Find the four Wizard Stones on Waikiki Beach: Strolling this world-famous beach, you'll learn about surfing legends such as Duke Kahanamoku (who won a gold medal for freestyle at the 1912 Olympics), watch local surfers and see historic landmarks along the sand such as the four boulders that apparently still hold mystic powers from four sorcerers.

- Tour the Waikiki Aquarium. This fine small aquarium celebrating its 100th birthday is home to 40 species of sharks, rare monk seals, living coral in every shade of the rainbow and a moray eel striped like a zebra. Don't miss the moon jellies glowing phosphorescent purple.

Scenic Waikiki Beach

- Fly a kite or eat a plate lunch at Kapiolani Park. Established by King Kalakaua in the late 1800s for his Queen, this 220-acre expanse is also the site for free hula shows and concerts. On weekends, tour the Zoo Fence Art Mart outside the pleasant Honolulu Zoo.

For other recommendations, go to visit-oahu.com. You'll find a link to the 101 Free Things (or almost free--under $10) on the Home page.

Bottom Line

ACCOMMODATION: For a real splash right on the beach with an awesome view of Diamond Head and a terrific year-round kids' program, try the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 800-782-9488 or sheraton-hawaii.com. Kids under 18 stay free; those 12 and under receive free breakfast, lunch or dinner with one paying adult. If you don't mind being off the beach, try the Ohana Islander Waikiki with connecting rooms and the Cowabunga Kids Club 800-462-6262 or ohanahotels.com. (Ohana means family.) For more, contact the O'ahu Visitors and Convention Bureau 800-523-8802 or visit-oahu.com.

GETTING THERE: Harmony Airways (HMYAirways.com) offers three flights to Honolulu from Vancouver each week. For other direct flights from Canada to Honolulu and packages with Sunquest, Air Canada Vacations or Sun Fun Vacations, contact your travel agent. Then get ready to say Aloha!