Keep the kids dry but happy in Hawaii

Kids love playing in Hawaii's warm waters, whether at a keiki (kids)-safe beach or in the hotel swimming pool. But eventually you have to pull them out, if only to prevent serious prune skin and sunburn. Here are five dry places to take the family that won't break the bank or make anyone cry boredom.

1. Waimea Valley

Hawaiian games, strutting peacocks and an easy walk to a waterfall are some of the pulls for children at this former theme park, now managed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Grown-ups will appreciate the free cultural classes and botanical gardens on the way to the falls, which are often swimmable (just in case the kids have been really good.) $10 adults, $5 ages 4 to 12 (younger free). 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu. (808) 638-7766, www.waimeavalley.net.

2. Waikiki Aquarium

By law you're supposed to keep your distance from Hawaii's endangered monk seals in the wild. But you can safely watch two of the rare mammals, plus some 500 other marine animal or plant species, including giant clams, bright corals and eerie jellies at the aquarium; if the kids crave more critter time, stop at the nearby Honolulu Zoo. $9 adults, $4 ages 13 to 17, $2 ages 5 to 12 (younger free). 2777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. (808) 923-9741, www.waquarium.org.

3. Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

Families who venture to the Hilo side of the Big Island usually have the volcano in mind, but not all children will appreciate the miles of barren lava fields on the way. Put a tiger in their tank by timing your visit to make the 3:30 p.m. daily feeding of this zoo's white Bengal tiger, Namaste, in nearby Hilo; a petting zoo (minus the tiger) takes place at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free. (808) 959-9233, www.hilozoo.com.

4. Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve

A short trail through a dense kiawe grove leads to the largest field of petroglyphs in the Pacific, where hundreds of figures and symbols were etched into lava rock. Have the half-pints tally how many different kinds they can see (without standing on them); bring water and hats so they don't dry up in the process. Free. Parking at Holoholokai Beach Park, next to the Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. (808) 885-2000, www.fairmont.com/orchid.

5. Shave ice

If all else fails, bribe them with shave ice. While Matsumoto's on Oahu's North Shore may be the most famous stand for the fluffy snow cone-like treat, every island has its favorites; ask locals for theirs. On the Valley Isle, the best may be Maui Espresso in Kihei, across from Kamaole Beach Park in the Rainbow Mall parking lot. The tiny stand has a surprisingly extensive list of syrup flavors, toppings and, um, bottomings, from adzuki beans to gummi bears. 2439 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui. (808) 874-0414.

- Jeanne Cooper

This article appeared on page K - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle