This writer shares her trip to Hawaii with her dad, who is delighted to see how golf, beach, the arts and great condos work together.

I chose the perfect travel companion to check out Kapalua's "grand-travel" appeal: my Dad, grandfather extraordinaire, novice but avid golfer and fairly artistic guy (although he won't admit it).

What Kapalua Offers All Ages

Kapalua's main draw is golf. Home to the Mercedes Championships, Kapalua boasts three courses that extend from oceanside to mountainside. The state-of-the-art Kapalua Golf Academy (808/669/6500) is a duffer's dream, with an enormous learning center for classroom instruction and strength-flexibility training. There's even an 18-hole putting course that's sort of a grown-up mini-golf course (yes, kids can use it, too).

The teaching staff, one of the largest in the world, has over 30 PGA professionals. The instructors customize sessions for individuals or small groups, including clinics for juniors age 7-17. My Dad and I really enjoyed the digital video instructional bay where pro golfers' swings were superimposed over our own. It clearly demonstrated that Tiger must change his posture and follow-through if he wants to play like me.

The Art School of Kapalua offers instruction for children (ages 5+) and adults in painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, photography, ballet, dance and yoga. Drop-ins are welcome. Artist-in-residence Lady Van Tiger instructed us in the art of charcoal still life-- frankly, we were amazed at our results. There's also a studio for paint-your-own-ceramics, a nice diversion when you need to get out of the sun.

Active families should consisder the Maui Explorer Pass, which enables you to save 15% on regular admission prices to the top attractions.

Guests at any of the resort properties can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and other water activities at nearby Kapalua and Ka'anapali.

As we packed to leave, my Dad and I agreed that we must return with the grandkids, perhaps during whale-watching season (November through April) -- although it might be difficult for Dad to see the whales from the Village Course.

Where To Stay & Play in Kapalua

There are lots of different types of accommodations on this wonderful coast. We loved the Kapalua Bay Hotel (808/669-56561) located at 1 Bay Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761. It was a Sheraton at our visit, and has become a very high end condo complex in the same beautiful location. (FTF Editor's Note: A fine hotel still in the area is the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, and it has a popular kids club.)

The 194 low-rise yet spacious rooms and suites reach out from the stunning, multi-tiered, open-air lobby. Even at full occupancy, it doesn't feel a bit crowded, although the extensive development of single family homes around the golf courses has changed the ambiance there. There are not many programs for young children, but the on-site Kapalua Adventures Center promises many recreational challenges for older kids. For a night out sans kids, stop by the the open-air Bay Club with its Pac-Rim cuisine and glorious sunsets.

If you don't need hotel amenities, how about a few days in an ocean-side condominium, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, all the household essentials, and a private lanai or patio from which your family can view the breath-taking sunset?

Sullivan Properties (800/332-1167; 808/ 669-0423) homepage gives you a sense of just how beautiful the 150 one-, two-, and three- bedroom units they represent are. They handle bookings for several condominium resorts and vacation home complexes throughout West Maui. For example, the Sands of Kahana, nestled on the Kahana Beach, is a great spot for families seeking a fun-filled getaway with the comforts of home. This one, two, and three-bedroom resort has something for each family member. There is a children's swimming pool and play area for the young ones. The older children and adults can take advantage of a large freshwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, a volleyball court, and three tennis courts.

The entire family will have tons of fun cooking and eating in the barbecue areas. Just poolside, the Kahana Terrance Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kahana, just minutes away, offers many family-style restaurants and value-oriented shopping. One bedroom units, ideal for four, start at under US$200/N and range upwards if you want a two-bedroom fit for six, or a three-bedroom, accommodating up to eight; all rates depending on the view and the season.

Guests at the Villas at Kapalua, located in the nearby Kapalua Resort, have the choice of staying in the Bay, Golf, or Ridge Villas, or the Ironwoods. They have access to the Kapalua Resort restaurants, boutiques, and recreational facilities, which includes three championship golf courses and a 10-court Tennis Garden. There is also complimentary shuttle service between the villas, golf courses, Tennis Garden, and the Kapalua Bay hotels. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom units (some of which used to belong to the old Sheraton we enjoyed so much) are in the same price range, and rates depend on the view, season, and your choice of resort. The Ironwoods (minimum stay of thirty days) offers three-bedroom units, rented by the month, year round. In December 2009, Outrigger Enterprises, the company that owns or manages almost 50 resorts and condo complexes throughout the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, took over management of the villas.

Families will appreciate the Sullivan Properties IQ card, which entitles a family of four seasonal discounts from 10%-30% at restaurants and shops. You receive car rental discounts of up to 40% and savings on activities like whale watching, submarine rides, luaus, parasailing, and much more.