Heading to Kauai, my daughter had one request: an ATV tour. My family’s not outdoorsy, so a two-hour commitment to drive through rough terrain is considerable. But we sucked it up and booked with Kipu Ranch Adventures, and boy, are we glad we did. Among the best stops were shooting locations for “Jurassic Park” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the latter including an opportunity to swing from a rope into the river from the film’s opening scene. There’s also a swim break by a waterfall. The ATV was fun for driver and riders alike, even those who avoid amusement park thrill rides.
Prices start at $89 (half that for kids ages 5-17) to ride with one of Kipu’s friendly guides, but kamaaina and military get a 20 percent discount. Costs are higher if you wish to drive. Check kiputours.com for more information or call 246-9288 for reservations. — Sjarif Goldstein
New bottling system eases access to limited releases
When I’m in Kailua, I always make an effort to stop by Lanikai Brewing Co. While its core lineup of bottled craft beers is available at bars, restaurants and retail outlets, you have to visit the brewery itself for a shot at limited-edition releases like the Hualani Kula Strawberry Sour, made with fresh berries harvested on Maui.
Until a month ago your only option for purchasing limited-edition brews at LBC was via a 64-ounce growler fill, which can be a little intimidating for one person trying to drink responsibly without letting leftover beer go flat. Now there’s another option, thanks to LBC’s purchase of a Fill-Boss bottling system. Instead of dropping $24 on a growler, customers can now purchase a 22-ounce bottle for $15.
The new bottles are a great solution for LBC fans who want to try multiple limited releases or those from off-island or out of state who want to pack a few bottles in their luggage to enjoy at home. — Jason Genegabus
Flossers make cleaning braces-clad teeth a breeze
When my son got braces, the time it took for his bedtime routine increased greatly. Suddenly, brushing took much longer and flossing took forever as my son meticulously knotted dental floss to a threader and fed it around each bracket and between each tooth. Then a staffer in his orthodontist’s office told me about orthodontic flossers her sister had found on the mainland. After an unsuccessful search of local drugstores, I found them on amazon.com — two-packs of 24 picks each for $8.39.
One week later Plackers Orthopicks arrived, and bedtime was saved. Flossing is as quick as it was pre-braces, as the thin plastic frame fits neatly behind the wire connecting the brackets on his braces. — Donica Kaneshiro
Find bold, global jewelry at Lahaina shop
When I saw Yelena Noah’s $270 Blue Vida necklace with a gold-plated brass pendant, brass charms and lapis beads hanging in a display case at Fleetwood’s General Store in Lahaina, Maui, I had to have it. The necklace has a Gothic/rock ‘n’ roll/hippie vibe, and, as a friend said, it has “energy and flow.”
The New York artist’s jewelry is handmade with components sourced worldwide. Fleetwood’s also offers bold rings and cuffs from the designer. Call 669-6425; see Noah’s designs at yelenanoah.com. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski
Niu boutique offers affordable style
During a recent visit to Niu boutique, which opened last year in Wahiawa, I found a stylish starfish cuff ($15) and a whimsical wallet adorned with cats ($12). The store also has feminine tops and dresses and unique accessories at affordable prices. All of the clothing is separated by color, which makes it easy to mix and match new outfits. See more styles at the shop at 57 S. Kamehameha Highway or at iheartniu.com; call 600-7052. — Nancy Arcayna