Kauai with Kids: The Best Kid Friendly Activities & Things to Do
I've been #blessed to have the opportunity to visit Kauai a number of times over the last 20+ years. My first time was as a child for my mom's wedding. I've been to The Garden Isle with my husband for a romantic and relaxing getaway. But, I must say, my favorite time visiting has been going to Kauai with my kids.
Kauai is the perfect place for a Hawaiian family vacation because it is smaller and tends to be less crowded and overwhelming than some of the other islands. Its natural beauty is otherworldly, and there is so much to do with kids! Even without having to get in the car, we had so much to do within walking distance of our vacation rental in Hanalei! I last visited with my 8, 6, and 1 year olds and had no shortage of fun and entertainment. If you are looking for THE BEST kid-friendly activities and things to do in Kauai, here they are!
Hit the Beach
Chances are if you are taking the kiddos to Kauai, spending time at the beach is already on your list of things to do. But with so many amazing beaches to choose from, which are the best? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for and the time of year you visit.
The South Shore, home to Poipu and Lihue, is generally where you will find the calmest water on the island. The climate is dry, so your chances of sunshine are pretty good most days. The North Shore of Kauai, which includes adorable towns such as Hanalei and Princeville, is known for surfing, which means the waves can get big. The North Shore is also known for being breathtakingly green and lush, so you tend to see more rain than the South Shore. But, there are still plenty of calm waters up north, and an afternoon rain shower is great for nap time. I personally prefer the North Shore and highly recommend taking the kids to the beautiful beaches it offers. Some of my favorite family-friendly beaches in Kauai include:
Hanalei Bay Beach, located on the North Shore of Kauai, is a fantastic destination for families with kids. This iconic beach boasts a half-moon shape, framed by lush green mountains and the charming town of Hanalei. What makes Hanalei Bay particularly ideal for children is its gentle, crescent-shaped shoreline and the generally calm waters found here during the summer months. The gradual slope into the ocean creates a shallow swimming area, perfect for kids to play safely in the clear waters. The soft, golden sand invites building sandcastles and playing beach games, providing endless entertainment. I particularly like the area known as Black Pot Beach, at the south end of the bay near the pier. There is free parking, bathrooms, and fun tide pools to play in.
What attracted me to this more secluded beach on the North Shore was the sign I saw from the side of the road that read, “Warning: No Lifeguards, No Restrooms, No Tourists.” I had a feeling it would be worth checking out, and I was right! Its untouched natural beauty, with its sandy shores and towering cliffs, creates a fantastic setting for exploration, beachcombing, and enjoying the scenery. There is plenty of soft sand for building sandcastles, but there are also lava rocks for exploring! The water can be rough here, especially in the winter months, so sit near the mouth of the Lumahai River for calmer, shallower water. The river itself is a great place to play!
Lydgate Beach, located on Kauai's East Shore, is a gem for families seeking a safe and enjoyable beach experience. What sets Lydgate apart is its man-made rock wall that creates two enclosed, protected swimming areas, making it an ideal spot for kids to play in calm and shallow waters. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground, ensuring that families have everything they need for a day of fun. The beach's golden sands are perfect for building sandcastles, and the lush, green surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Snorkeling is also popular here, as the rock wall serves as a natural barrier for marine life.
Baby Beach in Koloa is an absolute gem for families looking for a relaxed and kid-friendly beach experience on Kauai's South Shore. This charming stretch of shoreline features a protective natural barrier of lava rocks, creating a calm and shallow lagoon that's perfect for young children to safely splash around in. The crystal-clear waters here are ideal for beginner snorkelers, allowing families to introduce their kids to the wonders of marine life. The soft, golden sand is perfect for building sandcastles and playing beach games, and the nearby picnic tables and shaded areas provide a comfortable spot for family gatherings and beachfront picnics.
Poipu Beach, situated on the sunny South Shore of Kauai, is a paradise for families with children. This beach is renowned for its gentle, protected waters, making it an ideal playground for kids to swim, snorkel, and boogie board. The golden sands are perfect for building sandcastles and soaking up the sun, while the calm, clear waters provide an opportunity for young ones to safely explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Lifeguards are stationed here for added safety, and there are convenient amenities like showers, restrooms, and picnic areas nearby. The nearby Poipu Beach Park offers even more family-friendly facilities, including a playground for the little ones.
Snorkle
The first time I snorkeled with my kids, it almost brought me tears. Holding hands with my son while we swam through the water. Hearing his excited little voice through his snorkel when he saw a fish. It was magical. Any of the beaches listed above are great options for snorkeling with kids. Here are a few other places, including my favorite, Anini Beach.
Families, like ours, adore Anini Beach for various reasons, particularly when it comes to snorkeling with young children. The beach is home to shallow, tranquil waters, thanks to the expansive reef that acts as a natural buffer, keeping the waves at bay. In fact, the reef here is the longest and widest off Kauai and one of the largest in Hawaii. The water here is crystal clear, allowing for excellent visibility, and the coral formations are teeming with vibrant fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. Families can introduce their children to the wonders of the underwater world in a secure environment, making Anini Beach an unforgettable and educational experience for kids of all ages. Onsite picnic tables and bathrooms make Anini Beach a great place to spend the day!
Bringing the kids to Tunnels Beach on Kauai for a snorkeling adventure is like stepping into an aquatic wonderland. The beach boasts a delightful mix of shallow lagoons and a kaleidoscope of coral formations, making it an ideal spot for introducing your little ones to the magic of underwater exploration. The waves here are gentle (depending on the time of year), thanks to a protective reef, so parents can relax knowing their kids are safe in the calm waters. Tunnels Beach is teeming with marine life, offering young snorkelers the chance to come face to face with an array of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and if you're lucky, maybe even a monk seal or two lounging on the shore. The water here typically maintains clear visibility, making it an outstanding choice for families eager to share the enchanting beauty of the ocean with their children.
Play at a Pool
If you're like our family and prefer vacation rentals over big resorts, you might be missing a key component of a family vacation - a pool. I know, I know, you can swim in a pool anywhere, so why waste time in one when you're sitting in paradise on an island surrounded by the South Pacific? But guess who would probably choose the pool over the sea any day? Your kid.
During our time in Kauai with our kids, we used ResortPass to gain all-day access to a resort and its pool. It was a rainy day on the North Shore, so we decided to pack up the five kids in our group, head South, and experience the resort life for a while. The kids rode the waterslide for hours on end, and the parents enjoyed poolside food and drinks. It was a win for everyone.
ResortPass is an innovative concept that provides the full luxury hotel experience without an overnight stay, all at an affordable price. With ResortPass, you can savor a splendid daycation adventure, granting you exclusive access to a world of amenities such as stunning pools, cozy cabanas, inviting daybeds, rejuvenating spas, well-equipped gyms, exquisite dining options, and even the option for daytime room reservations, all nestled within some of the most exquisite hotels and resorts. Some of the Kauai resorts partnering with ResortPass include the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.
Hike
My kids have complained about many amazing hikes in their little lives. If you want to listen to your kids complain while hiking, Kauai offers some amazing options. Maybe so amazing, the kids might actually complain less than usual! Here are some of the best family-friendly hikes on Kauai:
Immerse yourself in lush jungle vistas on the Kuilau Ridge Trail. This is one of the shorter hikes on the island, spanning 3.7 miles and rated as easy. It can be completed within an hour, even with kids in tow. The trail ascends along Mount Waialeale, offering stunning views of the Makaleha mountains. Due to Kauai's consistent rainfall, the trail may have a few muddy spots, but it's well-maintained and wide, making it family-friendly. The trailhead is located at Kuamoo Rd., Kapaa, Kauai, HI, 96746.
The Nounou Trail, known as the Sleeping Giant, is a short two-mile out-and-back hike across the face of Mount Waialeale. It offers views of the mountains, the Wailua River, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail lacks facilities and water, but there is a lookout point and picnic area at the top of the trail. The trail is conveniently located just a five-minute drive outside the town of Wailua. Find the trail at 5750 Kuamoo Rd., Kapaa, HI, 96746.
This trail offers daunting cliff views but is highly accessible. The trail lookout can be reached in about 30 minutes. Located near Princeville on the north shore of the island, it's less remote than some of the island's central hikes. The 2.5-mile trail provides a bit of a workout due to its slopes, but it's still manageable, even with littles. It offers astonishing views of Hanalei Bay and the valley below.
Now, this trail is a real gem! It takes you to not one, but two fantastic waterfalls. The first waterfall offers cliff diving for the more daring family members. There's also a big rope swing, and it drops you into a lagoon after you've visited the second waterfall. When you reach the end of the trail, you'll come to another waterfall. It flows into a spacious pool, with shallower areas along the edges. Even though the trail itself is relatively short, at around two miles round trip, you could easily spend the day here — jumping, swinging, and just having a blast in the water. The Ho'opi'i Falls Trailhead is located near Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii, and it's accessible from Kuamoo Road (Route 580).
The Pu'u Hinahina Lookout Trail in Waimea Canyon provides stunning views of the canyon and is suitable for all ages. This trail is relatively easy and offers fantastic vistas of the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The exact trail distance for this particular trail is around 0.5 miles roundtrip.
Eat
If you have kids, you know dining out with kids isn’t always the greatest, most relaxing experience. Another reason we generally stay in rental homes vs hotels. We can make our own delicious, locally inspired food, and still make the kids mac and cheese. We can relax with a cocktail while the kids run wild around the rental property, not the table next to us at a restaurant. Regardless, we still find ourselves eating out while visiting Kauai with the kids and have found some fan favorites we’d go to again and again!
A delightful spot in Kapaa, Passion Bakery Cafe is perfect for families with kids. This cozy cafe is all about enjoying good food without the fuss. When you walk in, you're instantly hit with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries, and it's hard to resist the temptation. From their mouthwatering croissants to decadent chocolate-filled pastries, they've got something for everyone. The laid-back vibe and friendly staff make it a great place for a leisurely breakfast or brunch with your little ones. What's more, they have a fantastic coffee menu for the grown-ups, and the kids will love the array of sweets. With its relaxed atmosphere and mouthwatering treats, Passion Bakery Cafe is a must-visit when you're on Kauai with your family.
Located in Hanalei is this food truck treasure for families visiting Kauai. While it might not be a traditional breakfast spot, it's where you'll discover the island's most delectable donuts. These donuts are freshly crafted with taro, and let me tell you, they're nothing short of heavenly!
The menu at Holey Grail offers individual donuts, but the real adventure lies in ordering their Tasting Box, which treats you to a delightful variety of four different donuts. Each one is a unique burst of flavor, and your taste buds are in for a thrilling ride. Holey Grail also serves up tasty lattes, chai tea, and other coffee drinks. In addition to their Hanalei food truck, there is also a location in Kapaʻa.
Located right next to the picturesque Poipu Beach, this restaurant offers not only delectable food but also a stunning view of the ocean, making it a memorable experience for both parents and kids. The family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menu cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy. Brennecke's offers fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and a dedicated children's menu that includes kid-approved classics. After a day of beach fun, it's the ideal spot to relax and refuel. The close proximity to Poipu Beach means you can combine a day in the sun with a tasty meal, making it a convenient choice for families looking for both great food and a beachside setting.
Located on the stunning Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, is an idyllic dining spot that caters to families with kids. Named after the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant combines Pacific Rim and Hawaiian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids will love the dedicated children's menu featuring classics like burgers and mac and cheese. The welcoming staff ensures a comfortable experience for families, and while the little ones enjoy their meals, parents can savor Duke's famous cocktails and a diverse menu. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Duke's is a great choice for a special family celebration or a relaxed meal by the sea, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy Kauai's flavors while taking in the island's natural beauty.
Wishing Well Shave Ice has been operating out of an old bus at the entrance to Hanalei town since 1983. This delightful gem offers a refreshing treat perfect for families in Kauai. When the island's sun gets a little too hot, this charming stand is the go-to spot for a cool, colorful, and flavorful escape. With a rainbow of syrup flavors and generous portions, it's a paradise for both kids and adults. The best part is letting your little ones create their own shaved ice concoctions, an experience they're sure to cherish. From traditional favorites to unique island-inspired flavors like lilikoi (passion fruit), there's something to suit every taste. With its laid-back atmosphere and tropical vibe, Wishing Well Shaved Ice is the ultimate place to beat the heat while indulging in a quintessential Hawaiian treat.
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