Heading to Kauai with kids and need some help planning? I just visited Kauai and I want to tell you all about the best things to do!
I am SO excited that I finally made it to Kauai! I’ve been to the other three major Hawaiian Islands (Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island) and COULD. NOT. WAIT. to see Kauai.
It’s the oldest and most rural of the others (like, chickens roaming around the streets type of rural) and it’s the least developed compared to the other three, so it has the most old-school Hawaiian charm.
Since most of the island is a tropical rainforest, it’s nicknamed the Garden Isle. And boy, is it lush!
I found an amazing deal (a little over $200 for a roundtrip, nonstop to Kauai from Oakland- one of the perks of living in California) and immediately bought a ticket for me and my 3-year-old. My friend wanted in too, so she came with us, which was an added treat.
The deal was for five days, which obviously is never enough in Hawaii, but we packed our itinerary as much as we could.
So, if you’re heading to Kauai with kids, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Kauai offers something for everyone, including Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, luaus, and tours.
- Kauai has four regions – I recommend planning your day by region.
- The South Shore in Poipu has a bustling environment while North Shore in Princeville is laidback.
Table of Contents
⚠️ Need more info about Kauai? ⚠️
Read these posts!
Best Area To Stay in Kauai
The Best Na Pali Coast Tours For Toddlers And Babies
Best Beaches in Kauai
The Basics About Visiting Kauai with Kids
Travel: The airport on Kauai is Lihue Airport (LIH), which offers direct flights from several places on the mainland. American citizens don’t need a passport to visit Kauai. As a U.S. state, you can travel there just like any other destination within the mainland.
Language: English is the primary language spoken on Kauai, but you’ll also hear and read Hawaiian words and phrases often.
Weather: Kauai has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm and sunny year-round. However, it’s known for humid conditions with occasional rain showers, especially on the north shore. The southern coast tends to be drier, so if you’re looking to avoid the rain, that’s a good place to stay.
Transportation: Renting a car is essential because Kauai’s main attractions are spread across the island. Public transportation is limited, rideshare services are available in some areas, and taxis are less common outside of tourist areas.
Renting a Car: When renting a car on Kauai, be prepared for a slightly slower process. Rental cars can sell out during peak travel times, so book early.
Currency: Kauai uses the U.S. dollar, just like the mainland.
Cell Service and WiFi: Cell service works like it does on the mainland U.S., with no roaming charges. Wi-Fi is widely available at most places, but in remote areas, you might experience limited or no signal.
Time zone and jet lag: Kauai operates on Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), which is 2-3 hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST). Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time.
Best Time to Visit: Kauai is a year-round destination, but the most popular times to visit are between April and October when the weather is warmer and drier. The off-season months of November through March offer fewer crowds and lower prices but are rainier.
Food: Local Hawaiian cuisine includes poke, kalua pig, loco moco, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Mai tais and fresh coconut water are popular local drinks.
Outdoor safety: Check ocean conditions before swimming or snorkeling. If hiking, stick to marked trails, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water.
Be respectful: Visitors should follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles when outdoors, avoid touching wildlife, and respect private property.
Electric Outlets: Kauai uses the same electrical outlets as the mainland U.S., so no need for a special adapter.
Island Time: Kauai has a laid-back, relaxed vibe, so don’t expect everything to run on a strict schedule.
When is the Best Month to Visit Kauai?
There’s really no “bad” time to visit Hawaii, but if you want less rain (I say less because it still rains, just not as much) head over there between April—October. Since the weather is better, it’s a popular time to visit so there are more crowds and higher prices.
The rainy season is from November—March, but you’ll find better deals and less crowds. That being said, I went in March and it barely rained.
Temperate-wise, the coolest month is January, the highs are just under 80 degrees and lows are in the mid 60s. The warmest month is August, the highs are in the mid 80s while lows are mid 70s.
Kauai 7-Day Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Poipu Beach during the day, then dinner and dessert at The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Day 2: Waimea Canyon in the morning then Salt Pond Beach in the afternoon. Have some food in Koloa afterwards.
Day 3: North Shore exploring, including Hanalei Bay Beach and Tunnels Beach.
Day 4: Na Pali Coast boat tour in the morning and Poipu Shopping Village for dinner.
Day 5: Take the Kilohani Plantation Train in the morning then head to Lydgate Beach Park for the afternoon. Head to Duke’s in Lihue afterward.
Day 6: Resort day then Smith’s Luau in the evening.
Day 7: Pick another exciting group trip for the day, then have dinner at The Shops at Kukui’ula for your last night.
5 Must Do Attractions on Kauai
Short on time? I’ll give it to you straight. Here are the top attractions I recommend.
Na Pali Coast
It’s one of the most well known coastlines in the world. Plus there are so many fun ways to see it– snorkel tour, sunset tour, helicopter. Check this tour out.
Waimea Canyon
It’s the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! The views are too amazing to miss. On your way out, stop by Salt Pond Beach.
Explore the North Shore
It’s lush and natural with an Old Hawaii charm. And the beaches are beautiful! Hanalei Bay Beach and Tunnels Beach can’t be missed.
Poipu Beach
The South Shore’s most famous beach, Poipu Beach has calm waters and a natural wading pool perfect for kids. There’s plenty of food and drinks available, plus the ultimate relaxed Hawaiian vibes.
Smith Family Garden Luau
The best luau on the island! This was one of the highlights of our trip. Consider adding the Fern Grotto Tour in the afternoon.
Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids
1. Visit the Na Pali Coast
The MUST do activity on a trip to Kauai is check out the Na Pali Coast. It’s one of the most beautiful coastlines in the WORLD and probably the most well-known feature on the island. You’ll see cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls, pristine beaches, and all kinds of other ocean gems.
It’s about 17 miles on the north shore of the island and not accessible by car, so visitors have to take a boat or a helicopter to see. (You can also hike a ridiculous amount to get to it but you won’t find any info about that here because that’s def not my vibe.)
We went on a snorkeling tour the coast—it was 5.5 hours in total. It takes a while to get there, almost 2 hours, then an hour to snorkel and another 1.5 hours to get back.
Note that most of the snorkel tours have a minimum age of 3.
The other option to see the coast is a helicopter ride. They are about 50 minutes and you’ll get a view of the whole coast, plus you’ll get to learn about the area from the pilot. The pilots hover over the more exciting features too! There are different age limits for different tour guides—like some allow lap infants while others allow only ages 10+.
If you do ONE thing Kauai it has to be a Na Pali Coast tour!
This top-rated 5.5 hour morning snorkel tour earned a Badge of Excellence:
➡️ Check prices and book the Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour here!
2. Waimea Canyon
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is 14 miles long and more than 3,600 miles deep. You can take a tour or just drive through it and stop at the multiple lookout points throughout.
The lookouts to check out are markers 10, 13, 14, 18, and 19.
We decided against the tour and drove ourselves. It was an easy ride and it wasn’t difficult to make stops wherever we wanted.
Before you go, make sure that you have a full tank of gas. Once you get in there, you won’t see any gas stations.
It is a windy road and the elevation goes up about 4,000 feet so if you get motion or elevation sickness, be cautious.
You really don’t have to go too far out to get great pictures as you can see below!
Note that non-Hawaii residents will have to pay an entrance fee ($5 for ages 4+) and parking fee ($10) to visit. You’ll pay at the kiosks in the parking lots at several of the lookout points.
3. Luau
We went to Smith Family Garden Luau, and I could not recommend it enough! It was my first luau and it exceeded all of my expectations.
When visiting Kauai with kids, this should be the first thing you book!
When you enter, they let you in to walk the (unbelievably gorgeous) grounds.
Then, they have the pig ceremony. From there, they serve cocktails (included with the price of ticket), and you can sit at your table. The seating area was open but had a roof overhead. We were called by groups to go through to the buffet.
After about an hour of dinner, we moved on to the auditorium to view the show. It was about an hour of different types of dances from all over the world, with an amazing finisher of a fire show!
The whole event was a few hours (from 6-9) and my son was sleeping on my lap by the end of it, and it was so worth it! Check it out here.
4. Fern Grotto Tour
Smith’s Kauai runs this tour along with their luau—you can do both on the same day since they are right next to each other. Choose the 3:30pm Fern Grotto Tour if you want to do it.
The fern grotto tour is a boat cruise through a rainforest to a fern-covered lava cave. You’ll be cruising on the only navigable river in Hawaii!
During the ride, you’ll hear Hawaii history and you can even join in on a hula lesson. Once you get to the landing, it’s a short walk through the rainforest to the Fern Grotto.
The tour is about 1.5 hours.
5. Kauai Helicopter Tour
Step aboard a slow-flying aircraft to take a tour of the whole island. You’ll see Waimea Canyon, Opaekaa (and Jurassic) Falls, Napali Coast, and Mt. Waialeale (the wettest spot on Earth.) The pilot narrates the whole tour for you too.
The tour is 1 hour and 10 minutes and infants are welcome, but must be in parents lap.
Everyone that I have spoke to that has taken an air tour has stated it was the BEST part of their whole trip. So if you can add it to your itinerary, you should!
This unforgettable helicopter tour is 5 stars, has a Badge of Excellence, and sells out quickly! So book fast!
➡️ Check prices and book the Entire Kauai Island Tour by clicking here!
6. Explore the North Shore
The North Shore is so breathtaking, it’s something you cannot miss when you’re on Kauai.
We took a day to drive up to the North Shore and explored along the way. I really recommend doing this!
Here was our day’s itinerary:
If you’re starting in Poipu, make your first stop on the East side at Lydgate Beach. This is a great beach for small kids because it’s protected by a lava rock wall and there’s a playground.
Head up the shore and make a stop at the playground at Anaina Hou Community Park. There are adorable replicas of a volcano, sailing canoe, and even a sugarcane train. The park itself is gigantic and has mini golf and a farmers’ market too.
Another great beach for small kids is Anini Beach. It’s known as one of the safest beaches on the North Shore because it’s completely protected by a reef.
From there, head to Hanalei Town for the famous food trucks. There’s a stretch of road that is sprinkled with a variety of food trucks. Start at The Hanalei Bay Dolphin and keep driving to check them all out!
That’ll lead you to Hanalei Bay Beach. It’s a huge bay with a mountain backdrop. There’s also a long pier you can walk out on.
Last stop on the tour is Tunnels Beach. It’s a nice, wide beach great for sand play. The waves can get rough though, so it’s a hit or miss on getting in the water. My son loved chasing the waves here!
The ride is easy and from Poipu to Tunnels is a little over 50 miles. The views you’ll see on the way will be worth every second!
You can also head straight to Tunnels from Poipu and then make all the stops on the way back.
7. Kilohana Plantation Train
If your kid is a train lover (and what toddler isn’t) this is such a great activity! It’s a 40 minute train ride passing through 2 miles of the Kilohana Plantation.
You’ll pass through tropical beauty of flowers, plants, trees, and animal pastures. PLUS there’s a stop to feed the pigs, goats, sheep, and a donkey!
There’s also an option for an even longer adventure (3.5 hours) that includes a picnic lunch, a walk through the orchards, and an extended plantation tour.
All ages are welcome for both and under 3 is free.
8. Spouting Horn Park
Spouting Horn on the South Shore is definitely worth a visit — it’s one of Kauai’s most photographed spots!
It’s a natural blowhole where water shoots up through a lava tube, creating a dramatic spray. It’s even more mesmerizing during high tides because the blowhole can release spouts of water up to 50 feet high!
The sounds and sights are pretty amazing, and it’s a great spot to get some pics. And it’s just a short walk from the parking lot, so getting there with littles is easy. Plus, parking is free!
9. Visit an Outdoor Shopping Center
For evening activities, check out one of the outdoor shopping centers near Poipu. They both have dining and shopping options plus live entertainment.
Both areas are very family friendly. Each of the restaurants we visited had kids menus, booster seats and high chairs, etc.
The Shops at Kukui’ula is bigger and more upscale, great for a stroll.
Poipu Shopping Village is smaller with a more relaxing vibe and has the BEST gelato place— Papalani Gelato.
10. Do a Group Tour
Traveling with kids can be stressful enough, the less I have to plan the better. That’s why I always look into tours when I’m planning my trips.
My favorite part of group tours is that we just have to show up!
An extra bonus is that there have always been other kids on the tours that we’ve been on, so they get to make new friends. Our Na Pali Coast tour was full of kids!
The great part about Kauai is that there are group tours for every type of activity you could imagine.
Take a look at these highly rated tours for all ages:
Kauai Highlights and Movie Sites (no age limit)
Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting (ages 2+)
Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel (ages 4+)
Mountain Tubing Adventure (ages 5+)
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay Snorkel Tour (ages 5+)
Zodiac Boat Snorkeling Tour (ages 5+)
Kayak and Hike to Secret Falls (ages 6+)
Koloa Zipline Tour (ages 7+)
Tropical ATV Off-Road Tour (ages 9+)
11. Nature Activities
Kauai is a nature lovers DREAM. There is no shortage of lushness and there’s so many ways to explore the island’s beauty.
Botanical Gardens
Explore the stunning gardens on Kauai including the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden on the south side. Don’t miss the weekly hula show at the Aloha Market when you’re out there! The Limahuli Garden and Princeville Botanical Garden are gardens to visit on the North Shore.
Waterfalls
Kauai is home to some incredible waterfalls. Opaekaa Falls, Jurassic Falls, and Wailua Falls each offering a beautiful experience.
Lookouts
If you want to see unbelievable beauty, try Halanei Valley Lookout and Kalalau Lookout. Both offer panoramic views.
Hikes
Kauai has plenty of hikes, and many of them are kid-friendly too! Two to try are Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail that offers coastal view, and Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, a moderate hike with beautiful views of Waimea Canyon.
12. Hanapepe Town
Called “Kauai’s biggest little town,” Hanapepe is an adorable town on the south shore. It even served as the model for the movie Lilo and Stitch!
It’s lined with historic buildings that house shops, cafes, and art galleries. Hanapepe also hosts weekly events, like Farmers Markets on Thursday and Art Night on Friday. The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, a swaying suspension bridge over the river, is a real treat with kids!
The Best Beaches for Kids in Kauai
Kauai has a coastline full of amazing beaches for all different types of beach goers. Some are perfect for waves, some for families, and even some that are secret.
🏖 Want a full list of the best beaches in Kauai?🏖
Click here to read all about them!
South Shore Beaches
🏖 Poipu Beach
Overview
Poipu Beach is a very well-known as one of Kauai’s best beaches. Clear waters and a natural wading pool which is perfect for small kids (or even adults who want to relax in calm waters). You can spend a full day here.
Amenities
This beach has everything you’ll need—lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic area, big parking lot, even a playground.
🏖 Salt Pond Beach
Overview
This is a locals beach, so it’s not as crowded and perfect for families. Like Poipu, it’s also protected from big waves. It’s very relaxing with lots of room to spread out.
Amenities
It has lifeguards, showers, picnic areas, and lots of parking.
🏖 Baby Beach Disclaimer
A lot of people will recommend Baby Beach to families. It’s a cute, protected cove, BUT it’s not easily accessible. You have to pass through houses to get to it. There is no parking, you’ll have to park on a residential street. We couldn’t find parking, so we just left to Poipu Beach.
East Side Beaches
🏖 Lydgate Beach
Overview
On the northeast side of the island, Lydgate is protected from the ocean by a lava rock wall so the water is calm AND hosts a number of tropical fish! There are a number of saltwater pools that kids can swim in as well. The best part is that there’s a huge playground too!
Amenities
There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a playground, and a picnic area.
North Shore Beaches
🏖 Anini Beach
Overview
Known as the safest and most protected beach on the North Shore, Anini is perfect for kids. It goes on for 2 miles and is completely protected by a reef so the water is shallow and calm.
Amenities
There are restrooms, outdoor showers, and shaded picnic areas.
🏖 Hanalei Bay
Overview
Hanalei Beach Park is a huge bay with a mountain backdrop. A wide, two-mile beach of white, powdery sands. The water is clear and warm. There is a long pier to walk out on to really see the views.
Amenities
Restrooms, lifeguards, and picnic tables on site and rental shops and dining options within walking distance.
🏖 Tunnels Beach
Overview
You have to visit this beach just for its breathtaking beauty. The golden sand beach has a backdrop of a lush jungle. The waves can get pretty big, so swimming might not be an option every day but the long, spacious beach is perfect for sand toys and lounging around. Parking is difficult so come early!
Amenities
The beach itself doesn’t have any amenities, but there are restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables nearby.
Best Places to Stay in Kauai with Kids
Short on time?
📍 South Shore’s best hotel: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
📍 North Shore’s best hotel: Westin Princeville
📍East Side’s best hotel: Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Comparing South Shore vs North Shore
The two major areas of the island are the South Shore (Poipu) and the North Shore (Princeville).
Poipu (South) is the more busy, touristy area of the island. You can find a central spot and walk everywhere.
It has more options for full-service hotel/resorts and condos. It’s also closer to the big-ticket activities (like Waimea Canyon or Port Allen for any boat rides) and has more choice in restaurants.
Because it’s more touristy, you’ll have to deal with more crowds.
Princeville (North) is the more laid-back, scenic area of the island. It’s greener, lusher, (but also wetter) and more natural overall.
There are more beaches, better snorkeling, and more options for kayaking or paddle boarding. Less big resorts and more smaller, quieter hotels or secluded houses.
Less restaurants and activities, and you’ll need a car to get around. It’ll take longer to get to the more popular activities and excursions.
Overall, the more peaceful option of the two sides of the island.
Best Lodging Options on South Shore
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai offers rooms that range from standard or connecting rooms, to 1- or 2- bedroom suites. It’s a water wonderland with numerous pools, a lazy river, water slide, and a lagoon. Six restaurants to choose from. On Poipu Beach with amazing views.
➡️ Check out prices and book the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa by clicking here!
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
At Koloa Landing Resort you can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom villas. Three gigantic pools including a lagoon pool with a children’s swimming area. Fun extras around the property like volleyball nets, a putting green, a soccer area, poolside BBQs, and weekly activities like hula lessons and s’mores. On Poipu Beach.
➡️ Check out prices and book the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu by clicking here!
Best Lodging Options on North Shore
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort
The Westin Princeville has options of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas. Three pools to choose from including a Children’s Pool with a small water slide and spouting turtles. Westin Family Kids Club.Two on-site restaurants plus a Market with a coffee shop inside. Near Anini Beach.
➡️ Check out prices and book the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort by clicking here!
Hanalei Bay Resort
The Hanalei Bay Resort offers 1- and 2-bedroom condos. Their main pool is a gigantic free-form lagoon pool with waterfalls, and they also offer a spa in a grotto setting, and a smaller adults pool. On Hanalei Bay.
➡️ Check out prices and book the Hanalei Bay Resort by clicking here!
Check out even more information about the best area to stay in Kauai by clicking here!
How to Get to Kauai with Kids
Kauai’s major airport is Lihue Airport (LIH). Flights to/from the west coast are roughly 5 – 6 hours.
Several major airlines fly to Kauai including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest.
There are non-stop flights from major airports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, and Chicago.
🛩 First time flying with baby? 🛩
Read my best tips for flying with a baby to get you through the long flight by clicking here!
Do You Need a Rental Car on Kauai?
If you’re planning on staying at the resort or rental area the whole time and want to book tours that are within walking distance or have shuttle service, you won’t need a car. (BOR-ING. I do not recommend this.)
You can try your luck with Uber or Lyft, but they were very hard to come by when we were there. We were told by a taxi driver that they just don’t have enough drivers on the island.
If you want to explore the island (I HIGHLY recommend that you do!) you’ll need to rent a car. Kauai is packed full of beautiful sites that are all over the island. You would be missing out on SO much if you didn’t see the different sides of the island.
You can also consider just renting a car for 1 or 2 days and plan all of your exploring on those days.
And whatever you book, do it ASAP! As soon as you book your tickets, book your car. Rental cars are always pricey in Hawaii.
❗Planning on renting a car?
rentalcars.com is the place to look – I always find the cheapest rate on this site!
Best Places To Eat in Kauai
Breakfast
Little Fish Coffee (Poipu)
Little Fish Coffee has everything you need to start your day, including coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, and breakfast sandwiches. We went here every morning!
Hanalei Bread Company (Hanalei)
Hanalei Bread Company is an organic bakery and coffee house that’s locally owned and operated. Grab a quick drink or enjoy some specialty breakfast items, such as avocado toast and acai bowls.
Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company (Kalaheo)
At Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company, you can enjoy all types of breakfast items, such as omelets, French toast, and wraps, along with various beverages.
Lunch
Koloa Fish Market (Koloa)
If you love seafood, Koloa Fish Market is a great place to grab a bite to eat. They offer plate lunches and poke bowls made from fresh, local fish.
Da Crack (Koloa)
Da Crack is a Mexican restaurant in Koloa that lets you build your own burritos, bowls, and tacos by selecting a meat and additional toppings.
Mark’s Place (Lihue)
Mark’s Place serves delicious Hawaiian food, including plate lunches, hot sandwiches, and appetizers, specializing in dishes with beef and chicken.
Waipouli Deli (Kapa’a)
Waipouli Deli is a family-owned business offering American, Japanese, and Hawaiian dishes.
Dinner
Keoki’s Paradise (Poipu Shopping Village)
Keoki’s Paradise is a beautiful, upscale Hawaiian restaurant. It’s surrounded by stunning native plants for an immersive experience.
Merriman’s (The Shops at Kukui’ula)
Merrinman’s is a fancy seafood restaurant that serves fresh ingredients that are locally caught and grown. They have several locations across the Hawaiian islands.
Duke’s (Lihue)
Duke’s is a dinner destination along the beach, offering indoor and outdoor seating. While it’s an excellent dinner destination, it’s also open for brunch.
FAQs: Kauai with Kids
Is Kauai worth visiting with kids?
Yes, Kauai is absolutely worth visiting with kids! The island is extremely family-friendly, offering a variety of activities for all ages and resorts with amenities perfect for parents and children.
Is Kauai Expensive?
Kauai can be relatively expensive compared to mainland destinations in terms of accommodations, food, and excursions. It’s similar to the other Hawaiian islands though. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut costs like choosing casual dining spots and free activities.
What Is the Best Kid-Friendly Resort on Kauai?
- South Shore’s best hotel: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
- North Shore’s best hotel: Westin Princeville
- East Side’s best hotel: Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Is Maui or Kauai better for kids?
Both Maui and Kauai are excellent spots for families. For younger kids and families seeking a more laid-back experience, Kauai is a better choice. The beaches are calmer and there are more opportunities for nature experiences.
Wrapping Up: Kauai with Kids
As you can see, Kauai is an amazing destination for families. Whether you want adventure on the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon or you’re dreaming of relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches on the island, there are countless opportunities for fun.
Since there’s so much to do, my biggest tip would be to plan as much as you can beforehand so that you get the opportunity to see everything you want. Get ready for an unforgettable family vacation!
Aloha!
