Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. From its lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls to pristine beaches and vibrant cultural experiences, Kauai has something for every family member.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or quality time together, this guide highlights eight must-do activities to create unforgettable memories for your family on this enchanting Hawaiian island. Let’s dive into the top family-friendly activities in Kauai that promise fun, excitement, and bonding moments for all.
Traveling to Kauai with Kids—Fun Family Activities for Your Trip
1. Hang at Poipu Beach while in Kauai with your kids
Poipu (Baby Beach) is the standard beach for kids and families. It is nice and calm and good for swimming and snorkeling, but it is crowded. I like to get there early after breakfast (9 or so) to beat crowds and the sun. We are usually home by lunch. Usual beach activities include snorkeling and checking for turtles and monk seals that come up on the beach. There is an easy beach shack across the street (Breneckes) for smoothies and snacks if needed.
2. Take the offroad path to Mahalepu’u on your next Kauai vacation
Mahalepu’u is worth a trip, but I heard they closed access to get out there, so unless it has reopened, you may be out of luck. You might want to ask around when you are there because it is a pretty cool excursion. You used to be able to take the dirt road past the golf course (next to Hyatt), then make a left and into the potholed road where the gate is. If you run into the horse stables, you’ve gone too far. There is also a turtle sanctuary within and off this dirt road that my kids love. Make a right and head towards the pine trees and beach when the road comes to a T.
Parking is at the end of the road (dead ends into the beach). It’s a great hike out on the rocks (super secluded beach on the other side) and a lovely beach walk heading back towards shipwrecks. It also has a beautiful labyrinth overlooking the bluff there.
You can walk out there from Shipwrecks along the cliffs, which is a great hike you should be able to do even if road access is closed, so it is worth doing this regardless, as it is the best hike on the South Shore—very few people out there, primarily locals fishing and a few in-the-know tourists. Bring a cooler and post up for a bit. Take your camera!
3. Enjoy a Wailua kayak tour as a family
We have done this a few times with my family. There is a separate excursion that also goes to the secret waterfall. This is a 30-minute drive from Poipu and would be a half-day trip—usually, I combine it with Wailua or Opaekaa Falls, which are nearby.
4. See the Spouting Horn—a great Kauai activity for all ages
This is a geyser at the west end of Poipu. It is a pretty drive along the road past the harbor.
5. Go and visit Kapa’a while in Hawaii with your family
It is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Poipu to Hanalei, depending on traffic through Kapa’a. It’s a haul but pretty magical and has a different feel from the South Shore. The mountains dipping into the sea are just something you don’t see on the island’s south side. Take some time to hang out on that beach and by the pier.
Many places along the river rent SUPS and kayaks, which is pretty killer. We usually go to the one closest to the river mouth, which you can walk to from the parking lot. Tunnels is also a fantastic beach; snorkeling is always suitable in front if conditions are good. Hideaways is also a great spot in Princeville.
Drive into Princeville like you are going to the 1 Hotel Hanalei, and there is a little parking lot on the right (by tennis courts) with about eight public parking spots. It would help if you got lucky to find a parking spot. It’s a gnarly walk down the hill to get there, but once you do, it’s a killer beach and great snorkeling. It is another 15-20 minutes from Hanalei to Tunnels and then another 5 minutes or so to the end of the road in Haena.
6. Take a walk on the Hanapepe swinging bridge
Hanapepe Town is about 15-20 minutes west of Poipu. It is a cool artist town with a swinging bridge over the Hanapepe River. The best option is to go on Friday Night when they usually have art gallery openings, food trucks, and live music.
7. Enjoy a trip to Waimea while vacationing in Kauai with your family
Waimea is worth a trip one day, and it is a full day. The weather changes a bit up in the mountains. The town of Waimea is around 30-40 minutes from Poipu. You will see road signs to get you to Waimea Canyon, another 30 to 40-minute drive into the mountains.
Waimea Canyon is the first stopover for the lookout. Then, you will also want to hit the Kalalau lookout, another 15 minutes past the Waimea Canyon stop. Kalalau lookout is the end of the road. Keep going to the right when you get to the lookout lot to the farthest parking lot. That is the Pihea trailhead and the start of the Alikai swamp trail. Take a walk for as long as you want, but the best views are the first mile or so, with Kalalau Valley on the left. There are epic photos to be had here, and it’s the best view of the Kalalau valley.
8. Take a hike on the Na Pali Coast
All the hikes start on the North Shore, which may be too much for you unless you want to do a few miles when you get to the end of the road in Haena. So, if you choose to see the Na Pali Coast from the South Shore, it comes down to a heli or boat tour. Chopper tours leave from Lihue. The other option is to go by boat. One option is to leave Hanalei, the island’s other side. The pro is that you are much closer to Napali, but the con is that it is much more expensive and complicated. Another option is to leave from Port Allen, which is right near Hanapepe. The Na Pali Coast is also the first place that fans of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World want to see, along with some other destinations mentioned. This post on 5 Jurassic Views You’ll Find in Kauai lists some others in more detail.
Along with fun activities, I consulted Kristina Watkins (@kw_lux_travel) for ideas on great hotels in Kauai. Here are six great ones below:
- 1Hotel Hanalei Bay: Located on the picturesque North Shore of Kauai, 1Hotel Hanalei Bay offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. This eco-friendly resort emphasizes sustainability, using natural materials and incorporating energy-efficient practices. Guests can enjoy amenities like an infinity pool, spa, and farm-to-table dining options.
- The Lodge at Kukui’Ila: The Lodge at Kukui’ula is a luxurious private club and resort located on the sunny South Shore of Kauai. It features upscale bungalows and cottages set amidst lush landscapes. Guests have access to world-class amenities, including a golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, a sprawling spa, a range of dining options, and outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
- Timbers Kauai: Situated on the scenic coastline of Lihue, Timbers Kauai offers upscale residential-style accommodations within the Hokuala resort. The property boasts spacious villas with ocean views, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and a variety of recreational activities. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, a spa, and direct access to the beach.
- Grand Hyatt: Located in Poipu on the South Shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a large beachfront property known for its lush gardens and extensive amenities. The resort features multiple pools, including a saltwater lagoon, a lazy river, and a waterslide. Guests can indulge in fine dining, relax at the award-winning Anara Spa, and enjoy activities like golf and tennis.
- Koa Kea: Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, also in Poipu, offers a more intimate and romantic setting. This boutique beachfront hotel is known for its elegant rooms and personalized service. Amenities include a spa, a pool with ocean views, and the award-winning Red Salt restaurant. It’s a perfect spot for couples looking for a tranquil and luxurious getaway.
- Sheraton Kauai: The Sheraton Kauai Resort is a beachfront property located on Poipu Beach. It offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful ocean views and direct beach access. The resort features a variety of dining options, two swimming pools, a fitness center, and numerous water activities. It’s ideal for families and travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Each of these hotels offers a unique experience, making them suitable for different types of travelers visiting the beautiful island of Kauai.
Last but not least—Good food spots for the family in Kauai
Last, you’ll want to be ready for some fantastic food. Koloa town has an incredible fish market, and Ishiharas on the West Side near Waimea has the best Japanese market, complete with great poke selections and plate lunches. My kids also adapt to an afternoon shave ice excursion while we are there. Koloa Shave Ice is excellent; the Fresh Shace in Lawai is also good if you do the Spouting Horn one day; Jojos and the Hanalei Shave Ice Truck also do not disappoint. I also enjoyed the Taro Truck in Hanalei. If you are eating out at night and not throwing a fish on the BBQ, we love Keoki’s Paradise. Their Frozen Mai Tai’s are so unique and a must! Plus, music every night usually starts around 7 pm, which is excellent for the kids.
If you have time, treat yourself to a spa day at the Hyatt on the island. It’s excellent and just what all moms need, and I love running the path to it and then treating myself to spa time afterward. If you want more tips on traveling with the family, check out our episode on How to Plan the Best Family Trip on the MomShine pod, or reach out to me (@momshineco) or Kristina Watkins (kw_lux_travel) on Instagram.