A holiday to Kauai with kids is the perfect combination of peace and adventure – like ziplining over mountains, tubing down sugar canals and scoffing fresh poke bowls and lunch plates. Kauai’s stunning coastline, waterfalls and mountains will take your breath away, and the hospitality of its people will make you settle right in. Family activities in Kauai are diverse and abundant, and your holiday in Kauai with kids is bound to be one of the best ever. So, if you want to know what to do in Kauai with kids – read on!
Before you go
VPN
Make sure to download your VPN so you can protect your data and watch your shows from home (I watched the Survivor Australia final while we were there!). You can read why you need a VPN here and see our recommendations.
Make sure you have travel insurance – we use Covermore and have for more than 20 years.
In your bag
Water shoes – Water shoes very popular in Kauai, they’re used in hiking and tubing and are handy to have in your bag to use when you’re outdoors. Check out the different kinds here.
Hiking shoes – If you’re planning to hike around the mountains or even upriver you should wear hiking shoes, especially if you’re taking some of the trickier paths along the Na Pali coast.
Digital waterproof camera – We use the GoPro Hero 8 Black and love it, and we’ve also used the Olympus Tough – which was amazing until Emmie threw it into a spa with the housing open. #kids
Reef safe sunscreen – It’s so important to use reef safe sunscreen – you can buy it in Kauai or take it with you. We use SunBum.
Snorkel and mask – We always carry our own snorkel and mask – it’s our luxury item, nd even more important now with Covid! And it means we can jump in and snorkel wherever we like and we always know that we have good quality gear, even on tours.
About Kauai
Kauai is the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island and the fourth largest of the archipelago. It’s around 5 million years old and was formed by volcanic eruptions. It is also home to the wettest spot on the planet and there are many waterfalls cascading down the beautiful mountains that you will see as you’re driving along – it’s amazing!
Captain Cook arrived here in Waimea Bay in 1778 and sadly, the local people’s way of life – based on caring for the earth, family and working together – changed forever. Once the biggest producer of sugar, the island’s economy is now driven by tourism. Its history though is full of myth and legend, alongside beautiful stories of formidable tribes, the mischievous Menehune and a world where material possessions were meaningless, stories were shared through song and dance, and land was cared for to be passed down to the next generation.
Getting there
We flew to Kauai with Hawaiian Airlines from Oahu (and we’ve flown with them from Sydney too). It’s such a quick flight – around 30 minutes. My tip is to sit on the left-hand side of the plane for the best view of the approach. The airport is in Lihue which is an easy starting point for heading north or south, or just hanging around.. You can fly from Kauai to the other Hawaiian Islands like Maui.
Arriving in Kauai – car hire
Car hire is a must and we used Hawaii Discount Car Hire which was such good value. We just jumped in the shuttle at the airport and it took only a couple of minutes to get to Dollar Car Rental where our car was from. Drivers in Kauai are super patient too, and it’s so easy to drive around. No one seems to be in a hurry, it’s all very polite and not stressful at all.
Gas is cheap and seems to last forever. We drove a lot and only filled up once.
I also didn’t need an international drivers licence to hire the car – just my current licence from home.
My tips: If you’re driving on the “wrong” side of the road in Kauai remember you – as the driver – should always be in the middle, not on the outside! I only messed up a couple of times and this helped me remember where I should be.
And remember, never leave your gear in the car. Our car was recently broken into in Spain and we were not covered for all the luggage and electronics they stole. So always have your gear in the hotel – don’t stop en-route!
Chickens
Kauai is covered in chickens, roosters and chicks. It’s hilarious (until they wake you up at 4am). The story goes that Hurricane Iwa in 1982 and then Hurricane Iniki in 1992 blew open the coops and the chickens escaped and couldn’t be recaptured so they roam free…and they’re everywhere!
Costs
Kauai can be expensive – and it didn’t work out cheaper for us to buy groceries and prepare food ourselves. You may as well get a fish taco from a food truck instead because that is way more affordable and better for the wallet!
However, if you are a Costco member – or become one before you leave – you can do a big shop at the Lihue Costco on arrival and stock up on what you need. This is especially worthwhile if you’re staying in a condo and can stock up your kitchen. Accommodation is also expensive – and we were in low season – but as always hunt around online and see what you can find.
Here’s what to do in Kauai with kids and where to stay:
– SOUTH AROUND POIPU –
Waimea Canyon
Just a short drive from Poipu in the south, the Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific, and a fab adventure in Kauai with kids. Waimea means red waters after the rivers and floods that flowed through here from the top of Mount Waialeale, bringing the red soil with it. The canyon was carved out from floods and rainfall over centuries and is more than 16 kilometres long (10miles) and more than a kilometre deep (3,500ft).
There are many hikes to do here – but you do need to be careful, especially with kids, as depending on the time of year and weather the trails can be crumbly and slippery and there may be flash flooding. So plan ahead, take note of the weather and time of year and talk to the locals.
It’s just so beautiful at Waimea Canyon
How to get there:
If like us you drive up for the views then it’s super easy.
We followed Route 50 all the way up the mountain til it joined Route 550 at Waimea and kept going. It’s so easy to just follow in Google Maps. It’s best to leave early – we were out at sunrise – so we made it to the top and could see the Na Pali coastline and the cathedral mountains before the flog rolled in. So take the road all the way to the top and the first lookout (it will feel like maybe you have missed the lookout but keep going – the road will end and you’ll be at the final lookout)– you can follow this trail for some distance. It’s just beautiful.
Tickets:
Get your car entry ticket at the lookouts. It’s $5, and you get it from a machine that takes credit card only. You’ll also have to enter your licence plate number.
From the top of the mountain then simply follow the road back down stopping at the numerous lookouts along the way. Make sure to visit the museum to learn about the history of the area – the amount of men brought in from the Philippines and Japan to build the sugar canals is incredible – grab a souvenir and a bite to eat.
Waimea Canyon is just gorgeous
Na Pali Coast cruise with Captain Andy
We LOVED our Captain Andy cruise. There are many types of cruises and any vendors in the area but for us Captain Andy’s was excellent and both Emmie and I (even though she was the only kid onboard) had a fabulous time. We left Port Allen early in the morning and sailed up the coast, learning all about its fascinating history along the way – its geology, the Hawaiian people and how they navigated using dolphins, Iwa birds and the glowing red eye of lava in the rock face.
The stunning Na Pali Coast
We stopped for photos at the Na Pali coast, snorkelled, ate a fab BBQ lunch and then the bar was open as we set sail back to port with 80’s music blaring and Emmie and me laying on the front of the catamaran hanging on as we bounced over waves.
Absolutely recommended. We took the Snorkel & BBQ cruise and loved it – and you can find out more and book cruises at the Captain Andy website.
You can check out other sailing tours here.
Na Pali Coast cruising
Helicopter ride over the coast
They say a chopper takes off every seven minutes in Kauai, but we didn’t get in one! I’d love to be brave enough but it’s just not for me although it looks AMAZING. You can find out more info about helicopter tours in Kauai here and flights here.
Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn is an easy drive past Poipu beach and the most incredible ocean front homes. It’s what we at home call a blow hole – water rushing up through a hole in the rocks and spouting high in the air. Locals sell crafts at stalls nearby and there are some nice little swimming spots nearby.
Spouting Horn Kauai
Humane Society of Kauai
Only 25 minutes from Poipu (and kind of in between Lihue and Poipu), the Humane Society of Kauai loves visitors and encourages guests and tourists to come and play with their dogs and cats, and even better- take a dog out on a day trip to a park or beach, and if you’re from the US you can even adopt. Check opening hours and get more info here.
So rewarding to visit the Kauai Humane Society
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is a great little spot for swimming and snorkelling and is super family friendly. There are two little shops nearby but it’s an easy drive to the local shops where you can grab coffee, food and whatever else you need.
Surf lessons
Poipu Beach is a great spot for surf lessons, and you can learn how to surf at different beaches around the island. You could try Kauai Surf School or Poipu Beach Surf School. Have fun!
Zipline
There are a few different ziplines on the island, we wanted to go with Kauai Backcountry, but they have an age limit – if you have teens then this is the one for you. Otherwise, our friends did the zipline near Poipu and loved it, and there’s also one in Princeville too – so wherever you are on the island you’re covered.You can book in advance through Get Your Guide – here are some options.
Horse riding
There are two stables recommended by the Go Hawaii official website. Find out more here.
Where to stay in and around Poipu:
We stayed at the incredible Grant Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – it’s such an incredible resort with ALL THE VIBES! It has a lazy river, a slide, frose by the pool and fab restaurants. We loved it.
Resorts & Hotels in and around Poipu
We spent the first part of our holiday at Poipu in the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa where we based ourselves and did activities in the morning and pool time in the afternoon – be warned, it is hard to tear yourself away from the pool and stunning grounds of the resort, but we made sure to be out and about doing activities in the morning and had our resort time in the afternoon.
This resort is our new favourite – it just had the vibe and everything the kids in Kauai need for downtime – and to keep themselves occupied while mummy samples all the frozen cocktails as she floats down the lazy river. Check out availability and prices here. We loved it here so much.
– KA’PAA & THE COCONUT COAST –
The coconut coast is in between Poipu in the south and the northern beaches like Hanalei, with the beautiful town of Kapaa and surrounds and its lovely coastline waterfalls and hikes, tubing and kayaking adventures up the Waimea river.
Explore Ka’paa
Ka’paa is such a gorgeous little town full of delicious cafes and food trucks. We went to the farmers markets here and stayed at the Aston Islander on the Beach…I wish we had split our time between the Grand Hyatt Kauai and the Aston Islander as there was so much to explore around this area and the beach was lovely. It wasn’t far (about 20 minutes) to our favourite north side spot, Kilauea where you can visit the lighthouse, eat at Sushi Girl, swim in the ocean and river and grab some fresh juice from Kauai Juice Company. It’s also close to Kauai Backcountry Adventures who we tubed down the sugar canals with. We also went to the farmers markets here – we love it.
The farmers markets are so great – try to make it if you can
Tubing down sugar cane canals
Another must while you’re in Kauai is tubing down the sugar cane canals! This fabulous Kauai activity is one the whole family will LOVE – we would do it again in a heartbeat. The trip takes a few hours and starts with getting kitted up at the Kauai Backcountry Adventures headquarters in Kapaa – we were staying at the Aston Islander on the Beach when we did this and it was about a 15 minute drive – perfect!
Once you’re in your gear you’re driven to the canals in an open top truck, past beautiful scenery and your guides will share information about the area, the history of sugar cane farming and the canals and the local people. It’s super interested and I love when family activities are educational AND fun!
Then it’s time to tube! You’ll go down little rapids and through tunnels and it’s just the BEST fun experience. We had an awesome time and highly recommend this for families in Kauai! Make sure to book in advance as its really popular!
Amazing tubing Kauai with kids
Tasting Kauai Food tour
Set out for a half day tour tasting some of Kauai’s most delicious food and drinks with Tasting Kauai. Kauai has a focus on fresh, organic, locally sourced food, especially in the north and the North Shore Food Tour took us on a delicious adventure tasting juices and kombucha, burgers, traditional taro and pork, dried fruit, garden medicine, amazing sushi and finishing off with a burger. So good! We traveled in our own cars in convoy and had such a great time.
It’s a fabulous tour for the family – Emmie loved it for the tastes, the variety and the potions at the gardens. She also tried dishes she otherwise never would have and fell in love with beetroot and kale juice. Who would have thought?
Tasting Kauai runs tours all over the island – you can book your tour here.
Kauai Juice Co – the best!
Where to stay in Ka’paa and the Coconut Coast
Best Coconut Coast Kauai Beach Resort – Aston Islander on The Beach
This area was our second favourite after the south – the Coconut Coast is lovely and our stay at the Aston Islander on the Beach was fabulous. It also had the vibe, the lazy vibe of holidays with its beach front position, swimming pool with bar and live music, and guests just intent on relaxing and enjoying themselves.
The beautiful Aston Islander on the Beach
There’s a small shopping village next door with great coffee, awesome poke and little stores for supplies (Hot tip: NZ Matua sauvignon blanc was $11.99 a bottle). We loved our time here and wish we’d had a few more days here. Check prices and availability here.
– PRINCEVILLE, HANALEI & THE NORTH –
Beaches around the north
Well I have to admit that we didn’t visit too many more north shore beaches – well we did but we just discovered little beaches along the coast and we didn’t go to the well-known ones. Also because you have to get day passes into Ha’ena Stat Park and you need to apply early! You have to reserve access and you can book a parking spot too, if they’re full you can grab a spot on the shuttle. It’s easy if you’re organised. Oops. Get all your info here.
Hanalei Beach
This is the famous Kauai north shore beach, a sweeping bay fringed with palm trees and with mountains and flowing waterfalls looming just behind, It’s a pretty incredible view that’s for sure. There are lots of shops here, food trucks and restaurants and bars and its super popular so it is a bit of a scene, but everyone seems to love it! You can hire SUPs here and take kayak excursions up the local river too.
The Ritz for cocktails at sunset
This is the spot for cocktails I’ve been told – we didn’t make it, but it will have to go on the list for next time! Check it out here.
SUP and kayak at Hanalei
Hire kayaks and SUPs at Hanalei and head off up the river or into the bay. You’ll see them on your left as you drive into town. If you prefer you can book a guided tour
Shaved ice and fish tacos – food truck heaven
Here’s lots of fabulous food in Kauai – my favourite were the fish tacos and Emmie love the pork. We would just pull up and order our food and enjoy. We also loved our juices from the Kauai Juice Company and I had the best sushi from Sushi Girl. And if you want a fabulous burger stop at the service station at Princeville – North Shore General – they make awesome burgers and other fab food too.
Yummo! Shave ice is a must in Kauai
Where to stay in the north
Makai Club Resort in Princeville
We stayed at the Makai Club Resort in Princeville, a fabulous little condo complex with a pool, BBQs (and self-contained so we had a laundry! Yay!) and complimentary beach gear from umbrellas to toys. From our balcony we could see a waterfall coming down the mountain, and it was only a seven-minute drive into Hanalei (where everyone wants to be). The condo was awesome, the staff were the sweetest and they had a good pool and BBQ – but this is best for big families or groups, of if you want privacy. Condos are private and we felt like a little more social – even if just having people around us.
It was too late for us to get accommodation in Hanelei by the time we got around to booking but I’d suggest checking out the various condos like the Hanalei Colony Resort and others that you can find on booking.com and VRBO.com.
Have an amazing time on your adventure and let us know what you love the most!
And if you’re feeling nervous about travelling check out our comprehensive family travel safety guide HOLIDAY SAFE: The complete guide to staying safe when traveling with kids It has everything you need to know about traveling safely on our family holiday or extended trip.