Kauaʻi with Kids
The Garden Isle, filled with amazing beaches and lush landscapes, is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and pure magic for kids.
Kauaʻi with Kids
Exceptional Experience
Kauaʻi is an incredible family destination. Its lush landscapes, calm beaches, and mix of gentle adventures make it perfect for kids of all ages, from toddlers splashing in protected waters to older children exploring waterfalls or spotting turtles. The island’s slower pace (no big cities or theme parks) emphasizes nature, aloha, and quality time together.
Winter brings cooler mornings, possible brief showers (especially north), but still plenty of sunshine. In general, south shore (Poʻipū) is drier and sunnier, while north (Hanalei/Princeville) can be rainier but magical with fewer crowds
Good To Know…
Key Tips…
Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids:
Beware of the Hawaiian Sun
Hawaii’s location near the equator delivers exceptionally intense sunlight year-round, so strong sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays is needed, especially for children, whose skin is more sensitive and burns faster. Choose a broad-spectrum formula (blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30+ (ideally 50+ for extended play). Go for reef-safe, mineral-based options using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these are gentler on kids’ skin and required by Hawaii law to protect coral reefs (avoid chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate). Even “water-resistant” or “waterproof” sunscreens wear off quickly in salt water, sand, sweat, or from toweling. Reapply every 2 hours, and always right after swimming or heavy play. Stash an extra bottle in the car. Skipping protection entirely can turn a fun beach day into a painful (and potentially serious) sunburn fast. Good items to have include a hat to protect the scalp and water shoes to protect sensitive feet.
Top Kid-Friendly Beaches
These are family picks, some lifeguarded, and fun for building sandcastles, swimming, or spotting marine life.
Hanalei Bay
The iconic crescent beach with gentle inside breaks is perfect for first surf lessons, paddling, or sand play. In summer, the waters are calm and shallow for safe swimming; in winter, head to the Pier for gentler waves and lifeguard presence. It is great for boogie boarding, sand play, or picnics. Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. No shade.
Anini Beach
Anini is a reef-protected lagoon and super calm for little ones, safe splashing, turtle spotting, and easy entry. It is calm even when the rest of the North Shore gets rough winter swells. Great place to learn snorkeling. It has restrooms, showers, camping, and picnic facilities. Less crowded. Lots of shady ironwood trees. No Lifeguard.
Kalihiwai Beach
A secluded, crescent beach with a river mouth, just west of Kīlauea. The Kalihiwai River flows directly into the bay, forming a calm, brackish pool at the western end. Perfect for younger kids, wading, swimming in fresher water, or just relaxing under ironwood trees for shade. No lifeguard. No facilities. Locals boogie board and surf here.
Poʻipū Beach
Top family pick, is located on the sunny shore in the resort area of Poʻipū. With calm protected coves, it is excellent beach for beginner snorkeling. Turtles often bask on sand or swim nearby – magical for kids!
This beach has playground, picnic areas, showers, some shade trees and lifeguards.
Great for all ages; arrive early for parking.
Lydgate Beach Park
Located south of Wailua and north of Lihue. It is ultimate kid haven with two rock-enclosed saltwater ponds for wave-free swimming/snorkeling (even on windy days), massive Kamalani Playground (one of Hawaii’s best with wooden structures, slides, tunnels), grassy space for picnics, lifeguards, and restrooms.
Families spend full days here.
Easy Adventures & Outdoor Fun
Many activities to choose from. Have fun with aloha!
Play at Anaina Hou Community Park
This park near Kilauea is a massive, imaginative space with structures inspired by Hawaiian history (volcano slide, large canoe, sugar cane train, and local kids’ artwork). There is also a skateboard ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, and even a hiking trail.
Play Mini Golf
There are many spots for mini golf, but if you are staying in the north, one to visit is Kauaʻi Mini Golf (entry fee). It is a standout family-friendly mini golf near Kilauena combining an 18-hole mini golf course with a lush botanical garden. Pipe shots & other obstacles make it fun for all ages.
Get Shave Ice
There are many places to get shave ice, but our family favorite is Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei. They offer organic, house-made syrups that taste like real fruit; fresh flavors like mango, lilikoi (passion fruit), ginger, coconut, lychee, and guava. They also offer acai bowls and smoothies.
The Kauai Bike Path
The bike path is called Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning “The Path that Goes by the Coast”. It is paved, car-free trail running along the East Shore (Coconut Coast) for about 7–8 miles. The best part is from Wailua and Kapaa to Keālia Beach toward Anahola Beach.
Ride a Train
Take a ride at Kilohana Plantation in an authentic mahogany-lined passenger cars on a 2.5-mile loop. You’ll pass original crops (sugarcane, taro), fruit groves, and working farmland. A highlight is a stop to disembark and feed friendly farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, and the beloved donkey Stiney).
Explore a Cave
A great, kid-friendly cave to explore is Maniniholo Dry Cave. It’s super accessible, right across the street from Haʻena Beach Park.
This massive, dry cavern is wide and tall at the entrance, but the ceiling lowers toward the back, with a sandy/rocky floor and natural light filtering in during the day.
Kilauea Lighthouse
Perched on a 180-foot bluff at Kauai’s northernmost tip, the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge & Lighthouse is a refuge protecting nesting seabirds. Enjoy the dramatic bluff-top views, spotting seabirds, and searching for dolphins or whales. Recreation.gov ~$10/adult, kids free/under certain age.
Hawaiian Village
Kāmokila Hawaiian Village (often called Kamokila Hawaiian Village) is a fantastic option on Kauaʻi’s East Shore (Wailua area) for families with kids to experience a recreated traditional Hawaiian village. It’s a small-scale, open-air site along the Wailua River that brings ancient Hawaiian life to life.
Kayaking with Kids on Kauaʻi
Kayaking with kids on Kauaʻi is a fantastic family adventure. The island’s calm rivers and protected bays make it accessible and magical for children.
Top Operators for Families:
- Kayak Kauai — Family-friendly guided tours (Sacred Falls or shorter Paddle option in winter); small groups, knowledgeable guides who engage kids (e.g., animal interactions).
- Ali’i Kayaks — Highly rated for fun, funny guides; good for families with kids 5+; emphasizes enjoyment and history.
- Kayak Wailua or Rainbow Kayak Tours — All ages welcome (5–70 range); easy-paced, great reviews from families with young children (e.g., ages 3–12).
- Kayak Adventures Kauai — Morning tours only (best calm conditions), snacks/drinks included; ages 5+ common.
Self-Guided Rentals:
E.g., Wailua Kayak & Canoe or Bring Me Rentals. They are cheaper with flexible pace, but guided recommended for first-timers/kids (guides handle navigation, safety, and add education).
Wailua River
The most popular option is the Wailua River (East Shore, near Kapaʻa), a navigable river with flat, gentle waters (no strong currents), ideal for beginners and families. Most tours are guided, provide tandem kayaks (kids ride with parents), life jackets for all ages, and snacks/water.
Hanalei River
Another option is the Hanalei river. The river paddle is calm and you can go into upstream or into the direction of scenic bay. Operators like Kayak Hanalei offer family routes (ages 5+ for tours; rentals 3+). Less hike-focused; great for relaxed family time with mountain views. Bring bug spray.
Other Fun Activities
Visit a Botanical Garden
1) Allerton Garden (near Poʻipū): A 100-acre landscaped masterpiece blending art, history, and nature. Guided tours only.
2) McBryde Garden (by Allerton in Lāwaʻi Valley): The NTBG’s flagship “botanical ark”, 259 acres with the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora. Self-guided walks.
3) Limahuli Garden and Preserve (by Haʻena): A 17-acre garden + 985-acre preserve. Guided tours or self-guided with shuttle parking.
Visit a Chocolate Farm
1) Lydgate Farms (near Kapaʻa): This is often the top pick for families: a working cacao farm with a highly rated 3-hour “branch-to-bar” guided tour. Ages 7+
2) Princeville Botanical Gardens: A 3-hour guided tour through lush gardens with fruit/honey samples, stories, and a dedicated 30–50 minute gourmet chocolate tasting. Ages 3+
3) Kilauea Jungle Oasis (Kīlauea): Family-owned 2.5-hour guided tour on a 6-acre tropical fruit farm with cacao processing. Ages 4+
Take Silly Photos at the Hawaiian Trading Post
Hawaiian Trading Post (in Lawai, South Shore near Koloa/Kalaheo) is a charming, family-owned shop that’s been a Kauai staple since the 1980s. It’s not a full “village” or interactive attraction, but it’s super fun for kids. The parking area is loaded with whimsical, larger-than-life sculptures and props perfect for goofy family pictures.
Location: 3427 Koloa Road, Lawai (easy drive from Poʻipū—about 10–15 minutes). Free parking.
Hiking with a Rescue Dog
Kauaʻi Humane Society (KHS) has an unique program called “Field Trips for Shelter Dogs”. You can “borrow” a dog for the day (free for Hawaii residents with ID; visitors may have different options). Hiking with a rescue dog and kids on Kauaʻi can be a rewarding bonding experience and building confidence in the dog.
Dogs wear “Adopt Me” harnesses to spark interest. This program socializes dogs and often leads to adoptions.
Attend a Luau
Luaus and cultural experiences on Kauaʻi offer a wonderful way to connect with Hawaiian traditions; through music, dance (hula), storytelling, food, and aloha spirit. Luaus provide an entertaining introduction with feasts and performances, while deeper cultural activities allow hands-on immersion in history, crafts, and heritage. There are many options with popular shows running regularly (book ahead, especially peak seasons).
Luau Kalamaku
Luau Kalamaku (at Kilohana Plantation, Līhuʻe) offers theatrical storytelling (epic sea voyage from Tahiti), high production value, live music, graceful hula, fire poi, and knife dancing. Held under an open-air pavilion (covered for rain), with a delicious buffet and artisan market. Highly praised for being engaging, professional, and memorable.
Operates Tuesday/Friday evenings; packages include train rides through the historic plantation.
Smith’s Family Garden Luau
At Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Wailua River area, is a long-running favorite (generations of the Smith family) with a garden tour, imu ceremony (unearthing kalua pig), open bar, buffet, and a vibrant “Rhythm of Aloha” show featuring dances from HI, Tahiti, Samoa, Philippines, NZ, and Japan in an open-air amphitheater. Family-friendly, well-organized, and praised for authentic aloha. Great combo with their Wailua River/Fern Grotto tour.
Other Notable Luaus
1) Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show (Anaina Hou Community Park): Intimate, family-run with authentic fire/dance storytelling; more community-focused and unique.
2) Havaiki Nui Luau (Grand Hyatt Kauai, Poʻipū): Oceanfront, elegant resort-style with strong reviews for food and views.
3) Hawaii Alive Luau (Kauai Marriott Resort, Līhuʻe): Longest-running show in Hawaii (53+ years), with a show-only option for lighter evenings.
