In For a Family Fun in Kauai? Catch Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas

Kauai is the top destination for those of you who want to visit Hawaii with your family. Lush, picturesque, with a milder climate and diverse landscapes, the Garden Isle has everything to make a memorable experience for kids and adults.

With a lot of activities to offer, not all of them would be suitable for your Keiki (kids in Hawaiian). So here’s your guide to some of the top things to do in Kauai if you’re in for a family adventure.

5 Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas in Kauai

1. Give Your Kids Some Beach Time

While you’d be right to squeeze as many experiences as possible into your Kauai trip, don’t forget that vacation is also about some chill and relaxing time.

With a vast coastline and pristine blue waters, Kauai has a big choice of beaches, one better than the other. Pick a few favorites from this list and allocate a day or two for some good old sunbathing and swimming. And if it’s a really hot sunny day, get your kids some local shaved ice — all you have to do is to find Kauai’s signature ice cream truck that goes from beach to beach.

If you’re in for some action, you can choose Hanalei Bay, a beach that can be the perfect spot for teaching your kids how to ride a wave. Poipu Beach has some of the calmest waters and lifeguards so you can enjoy some sun and a swim while your kids are safely under supervision.

2. Enjoy the Views Of the Waimea Canyon

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is a unique spot featuring formations you’d only find in Kauai. Breathtaking panoramic views from the Waimea Canyon Lookout could be some of the most memorable and mesmerizing experiences for you and your kids.

For a full Na Pali Coast landscape view, visit the Kalalau Lookout.

Before you head down to the Canyon, though, make sure to stop and walk through the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. A 20th-century passageway, it offers a glimpse into Kauaian history and provides entertaining activity for the entire family — from dads’ clumsy steps to your kids’ agile jumps.

3. Get a Train Ride Through Kilohana Plantation

For a more educational spin, get yourself and your kids a 40-minute train ride through the historic sugar cane plantation. Filled with picturesque views and historical acumen, this short trip will take you through the historical journey of the tropical paradise.

And as an added entertainment, you will get to feed native pigs, donkeys, and, if you’re lucky, goats. An on-site restaurant serves plantation-grown-based dishes so you can even enjoy a light brunch.

4. Try the Island’s Specials

What’s a tropical island without tropical goodies? Visit Lydgate Farms for full-on exotic fruits and local chocolate tasting experience.

The farm allows you to explore the local agricultural riches hands-on — cocoa trees, a lot of local fruit, and Kauaian chocolatiers will help you try everything the island has to offer food-wise.

5. Snorkel, Hike, Chase Waterfalls — Enjoy the Nature

Of course, you and your kids should see the local arts and crafts, as well as (a must-visit) local festive Luaus, but Kauai is all about nature.

This means that you should plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss the following kids-friendly and safe activities that will help you unearth and be awed by the local wildlife and nature:

Take up snorkeling to see the beautiful coral reefs and get a glimpse of the local marine life — from ancient sea turtles and small fish to dolphins and now endangered monk seals.
Pick an easy hiking trail (kids will thank you for choosing the easy routes) and immerse into the local nature — exotic rainforests, majestic valleys, and hidden waterfalls.