The notion that Kaua’i is only for honeymooners and adventure seekers is untrue. The Garden Island is also an ideal place to travel with children of all ages—from toddlers to teenagers. Here are our top picks of the best spots for families in Kaua’i.
Take the K Train
Sugar Cane Train
For a unique, kid-friendly experience, stop by historic Kilohana Plantation and take a ride on the sugar cane train. Weaving through fruit trees, animal enclosures, and every part of the acreage, little ones will especially enjoy feeding the goats and pigs. The train ride ends right outside of Koloa Rum Co. for a little adult entertainment.
Learn about Hawaii
Kamokila Hawaiian Village
On the very site of an ancient Hawaiian village, the Kamokila Hawaiian Village teaches visitors about the islands before Western contact. Lying along the Wailua River, the compound showcases replicated homes and community buildings, including those once used by the chief. Visitors may also catch demonstrations of cloth-making, agriculture, and poi-making, learn about early religion and social interaction, and even enjoy outrigger canoe tours up the Wailua River.
Beach it
Poipu Beach Park
Named one of the best beaches in the country, Poipu Beach Park has lifeguards and is in protected “crescent-like” areas with calmer waters, perfect for kids to wade in and play on the shore. It even has a playground and lots of picnic areas. Plenty of snorkeling opportunities too. Salt Pond Beach Park in Hanapepe is another great option for younger children or those who aren’t strong swimmers. On the eastern end, Brennecke’s Beach draws bodysurfers who take advantage of the area’s rolling waves. For a different kind of fun, Lumahai Beach’s freshwater river is an ideal spot for kids to hang out and swim.
Snorkeling Fun
Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park on the east side offers hands down the best snorkeling on the island, and it’s one of the safest spots too. It has everything you could need for a day at the beach — two protected natural swimming pools, spectacular snorkeling, white sand, amenities, lifeguards, and a playground.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Poipu Shopping Village
Offering a variety of shops, restaurants and retail stores, Poipu Shopping Village is also a fun place for free entertainment, such as authentic Tahitian dance shows, Fire Knife Dancing and live drumming, performed in the central courtyard.
Explore a Botanical Garden
Na Aina Kai
Located on the North Shore, the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens offer a lush environment of cascading waterfalls, colorful plants, fish-filled ponds, gazebos, fountains and lagoons. Set on 240 acres of tropical coastal land that was once used for sugarcane farming, these gardens are now a unique natural attraction that should not be missed.
Catch the Aloha Spirit…and a Luau
Smith’s Tropical Paradise
Set along the Wailua River, Smith’s Tropical Paradise introduces visitors to Hawaii’s local flora and to more exotic species too. A mile-long trail wends through manicured grounds, offering visitors the chance to view ethnic villages that represent the cultures of Kauai’s various immigrants, as well as a fruit orchard, rainforest setting, and ginger and heliconia gardens. The 30-acre complex also hosts weekly luaus, complete with entertainment and traditional foods.
Hike it!
Kokee State Park
Just north of Waimea Canyon lies Koke’e State Park. Spread across 4,345 mountainous acres, this rugged state park offers awe-inspiring scenery and plenty of outdoor activities– from hiking and camping to trout fishing (with pre-arranged licenses). Temperatures at this elevation are a bit cooler than elsewhere on the island, so you’ll want to dress accordingly.
Head to the Bay
Hanalei Bay
The large, crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay on the North Shore hosts a number of pristine beaches, which all share golden sands and clear, calm waters thanks to coral reef barriers along its two-mile stretch. Water activities include everything from fishing to windsurfing, swimming to kayaking, scuba diving to boating.
See the Falls
Wailua Falls
The Wailua Falls’ dramatic, 80-foot tumble is the subject of countless tourist photographs. Although the falls’ beauty waxes and wanes depending on rainfall, they’re always worth the trip to view. The hike down to the basin, which is steep and somewhat treacherous, is perhaps best reserved for adrenaline junkies.
