The Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids

Kauai is truly a getaway unlike non other.  The lush gardens and never-ending waterfalls are a sight to see.  You will never find your family bored or searching for things to do on this amazing island. In this post you will find a list of family friendly activities on Kauai.  

Every time we visit this Hawaiian island we fall in love with it more and more.  This is by far my favorite of all the islands.  Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed when you visit this piece of paradise.  This island is very family friendly and brings out the adventurous side in you.

Family friendly things to do in Kauai

Recreational Activities 

• Captain Andy’s Boat Tour– Captain Andy’s offers a variety of tours.  The voyage you don’t want to miss is to see the breathtaking Napali coast.  They offer Zodiac boats which are speedboat rafts , catamaran boats, and sailboats.  I have done all of them and they all offer fun in their own ways.
• Zip Lining–  Fot those adventurous families this is a fun way to feel like a monkey as you zip line form tree top to tree top.
• ATV tours–  Take an adventure to the heart of Kauai to and explore territory only open for ATV tours.  You get to ATV through different scenery that was used in Jurassic park and Godzilla.  
• Kayaking Adventures– We do this every time we go and it is so fun.  Enjoy kayaking up a Wailua river and then hiking to a waterfall, then kayaking back down the Wailua river next to the ocean.  The views are very calm and serene.  A tip I have for you with kayaking is to go earlier in the morning before the wind starts blowing… it will be much easier to kayak back without wind in your face and pushing back on your kayak.
• Tubing down the river–  As you venture to the heart of Kauai you will find open canals with several tunnels that awaits you and your family. This is a fun adventure for the family with gentle bumps and headlamps attached, you are sure to hear giggles along the way.  At the end of your adventure you are provided a picnic lunch and and a cool dip in one of Kauai’s natural swimming pools.
• Visiting the Kilauea lighthouse–  Nestled on the edge of a cliff this is a must see in Kauai.  If you’re lucky you can view dolphins playing in the water or whales breaching in the sunlight.  Don’t forget to stop at the yummy Kilauea bakery on your way out.  
• Helicopter tours–  A way to see Kauai like no other than the views from a helicopter. Kauai is full of hidden waterfalls all over this lush and green island.  You also get a chance to descend and view the wettest part of the island or the center of what was once a volcano.
• Snorkeling-  We usually rent snorkeling gear for the week at small surf shops around the island.  That way we can enjoy snorkeling wherever we stop.
• Luau –  Experience Hawaii’s culture through a Luau full of delicious food, dancing and fun.  You won’t leave hungry thats for sure. 
• Spouting Horn–  Located in Poipu in the South Shore.  This is a lookout where you can watch a blow hole spout water into the air.
• Kilohana Pineapple Plantation–  Take a train tour through the planation and learn how they harvest and sell pineapples and all sorts of other fruit, flowers, and vegetables.  At the end of the tour enjoy a delicious lunch with lots of fresh fruit.

Best Hiking/Nature Places

• Maniniholo Dry Cave–  Located directly across the street from Haena Beach Park. This cave can be explored easily with kids with little walking involved.  Make sure you bring a flashlight for added fun.   
• Waimea Canyon–  Drive through and explore the amazing views and fun hiking trails through this canyon.  Full of overlooks and views of the napali coast and waterfalls this place is a great place to spend a day.  This canyon is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge–  Nestled next to the lighthouse this bird refuge is perfect for the bird lover in you.  You can also enjoy views of dollops and Marin life here too.

Best Beaches

• Tunnels–   Located in Haena, North Shore this is one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling beaches.  This beach is full of underwater caves and taverns.  Parking can be tricky so arrive early in the day.
• Hanalei Bay–  Located in the North Shore in the town of Hanalei.  This is a beautiful beach stretching all along the Hanalei Bay.  This beach is very popular and busy but offers some of the best views of the sunset.  
• Poipu Beach–  Located in the South Shore.  This beach is great for snorkeling and spending the day enjoying the waves and sun.  You may also encounter dangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and sea turtles laying on the sand.
• Salt Pond Beach Park–  Located in Kauai’s western shore in Hanapepe.  This is a great beach for snorkeling with little ones because it has small protected shallow pools.  
• Ke’e Beach State Park–  Located in the North Shore in the town Haena.  This is a great beach for snorkeling and watching the beautiful sunset.  This beach marks the beginning of the Napali Coast.
• Kalapki Beach–  Located in the East Side, in the town Kalapaki.  This is a great destination for swimming, paddle boarding, boogie board and beginner surfers.  It’s also a great beach for sunbathing, sand volleyball and shopping.  

Not to mention Kauai is full of delicious food and the most famous shaved ice.  Check out my favorite places to eat in Kauai here.  I promise you will fall in love with this beautiful and truly garden rich island.  You will leave the island with the Aloha spirit and longing for your return.

If you have any other great places or activities to do in Kauai please comment below.