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The Ultimate Family Vacation: A Week in Kauai, Hawaii
A guide to spending a fun-filled week in Kauai, Hawaii as a family
FAMILY TRAVELKAUAIHAWAII
Jaclyn Yoder
9/4/20249 min read
Planning Your Kauai Adventure
Kauai, Hawaii, known as the Garden Isle, is a paradise for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Of all the Hawaiian Islands I've visited, it is my favorite. There is something special about the small-town feel, the many chickens running around and the absence of a lot of the touristy stuff that Maui and Oahu have. Planning a week-long trip to Kauai with children is so easy, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches (some that feel completely private) and lots of adventures. In this guide, we'll cover the best beaches to visit, where to stay, must-do tours, family-friendly dining options, and what to pack for your trip.
When To Go
Personally, I avoid summer travel, if I can. I love MY kids and my kids friends, but I don't necessarily love being surrounded by other peoples vacationing kids. 😜 So shoulder season travel is my jam! My kids are in elementary school, so we are still able to travel during the school year without a big loss in learning. That being said, the best time to go to Kauai is when you can make it happen! The most popular time is Summer, followed by shoulder seasons late Spring/Early Fall. We travelled the first week of October when my kids had a week of minimum days. The weather was gorgeous, very little rain and you get off-season pricing on flights and lodging. The only slight issue we encountered due to time of travel, was the current at Tunnels beach. Apparently, this is typical for Fall/Winter and they advised us not to enter the water. Full disclosure: the adults still went in the water.
Where To Stay
If you have read my other blog posts, you know that I'm a big advocate of condo-style lodging when travelling with kids. Having a kitchen, living room, one or two bedrooms, two bathrooms and laundry just makes everything EASIER. Packing gets lighter because you can throw in a quick wash halfway through the trip. Additionally, many of the condos provide full-size toiletries and lots of extras.
We chose to stay on the East side of the island in a condo located RIGHT on the ocean. The condo was beautifully decorated, had everything we needed to be comfortable, extra rollaway beds and a welcome gift of Hawaiian candy and other treats. We picked the East side because we knew we would be exploring the North and South side beaches and preferred to be in the middle to cut down on long drive times. The airport is also on the East side which means after your flight, its just a quick 10-20 minute drive to your accommodation. We frequented many of the restaurants and stores walking distance from our condo. We LOVE us an ABC store or Island market, so this was great to have very close by.
The Upstairs Kids bedroom in our condo.
The view from our balcony in Kapa'a, Kauai
Best Beaches
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Kauai, but some stand out as particularly family-friendly.
Poipu Beach is excellent for families, with its gentle waves and nearby park area perfect for picnics and play. We ended up at this beach twice because the snorkeling was so amazing and the wildlife was unlike anything I've ever seen. There is a small island you can snorkel too, which the kids loved. Large green sea turtles were everywhere, as well as seals. There was a perfect shallow area for my 4 year old that was clear and had soft sand. She practiced with her snorkel and felt very accomplished! Pic's below of Poipu beach: My son boarding next to a seal, our family on the little sand-bar island, two green sea turtles (we think they were couple) and the kids enjoying some shaved ice from the local shop.
Lae Nani Beach is another great option with a shallow area protected from waves by lava rock. Our condo overlooked the longer section of the beach. The kids were in love with the trees that had fallen over into the ocean. They were a non-stop source of entertainment as either a hiding spot from a big wave or using it a pirate ship in their imaginative play.
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore. This part of the island tends to be wettest fall/winter. We were lucky to have a day with great weather. There is a pier where you can jump off into the water or just admire the view. To the right of the pier is fun play area, where a river meets the ocean. This beach has ample parking, restrooms/showers and sometimes food trucks. Any visit to this beach must include time to wonder around the adorable town of Hanalei. We looked in some shops, art galleries and of course had some shaved ice.
Tunnels Beach is right out of a postcard. Pictures can't do it justice, you must see for yourself. The sand is soft and golden. Be prepared, it was a bit of walk to where we could find some shade. This beach required reservations and a shuttle pass, due to the very limited parking available. Planning ahead is a must and probably what helps keep the beach so pristine and clean. Nearby, there are some great hiking trails. After a day at the beach, we didn't think the kids would be up for it. If we were with adults-only, we would have definitely done the trails.
Tours, Activities & Entertainment
I have one big regret post-vacation, we didn't get to do a Na Pali Coast boat tour—it's a stunning way to explore the island’s cliffs and marine life. With a 4 year old and a budget to stick to, it wasn't in the cards for us. WHEN we go back, this is the tour I will be booking.
By booking through my viator link, I receive a small commission. I appreciate your support!
Our Mountain Tubing Tour was so special, fun and age appropriate for every member of our group. We had a blast and I can't recommend it enough. You start by riding in a big open-air jeep and learning about the history of the land, you stop off at some awesome spots to look out over the canyon. You then get to your tubing destination where you ride through old, hand-carved canals. You weave through the land and go in some very long and dark tunnels (you have a helmet with a light, this tour is not recommended for kids who are scared of the dark or people that don't like enclosed spaces). The price fit our budget perfectly and this tour was a major highlight of our trip. Disclaimer: if its your birthday they will decorate you with plants and embarrass you.
https://kauaibackcountry.com/tubing/
I did a lot of research to find a Luau that is both authentic and run by locals. If you can help it, please support the family-owned Luau's. The Smith Family Luau was SOOO affordable. I'm talking hundreds less than your standard hotel Luau. It was affordable, but so rich in experience. The Smith family has been running their Luau and Tours for 4 generations and you truly feel that in every aspect of the evening. The food was delicious, the grounds unbelievable and the dancers were amazing. This is not your lone hula dancer up on a stage. The Smith family puts on a full-on production with lighting, music, fire and dancing in an amphitheater. You will not regret choosing to spend your money here instead of the Sheraton (sorry Sheraton).
https://www.smithskauai.com/garden-luau/
Other highly suggestion tours in Kauai: by booking through my links, I receive a small commission.
Helicopter Tour:
Ziplining:
Wailea River Kayak and Secret Falls Hike
Family-Friendly Dining
Dining with kids in Kauai is easy, thanks to the variety of family-friendly restaurants. For an easy breakfast on your way to an adventure, you must visit Passion Bakery Café. We were lucky enough to be staying across the street from the bakery and started off many mornings with their much-needed coffee, yummy egg sandwiches and fresh acai bowls. DO NOT miss out on their specialty, the malasada: a Hawaiian donut that is cream-filled. It's only offered Tues/Thurs/Saturday.
Our favorite dinner restaurant was also just a short walk away from our condo. The Lava Lava Beach Club has everything I love in a vacation restaurant: live music, great food and drinks on a beachfront location. As a bonus, lots of roaming chickens and places for the kids to play. We ate here several times and no one in our party had a bad dish. The kids could eat and then run free in the sand, play in the grassy areas, swim in the ocean and one night they even built a fort with wood found on the beach.
What to Pack
Packing for a week in Kauai means balancing beach gear with essentials for adventures. Yet another bonus to booking a condo or villa is the that most of them offer chairs, toys, a boogie board and an umbrella at no additional cost. In addition to the normal swimsuits, hats and sunscreen, make sure to bring some rash guards or sun shirts. No matter how diligent you are at re-apply sunscreen, seven days in the sun and water means skin gets dry and over-exposed. Water shoes are a must, as well as kid-friendly snorkeling gear. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes if you plan to explore trails like the Kalalau Trail. For the little ones pack their reusable water bottles and utilize their airplane backpacks to help transport their fresh change of clothes to each beach day. I also always bring a couple favorite beach toys from home. A mermaid Barbie or a truck go a long way in entertaining the little ones. The best thing about Hawaii is that it has all the comforts of home available for purchase, if you need it. Sometimes its easier to stock up on your reef-safe sunblock once you arrive. Links provided to my favorite Hawaii-specific trip essentials.
Kids water shoes: https://amzn.to/3ZcgA59
Adult water shoes (yes, you need them too): https://amzn.to/3Zayjd2 My husband and I have these and they have lasted for over 4 different trips!
Kids Full-Face Snorkel Mask:https://amzn.to/4cTCKw9
Adults Full-Face Snorkel Mask: https://amzn.to/3Z7HMSs
THE BEST GOGGLES EVER, I get asked about these by other parents all the time : https://amzn.to/3ZjimRI
Surfer Dude Toy, I usually have to pry this out of other kinds hands when we leave the beach. It's so fun AND it works. He always comes back to you. https://amzn.to/3MAnZDy
Mermaid Toys, small and light for packing: https://amzn.to/47m7XqI
Foldable Beach Buckets: https://amzn.to/47m7XqI
In Conclusion
By following these tips and planning your itinerary, you’re sure to have an unforgettable family vacation in Kauai. Whether you're lounging on its pristine beaches, exploring hidden trails, or tasting local culinary delights, this island offers endless opportunities for both kids and adults to enjoy. As always, reach out to The Hills Travel Co for assistance finding the perfect resort or condo, reserving a well-priced rental car and booking those awesome tours! Have a fantastic trip!
