Kauai is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning natural beauty, making it one of the best kid-friendly destinations in Hawaii. When planning a family vacation, finding the best kid-friendly things to do in Kauai ensures an unforgettable experience for everyone.
As the northernmost and oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai’s volcanic activity ended 3.8 million years ago. This rich geological history has created a unique blend of natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to hidden waterfalls. Its remote location and rich biodiversity create the perfect backdrop for families to explore and create lasting memories.
On our recent trip, our eight- and two-year-olds had an amazing time discovering all the island has to offer. Let’s dive into the top family-friendly activities and attractions that make Kauai a must-visit with kids!
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Go to the best beaches in Kauai for families
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you’re thinking about visiting Hawaii? Probably going to the beach for a swim. You are not wrong here. Hawaii certainly has some of the best beaches in the world, and Kauai is no exception. Here are some of the best kid-friendly beaches in Kauai that our family liked:
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To help you prepare for your journey to St. Kitts and Nevis, we’ve put together a comprehensive family packing list that covers everything you’ll need to make the most of time on the islands.
Hanalei Beach, Kauai: best family-friendly beach for kids
Hanalei Beach is located on Kauai’s northern shore and is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches on Kauai. It also offers calm waters in summer and a sandy shore, perfect for swimming with the little ones.
Poipu Beach, Kauai: top kid-friendly beach in Hawaii
Poipu Beach in Hawaii is a beautiful beach located on the southern shore of the United States. The clear, turquoise waters and coral reef provide shelter from the rough waves, making it a great place to swim and relax.
Poipu Beach is consistently ranked as one of America’s best beaches, offering a unique and beautiful experience for anyone who visits.
Kiahuna Beach Kauai: calm, kid-friendly beach near Poipu
As mentioned above, the Hawaiian Islands were formed by ancient volcanic activity. So there is no surprise when you stumble upon huge lava rocks on the bottom of the ocean. It is interesting, however, how the tides and seasons wash away and bring the sand back to the beach, making swimming more or less enjoyable.
This time of the year (late November), we found Kiahuna beach more suitable to swim with and less dangerous for rock cuts.
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Go snorkeling in Kauai with kids: best family-friendly spots
Kauai is a great place to go snorkeling and spot some fantastic underwater inhabitants. Our kids always get so excited to see wild sea life in such proximity.
If you’re searching for the best family-friendly snorkeling spots in Kauai, there are several calm and scenic beaches perfect for kids and beginners. Poipu Beach and Anini Beach are two of the most popular choices, known for their shallow waters, protective reefs, and abundant marine life. You don’t have to swim far from shore to spot colorful tropical fish, making them ideal for snorkeling with kids in Kauai.
Another great option is Lydgate Beach Park near Wailua, which features a protected lagoon that’s perfect for younger children just learning to snorkel. Tunnels Beach on the North Shore offers more advanced snorkeling, but on calm days, older kids may enjoy exploring its coral reefs with adult supervision. Salt Pond Beach Park is another safe and less crowded choice, offering tide pools and gentle surf that’s great for families.
We may not have expert snorkelers in the family, but our daughter Sophia loved diving in with her goggles to search for fish in the shallows. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a relaxed outing, these Kauai snorkeling beaches for families offer unforgettable underwater adventures for all ages.
Visit Waimea Canyon: the best scenic viewpoint in Kauai for families
When in Kauai, you must definitely see the Waimea Canyon. The Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged interior.
You could enjoy the views from the overlook or take one of the easy hikes in the park.
Take a train ride through the historic Kilohana plantation in Kauai
We had a great time at the historic Kilohana Plantation! The former sugar cane plantation is now home to various tropical plant groves, dining in a historic plantation House by Gaylord’s, and the Kōloa Rum Company.
💡 Good to Know
Kauai Plantation Railway operates daily and offers several signature train tours daily. The price of a tour is:
- Adult: $20.00
- Child (3-12): $14.50
- Child Under 3: Free
First, we took a 40-minute narrated train ride through banana and mango patches and the original island crops, such as cane sugar and taro.
On the way, we got to stop and feed some farm animals – pigs, cows, horse, and a donkey. While Zoe was a little scared of little piggy squeals, Sophia was happy to throw some tortilla pieces at them!
And afterward, we finished our experience with lunch at the Plantation house by Gaylords, with amazing plantation garden views and a taste of a house-made Koloa rum from Kōloa Rum Company.
Right after finishing their lunch, these two immediately went off to explore the area and sat by the little fountain and a pond with fish.
Explore a chocolate farm in Kauai
Did you know that Hawaii is the only state to grow chocolate (cacao) trees? Kauai is home to numerous chocolate farms harvesting cacao tree beans. The best way to learn about growing cacao trees and making chocolate is to visit a chocolate farm and take a tour.
We visited Lydgate Farms, located on Kauai’s East side. It’s a 46-acre chocolate farm twice recognized by the international Cocoa of Excellence Awards 🫢!
Suppose you don’t have time for a several-hour tour or have a toddler who is not allowed to take a tour (like us 😃). In that case, we highly recommend stopping at one of the chocolate farms for complimentary delicious chocolate tasting and learning some chocolate facts from a team member. Our kids sure had a blast eating a handful of chocolate at 10 in the morning 😅.
If you’re looking for things to do in Kauai with kids beyond the beach, a Kauai cacao farm tour is a fun and educational way to explore the island’s agricultural side.
Sea turtles in Kauai: best places to see them with kids
There is nothing more exciting than encountering wildlife in their natural surroundings. And there are some creatures definitely worth seeing; the majestic green sea turtle is one of them.
Every evening on Poipu Beach at dusk, dozens of green sea turtles come out of the water to spend the night on the beach!
We kept this visit a secret from our girls until the very last minute, and they were just astounded to see the turtles! This was indeed one of the most incredible things we have witnessed. We stayed there until it got dark and counted 25 of them when leaving. Fascinating!
💡 Good to Know
Green sea turtles are protected by law animals, so please don’t try to get too close or touch them.
If you’re hoping to spot sea turtles in Kauai, you’re in luck, there are several family-friendly beaches where these gentle creatures are often seen. While Poipu Beach is a popular spot, you can also find sea turtles at Brennecke’s Beach, Koloa Landing, and Lawai Beach on the South Shore.
On the North Shore, Anini Beach, Tunnels Beach, and Ke’e Beach offer great chances to see sea turtles while snorkeling in calm, clear waters.
Visit Makauwahi Cave Reserve in Kauai: a family-friendly eco adventure
We visited Makauwahi Cave Reserve, one of the oldest Hawaiian limestone caves! It’s a uniquely preserved archaeological site with fossils. When our oldest daughter hears the word “cave”, she gets anxious to visit it as soon as possible! Then she starts asking a few dozen questions on the way there, such as “is it big, deep, old, and is it beautiful” 🧐?
The Cave was a fascinating place to explore! With stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling, native plants, and apparently, some species that can’t be found anywhere in the world! Such as the ancient blind spider (who technically doesn’t even have eyes 🫢).
💡Good to know
The Makauwahi Cave Reserve is open daily, 10 am – 4 pm, and offers free guided tours.
Yep, in the picture below is the entrance to the cave, but don’t let it scare you. Once you crawl inside, you can stand up, walk and explore.
Try traditional Hawaiian food in Kauai with kids
Hawaiian cuisine is known for its fresh, flavorful dishes, and fish is a big part of the local culinary scene. With its abundance of ocean life and easy access to fresh seafood, it’s no surprise that fish is such a staple in Hawaiian cooking.
Our children were big fans of the local cuisine, and they particularly enjoyed the many dishes that featured fish. Some of their favorites included poke and grilled mahimahi, and they would happily eat them again and again.
Best poke in Kauai for families to try
Poke is diced raw fish marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices. This poke (in the picture above) is also served with one of the very popular foods in Hawaii – taro (taro chips, to be more precise).
If you’re looking for the best poke in Kauai, head to local favorites like Koloa Fish Market, Pono Market, or Makai Sushi, where even kids can try fresh, flavorful poke bowls made with island-caught fish.
Where to eat Kalua pork in Kauai with kids
During our trip to Hawaii, our kids really enjoyed trying the local cuisine, and one of their favorite dishes was Kalua pork. This traditional Hawaiian dish is made by slow roasting a pork shoulder over kiawe wood, giving it a deliciously smoky flavor.
Looking for where to eat Kalua pork in Kauai with kids? Family-friendly spots like Koloa Fish Market and Pono Market serve delicious, authentic Kalua pork that both kids and adults will love.
Best shave ice in Kauai for families
Our daughter Sophia was very excited to have shave ice again during our trip to Hawaii. She had tried it before and remembered how delicious it was. This local delicacy is made by shaving a block of ice into fine, snow-like flakes and then topping it with various colorful syrups and fruit flavors.
For a refreshing treat, families love trying the best shave ice in Kauai at iconic spots like Wailua Shave Ice, Kapaa’s Ono Ono Shave Ice, and Island Snow, where kids can enjoy colorful, flavorful syrups over finely shaved ice.
Best saimin in Kauai for families
Saimin is a delicious and satisfying soup dish that you must try while you’re in Hawaii. This traditional Hawaiian meal consists of noodles, broth, and meat or seafood, all flavored with a variety of seasonings and ingredients. Saimin is widely available throughout the islands, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to try it.
For a comforting and kid-friendly meal, try the best saimin in Kauai at local favorites like Hamura Saimin and Ishihara Market, where this classic Hawaiian noodle soup is served piping hot and full of flavor.
Bottom line
IFor families searching for the top kid-friendly things to do in Kauai, Hawaii, this island offers an unbeatable mix of stunning beaches, family-friendly hikes, snorkeling spots, and cultural experiences that kids will love.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Kauai provides endless opportunities for memorable family adventures and fun activities suitable for all ages.
