Kauai, Hawaii is one of the most beloved spots for traveling families. Commonly known as Garden Island, Kauai is a paradise that offers a memorable vacation that your family will appreciate. Maybe your next vacation will be on this incredible island.
Here’s a handy list of the best things to do with the kids in Kauai.
1. Island Helicopter Tours
Start your vacation in the skies if you don’t fear heights and get a clear view of the beautiful island and some of its unreachable sites.
Island Helicopter Tours is a tour guide company that offers thrilling adventures for visitors. Try the Jurassic Falls Helicopter Landing Adventure, which provides a good package for families. This full-circle tour takes you around the whole island in an hour.
During the tour, the pilot lands you at the Manawaiopuna Falls, where you can deboard and explore the falls. The famous Jurassic Park film featured this waterfall.
With many years of experience, you can trust this tour company to offer you a safe and breathtaking adventure.
2. Hawaiian luau
Traveling allows visitors to experience a new culture, and Kauai is perfect for that.
Luau is a Hawaiian festival featuring food, beer, and entertainment. You will find many real luaus in Kauai, so you should not miss the chance to partake in one.
One unique luau in Kauai is the Ahi Lele Fire Show held on the north shore. The event features Hawaiian fire dancers.
3. Anaina Hou Community Park
One of the best things to do with your little angels in Kauai is to visit Anaina Hou Community Park. You will find this park on the island’s North Shore in Kilauea.
The park features a hiking trail, mini golf, several playground structures, and a skateboard ramp.
Additionally, it has lots of space for the kiddos to run around.
Hunger should not worry you because the park offers food service, so your energy levels will be in check no matter how long you will be in this park.
4. Visit the beach
Visiting the beach with the kids is a perfect way of having a great time in Kauai.
This tropical haven boasts miles of coastlines offering endless opportunities for building castles, surfing, swimming, or sunbathing.
While there are dozens of beaches to choose from, here are some of the best kid-friendly beaches you should not miss.
Hanalei Bay Beach
The waters in Hanalei Bay Beach are clean, calm, and warm for the better part of the year. Also, Hanalei town is located along this beach, so accessibility to amenities is guaranteed.
The beach is located on the northern side of Kauai.
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is located in Kilauea. It is a lovely beach with white sand and calm, shallow waters, making it a perfect escape for kiddos.
You will find a grassy area where the kids can take a break from the water and sand and play.
Remember to bring your food, snacks, or drinks because Anini Beach is secluded.
Lydgate Beach
Lydgate Beach is located on the eastern side of Kauai, and it’s the best option for splashing or strolling in the sand.
The beach boasts two rock ponds that guard it against larger waves making it a perfect spot for your younger swimmers.
This place has lifeguards, enough shade, and a picnic area, so come ready to relax and have fun.
5. Warehouse 3540
Shopping in a place far away from home is fun, and that’s why I recommend Warehouse 3540 to visitors in Kauai.
This is a large industrial building boasting several local artisan shops in a unique setting. Come ready to buy handmade soaps, upcycled clothing, and pieces of local artwork.
Weekly entertainment, games, and kid-friendly activities are also offered in Warehouse 3540, so the experience will be exciting for your kids.
Additionally, food trucks are outside the building, so don’t leave without tasting the best barbeque in Kauai.
6. Kauai Waterfall
One of the features that make Kauai so interesting is its stunning waterfalls. The island boasts many waterfalls, some of which are seen by kayaking, helicopter, or hiking.
One of the easiest and must-see waterfalls in Kauai is Wailua Falls. You don’t need to take a tiresome hike to get to this attraction since it’s located next to a parking lot. This makes it easy for everyone to access it and behold its beauty.
If you go to Eastern Kauai, you will find the famous and spectacular ‘Opaeka’a Falls. The waterfall is inside the Wailua River State Park and runs over basalt caused by volcanic eruptions. The 151-foot waterfall snakes its way into a hidden pool.
Some other must-see falls in Kauai include Mount Waialeale Falls, Waipo’o Falls, and Hanakoa Falls on Na Pali Coast.
7. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is a fun-filled place for families and a popular attraction in Kauai. This bridge was built in the 1900s to help the locals to cross the Hanapepe River. It connects the residents of the Hanapepe Valley to the town.
Your kids will love its suspensions as it rocks and swings.
This bridge becomes a perfect escape during the Hanapepe Art Night. Visitors and residents come here for exceptional moonlight and star viewing. Bring your family to this hidden gem and learn about the rich history of Kauai.
8. Kilauea Lighthouse
Your exploration of Kauai island is not complete without a visit to the Kilauea Lighthouse.
The 52-foot structure is a historic landmark built in the historical times of American lighthouses. The kids will be happy running in the grassy area.
Besides the history and breathtaking views, this lighthouse is also an animal refuge, so you can get personal with sea birds in their natural habitat. Kids under 16 years enjoy free entry to the landmark.
9. Kilohana Plantation
Kilohana Plantation is a premier destination for visitors to Kauai. This is a vast sugar plantation full of Hawaiian history and culture.
Inside the plantation is a railway line on which you can enjoy a 40-minute leisurely ride around the sugar plantation. The tour allows visitors to learn about different types of crops and fruits in Hawaii.
You can hop off the train during the ride and feed some native animals like goats, donkeys, pigs, and sheep, making the adventure more fun.
Once you are done with the ride, take some photos and proceed to the onsite restaurant for a bite.
10. Captain Andy’s Boat Tour
Hire the services of Captain Andy’s Boat Tour and enjoy a personal exploration of the Na Pali Coast with your family.
This tour company offers different sailing options, including a luxurious sailing catamaran, a 65’ Star Yacht, and an incredible vessel called the Expedition.
If you have younger kids, I recommend yacht rides, although they have an age restriction.
The tours offer you a chance to enjoy sumptuous Hawaiian delicacies, snorkeling, and spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast.
Captain Andy’s Boat Tour is known for quality, friendly and safe services, so you will surely get value for your money.
11. Food tour
Food is one of the must-do things for many visitors, so I recommend a food tour in Kauai.
Some food tour companies on the island help visitors sample some of Kauai’s unique delicacies. One of the best options for food tours on Kauai is Tasting Kauai.
They offer food tours on different parts of the island. Also, their tours are based on seasons.
Yes, food in Kauai is seasonal, depending on the available ingredients. Book a food tour and taste the food culture of Kauai that makes it unique.
12. Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden
An outdoor getaway is more fun if it involves going to a garden and enjoying nature and some fresh air. Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden is an excellent place to unwind in the local flora and learn a bit about the native culture of Hawaii.
The garden offers ample opportunities for kids’ activities. For instance, it has a treehouse ideal for kids of all ages where your young ones will enjoy playing. There are also rope bridges connecting tunnels, trees, slides, and miniature trains.
Once done with playing, head to the Ka’ula Lagoon and feed fish with your children. This garden offers endless opportunities to entertain your kids, so create enough time for this place.
13. Eat shaved ice
Beat the summer heat in Kauai by getting some shaved ice to cool you down.
Shaved ice boasts a delicious taste and can be found in several places across the island. Some of the most common plugs for the ice include Wishing Well, JoJos, Waikomo, and Wailua.
You are bound to get a refreshing ice flavor no matter where you are.
14. Go on an ATV adventure
An ATV adventure is thrilling and allows you to see the island’s beauty and diverse terrain. It’s also something that your whole family will enjoy.
Kauai has several ATV adventure companies. The Koloa Plantation ATV Adventure is the best and most popular on the island.
They offer a three-hour tour that takes you through a lush jungle, a huge sugarcane plantation, a lava tunnel, and a dormant volcanic crater.
This company also offers more extended tours, with some going for up to four different places.
The company is licensed, offers protective and safety gear, and has professionals on hand. Their prices are also reasonable compared to the memorable experience your family will have.
15. Kamokila Hawaiian Village
If you’re interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, don’t leave Kauai without visiting Kamokila Village.
This is where you can get an up-close glimpse into the lifestyle of the natives in their habitats. The natives are generous, and if you are lucky, they will offer you fantastic canoe tours and permit you to experience their private swimming holes.