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Kauai is the perfect place to try something new. There is no shortage of boat tours, snorkeling, whale watching, spotting sea turtles, kayaking, horseback riding, and did we mention ziplining? Here are our best picks for the five top fun things to do with kids in Kauai.
Known as the Garden Isle, these lush tropics are just the beginning. This Hawaiian island has a wilder side that’s begging to be experienced. You can dive, sail, snorkel, kayak, raft or learn to hula—and that’s just the beginning!
Zipline Trek Nui Loa in Kauai
The first sentence on the Outfitters Kauai’s website says it all: “This isn’t a zipline, it’s a ZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE.”
And if you’re really wanting to wow your kiddos, this zipline will top the list as one of THE fun things to do with kids in Kauai.
The seven zip lines (two are tandem) at Zipline Trek Nui Loa will set your spirit flying. Operated by Outfitters Kauai, the Nui Loa Ziplines fly through and over lush treetops on the private Kipu Ranch.
If it looks familiar, think “Jurrasic Park,” “50 First Dates” and any of the countless Hollywood blockbusters that have filmed in this lush tropical location. Ziplining was our top Kauai experience, even though it was raining off and on all day.
What made this zipline experience so much fun?
Maybe it was the rush of falling backward off a platform with your hands behind your back. Or it could have been the tandem ziplining where you fly through the air with that special someone.
Eighteen hundred feet of the zipline, though? Yes, that was definitely the highlight.
High above the trees and waterfall, you zip for over 90 seconds and are “in-flight” for more than a quarter-mile. Nowhere else on Kauai can you have that long of a zipline experience.
Be sure to wear your swimming suit and trek down to the natural swimming hole after your last zipline. There’s a WaterZip that you won’t want to miss and treat yourself to a dessert of shave ice when you’re finished.
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A Traditional Hawaiian Islands Luau Kalamaku
One of the must-do things to do with kids in Kauai is definitely a traditional luau.
Hula, poi, and fire dancers are all part of the Luau Kalamaku at the Kilohana Plantation. This luau is different than any other on the island, though, since it’s a theatrical experience rather than a hula show.
The original play tells the story of the voyage of the first Hawaiians who traveled from their homeland in Tahiti to the Hawaiian Islands.
An innovative stage and media system places the audience around the stage to view the actors up close. Kilohana Plantation’s high-intensity hula, fire poi ball twirlers and fire knife dancing all add to the storyline.
Of course, all this is served up with an all-you-can-eat luau buffet, complete with a roasted pig from the underground imu (oven). Hawaiians love to share their history and culture with visitors, and the Luau Kalamaku is a perfect example of this done right.
Napali Coast Dinner Sail in Kauai
A sunset sail through the ocean blue, check. Dinner that satisfies you till tomorrow’s lunch, check. Sea caves, lush valleys and the rugged cliffs of the Napali Coast?
Yes, Kauai Sea Tours‘ sailing trip offers it all, and another of the top things to do with kids in Kauai. Kauai’s Napali Coast boasts 3,000-foot cliffs and fern-filled valleys—and it’s a must-see for any visitor to Hawaii.
Due to its remote location, though, the best view of the coast is by sea. Many companies offer Napali Coast cruises, but our sunset dinner boat tour cruise with Kauai Sea Tours was nothing short of “Wow! I’m so glad we did this.”
The four-hour cruise left the dock at 2 p.m. under a blue Hawaiian sky. The captain of our “Lucky Lady” catamaran showed us playful spinner dolphins, whales (whale season runs from December to March), and little-known beaches on the west coast of Kauai.
We pulled in closer at times to view sea caves and wildlife along the shore. After all the sightseeing, we enjoyed a delectable dinner buffet of Polynesian teriyaki chicken, oriental tofu stir fry, and much more.
A romantic sunset topped off the evening as we sailed back to Port Allen Marina. This is an experience the whole family can enjoy from four-year-olds to ninety-year-olds.
Snorkeling and Diving on the North Shore
Kauai is known for its beauty and warm weather, but there’s an entire watery playground to explore—and snorkeling is a great way to do that.
Rent snorkeling gear at shops on the island, or purchase a set for around $35. (Target carries them.) First-timers might be more comfortable learning in protected shallow waters where you can stand up, rather than in open waters. There are many protected bays where you can snorkel right offshore.
At some beaches, you’ll be surrounded by fish even at knee-deep. And if that doesn’t make the list of favorite things to do with kids in Kauai, what will?
Poipu Beach Park is a good option for families. Its protected bay has nice snorkeling, and there are lifeguards, bathrooms, and showers onsite. Anini Beach, which has the longest reef on Kauai, is another favorite. The near-shore water is shallow, and the underwater canyons at the reef’s edge are brimming with life at this state park.
Kee Beach is also a popular snorkeling spot, but visit it only in the summer. During the winter, high surf and powerful current make it dangerous.
In Kauai, swim and snorkel on the North Shore during summer and on the South Shore during the winter. Even then, always be careful when visiting the North Shore and east-facing shores, even in the shallows, as there are dangerous riptides.
Mountain Tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Ever been tubing down an irrigation flume?
Kauai Backcountry Adventures turned a former sugar cane plantation into an exciting natural playground. Those who want a truly unique Hawaiian experience can grab a tube and float down the flumes of the Lihue waterway system, which originates in the rainforests of Mt. Waialeale.
Dug by hand for irrigation back in 1870, the Lihue ditches are still in excellent condition—and they’re perfect for exploring by tube. Riders drift past wild sugar cane and lush vegetation, and even traveling through the irrigation tunnels!
Mountain tubing requires tubers to wear helmets and headlamps to light their way through the tunnels.
The result is a fun adventure that you’re not likely to experience elsewhere. But hey, you can do it here in Kauai!
Helicopter Tours on the Kauai
One of the best ways to see Kauai is by helicopter.
A large percentage of the most beautiful places on the Hawaiian Islands are not accessible by foot and can best be seen from the air or via a flyover. Depending on how much you want to see you will want to plan on blocking out at least an hour.
Some of the must-see places to see on a helicopter tour include Na Pali Coast, Hanalei, the Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon and the famous Jurassic Park Falls.
If you do plan on doing a helicopter tour in Kauai, be sure to book it ahead so that you can take advantage of advanced booking discounts.
Additionally, keep in mind that the weather changes quickly in Kauai so be prepared for your tour time to change.
More Things to do with Kids in Kauai
Find the best family activities and expert guides to navigate the islands with GetYourGuide. Check out the most popular exclusive activities and tours here.
These experiences and beautiful beaches topped the list of the best family-friendly activities to do in Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands.
But (if you have the time) a visit to Hanalei Bay, Koke’s State Park, Princeville, Kalalau Trail, Lydgate State Park, and Kilauea is also a must on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
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