Kauai is the perfect place to try something new with your family. There is no shortage of boat tours, snorkeling, whale watching, spotting sea turtles, kayaking, horseback riding, and ziplining on 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.
Kauai is one of my family’s favorite vacation spots, and we’ve been coming here for years. Here are my family’s kid-approved picks for the top things to do with kids in Kauai.
Enjoy a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
During our time in Kauai, our family experienced the unforgettable Luau Ka Hikina at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, and I can’t recommend it enough. We didn’t stay at the resort but made a special trip just for this authentic luau – and it was worth it.
The luau takes place in the resort’s newly built, open-air Event Pavilion called Halau Ho’okipa, which faces the ancient royal surfing grounds on Kauai’s scenic east shore. The unparalleled ocean views created a magical backdrop for our evening.
Our family enjoyed the whole evening, including the authentic hula kahiko (ancient hula) performances directed by award-winning kumu hula (hula master) Leilani Rivera Low. The spectacular show featured not just Hawaiian traditions but a variety of Polynesian dances, including Tahitian, Maori, Tongan and Samoan performances.
The food was delicious—a perfect blend of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with modern influences. Every dish featured locally sourced ingredients prepared in authentic island style, and our entire group raved about the variety and quality of the feast.
What made the evening particularly special was how it captivated everyone in our family, regardless of age. Our little 18-month-old granddaughter was completely enthralled by the performances, colors, and music throughout the entire show.
For anyone visiting Kauai with family, Luau Ka Hikina offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, entertainment, and delicious food in a breathtaking oceanfront setting. It was undoubtedly a highlight of our Hawaiian vacation.
Snorkeling and Beaches in Kauai
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 at the local Walmart. 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 and it’s our family favorite. Its protected bay has nice snorkeling, and there are lifeguards, bathrooms, and showers onsite.
Every afternoon, Hawaiian green sea turtles come to rest on Poipu Beach.. Swimmers give them plenty of space, and they rest in the sun for a few hours before heading back to the sea. They will swim more than 450 miles to the French Frigate Shoals, where they lay their eggs before returning to the island of Kauai.
For lunch at Poipu Beach, try the Hawaiian-style hot dogs at Puka Dogs right next door.
READ MORE: Travel in Hawaii
Other Beaches to Try
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.
In Kauai, swim and snorkel on the North Shore during the 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.
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 is 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. Remember that in some months, the sail can be a little bouncy from waves.
Take a Boat Ride to Fern Grotto with Smith’s Boats
For a more leisurely yet equally memorable family experience, don’t miss Smith’s Tropical Paradise Fern Grotto boat tour on the Wailua River. This two-mile river journey takes you through lush tropical landscapes to the famous Fern Grotto—a natural lava rock cave draped with hanging ferns and tropical foliage.
What makes this experience special for families is the combination of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. During the boat ride, guests are entertained with live Hawaiian music and stories about the island’s history and legends. Once you reach the Fern Grotto, you’ll take a short nature walk and a traditional Hawaiian wedding song performed by skilled musicians in this natural amphitheater with remarkable acoustics.
The boat itself is easy for children to board, with plenty of covered seating to provide shade from the tropical sun. The tour lasts about 90 minutes total—just the right length to keep children engaged without testing their patience.
Smith’s has been run by the same family for generations, and their deep connection to Hawaiian culture adds an authentic touch to the experience.
Helicopter Tours on Kauai
One of the best ways for families with teens to see Kauai is by helicopter. Many 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 visit on a helicopter tour include the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei, the Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, and the famous Jurassic Park Falls.
If you plan on doing a helicopter tour in Kauai, book it ahead to take advantage of advanced booking discounts. Also, remember that the weather changes quickly in Kauai so be prepared for your tour time to change.
Nui Nui Loa Zipline Trek
Known as one of Kauai’s greatest zipline adventures, this thrilling experience features nine lines and 14 cables that let you fly over the expansive 4,000-acre Kipu Ranch. As you soar through the air, you see pristine jungles, valleys, and rivers while ziplining over roaring waterfalls. The course also offers spectacular views from suspension bridges, scenic walkways, and even a treehouse.
One of the most exhilarating parts is the 1,800-foot tandem lines where you can zip side-by-side with a family member. To cap off the adventure, you’ll enjoy a refreshing WaterZip that splashes you into a stream-fed natural swimming pool.
The 1,800-foot tandem zipline is definitely the highlight. High above the trees and waterfall, you zip for over 90 seconds and are “in-flight” for over a quarter-mile. Nowhere else on Kauai can you have that long of a zipline experience.
Be sure to wear your swimming suit for the WaterZip into the stream-fed natural swimming pool after your adventure. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a dessert of shave ice when you’re finished.
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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