20 Fun Things to do in Kauai with Kids

Kauai is a vacationer’s paradise due to its beauty, lush landscape and relaxed atmosphere. It may be the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands but it’s not as crowded as the others. No building is supposed to be taller than a coconut tree and chickens roam freely everywhere. We love the Garden Isle. These were our favorite experiences and things to do in Kauai with kids (or without too) and some bucket list items for our return trip.

1. Go Mountain Tubing

One of the most unique adventures in Kauai is mountain tubing through an old sugar plantation’s irrigation canals. This tour started with a 30-minute drive into the island’s lush interior and a stop at a lookout to admire the Mount Waialeale Crater. This area was considered one of the world’s rainiest areas.

Our tubing journey was through an irrigation ditch system hand built by Chinese laborers in the late 1800s. We rode on our inflatable tubes through five tunnels including the last one in complete darkness.

Think of it as a relaxing ride down a scenic lazy river for over two miles with some fun thrown in. It was topped off with lunch by the water.

We loved this excursion and it has become one of our favorite island experiences. Read about our mountain tubing tour with Kauai Backcountry Adventures.

2. Zip line in Kauai

If the family is craving for some adrenaline charged activity, zip lining on Kauai’s longest course with Koloa Ziplines will fulfill that rush. Our 3.5-hour adventure was on eight lines with varied lengths and the longest being a ½ mile long over water, grazing animals and a plantation.

The company offers the Flyin’ Kaua’ian Harness that allowed us to zip line in various positions. We zip lined upside down, tandem, superhero (hands free, head first) and yes, the traditional seated position too. We loved zip lining over the tree canopies and having such a scenic backdrop.

Our favorite area was seeing the Waita Reservoir, Hawaii’s largest inland body of fresh water, and its surroundings as we zip lined. We’ve zip lined at several places over the years and even twice during winter at a ski resort.

This course was definitely one of the most scenic and a great way to experience Kauai’s lush beauty from a different perspective. Read about our unforgettable (for so many reasons) zip line adventure with Koloa Zip Line here.

3.  Watch Sunsets and Sunrises

The Hawaiian Islands boast some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. Watching the sunrise and sunset here is almost like a ritual for locals and tourists.

For those of us who live in time zones ahead of Hawaii, there is one benefit of jet lag and waking up early.We get to watch the sunrise in this tropical setting. It’s something we usually don’t get to do at home.

The sunsets are just as dramatic. Pick one of the beaches and watch the sky explode with colors afterwards. Though, one of our favorite ways to enjoy the sunset was through a sunset cruise.

Food, drinks and island music were included. It was a great way to feel a little closer to the horizon. Read about our sunset cruise with Holo Holo Charters here.

4. Snorkel the Waters of Kauai

Kauai’s tropical and clear waters along with its coral reef full of diverse marine life are great spots for snorkeling. While some beaches have snorkeling areas, the best spots are along the Na Pali Coast. Unfortunately, it’s inaccessible by car so the most common way to get there is through boat snorkeling tours.

A few local companies offer these tours that last between 4 to 6 hours with several snorkeling stops. Food and snorkeling gear are also included.

Some tours even venture to privately owned Niihau island which is known as Hawaii’s “Forbidden Isle”. These snorkeling tours are also wonderful opportunities to spot dolphins and the green sea turtles.

5. Enjoy Some Beach Time

It wouldn’t be a Hawaiian getaway without some beach time. Kauai boasts some of the best tropical beaches. We loved stopping along many of them to enjoy the beautiful water and soft sand.

Go boogie boarding or take some surf lessons. Here are some suggestions but you really can’t go wrong with any one of these:

South Shore Beaches:

• Salt Pond Park
• Poipu Beach
• Maha’ulepu Beach
• Shipwrecks Beach

East Shore:

• Lydgate Beach Park (near Wailua River). This was right off our hotel so we loved walking around here.
• South Alimanu Beach

North Shore Beaches:

• Hanalei Bay Beach Park
• Tunnels Beach
• Ke’e Beach
• Haena Beach Park
• Kahili Beach/Kilauea Bay

West Shore:

• Salt Pond Beach Park
• Waimea Beach
• Polihale Beach State Park

We really enjoyed the secluded Polihale Beach State Park. It was worth the rough five mile dirt road.

The waves were quite large during our visit but this was a fantastic place to get away from the crowds. It has sand dunes and seven miles of white sand.

6. Hike the Trails of Kauai

Only 30% of Kauai is accessible by car. One of the best ways to truly see the verdant valleys, tropical rainforest, waterfalls and remote coastline of the Garden Isle is through some hiking.

Kauai has hundreds of trails to satisfy everyone including families with kids in tow. We didn’t get to do as much hiking as we wanted and hope to change that on our return visit.

Keep in mind that depending on rain conditions, the trails may get quite muddy and slippery. Check out some of these recommended hikes and trails that are more suited for kids:

• Kuilau Ridge Trail – This is considered an easy and family friendly hike that takes visitors through Kauai’s interior surrounded by a lush and tropical jungle.
• Iliau Nature Loop Trail – This 1/3 mile loop is easy enough for kids to do on the way to Waimea Canyon (near mile marker 9) and with great views of the canyon too.
• Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail – This beautiful trail along the coast passes through Shipwrecks Beach, sand dune cliffs, unique rock formations and amazing ocean views. You may even get lucky and spot some green sea turtles and monk seals.
• Kalalau Trail – Since the Na Pali coast is only accessible by boat for most visitors, this 11 mile trail provides access to the coast for some breathtaking views. The first couple of miles ends at Hanakapiai Beach so you don’t have to go very far.

We did the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail during one of our Kauai visits. It was a spectacular hike with amazing views and worth every muddy step. Read all about our Kalalau Trail hike here.

7. See Marine Creatures in the Wild

It’s always amazing to see marine animals in their natural habitat. Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins can be seen year round in Kauai’s waters.

Sometimes, they can be seen from land and one of the best places to see them is at Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. But, the best way to see them is by going on one of the boating tours.

Companies like Blue Doplin Charters guarantees dolphin sightings or your money back. Some snorkeling and sunset cruises are also great ways to see these dolphins.

We saw several pods of dolphins during our Holo Holo Charters sunset cruise. A few even swam alongside the catamaran.

Hawaiian Monk seals

These adorable creatures can sometimes be seen sunbathing along Kauai’s shoreline. Poipu Beach and some beaches along the Napali Coast are great places to see them. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian monk seals are one of the world’s endangered marine mammals.

Please don’t disturb the seals and take pictures from afar without using any flash. May is birthing season peak and you may get lucky and see some seal pups.

Whale Watching

The humpback whales make their journey into warm Hawaiian waters from the North Pacific annually to breed, birth and nurse their offspring. If you’re in Kauai between late November to April (with peak season in January through March), don’t miss an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.

Several companies offer boat tours that also double as a dolphin sighting cruise along with a sunset or sightseeing cruise. We were lucky enough to see several humpback whales during our Holo Holo Charters sunset cruise. It was an unforgettable memory to see these whales while enjoying a stunning Hawaiian sunset.

There are also some viewpoints on the island to see them from afar. Makahuena Point, Poipu Beach and Shipwreck’s Beach are favorite spots on the southern side.

The Kilauea Lighthouse area is a designated whale marine sanctuary and is also a great place to spot them. Bring your patience, a picnic and some binoculars.

8. Look for Waterfalls

The Garden Isle doesn’t disappoint with its many waterfalls. Some may take some effort to get to but there are a couple that are easily accessible.

The most popular and easiest to access is Wailua Falls which is located north of Lihue (by the airport). This double-tiered waterfall was prominently featured on the opening credits of the popular show, Fantasy Island, in the 1980s.

Another waterfall to see is Opaekaa which is a short drive from a turn off Highway 56. Be sure to cross the street from here for beautiful views of the Wailua River Valley.

No hiking involved to see these and both waterfalls can be seen only a short walk from the parking lot. One of the best times to see these waterfalls is right after heavy rain.

9. Check out Waimea Canyon

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea looks quite similar to its namesake in Arizona. This canyon is a lot smaller at 14 miles in length, a mile wide and about 3,600 feet deep. But, it is just as incredible with a unique scenery covered by red cliffs, rock formations, vegetation, rivers and waterfalls.

Formed by erosion from Waimea River, this natural attraction is a popular place for visitors. There are two lookouts with parking to enjoy this spectacular panorama.

Try to visit on a clear day and when it’s not raining hard. During our first visit to Kauai, we could barely see it due to the rain clouds.

10. See the Spouting Horn

Located near Poipu beach and one of the island’s most popular beach, Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole that’s easily accessible.

This old lava flow tube generates or blows ocean water into the air when large waves crash into it. This builds up pressure releasing the water through the opening creating sea sprays that can blow as high as 60 feet depending on the wind.

Rainbows may even appear if you’re lucky. There is a viewing platform to watch all this activity. Look for the second blowhole that doesn’t spout water but releases hissing sounds instead.

11. Eat Shave Ice

One can’t visit the Hawaiian Islands without eating some shave ice. My kids never pass up as many chances to try as many shave ice places as they could during our visit. Try the flavors with tropical fruit like mango, coconut, lilikoi (passion fruit). The mild weather is ideal for these refreshing treats.

A couple of locals recommended Wailua Shave Ice in Kapaa for us. It’s actually a food truck in between buildings. No frills type but the mix of all-natural flavors topped with fresh fruits made this a family favorite for us.

Other places to try are The Fresh Shave Ice in Poipu, Koloa Shave Ice, Uncle’s Shave Ice in Lihue and Poipu, JoJo’s Shave Ice in Waimea and Hanalei and Ono Ono Shave Ice in Kapaa.

12. Attend a Luau

Going to traditional luaus is a part of the Hawaiian vacation experience especially for first time visitors. Several companies, including some hotels, offer different luau variations. Some offer oceanfront settings. Many feature ceremonies and shows with Polynesian dances and music.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a feast without all the delicious island food and drinks. There’s also an opportunity to see a traditional imu ceremony where a pig is cooked and unearthed from an underground oven.

13. Learn the local culture

The Hawaiian culture is one of the world’s most interesting to experience. Many hotels and resorts usually offer classes that range from dancing the hula, making leis to playing the ukulele. Take them and chances are the kids will learn something new.  It’s also a great activity to do on a rainy day.

Check out some free hula shows, storytelling or listen to some Hawaiian music at some of the hotels or shopping centers. Poipu Shopping Village hosts Tahitian and Hula Dancing on Thursdays and Coconut Marketplace in Wailua has hula shows on Wednesday and Saturday.

The Princeville Shopping Center has free hula shows on Saturdays. Also, visit Hanapepe Town on Friday nights to see local artists, musicians and delicious local foods. The Radisson Kauai Beach Resort in Wailua has a torch lighting ceremony and hula show every night at 6PM. Check this site for other places to watch free hula shows. 

Having limited time in tropical locations means sacrificing some activities until you return. So, these are activities we really want to do on our return visit to Kauai. I hope it gives you some inspiration.

14. Ride Helicopters

Much of Kauai is inaccessible by car or foot. Quite possibly the best way to see Kauai’s lush interior and other scenic areas is through helicopter tours. We looked on enviously as we saw these helicopters (can you see it on the top left) got up close to the waterfalls and Waimea Canyon.

Many of the helicopter tours run for about 50-65 minutes. It gives an aerial overview of Kauai’s stunning panorama and picturesque attractions. Some of the attractions can only be seen through these tours like the inaccessible north shore area and Na Pali Coast.

Keep in mind that it rains frequently in Kauai so flights may be canceled due to bad weather. Tour operators recommend booking these tours early in your itinerary in case it’s canceled and you’ll have the flexibility of rescheduling.

These tours are quite pricey (at least $200 per person). We’ve asked and there are no children discounts. This is at the top of our Kauai bucket list when we return. We’re saving now!

15. ATV Adventure

We saw several All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) during our zip line. The kids desperately wanted to go on the tour but we didn’t have enough time. So, it’s definitely on the “next time” wish list.

The Koloa Plantation ATV Adventure is a 3-hour tour through sugar cane plantation trails, a ride through the tropical jungle to Kauai’s southernmost point. The trail includes movie site locations, an inactive volcanic crater and through a lava tunnel.

The company also offers a 3 to 4-hour ATV waterfall tour through historic sugar cane plantations and along 23 miles of off-road trails including famous movie locations (Jurassic Park, etc.) and a swim at a waterfall. This tour provides snacks and a sandwich lunch buffet afterwards.

There is minimal to moderate hiking to the lunch stop and waterfall. They offer discounts to these ATV tours if you also do their zip line tour. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 5 years old. The vehicles vary from a two to four seater.

16. Horseback Riding

Another alternative to exploring Kauai’s backcountry and stunning scenery is through horseback riding tours. It’s easier to cover more ground than hiking and not as adrenaline filled as ATV tours. It’s a bit more relaxing to see the remote areas, valleys and secluded beaches on a horseback ride.

There are a few companies and ranches on the island offering these tours and depending which part of the island you prefer to sightsee.

Princeville Ranch is a 2,500 acre working cattle ranch that offers a 3.5-hour tour including a hike and dip in their private waterfall with a picnic lunch. CJM Country Stables offers three horseback tours daily that include rides along the beach and Kauai’s South Shore.

Silver Falls Ranch also offers several tours through the lush interior, tropical garden and a waterfall. Check on minimum age, height and weight restrictions for each company.

17. See Fern Grotto

We kept seeing this attraction in many tourist brochures and definitely marking it for next time. It sounded like it was an enchanting place where fairies live. Fern Grotto is actually a lava cave formed millions of years ago covered by many tropical plants and of course, ferns. It looks very prehistoric set amidst the tropical rainforest.

The journey to Fern Grotto is very much part of the tour as visitors enjoy a two-mile cruise on an open-air boat along the Wailua River. Guests are entertained with Hawaiian songs and stories and even a hula lesson. The grotto almost acts like a natural amphitheater with its great acoustics so it is also one of the best places to listen to music.

18. Kayak in Wailua River

The Wailua River is known as the Hawaiian island’s only navigable river. It was a beautiful sight from the overlooks. One of the best ways to experience it is through kayak tours (averages 4 to 5 hours round trip) that also include some hiking, having a picnic and swimming at a waterfall.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want a DIY approach, kayak rentals are available for single, double or triple kayaks as well as Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). There is hardly any river current so it is a fairly smooth and scenic ride passing an old Hawaiian village, hike to a rainforest and to the waterfalls.

It is almost the same route as the guided tours. Most age restrictions we saw were that children have to be ages 5 and above.

19. Ride the Train

Kauai was once the site of many sugar cane plantations and what a great experience to pretend you’re riding through these historic fields. Kauai Plantation Railway offers a wonderful and family-friendly experience of riding reproductions of historic and elegant train cars through the Kilohana plantation which is an actual working farm.

The train ride includes going through the many tropical fruits and vegetables shrubs and trees. It also gives visitors the opportunity to see and feed goats, sheep, pigs and horses in the farmyard that’s sure to entertain the kids.

20. Explore the North Shore

We enjoyed visiting the area but would love to explore more of this quiet, laidback and photogenic region. The Hanalei Valley overlook with its lush vegetation and taro fields is a fantastic preview of what it has to offer. We loved hanging out in the Hanalei Bay area.

We loved the coastal drive that led to rolling ranches and large colorful trees acting as canopies over the highway. Don’t miss a drive into the stunning St. Regis Princeville Resort and other noteworthy stops like the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden, Limahuli Garden ,the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hanalei Pier and Bay and Kilauea Light House.

*Have you visited Kauai?

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