Traveling to Kauai with Kids
We have now traveled to every Hawaiian Island with kids! Many people have asked us what our favorite island is for family vacations and I can’t give an answer because each island is so breathtaking and different in so many ways.
Living in the PNW, we are only a 5.5 hour flight to any island (which also feels like an eternity when we travel with a child under 3 years old). Traveling to Kauai was not a direct flight for us, but the island hopper flights through Hawaiian Airlines was so much fun and under 30 minutes.
Kauai is a smaller island that is known for it’s kind people, laid back attitudes, beautiful views, and small town feels. You can travel around the entire island in a long day, which makes it a fun island for easily exploring different terrains. Kauai is also known for rain showers on and off. Our @babyquip provider told us if it starts to rain, to drive 10 minutes in either direction and the rain will be gone. She also said never to trust the weather apps, because the rain comes and goes faster than satellites can predict.
Kauai is perfect for families who want a more quiet vacation, but still want some adventure. Kauai doesn’t have a building over two stories tall and is a big foodie island full of amazing food carts at affordable prices.
Here is a list of our itinerary for our 6 days in Kauai with kids ages 7. 4, and 10 months old.
Where we stayed: Kapa’a on the east side of the island
These condos were spacious and the pool was absolutely perfect for kids. It is close to a boardwalk where you can walk, bike, or stroller for miles. It is nestled in more of a “real Hawaii” town, and isn’t as touristy and busy. You can check reviews on VRBO. There is a workout facility and big grassy areas for kids to run around. It was a 15 minute drive from the airport.
https://www.kauaiexclusive.com/rentals/search-by-feature/waipouli/
We have also stayed in Poipu, which is more of a tourist spot on the south shore and known to be more sunny!
Family Friendly Activities:
Park and Putt Putt Golf: This park and mini golf course is worth the drive from any part of the island. The playground is huge, and at the top of the park there is an 18 hole putt putt golf course nestled among the most beautiful tropical plants. There is a covered area with two food carts, drinks, and popsicles. Within walking distance there is a smooth and Acai food cart, too.
Ride a Train: We went to Kilohana and rode the plantation train which took about 45 minutes. It is perfect for kids because it is fast and stops half way to let kids feed wild pigs and horses. There is a big grassy field you could use for a lunch picnic and snack afterwards, too. They also have a great Luau if that is something you are interested in.
Walk in the Jungle: There is a kid friendly maze and play area, and the experience is nothing like you can feel on the mainland. There is a train and splash pad for kids that is open at different times.
Places to eat:
From our condo we walked to happy hour at the Sheraton and it was perfect for a wild and tired family. It has a big grassy area for running before dinner arrived, and is right on the water. It also has a play area that includes pool, pac man, shuffleboard, darts, and foosball.
We also walked to Lava Lava Beach Club from our condo and spent two hours there. The tables are in the sand, and there is a huge play grass area for kids.
A few mornings I took a solo walk to Kauai Juice Co. You do have to walk on a sidewalk along the highway, but remember the highway in Kauai is a two lane road. This older area of Kapaa has amazing food places to grab takeout from, so google around this area. This juice changed how we felt each morning and I’ve never had anything like it.
After being to Hawaii 5+ times, I have NEVER had shaved ice like this. Wailua Shave Ice is one of the top rated shaved ice places, and is in a small strip mall. It does get crowded but is 10000% worth it. They also have a Portland, OR location but I don’t know if it would taste the same…
This was right across the street from our condo.
Kid Friendly Beaches: A baby and a beach isn’t on my list of most relaxing things to do on vacation so we only went to two beaches this vacation.
Lydgate Park is huge and has very mild waves. It has bathrooms, parking, and a fun wooden park for kids to play at that is mostly shaded.
My favorite beach of all time, Hanalei Bay, is worth the drive up to the north shore. Get there early to secure a parking spot.
Things we brought and loved
Water Friendly Baby Carrier
Still in the phase where we need to watch older kids around water, but also try and wrangle a slippery baby, the Aquaroo was so helpful to wear around the pool. It is a water friendly baby carrier. It kept Owen warm, and allowed me to be hands free to reapply sunscreen and deliver snacks. I wish I had this with he was younger, since he will outgrow it within the next year.
We used Baby Quip to Rent
This service was fantastic! The provider met us about an hour after we checked into our condo. She set up our pack and play, and attached the riding board to our stroller we rented through her. She bought so many toys for the boys, and even made them an Easter basket with toys to keep. She sent me a list of kid friendly things to do, and text me her cell phone number to reach out if I needed anything or had any travel questions. Renting a SlumberPod was the best idea, and finally got us a full nights sleep for a week.
USE CODE KIRSTRUSSELL20 if you order through this link:
These hats came with so many reviews. My kids kept them on the shade their faces all day, in and out of the water.
I’ve had this bag for 5 years now, and its seen multiple trips to beaches! It is waterproof, folds up super small, and you can throw it in the washing machine between trips. It is amazing!
I packed two pairs of shoes for two weeks. Nikes, and these! I wore these on 2 mile walks, in the water, and out to a nice happy hour. They are so comfortable and dry fast. It is the perfect amount of arch support and cloud foam platforms with some support. These are worth so much more than Target sandals if you want comfort and cute.
We needed to keep Owen contained sometimes at the beach, by the pool, or at the condo and this travel high chair was perfect for containment and mealtimes. It was the only baby gear item we packed!
I bought two sets of these they worked so well! They helped us condense clothes and swimwear by having a second zipper set that sucked the rest of the air out of the bags and compressed the clothes. I also loved the laundry bag that the 6 piece set came with.
We’ve been to Kauai a few times, so please reach out if you have any questions!
Mahalo!
Kirsten
