Kauai With Kids

We took a family vacation to Kauai and absolutely loved it! The first day we hiked the Kuilau Ridge Trail. The trail leads through a beautiful jungle to a lookout point hidden in the trees by the picnic tables after about one mile.

We headed down south to the spectacular Waimea Canyon. The first lookout is our favorite for the views over the canyon.

The Pu’u O Kila Lookout is the last stop on the road and offers the best views over the Na Pali coast. The Pihea trail is a popular hiking trail that starts at this lookout point.

Salt Pond Beach is located near Waimea Canyon on the south side of the island. We loved this beach because it is one of the sunniest beaches on the island and it has calm water perfect for snorkeling and playing in the gentle waves.

Poipu Beach is also located on the south side of the Island. It was voted “America’s Best Beach” by Travel Magazine and it’s easy to see why! It’s a great spot for snorkeling and has a nice playground and grassy picnic area on the beach. There are several beach side cafes and a few large resorts on the shore.

The next day we hiked to Queen’s Bath, a beautiful swimming hole. It can be dangerous at high tide or when the ocean is rough, so use caution. The .8 mile trail to the shore can be muddy and slippery, but it is worth the effort!

We also visited Ke’e Beach and did a portion of the Kalalau Trail. Due to the devastating flooding and landslide, permits are now required to access the area. Be sure to check the Ha’ena State Park website for more information.

Hanalei Bay was a great spot to spend the afternoon playing in the beach, jumping off the pier, taking a stroll through the charming town and grabbing some ice cream from Pink’s Creamery.

We also took surf lessons at Kalapaki Beach. It is a great beach for beginner surfers.

We stayed on the shores of Kalapaki Beach at the Kauai Marriott Resort. We loved the easy access to the beach and the fun pools at the resort. It was such a memorable family vacation, we can’t wait to go back!