Planning a family trip to Kauai and looking for outdoor adventures everyone can enjoy? From lush jungle paths to scenic coastal walks, Kauai offers some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Hawaii. These trails are perfect for families with children, offering just the right mix of fun, nature, and safety.
Whether you’re pushing a stroller or hiking with a curious teen, this guide to the best family hikes on Kauai includes something for every age and ability. Expect epic views, gentle terrain, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Grab your sunscreen and walking shoes—here are 12 can’t-miss trails to explore with kids on the Garden Isle.
Before we dive in, have you seen our ranked lists? They might add more context and information for your trip.
Top Kid-Friendly Hotels in Kauai for Your Next Family Vacation
Best places to take kids in Kauai
Amazing family friendly beaches in Kauai
1. Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Starts at Shipwreck Beach, South Shore
This scenic coastal trail is a gentle, sandy hike along the last undeveloped coastline on Kauai’s south shore. You’ll pass ancient limestone formations, tide pools, Kiawe groves, and sometimes spot resting monk seals or sea turtles.
The trail ends at remote Mahaulepu Beach, where tree swings and whale watching (in season) await. Although not ideal for swimming, it’s a wonderful spot for picnicking and exploring.
Family Tip: Bring hats and sunscreen—there’s little shade along the trail.
2. Pihea Trail (to Pihea Vista or Alaka‘i Swamp Trail)
Distance: 2 miles (Pihea Vista), 8 miles round trip (to Kilohana Lookout)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Location: End of Highway 550, Kōke‘e State Park
Beginning at Pu‘u O Kila Lookout, this ridge trail skirts the Kalalau Valley with dramatic coastal views. The trail starts gently but becomes muddy and slippery due to the region’s high rainfall—this area is one of the wettest places on Earth!
Families often hike just the first mile to Pihea Vista for panoramic views. Adventurous families with older kids can continue on to the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail via wooden boardwalks to reach the Kilohana Overlook.
Family Tip: Hike in the morning for the best chance of clear skies. Bring layers—it can be chilly!
3. Queen’s Bath Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Princeville
Caution: Dangerous during high surf—only visit during calm summer conditions.
This short, rugged hike descends through a rainforest trail to a lava-rock coastline where you’ll find Queen’s Bath, a natural tide pool carved into volcanic rock. The walk is steep, muddy, and can be slippery, but older kids will enjoy the challenge—especially when they spot the natural pool at the end.
The trail also features a stash of walking sticks at the trailhead, which is a fun bonus for little adventurers. Once you reach the coastline, walk left for 0.25 miles to the bath.
Family Tip: Only visit when surf is low (typically summer months), and never turn your back to the ocean. Rogue waves can be deadly.
4. Kalalau Trail (First 2 Miles to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach)
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: North Shore, start at Ke’e Beach
Permit: Not required for the first 2 miles, but parking/shuttle reservations are.
This iconic Napali Coast hike starts at Ke’e Beach and follows dramatic ocean cliffs for two miles to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach. The trail meanders through lush vegetation with peek-a-boo views of the coastline, especially around the half-mile viewpoint—a great turnaround spot for younger kids.
The trail can be muddy and steep in places, especially after rain, so proper footwear is essential. You’ll need to cross Hanakāpī‘ai Stream near the beach, which may be difficult during high water, so exercise caution. Though the beach is too rough for swimming, it’s an exciting destination to explore tide pools, caves, and driftwood.
Family Tip: The hike to the beach and even the 2-mile extension to Hanakāpī‘ai Falls is doable for older kids. Just be mindful of stream crossings and changing weather.
5. Secret Falls (via Kayak + Hike)
Distance: 2 miles kayaking + 1 mile hiking (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Wailua River
To reach this hidden waterfall, you’ll paddle two miles up the Wailua River (rent a kayak or join a guided tour), then hike a scenic trail through the forest to Secret Falls, a 100-foot cascade.
The trail is muddy with a few stream crossings, but it’s fairly flat and manageable for active kids. The falls are a rewarding spot to swim or picnic.
Family Tip: Double kayaks are great for younger kids. Pack water shoes, dry bags, and snacks.
6. Sleeping Giant (West Trail)
Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Wailua
This short but steady uphill trail winds through a beautiful Cook Pine forest before reaching a stunning viewpoint over Kauai’s east side. Known as “Sleeping Giant” due to the mountain’s silhouette, this is a local favorite for sunrises and panoramic views.
Though it’s not overly long, the incline and loose pine needles can be challenging for young kids.
Family Tip: Turn around at the ridge viewpoint if the final summit looks too steep. Still worth it for the views!
7. Wai Koa Loop Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Near Kīlauea, North Shore
A great option for strollers and beginners, this trail winds through a mahogany forest, past orchards, lagoons, and the Old Stone Dam—an idyllic picnic and photo spot. It’s flat, peaceful, and located on private property, so you’ll need to sign a waiver at the Wai Koa Community Center.
Family Tip: Access via the North Shore Dog Park. Bring water and snacks—there are no facilities along the trail.
8. Kilauea Point Lighthouse Trail
Distance: 0.4-mile loop
Difficulty: Very Easy
Location: Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
This paved loop is ideal for toddlers and strollers. You’ll walk along the rugged peninsula to the historic lighthouse while enjoying coastal views and prime wildlife spotting: seabirds, dolphins, and humpback whales (Dec–April).
Timed reservations are required, and the refuge has restrooms and benches—making it a comfortable stop with young kids.
Family Tip: Bring binoculars to make the most of the bird and whale watching opportunities!
9. Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo‘o Falls
Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Kōke‘e State Park
This stunning hike takes you along the rim of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The trail begins in a forest and opens to incredible canyon views before leading to the top of Waipo‘o Falls.
Though you won’t see the full 800-foot waterfall from this angle, the vistas are breathtaking, and you’ll cross small streams and see a mini-waterfall near the end.
Family Tip: Suitable for adventurous kids, but the final portion requires some scrambling. Always watch kids near drop-offs.
10. Kuilau Ridge Trail
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Wailua/Kapa‘a area
Tucked away in the lush interior of Kauai, this ridge hike offers sweeping jungle views with much less foot traffic than other trails. It’s wide and gently sloped—perfect for families with kids who want to stretch their legs without a strenuous climb.
The highlight comes around the one-mile mark where a small side trail leads to a scenic overlook above the tree canopy. Bring snacks for a picnic at the covered rest area near the midpoint.
Family Tip: Can be muddy after rain. Bring walking sticks and extra shoes for the ride home!
11. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Lookout (Bonus Walk)
Distance: Short stroll
Difficulty: Very Easy
Location: Princeville
Not a full hike, but a great leg-stretcher for families with toddlers. This short walk offers sweeping views of the Hanalei River Valley, taro fields, and the mountains beyond. A great spot to stop en route to Hanalei town.
Family Tip: Great for quick photos and a chance to stretch before lunch in town.
12. Ho‘opi‘i Falls Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Near Kapa‘a
This jungle trail winds through native trees to two hidden waterfalls. The first is a great place to wade and splash, while the second offers a more dramatic drop and swimming hole for confident swimmers.
Trail can be muddy and narrow in places, but older kids will love the feeling of discovering secret falls deep in the forest.
Family Tip: Respect private property signs and park considerately along the residential road.
Final Tips for Hiking in Kauai with Kids
- Always check the weather, especially for waterfall or stream hikes.
- Bring bug spray, sun protection, and lots of water.
- Use baby carriers for steep or uneven trails.
- Respect nature and local warnings—especially around ocean cliffs and streams.
Want more family-friendly Kauai tips?
Check out our guide to the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Kauai!
Have you seen our ranked lists? They might add more context and information for your trip.
Top Kid-Friendly Hotels in Kauai for Your Next Family Vacation
Best places to take kids in Kauai
Amazing family friendly beaches in Kauai
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Kauai.
