Best places to take kids in Kauai

This breathtaking bay on the North Shore offers soft sand, shallow waters, and stunning mountain views. In summer, the waves are gentle, making it perfect for kids to swim or try boogie boarding. Families can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for a peaceful adventure on the water. The nearby town of Hanalei has great food options, making it easy to grab a post-beach treat.

This natural wonder on Kauai’s south shore is a favorite for kids who love watching water shoot up through the lava rock formations. Every few seconds, ocean waves push water through an underground lava tube, creating a spectacular fountain-like spray. Kids will enjoy the sound of the "hissing" water, which local legends say is the voice of a trapped mythical lizard. There’s also a nearby area with souvenir stands where families can browse local crafts.

If your family loves scenic views and light hiking, Kōkeʻe State Park is a must-visit. The drive up offers breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The Kalalau Lookout provides panoramic ocean views, and there are kid-friendly nature trails where little explorers can look for native plants and birds. Cooler temperatures at this elevation make it a comfortable adventure for families.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Tunnels Beach is a fantastic place for families to snorkel. The reef is home to colorful fish, coral, and sometimes even Hawaiian green sea turtles. While the winter months bring strong waves, summer conditions are usually calm, making it safer for kids. It’s a beautiful beach for swimming, playing in the sand, and spotting sea life. Be sure to arrive early, as parking is limited.

Located on the North Shore, this beautifully landscaped mini-golf course is surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls, and fruit trees. Kids will love the fun course while also learning about Hawaiian plants and history through interactive signs along the way. The garden setting makes it a peaceful and scenic experience, and there's a snack shop with fresh fruit smoothies to enjoy afterward. It’s a great stop for families looking for a mix of fun and relaxation.

This community-built playground in Kīlauea is a fantastic spot for kids to run, climb, and slide. The large wooden play structure has a castle-like design, and there’s also a skate park for older kids. Since it’s close to Kauai Mini Golf, families can easily combine both activities for a fun outing.

Located near Nawiliwili Harbor, Kalapaki Beach is a great spot for families with young kids because of its gentle, rolling waves. The shallow water makes it ideal for beginner swimmers, and there are rental shops where families can try stand-up paddleboarding or boogie boarding. The beach is near shops and restaurants, making it easy to grab a bite to eat after playing in the sand.

This family-friendly hike leads to two waterfalls where kids can splash and play in the refreshing water. The trail is short but scenic, winding through a lush forest with beautiful views along the way. The first waterfall is easy to reach, and the second has a fun swimming area. Since the trail can be muddy, it's best to wear water shoes or sturdy sandals. It’s a great introduction to hiking in Kauai for kids who love outdoor adventures.

One of the best family-friendly beaches in Kauai, Lydgate Beach Park features a protected, rock-enclosed swimming area perfect for young children. The calm waters make it a safe spot for beginner snorkelers to see colorful fish. Nearby, the Kamalani Playground offers slides, climbing structures, and swings, making it a great place to let kids burn off energy. The park also has picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of shade, making it a great spot for a full-day family outing.

This small beach park in Waimea is perfect for kids who love exploring. The historic wooden pier stretches out over the ocean, and families can take a peaceful stroll while watching local fishermen. The black sand beach is unique, and kids will enjoy collecting shells or watching boats go by. It’s also a great spot for a picnic with scenic ocean views.

One of Kauai’s most family-friendly beaches, Poʻipū Beach has calm, shallow waters perfect for kids to splash and play in. A natural reef protects the swimming area from big waves, and there’s even a small sandbar where kids can spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals resting. Lifeguards are on duty, and picnic tables and restrooms are available, making it an easy and safe beach for families.

For families with older kids who love adventure, a helicopter tour offers an unforgettable way to see Kauai’s stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, cliffs, and canyons. Some tours even land at the famous Manawaiopuna Falls (from Jurassic Park). While it's a splurge, it's a breathtaking experience that kids will remember forever.

If you’re looking for a quieter, family-friendly beach, Anahola Beach Park is a great choice. The offshore reef helps keep the waves small, making it a safer spot for swimming. There are plenty of trees for shade, tide pools for kids to explore, and picnic tables for a relaxing beach day. It’s a great alternative to the more crowded beaches on Kauai.

Families can hop aboard a historic train ride that takes them through a real working plantation. Along the way, kids will see fruit orchards, farm animals, and beautiful gardens. The highlight for many kids is getting to feed the pigs and goats at a stop along the route. The ride is both educational and entertaining, with guides sharing stories about Kauai’s agricultural history and the different crops grown on the island.

If your kids love playing in the sand, Kekaha Beach is perfect for building sandcastles and running along the shoreline. The waves here are often strong, so it’s not ideal for swimming, but the wide, open beach is great for playing and watching surfers. It’s also one of the best places on the island to catch a sunset.

This historic Hawaiian fishpond, said to have been built by the mythical Menehune (small people of Hawaiian legend), is a fascinating stop for kids who enjoy folklore. The overlook provides a great view of the ancient pond, and families can learn about how early Hawaiians used it for aquaculture. It’s a quick stop but a cool way to introduce kids to local history.

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the rarest marine mammals, and Poʻipū Beach is one of the best places to see them up close. These adorable seals often nap on the sandy shore, and volunteers are usually present to answer questions and share interesting facts about them. It’s a great way for kids to learn about conservation and see wildlife in its natural habitat.

If your kids love a thrill, Kōloa Zipline offers one of the longest ziplines in Kauai, soaring over lush valleys and rivers. The tour includes tandem zip-lining, so younger kids can ride along with a guide. It’s a great way to see Kauai from above while having an exciting adventure.

A scenic and easy hike along Kauai’s southern coastline, this trail offers dramatic ocean views, tide pools, and fossilized sand dunes. The relatively flat path makes it accessible for kids, and they’ll love spotting seabirds and tiny crabs along the way. Since there’s little shade, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

This moderate hike near Wailua takes families up to a ridge with incredible panoramic views of the coastline. Kids will love the fun rock formations along the way, and the final viewpoint offers a great reward for the effort. The hike is about 2 miles round trip and is best suited for older kids who enjoy a bit of adventure. Early morning is the best time to go, as the trail can get hot later in the day.

If your kids love the giant trees from Jurassic Park, they’ll love visiting Allerton Garden. This stunning botanical garden features massive Moreton Bay fig trees, tropical flowers, waterfalls, and hidden garden paths that make it feel like an enchanted forest. Kids will enjoy spotting unique plants, running through open spaces, and learning about the island’s plant life on a guided tour. The guided experience keeps it interactive and engaging for families.

If you’re looking for a traditional Hawaiian luau that’s great for kids, Smith’s Family Garden Luau is one of the best. The evening includes a buffet feast, live hula performances, fire dancing, and even a fun boat ride through the gardens before dinner. Kids will love seeing the roasting pig unearthed from the imu (underground oven) and watching the colorful performances. It’s a fun cultural experience for the whole family.

A great way to introduce kids to native Hawaiian plants and conservation, this botanical garden on the North Shore offers a short, scenic walking trail through a lush valley. Families can learn about ancient Hawaiian farming techniques, spot native birds, and admire waterfalls in the distance. The trail is easy and kid-friendly, making it a fun and educational outdoor activity for all ages.

If your kids enjoy wildlife, this refuge is a great place to spot native Hawaiian birds, including the rare nēnē (Hawaiian goose). The walking trails offer peaceful views of wetlands, and kids can learn about Kauai’s ecosystem through informational signs along the way. It’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path activity for nature-loving families.

A gentle and scenic boat ride up the Wailua River leads to the stunning Fern Grotto, a lush lava rock cave covered in ferns. The guided tour includes Hawaiian music and storytelling, making it a cultural and relaxing experience for families. Since it’s a boat ride rather than a hike, it’s a great option for families with younger kids who may not be up for a long walk. The short boardwalk path to the grotto is easy and stroller-friendly.

A fun stop for families, this North Shore fruit stand offers fresh pineapple, papaya, and their famous frosty banana smoothie. Kids will love trying tropical fruits they may have never tasted before, and there’s a small farm area where they can see goats and chickens. It’s a refreshing break on a warm day!

This hidden gem offers a guided tour designed for kids, featuring a magical children's garden with a splash pond, treehouse, bridges, and tunnels. Families can explore interactive sculptures and lush tropical gardens. The playground area is a highlight, with whimsical designs that make it feel like a fairy tale adventure. The gardens also offer educational activities, teaching kids about native plants and wildlife in a fun and engaging way. Reservations are required for guided tours, so plan ahead.

Located near Port Allen, this small beach is covered in colorful sea glass that kids will love collecting. The glass has been naturally smoothed by the ocean over decades, creating a shimmering, treasure-like experience. While it’s not a great beach for swimming, it’s a unique and fun stop for little adventurers who enjoy beachcombing.

This historic lighthouse on Kauai’s North Shore offers stunning views of the coastline and is home to many seabirds, including albatross and frigatebirds. Kids can use binoculars to spot nesting birds, and in winter months, they may even see humpback whales in the ocean below. The visitor center has educational displays about Hawaiian wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s a short walk from the parking area, making it easy for little legs to enjoy.