Ranked – Best Family-Friendly Hotels, Resorts, and Stays in Kauai
Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is one of Hawaii’s most picturesque and peaceful islands—an ideal destination for families seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace of life. With its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and golden beaches, Kauai offers countless opportunities for children and parents to explore nature together. From tubing through mountain canals to kayaking the Wailua River or enjoying a sunset at Hanalei Bay, the island caters to a wide range of interests and age groups.
Choosing the best family friendly places to stay in Kauai is essential for ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. Popular areas such as Poipu on the south shore and Princeville on the north shore offer excellent options for families. Poipu is known for its sunny weather and swimmable beaches, while Princeville provides access to scenic overlooks and calm waters in nearby Hanalei. Accommodations range from spacious condos with kitchens and laundry facilities to full-service resorts offering pools, waterslides, and kid-oriented amenities.
This ranked list of the best family friendly places to stay in Kauai highlights properties that provide space, convenience, and proximity to kid-friendly attractions. Whether traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teens, these stays offer practical features like family suites, beach access, pools, and on-site dining. Many are also located near grocery stores, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths—making daily logistics much easier for parents. With fewer crowds and an abundance of natural beauty, Kauai is a favorite for families who want a blend of adventure and tranquility. From relaxing at resort pools to hiking short trails or spotting sea turtles, the island has something for everyone. Selecting the right accommodation ensures that your family can enjoy everything Kauai has to offer in comfort and style.
Planning your Kauai family trip? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the island:
- Kauai with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Family Beaches in Kauai
- Best Snorkeling in Kauai for Families
- Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kauai
Check out our ranked family travel lists for Kauai:
- Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Kauai (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Kauai (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Kauai.
1
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
1017
147
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, this resort offers villa-style accommodations with full kitchens, perfect for families looking for extra space. The resort features multiple pools, a kids’ splash zone, and barbecue areas for family gatherings. Located near Hanalei Bay and Anini Beach, it provides easy access to calm waters for kids.
What families like: Large family-friendly villas, Beautiful views, Great pools with a kids’ splash area, Close to beaches and hiking trails
Potential cons: No direct beach access, Smaller resort compared to others, Clifftop location means driving to the beach
2
Plantation Hale Suites
1064
208
A budget-friendly all-suite resort in Kapaa, offering large accommodations with full kitchens. Families love the multiple pools, hot tubs, and BBQ areas for easy outdoor dining. Located near beaches and shopping centers, it’s a convenient base for exploring Kauai.
What families like: Affordable, Large suites with kitchens, Multiple pools, Close to shopping and dining
Potential cons: Not directly on the beach, Older property, No on-site restaurant
3
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
994
155
A budget-friendly oceanfront condo resort with spacious suites, full kitchens, and direct beach access. Families love the grassy lawn for picnics and play, a heated outdoor pool, and easy access to Lydgate Beach Park, known for its calm waters and playground.
What families like: Affordable, Full kitchens in every unit, Close to Lydgate Beach Park, Quiet and peaceful setting
Potential cons: No air conditioning in some units, No on-site restaurant, Beach can be rocky for swimming
4
Aston Islander on the Beach
971
134
A budget-friendly beachfront resort in Kapaa, offering comfortable family accommodations with kitchenettes. Families can enjoy the beachfront pool, barbecue areas, and easy access to Coconut Marketplace for dining and shopping.
What families like: Affordable beachfront hotel, Kitchenettes in rooms, Close to shopping and dining, Great location for exploring Kauai
Potential cons: Smaller property with limited amenities, No on-site restaurant, Some rooms need updates
5
Makai Club Resort
959
161
A laid-back, family-friendly retreat in Princeville featuring spacious condos with full kitchens and lanais. The resort offers bike rentals, a pool, and an activities center with games and crafts for kids. It’s a great spot for families looking for a quieter, nature-focused getaway.
What families like: Spacious condos with kitchens, Great for outdoor lovers, Family-friendly activities, Close to hiking trails
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, No direct beach access, Limited resort-style amenities
6
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
952
171
A luxurious beachfront resort in Poipu, offering multiple pools, a lazy river, a waterslide, and a saltwater lagoon perfect for young swimmers. The resort’s Camp Hyatt kids’ club provides cultural activities, crafts, and outdoor adventures. Parents can unwind at the award-winning Anara Spa while kids enjoy the pools and beach fun.
What families like: Beautiful beachfront location, Large pools and lazy river, Kids’ club with cultural activities, Excellent dining options
Potential cons: Expensive, Strong ocean currents not ideal for young swimmers, Large property requires walking
7
Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
887
170
A quiet, family-friendly condo resort in Poipu with spacious oceanfront units, a heated pool, and lush gardens. Families love the fully equipped kitchens, large lanais, and peaceful atmosphere. The resort is close to Poipu Beach, great for snorkeling and kid-friendly swimming.
What families like: Spacious oceanfront condos, Peaceful and quiet, Close to Poipu Beach, Heated pool for kids
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, Limited activities, Expensive compared to other condos
8
Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club
772
127
Located in Lihue near Kalapaki Beach, this oceanfront resort offers spacious suites, a huge family-friendly pool, and easy access to calm waters perfect for kids. Families can enjoy hula lessons, lei making, and ukulele classes as part of the resort’s cultural offerings. The resort also has multiple on-site dining options.
What families like: Prime beachfront location, Large kid-friendly pool, Cultural activities for families, Close to Lihue Airport and shopping
Potential cons: Older resort with some dated rooms, Resort fees add up, Limited evening entertainment
9
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa
732
122
This condo-style resort in Kapaa offers spacious suites with full kitchens, making it ideal for families. The lazy river-style pool features waterfalls, waterslides, and a hot tub, providing hours of fun for kids. Located near shops and restaurants, the resort makes it easy for families to explore.
What families like: Large condos with kitchens, Amazing lazy river pool, Convenient Kapaa location, Close to family-friendly beaches
Potential cons: No formal kids’ club, Beach is rocky for swimming, Limited on-site dining
10
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
700
121
This villa-style resort offers spacious accommodations with full kitchens, private lanais, and large living areas, making it perfect for families. The multi-level pool features waterfalls, waterslides, and a swim-through grotto. Kids can enjoy the on-site putting green and s’mores nights by the fire pits.
What families like: Spacious villas with kitchens, Large pools with slides and waterfalls, Quiet and family-friendly, Close to Poipu Beach
Potential cons: No direct beach access, Resort dining options are limited, Can be pricey
11
Hanalei Bay Resort
566
81
Overlooking the stunning Hanalei Bay, this resort offers family-friendly condos with kitchens, multiple pools, and a private beach access path. The large lagoon-style pool has waterfalls and tropical landscaping, creating a fun atmosphere for kids. Families can take a short drive to explore Hanalei town and nearby beaches.
What families like: Spectacular views, Spacious family-friendly condos, Great pools with waterfalls, Peaceful location
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, Limited resort amenities, Some condos are older
12
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
551
95
A mid-range family-friendly resort with four pools, including a waterfall pool and a sandy-bottom kids’ pool. Located on a secluded stretch of beach, it offers peace and quiet while still being close to Lihue’s conveniences. Families can enjoy cultural events, live Hawaiian music, and outdoor movie nights.
What families like: Beautiful setting, Great pools for families, Kid-friendly cultural activities, Close to Lihue and airport
Potential cons: Beach isn’t swimmable due to currents, Limited dining options, Some rooms are outdated
13
The Lodge at Kukuiʻula
493
90
A luxurious private club-style resort offering spacious bungalows, cottages, and villas with full kitchens. Families can enjoy a family-friendly saltwater pool, a farm where kids can pick their own fruits, and adventure programs like kayaking and hiking.
What families like: Private and exclusive, Large accommodations with full kitchens, Unique farm-to-table experiences, Family adventure programs
Potential cons: Very expensive, Requires club membership for some amenities, More secluded location
14
Banyan Harbor Resort
433
65
A budget-friendly condo-style hotel in Lihue, featuring spacious suites with full kitchens, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and barbecue areas. Located near Kalapaki Beach, it’s a great home base for families exploring the island.
What families like: Affordable, Full kitchens in every unit, Close to Kalapaki Beach, Family-friendly outdoor amenities
Potential cons: Not directly on the beach, Some units need updating, No on-site restaurant
15
Kiahuna Plantation Resort
448
87
A classic beachfront condo resort in Poipu, featuring spacious plantation-style condos with full kitchens. Families love the grassy lawn leading to the beach, barbecue areas, and access to the Poipu Beach Athletic Club with a family-friendly pool, waterslide, and tennis courts.
What families like: Direct beach access, Large condos with kitchens, Access to Poipu Beach Athletic Club, Great for extended stays
Potential cons: Some units are older, No central air conditioning in some condos, Beach can have strong waves
16
Poipu Kapili
399
52
A quiet, oceanfront condo resort in Poipu, offering spacious multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and lanais. The resort features a heated pool, tennis courts, and a large lawn for family activities. Families love the peaceful setting and proximity to Poipu Beach.
What families like: Spacious and quiet, Full kitchens, Close to Poipu Beach, Great for families seeking a peaceful getaway
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, No kids’ club or planned activities, Can be pricey
17
Sheraton Kauai Resort
343
55
A beachfront resort in Poipu with a family-friendly atmosphere, cultural activities, and oceanfront fire pits. The kid-friendly pool overlooks the ocean, and guests can enjoy free beach gear rentals for snorkeling and boogie boarding. The resort offers live Hawaiian music and hula performances at night.
What families like: Direct access to Poipu Beach, Kid-friendly pool with ocean views, Free beach gear rentals, Cultural activities for families
Potential cons: Some rooms need updating, Pool area can feel small, Expensive dining options
18
The Cliffs at Princeville
275
28
A condo-style resort with family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ playground, putting green, and large grassy areas for outdoor fun. Families love the spacious accommodations with full kitchens and private lanais. Located near hiking trails and scenic lookouts, it’s a great spot for active families.
What families like: Spacious condos, Quiet and peaceful setting, Great for outdoor activities, Close to beaches and hiking trails
Potential cons: No on-site restaurant, No direct beach access, Basic pool compared to larger resorts