17 Things To Do in Kauai with Kids [You Won’t Want to Miss Out on!]

Kauai holds a special place in our family’s heart with its perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. We’ve roamed its lush valleys, walked along its sun-kissed shores, and even wandered through its jungle trails. We have so many incredible memories on this island. Below are 17 family-friendly activities we love!

If you’re looking for an authentic island experience filled with moments of wonder for the kiddos (and let’s admit, some Insta-worthy photo ops for us parents!), then buckle up. I’m about to share our family’s all-time favorite things to do in Kauai. Trust me, your young adventurers are in for a treat.

17 Things To Do in Kauai with Kids

Spend the Day at the Koloa Zipline – Our FAVORITE Kauai Activity with Kids!

One of our favorite things to do in Kauai with kids is zipline. I am not typically the adrenaline junkie type and I totally freaked out the first time I saw my kids not only strapped on a zip line but doing it upside down. However, I too have grown to love the amazing feeling of soaring above some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Kauai may very well be the most beautiful place on Earth so this one is at the tip-top of our list.

It has been years since we first did the Koloa Zipline and the kids still talk about it being one of their favorite experiences ever!

Before we booked, I had heard wonderful things about Koloa Zipline from personal friends. Judging by their 5-star Tripadvisor Rating I knew we would be in for a real treat! They offer snacks and juice after the 4th line, the guides are hilarious, and you see some amazing scenery where both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World were filmed. My kids got a kick out of that!! They also have the island’s longest zip line (1/2 a mile long)!!

To book a tour and get the best prices I recommend Tripadvisor’s website.

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Visit the Incredible Beaches

Of course, one of the main reasons you’re in Kauai is to spend time at the gorgeous beaches. Here are some great family-friendly options!

Poipu Beach Park

When we stayed at the Villas at Poipu Kai, we spent so much time at this beach park! The water is beautiful and warm. Plus, monk seals can be seen here and the snorkeling is great as well.

This beach is great for kids as there are clean bathrooms which is always fantastic news.

More info here!

Kealia Beach

In my opinion, this is the best beach near Kapa’a for families. It is a great midway stop between Poipu and Princeville. Plus, the parking is easy and there are bathrooms.

This is a popular surf spot, but on calmer days is a great place to swim with a lifeguard on duty. In the winter, this is also a great spot for whale watching!

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is an absolute must-do in Kauai. The sand’s super soft, perfect for castle-building sessions, and the gentle waves are just right for little ones.

It’s a great spot for beginner paddleboarders because of the calm water. There’s also plenty of space in the shade if you want to just relax beneath the palm trees. And don’t miss a walk on the Hanalei Pier—it’s perfect for those cute family photos!

Secret Beach

What is it about the word “Secret”? It immediately makes this beach irresistible to me. The Hawaiians call this beach- Kauapea and it is supposed to be less crowded (I assume due to the fact you have to hike down to the beach).

It is home to beautiful views and diverse tide pools.

Learn more about the “Secret Beach” here.

Salt Pond Beach Park

A family favorite, Salt Pond Beach Park boasts gentle waters, vibrant tide pools, and sunlit shores. Ideal for picnicking, snorkeling, or simply lounging, it captures the idyllic essence of Kauai’s beachside charm.

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Go on an adventure with Kauai Tubing

Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers a mountain tubing excursion that takes you through the old Lihue Plantation lands, tunnels, and flumes. It is an excellent activity if you have got kids aged 5+.

The tour starts in a 4wd vehicle that takes you to the launch site. There you grab a tube and a headlamp and hop in the gently flowing waters. You will witness Kauai’s spectacular, historical engineering feats as you float down the open canals, through several amazing tunnels and flumes engineered and hand-dug circa 1870. Pretty awesome right?

Book a tour here!

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Experience Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is one of Kauai’s most stunning natural attractions. Its vastness, vivid colors, and unique geological features make it a must-visit. The canyon is the largest in the Pacific, at over 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3500ft deep!

There are many lookout points and kid-friendly hikes, along with difficult hikes for more experienced visitors. I like going on the more mellow hikes and packing a picnic lunch to enjoy with the kids. Here are 5 easy options!

1. Waimea Canyon Lookout: This isn’t so much a hike as it is a viewpoint. However, it provides a spectacular introduction to the canyon. Just a short walk from the parking lot, this lookout offers panoramic views of the gorge’s vivid colors and intricate patterns.
2. Iliau Nature Loop: A short loop trail that offers views of the canyon and showcases native plants, including the Iliau plant which blooms beautifully in certain seasons. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for younger kids. Length: 0.3 miles (0.5 km) round trip.
3. Cliff Trail Lookout: An extremely short trail that starts near the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. It leads to an impressive viewpoint of the canyon. The trail itself is easy with only a slight incline. Length: 0.1 miles (0.16 km) round trip.
4. Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls: This is a bit longer but is doable with older kids. It offers views of the canyon and leads to the top of Waipo’o Falls. Though you won’t see the full waterfall from the top, the vantage point over the canyon is well worth the trek. Length: About 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip.
5. Black Pipe Trail: This is an alternative trail that can be taken to access the Canyon Trail. It cuts through the forest and meets up with the Canyon Trail. Length: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round trip.

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Spend an Evening at the Luau Ka Hikina 

Luau Ka Hikina is one of the newest luaus on the island, but it takes place on ancient royal surfing grounds with gorgeous ocean views.

I really love the focus on hula dances at this luau, it is so impressive! As for the food, it is a traditional Hawaiian feast that is locally sourced.

Book here!

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Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

I love educating our kids while we are traveling to different destinations. Learning becomes so much more concrete when it is experienced versus read about in a book.

This refuge is said to be home to some endangered bird species and for the $5 admission fee, it definitely is worth a visit. Besides the endangered bird species, you might also catch glimpses of sea lions, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles too.

They have tours hourly and offer free binoculars to use which is one less thing for me to pack 😉  It is located on the north shore and you can also tour the lighthouse while you are there. Get more info here!

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Check Out the Spouting Horn

Funny enough, one of our kids’ favorite things to do in Kauai is the spouting horn. The spouting horn is a natural blowhole located on the south side of the island. The Poipu surf funnels into a natural lava tube here and releases a huge spout of water during large swells.

The hissing noise that occurs has been said to be the Kaikapu lizard who guards the coastline (according to ancient Hawaiian legend).

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Venture Through the Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Did you know they have caves on Kauai? I didn’t but it sounds super interesting. The cave is located near Poipu and is about a 1/2 mile hike. There are tours on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm for free. Although, I believe if you tip it goes towards their conservation efforts.

If you want to enter the cave you have to crawl through a small opening but it is worth the hassle. I know the kids would feel like they did something really cool if we have the chance to visit this site. Although, I’m not loving the fact that it is home to blind cave wolf spiders– that sounds a little freaky to me.

Learn more here.

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Take a Tour of Na Pali Coast State Park

Voted #1 of 51 things to do in Kapaa caught my radar. You can experience all that Na Pali has to offer by helicopter tour, hiking (although it isn’t the easiest of trails), or hopping on a boat tour. I tend to lean towards the latter.

Boating is always fun with kids. They are entertained, there is plenty to see and most of the time you get the chance to jump in and swim too!

Check out some tour options here.

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Eat Amazing Food

If there’s one thing you have got to do on your Kauai trip, it’s eat!

Kauai’s restaurants offer it all – from on-point poke bowls to epic luau spreads and that must-try shave ice. Dive into local hits, straight-from-the-farm goodies, and some tropical munchies. You can check out my list of family-friendly favorites, like Healthy Hut and Lappert’s, here!

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Wailua River

The Wailua River on Kauai is not only Hawaii’s largest navigable river, but it’s also a treasure trove of activities suitable for families with kids. It is home to some of Kauai’s most famous landmarks, including the Fern Grotto and Opaekaa Falls. There are also many spots to swim in the river or rent a kayak to explore further.

This is a great place to learn about Hawaiian culture. The Wailua River Valley was once the home of Kauai’s royalty and is dotted with ancient heiau (temples).

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Limahuli Garden & Preserve

Discover ancient Hawaii at Limahuli. The lush botanical gardens are a haven showcasing native plants, terraced lo‘i kalo (taro fields), and rich cultural heritage. It is truly breathtaking here and is a serene retreat into Hawaii’s conservation and traditional cultivation practices.

It is a great spot for little ones who love exploring. The garden’s well-marked trail allows them to safely discover various plant zones, from the coastal lowlands to the highland forests.

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Take a Drive to Kalalau Lookout

Conveniently accessible by car, this viewpoint doesn’t demand any challenging hikes, making it ideal for those with young ones or lots of baby gear in tow.

Once there, you’re treated to one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramas: the iconic Na Pali Coast with its towering cliffs, the lush Kalalau Valley, and the vast ocean stretching beyond. Plus, the lookout is equipped with handy facilities like restrooms and seating areas. While the spot can sometimes be shrouded in mist, creating a whimsical hide-and-seek effect with the valley, it only adds to the experience.

A word to the wise: pack some layers, as the altitude can bring cooler temperatures and changing weather.

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Kauai Plantation Railway

The Kauai Plantation Railway is a fantastic choice for families with kids. Offering a blend of education and entertainment, this vintage train ride winds through lush landscapes and tropical fields of mangos, bananas, and pineapples allowing kids to learn about Hawaiian agriculture in a fun way. When the train ride is complete, you can hop off and spend time feeding the farm animals and enjoying the island’s beauty.

The railway is located at the Kauai Plantation Estate, so there is even more to do here! You can book a rum safari tour for adults, peruse several cute shops, or even attend a luau! You will also find some incredible dining options here; The Plantation House by Gaylords and the Mahikō Lounge.

With its nostalgic charm and suitable duration, this is a must for your Kauai itinerary.

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Helicopter Tour

Experience Kauai’s splendor from above! Helicopter tours reveal hidden waterfalls, the majestic Na Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon’s vastness. It’s an unrivaled vantage point offering panoramic, heart-stopping views of the island’s diverse landscapes.

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Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum

Nurture young minds at the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum. Interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and island-specific educational content make it a delightful playground for intellectual and creative growth.

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Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Embark on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, a coastal pathway unveiling stunning ocean vistas, unique geologic formations, and Kauai’s ancient lore. A trek through history and nature, it’s both a visual and educational delight.

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Map of Things To Do in Kauai with Kids

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What are your favorite things to do in Kauai with Kids?

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*Disclosure- at times Global Munchkins receives discounted prices or services gratis for purpose of review. However, that does not influence our opinions. All thoughts expressed above are, as always, 100% my own.