Visiting Kaua'i With Kids

Stephanie W.:  Shave ice is a must-try in Hawaii! JoJos is among the best of the best, and with 34 flavors to choose from, there are endless combinations you can make to create your ideal shave ice! No commercially made syrups are used here- only homemade syrups with cane sugar, water and natural flavoring. Cream toppings are also homemade. What's better, you'll be supporting a good cause, as all of JoJos profits fund free camps for Hawaiian youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience camp!

Stephanie W.:  Learn about Kaua'i's rich heritage on this two-mile river cruise through the beautiful Fern Grotto. You'll hear songs and stories about ancient Hawaii as you travel, and even get a hula lesson! These open air boats will provide you with stunning views along the fresh-water Wailua River. You'll also get to take a short hike through the Grotto, where ferns grow upside down and native tropical plants provide a rainforest-type atmosphere. The tour lasts about and hour and twenty minutes.

Cost: $25/adults, $12.50/children

christadiserio:  Take it from someone who saw the incredible island of Kauai on a helicopter with no regrets - this is a MUST for a family trip to Kauai. There's no better way to see the entire island during your visit than on a helicopter tour. These 45-55 minute tour options will take you all over the island's highlights, such as the "Jurassic Park Falls," Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, jaw-dropping waterfalls and so much more. This is a first-class adventure that your family will never forget!

Cost: $249-299 per person

Stephanie W.:  This is Kaua'i's only tubing adventure, and you don't want to miss out on it! You'll take an adventure vehicle through the Lihue Plantation lands and enjoy beautiful scenery with a narration provide by your guide, and then grab a tube and a headlamp when you've reached your destination. Your kids will love floating down open canals and through tunnels and flumes, with views of the ocean and coastline, mountains and valleys. At the end, go for a dip in a natural swimming hole and enjoy lunch at a picnic area nearby!

Cost: $116/person. Age 5+ only.

Stephanie W.:  You can't take a trip to Hawaii without going to a luau! Luau Kalamaku provides you with different options, such as seeing just a theatrical luau show with fire knife dancers, hula dancers and more, or participating in a traditional luau feast as well, where you'll find poi, fresh island fish, and Kalua pork. You can have four-course Hawaiian dinner with the Plantation Owner's Evening package, which provides you with premier seating for the show.

Cost: Luau experiences start at $58.59/Ages 18+, $45.50/Ages 13-17, $34.50/Ages 3-12, FREE/Ages 2 and under. Click on links above for more pricing.

Stephanie W.:  Kaua'i is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and what's a better way to view as much of it as possible than from a train? Kids will love this historic train ride through the beauty of Kilohana. Plus, there are different tour opportunities to fit your family's taste- a shorter, narrated trip with a stop to feed pigs, goats and sheep, a tour that includes a hike and lunch, and one that includes a luau! This will be unforgettable Hawaiian experience for you and your kids!

Cost: Tours start at $19.50/Age 13+, $14/Ages 3-12.

Stephanie W.:  Located on the North Shore, Hanalei Bay is a breathtaking two-mile beach surrounded by mountains. This beach is great for swimming, surfing, and walking, and lifeguards man this beach, which is always comforting for parents! The beach also has a large pavilion with bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Stephanie W.:  A horseback ride on the beach in Hawaii- can you imagine?? Located in south Kaua'i, CJM has two guided horseback trail rides. The first, along Maha’ulepu Beach, will take you along different terrains and through different scenery over the course of two hours, with drinks provided. The Picnic Ride, lets you hop of your horse after an hour ride to explore the beaches and eat a provided lunch, then ride back to the stables. These are 2-3 hour tours, so prepare for a long, beautiful ride!

Cost: Beach Ride- $110/person, Picnic Ride- $150/person

Stephanie W.:  Poipu Beach Park is a stunning spot for playing in the ocean and lounging in the sun. It's got great snorkeling, swimming and surfing, and a natural ocean wading pool perfect for kids. There are restrooms and lifeguards at this beach!

Cost: Free

Stephanie W.:  Calling all adventurers! This course has 8 ziplines and lasts about 3 and a half hours. Koloa Zipline is Kauai’s longest zipline course, with three of the longest lines on island. Try ziplining head first or going tandem, or take a lesson in aerobatics at the Ground School, where you'll learn the basics, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, different tricks like the Starfish, Hands Free, the Spin, and going upside down!

Cost: Tours start at $149. Ages 7+ only.

Stephanie W.:  Imagine getting to see dolphins in their natural habitat- the beautiful blue sea! Blue Dolphin Charters provides snorkeling (where you'll swim at the forbidden island of Niihau!), sunset dinner (on which meals are included), and rafting cruises. You are guaranteed to see dolphins, or your money back, making this excursion well worth it!

Cost: Cruises start at $125/Ages 18+, $115/Ages 12-17, $100/Ages 2-11. Click on links above for more pricing.

Stephanie W.:  This beautiful state park has nature trails with stunning views of the Waimea Canyon. Names the Iliau Nature Loop, this hike is labeled "easy," making it perfect for a family walk through the park. If you're looking for a more difficult hike, the Kukui Trail is a longer trail and a great way to get some exercise!

Cost: Free

Stephanie W.:  These stunning twin waterfalls are a must-see in Kaua'i. They are a great opportunity to see beautiful Hawaiian nature without needing to take a long or arduous hike, as they are right off the road. If you're lucky, on a sunny day you might even catch a glimpse of a double rainbow!

Cost: Free