Not only is Kauai is the picture-perfect Hawaiian Island of your dreams, the island also offers a plethora of family-friendly adventures to keep your whole crew entertained.
Explore the Waimea Canyon (nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), see the rugged mountains of the Napali Coast on a snorkeling trip, spot humpbacks breaching on a whale-watching tour and catch a glimpse of monk seals sunbathing on the sand.
You’ll also find beaches with lifeguards and surf schools, kid-friendly hiking trails, parks and playgrounds — even freely roaming chickens. Now that we’ve convinced you to take your next family vacation to the Garden Isle, here are the best Kauai hotels and resorts for families.
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger is a condo-style property located in Lihue near the airport — so your crew won't have to endure a long car ride after a long flight. Families should opt for a one- or two-bedroom unit (bonus: each has at least two bathrooms) to take advantage of the full kitchen with a convection oven, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. Each unit also includes a washer and dryer to keep your swimsuits and beachwear fresh, and the property is within walking distance to grocery stores to stock your kitchen.
Kids will love spending the day in the lazy river pool with water slides and a sandy zero-entry that winds through the 2-acre resort. Nearby, spot Kauai’s resident monk seals hanging out on Waipouli Beach, and browse the shops and restaurants at Coconut Marketplace.
With a prime location on Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai Resort is an ideal home base to truly appreciate all that is Kauai. Each day the staff offers free introductory surfing and snorkeling lessons on the beach, and complimentary scuba lessons are available in the pool for anyone ages 10 and above.
Nighttime tours during low tide provide an incredible learning opportunity about tide pools and unusual marine life. Kids will also enjoy the weekly luau with dancing, food and storytelling.
There's no need for parental guilt when you leave the kiddos at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa's Camp Hyatt, one of the best Kauai resorts for families. Between lei making, hula lessons, shell bracelet making, volcano crafts and parrot talks, they'll hardly register your absence.
Counselors also supervise playtime in the multilevel pools, laced with lazy rivers, waterfalls, caves and a water slide. When it’s time to retire, opt for a family-friendly suite to have some privacy once the youngsters are asleep.
Located on Kauai's north shore right on Hanalei Bay, the sunsets at Princeville Resort (formerly the St. Regis) are worth the price of admission. The beach is suitable for children, as protection from an offshore reef generally keeps the shallow water calm, except in the winter months.
Kids can spend the day playing at the Keiki Pool, while supervising parents can take in the surrounding views of Makana Mountain and Hanalei Bay. The beachfront resort also features an onsite spa and nearby Princeville Makai Golf Club, so mom and dad can have some "me" time as well.
In addition to family-friendly heated outdoor pool — one of the largest in Hawaii — plus a designated children's pool for the littles, the Kauai Marriott Resort fronts Kalapaki Beach, one of the best beaches in Kauai. Six restaurants on the grounds should satisfy your pickiest eater, but if not, dozens of locally owned restaurants are within walking distance in Lihue. Another bonus for families: the resort offers a free shuttle from the airport.
Whalers Cove is an ideal Kauai resort for families thanks to its one- two- and three-bedroom condo-style accommodations. One-bedroom oceanfront accommodations have an incredible 1,400 square feet of space, with a master bedroom and king-sized bed, living room, dining room and full-sized and fully equipped kitchen. Shopping services will have your kitchen stocked with whatever you like prior to your arrival.
Rent bicycles nearby and explore all the things to do on Kauai's sunny south side of the island. Sample Hawaiian-style hot dogs and shave ice at Puka Dog, and spend the day swimming and snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park.
While The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is not located directly on the beach, the ocean view from its perch atop a 200-foot cliff more than makes up for it. Plus, a complimentary shuttle transports guests back and forth to Hanalei Bay for beach access.
Accommodations range from studios to two-bedroom villas, and each is furnished with all the comforts of home, making it one of the best Kauai resorts for families — think kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, a washer and dryer, and the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed. Free Wi-Fi, free parking and no resort fee add to the value.
Kids will love their own pool that features a slide and water-spewing turtles (while parents have a choice of three additional pools), plus every Tuesday is family movie night: spread a blanket on the big lawn overlooking the Pacific for a film under the stars.
The pool at Koloa Landing Resort is something your kids will talk about for a long time. Waterfalls and multiple levels, spray jets and bridges — it's a vacation in itself.
An activity lawn includes volleyball, soccer and miniature golf. Cribs and high chairs are delivered to your villa at no extra charge. Note that this is not a beachfront property, but the resort has a van that will deliver you to Poipu Beach whenever you like.
