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Father and son surfboarding

Family Friendly Vacation Adventures on Kauai

There’s nothing like a fun-filled family vacation. And what better place for it than Kauai? Get out of the beautiful beachfront condo rentals on Kauai and experience everything that the island has to offer. And there is plenty to do for both you and your kids.

What to Do

Once you have left the Kauai Airport and settled into your luxurious condo, head out for an adventure, whether it be by air, land, or sea. Here are just a few ways you can entertain the whole family while in Kauai.

Kauai ATV Tours

ATV tours – I bet you didn’t even know they existed. You should, and here’s why you should consider booking a quick cruise in the mud. This is a really popular option for families that want a little adventure and don’t mind mud. Kauai ATV’s message “Do something dirty,” isn’t kidding around about the dirty part.

They have several options like a cave tour that lasts 3 – 4 hours and a waterfall tour that takes the same amount of time. The trails offer 22,000 acres of terrain in the Grove Farm near Koloa Suger Mill where movies were filmed such as Jurassic Park.

This is a rain or shine event, and you will want to pack clothes you are okay to toss at the end. That just means you have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs on the trip back home!

Backcountry Tubing

backcountry-tubing

Go backcountry tubing through Kauai’s man-made river, which was once an irrigation system for a 17,000-acre sugar plantation. You and your kids will be given helmets with personal spotlights to see through gorgeous tunnels dug by hand into the rocky terrain.

The farther you go, the more thrilling it gets. Everything ends with a picnic lunch complete with your guide talking about Kauai’s long history and geographical features.

Catamaran Sightseeing

Catamaran traveling along Kauai coast

Take a catamaran to see the west’s remarkable cliffs along the Na Pali Coast. You can go snorkeling with Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures & Raft Expeditions and swim the calm waters around the cliffs that surround the coral reefs. Snorkeling is a seasonal activity because the seas are rougher in the winter, but that is the best time to see humpback whales, so there isn’t any downside.

While sailing, you might just have some dolphins join you, and you’re almost guaranteed to see green sea turtle heads bobbing out of the surf on calm days. You might also see rays, sharks, monk seals, and wild mountain goats if you watch the cliffs carefully.

Guided Hiking

island-trail-path

If you are looking for easy Kauai hikes for families there are a few that offer spectacular views without being too difficult for older kids. The Sleeping Giant trailhead is close to Waipouli Beach Resort on the east shore and is a popular option because it is easy to take a couple of hours rather than the whole day.

Kauilau Ridge Trail is one of the more infamous on the island because it skims the north shore with looming views of the cliffs straight ahead, but it is long and requires some planning. Along with these two options, there are several waterfalls to see and plenty of trails in Waimea State Park.

Ziplining Adventures

family zipline

Ziplining might look easy from below, but it isn’t for the faint-of-heart. However, it is something many families love because it brings them closer together. The Koloa Zipline allows you to see much of the island from above, including areas where the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies were filmed. Koloa has a half-mile long zipline, which is the longest on the island.

Where to Eat

Take a car or bike to get to one of Kauai’s restaurants. Many are also within walking distance of the rentals. One of the island’s most family-friendly restaurants is Porky’s Kauai. They have hot dogs, which are a main staple of the beach, but they also serve up amazing Hawaiian-style pulled pork.

The Hee Fat General Store has some of the best-shaved ice around. It is a perfect treat for adults and kids alike, and there are other Hawaiian-style desserts to enjoy as well.

If your kids love tacos, then stop by Tacos Al Pastor in Kapaa. Visitors rave about their burritos and tacos alike, and the beans and rice make for mouth-watering sides. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Sit inside or outside or take your meal home with you.

Where to Stay

Waipouli Beach Resort puts you and the family right up on the water’s edge. Take your pick from oceanfront, oceanview, and garden/mountain view rentals. You will have access to a fitness center, luxury spa, a resort pool that is complete with waterslides and waterfalls, and the gourmet restaurant Oasis on the Beach.

Kauai is packed with fun-filled adventures for the entire family. Your kids will not even have time to complain about being bored or sit around playing on their tablets or phones. Locals and visitors alike will tell you that one of the best things about Kauai is that there is something for everyone.

Choose Your Kauai Beach Resort Rental

Still need accommodations for your trip? Be sure to check out our full scope of listings. You’ll find over 52 fabulous properties to choose from that’ll add yet another great layer to your Kauai experience.