Family-Friendly Kauaʻi: What to Do, See & Eat

Waimea Canyon State Park: Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers panoramic views and family-friendly hiking trails. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and easy to explore even with young kids. We first stopped at Iliau Nature Look Trail, which is an easy three-mile hike with stunning views of Waimea Canyon along with interesting signage about the native flora. We then stopped at the Waimea Viewpoint for incredible family pictures with the vast background. The viewpoint is a must-visit!

Sunset at Poipu Beach and Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hotdogs: During peak turtle season (May to September), it is wonderful to head to Poipu Beach in the late afternoon and have the kids play on the playground and beach. At sunset, the turtles nest on the beach, and it is a beautiful site to watch. Across the street is Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hotdogs, which has some really fun options for hotdogs with an array of sauces and tropical relishes. It is an easy dinner to pick up and have a beach picnic.

Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana and Luau: Hop aboard this vintage train for a scenic ride through orchards and tropical gardens. Kids love seeing animals and learning about local agriculture during the guided tour, with a chance to feed the pigs, goats, and sheep. The incredible Luau, where you can arrive early to walk through the plantation, view cultural demonstrations, and then head to the Luau with hula, fire dancers, all woven into a compelling story.

Wailua River kayaking to Secret Falls: A gentle kayaking trip down the Wailua River, followed by a short hike to a stunning waterfall where you can enjoy lunch and a swim. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and serenity for families with older kids.

Hanalei Bay beach day: Wide stretches of golden sand, gentle waves, and stunning mountain views make this one of the best family beaches on the island on the north shore. Great for building sandcastles and paddleboarding.

Helicopter tour of the island: A splurge-worthy adventure for families with older children. See waterfalls, canyons, and the Nā Pali cliffs from a bird’s-eye view—truly unforgettable, especially if you are a Jurassic Park fan.

The Beach House Restaurant (Poʻipū): After decades of family travel to Kauaʻi, this restaurant still remains a family favorite. A stunning oceanfront restaurant perfect for sunsets. The seafood is fresh, and the kids’ menu makes it a great upscale family dinner option. The restaurant offers kids coloring tablets and there is space for them to go outside and move around during dinner. As sunset approaches, patrons gather on the lawn to take sunset photos with surfers, palm trees, and tropical birds circling in the background.

Chicken in a Barrel BBQ & Bar: Although initially skeptical after our visit to Waimea Canyon, I was absolutely blown away by the BBQ here. The chicken, ribs, and even the pizza were all excellent. The restaurant features a large lanai, where we sat and enjoyed a relaxing setting with cold beers. Our children were able to play freely on the grass and under a beautiful shaded tree during our lunch. The BBQ was served in traditional baskets with classic red and white checkered picnic paper, which added to the charm. We also discovered they have beautiful cottages on the property, making it an ideal spot for multiple families traveling together or even a multi-generational reunion. Fun fact: Chicken in a Barrel BBQ & Bar, along with JoJos Shave Ice (sister company) aim to make a difference in their community by using all profits to support a free youth camp for kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Puka Dog: A uniquely Hawaiian twist on the hot dog, perfect for an easy and quick meal with kids. Choose your tropical relish and mustard for a one-of-a-kind flavor combo right across the street from Poipu Beach.

JoJo’s Shave Ice: This Hawaiian treat is a must-try! Their huge portions and local flavors make it the perfect way to cool off after an outdoor adventure. We especially enjoyed the Lilo and Stitch (a blend of red and blue raspberry) and the Tropical Breeze (guava, lilikoi, and mango) with macadamia nut ice cream.

Merriman’s Fish House (Poʻipū): Fine dining with a relaxed feel. Incredible fresh fish and farm-to-table ingredients, with keiki (kids) options available. They have iPad tablets for children to keep them entertained. Insider tip: Located within the shopping mall, this spot is perfect for browsing stores before your meal.

Lappert’s Hawaii: Be sure to try their amazing island-made ice cream, which comes in unique tropical flavors like Kona coffee or coconut macadamia nut. Their sorbet is also incredibly refreshing with flavors such as passion fruit and mango.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters: Enjoy delicious lattes and browse the boutique while you wait at this relaxed coffee house. Don’t forget to try their popular banana bread and brownies!

Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company: This casual, counter-service breakfast spot is known for generous portions, delicious coffee, and incredible pastries. I highly recommend the Bonzo Burrito Tortilla Wrap, Belgium Style Waffle, Pancake Stack, and the Knuckle Pastry. Insider tip: Arrive early! This popular breakfast destination has limited parking.

Kaua’i Coffee Roasters: Calling all coffee lovers, this roastery is the largest coffee grower in the United States. They have over four million coffee trees. It provides a wonderful selection of coffee, and you can try the daily allotment for free. They offer a free self guided tour through the coffee farm to learn about how this local java is made. Insider tip: They will even ship their coffee beans back home for you if you prefer that.