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Heads Up: I sometimes include affiliate links to places I love and trust. Booking through these links won’t cost you extra, and it helps me continue providing free resources to parents like you. Mahalo nui loa, I appreciate you very much!
This travel guide was designed as a best-of-the-best booking resource and pairs well with my free DIY Hawaii Planning Guide. For more on Kauai’s geography, climate, and vibe, check out Kauai With Kids: The Ultimate Guide.
Flights and transport
Flying to KauAI
Lihue Airport (LIH) is Kauai’s main airport, serving inter-island, domestic, and limited international flights.
Skyscanner has been my go-to travel search engine for years because it’s unbiased and offers the best prices to Hawaii with no hidden fees.
Tip: set up price alerts for specific dates/routes!
shuttles
If you don’t rent a car, a private or shared shuttle service can take you from the airport to your accommodation.
🌺 For a warm island welcome, reserve a flower lei greeting! Some companies even make candy leis for kids.
Renting a car
Kauai is best explored with a rental car due to its rugged terrain and the spread-out nature of its attractions.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental is a dependable company with no hidden fees, offering discounted rates through all major car rental companies. No prepayment, cancellation, or extra driver fees.
Find out: Do You Need a Rental Car on Kauai
Hotels and Resorts for Families
Kauai offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, from luxurious resorts to cozy vacation rentals.
More of Our Favorites: The Best Family Hotels on Kauai
VRBO is ideal if you’re traveling with a large group or want to enjoy family-friendly conveniences, like a kitchen or washer and dryer
Kid-Friendly Kauai
Tours and Activities
Kauai is known for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and pristine beaches. Here are my family’s favorite local tours and activities. Tip: If you’re not renting a car, look for tours that offer hotel pickup and drop-off!
Ages 10 and Under
Ages 10 and Above
Free and Inexpensive Activities
Keep Exploring: Things to Do on Kauai with Kids
Best Kauai Luaus with Kids
A luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture, food, and storytelling.
Best for Young Kids
Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation
Kids 2 and Under are Free!
This family-friendly luau offers a lei greeting, an underground imu ceremony, an open bar, and a buffet dinner. It also includes a 40-minute train ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway (my toddler’s favorite thing we’ve done on Kauai).
Best for Older Kids
Smith Family Garden Luau
Kids 2 and Under are Free!
Set in a lush botanical garden, this luau features a guided tram tour, fire-knife dancing, an open bar, and a dinner buffet.
Family Resources
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but these resources should make your vacation a breeze!
Kauai Babysitting Services
If your hotel doesn’t have a kid’s club, consider hiring Child Care Kauai for an overdue date night!
Kauai Baby Gear Rental
If you know that a high chair, hiking backpack, or Pack ‘N Play will make your life easier, consider renting one and having it delivered from Baby Quip Kauai!
kauai Family Photography
Capture your vacation memories! Carena has extensive experience working with families and has even been known to bring a speaker to get kids dancing and having fun.
Best Kauai Spas
No vacation is ever complete without a little “me-time”. Take some time to relax at a spa!
Best Luxury Spa on the South Side
Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt
This spa is a great blend of luxury and laid-back island vibes. You can choose to receive your massage in an indoor room but I highly recommend booking one of the outdoor cabanas! Anara’s spa facilities include a relaxation area, lava rock outdoor shower, jacuzzi, and dry sauna.
Best Luxury Spa on The North Shore
Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Hanalei
This upscale spa is right on brand with 1 Hotel’s luxury offerings (with a price tag to match). Bamford focuses on holistic wellness with treatments that use organic, sustainably sourced products. The serene, eco-friendly setting blends perfectly with the natural beauty of the North Shore!
Best Budget-Friendly Massage Service
Elevate Wellness
This is a great option if you’re in need of a good massage without breaking the bank at a full-service spa. Elevate Wellness is owned by a local Kauai family that has earned a great reputation for providing bodywork in oceanside cabanas in Kapa’a.
