As a Hawaii travel planner and Kauai-loving mom of two, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at and recommending some of the best family-friendly resorts on the island.
From luxury suites to beachfront properties, these are the best Kauai resorts for families.
Be sure to check out my Kauai With Kids: The Ultimate Guide for everything you need to know about visiting Kauai with your family.
Is Kauai Good for Families?
Yes, Kauai is perfect for families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush landscapes, Kauai provides everything from quiet beaches to thrilling activities like zip-lining and boat tours along the stunning Na Pali Coast.
While it’s a bit more laid-back than the other Hawaiian Islands, there are plenty of kid-friendly beaches, nature trails, and activities to fill your days with fun. If you’re looking for a combination of outdoor exploration, peaceful downtime, and breathtaking scenery, Kauai will not disappoint.
For more detailed information on activities, restaurants, and beaches, take a look at my Kauai Family Activities, Best Kauai Restaurants for Families, and Best Kauai Beaches for Kids posts.
Where to Stay on Kauai With Kids
Most family-friendly resorts on Kauai are located on the island’s South Shore in sunny Poipu or on the lush North Shore in Princeville.
Poipu is perfect for families seeking sunny weather and nearby beaches with calm waters, while Princeville is great in the summer, offering stunning mountain views and proximity to Hanalei Bay. The East side of the island is great for finding more budget-friendly accommodations and having an easy access point for exploring the rest of the island.
Here are our top five picks for the best Kauai resorts for families.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Location: Princeville, Kauai
Perfect For: Families With Toddlers
The Westin Princeville offers spacious villa-style accommodations with full kitchens, making it a great option for families traveling with young kids. Located on Kauai’s North Shore, this resort gives you access to stunning views of the Pacific and lush greenery. While it’s not beachfront, a free shuttle service will take you to nearby beaches.
Why We Love It:
• Villas with full kitchens and washer/dryer…need I say more?
• The kid’s pool is shallow and toddler-friendly, and the resort offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. While this may not work for teenagers, it’s ideal for families who prefer a more relaxed vibe.
• There’s a complimentary shuttle to Princeville’s nearby shopping and dining areas, so you won’t need to worry about packing everyone up to drive.
Cons:
• It’s not directly on the beach, which may be a drawback if you want quick access to the sand.
• The North Shore’s weather can be rainier, especially during winter months.
Pools: 4, including a kids’ pool with shallow areas
Kids’ Club: No, but they do have some fun scheduled activities for kids throughout the day
Restaurants: 1, and a great grab-and-go market
Book The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Location: Poipu, Kauai
Perfect For: Families With Teens
Located on the sunny South Shore of Kauai, the Grand Hyatt is a dream for anyone looking for a bigger resort experience. The sprawling saltwater lagoon, lazy river, and multiple pools make this place a knockout with teens. With tennis courts, a golf course, and the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail nearby, this resort is well-suited for any age range.
Why We Love It:
• Our family loves a resort pool and this one provides hours of fun for everyone
• With an on-site luau, 2 tennis courts, and a mile walk to Poipu Beach, you don’t need to venture far.
• Anara Spa is one of the best on the island! Their facilities include a relaxation area, lava rock outdoor shower, jacuzzi, and dry sauna.
Cons:
• This place is massive and busy, so if you prefer a more intimate experience, this may not be the best fit.
• The hotel sits on Shipwreck Beach, which is not swimmable. You’ll have to drive a little over a mile to get to kid-friendly Poipu Beach.
Pools: Multilevel, including a waterslide, saltwater lagoon, and lazy river
Kids’ Club: Yes, Camp Hyatt, ages 3-12 and reasonably priced
Restaurants: 7
Book The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Location: Poipu, Kauai
Perfect For: Families With Multiple Ages
Koloa Landing Resort is ideal for families with kids of various ages. It offers spacious accommodations ranging from studio rooms to three-bedroom villas, all equipped with full kitchens. The resort’s multi-tiered lagoon-style pool, complete with waterslides and a zero-entry pool for toddlers, made us stay an extra day!
Why We Love It:
• The villas provide ample space for larger families, complete with full kitchens and laundry facilities.
• Their 350,000-gallon lagoon pool is one of the biggest on the island, and there’s also a shallow area perfect for younger kids.
• The resort is close to shopping and dining at Poipu Beach, making it easy to explore the area.
Cons:
• While the resort is near the beach, it’s not beachfront, so you’ll need to walk or drive to the shore.
• While I did receive a nice massage during our stay, the spa facilities left me wanting more.
Pools: 3 lagoon-style pools
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 2
Looking for things to do nearby? Check out my guide for Fun Things to Do on Kauai for fun family activities close to Poipu.
Book Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Kauai Shores Hotel
Location: Kapa’a, Kauai
Perfect For: Families on a Budget
For families looking to stay somewhere in style without breaking the bank, Kauai Shores Hotel is a fantastic choice. Located on the Coconut Coast, this beachfront hotel provides two swimming pools, and a relaxed island vibe. This is a great location for exploring the rest of the island by day.
May not be for everyone, but it’s clean and affordable, and we adore the funky, retro vibe!
Why We Love It:
• One of the few budget-friendly beachfront properties on Kauai.
• Family-friendly amenities include beach access, complimentary bicycles and daily yoga classes.
• Lava Lava Beach Club is one of faves and right on-site, so you can enjoy a meal or cocktail with your toes in the sand while your kids run and play.
Cons:
• The hotel rooms were recently renovated, but are still more basic compared to some of the more luxurious options on the island.
• This location in Kapa’a can get busy, and while you can take a dip in the ocean, it isn’t super clear or great for snorkeling.
Pools: 2
Kids’ Club: No
Restaurants: 1
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Location: Princeville, Kauai
Perfect For: Families Looking for Luxury
Newly rebranded as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, this luxury resort sits on the cliffs overlooking Hanalei Bay, offering some of the most breathtaking views on the island. This eco-conscious hotel focuses on sustainability while providing high-end luxury, with everything from organic linens to on-site wellness experiences. Perfect for families who want to indulge in luxury while connecting with nature.
Why We Love It:
• Their kids program, Seedlings, is one of the best on the island. Kids ages 6-12 can attend “Aloha Camp,” which focuses on bringing children closer to nature.
• Rooms are modern, eco-friendly, and luxurious, with family-friendly options like multi-room suites.
• The resort focuses on wellness, offering everything from yoga classes to farm-to-table dining, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a mindful, eco-conscious vacation.
Cons:
• The price tag reflects the luxury experience, so it may not fit all family budgets.
• The oceanfront pool setup is stunning, but there are no thrilling waterslides and the hotel’s peaceful vibe won’t keep active kids or teenagers entertained for long.
Pools: 3, including a serene infinity pool
Kids’ Club: Yes, available for kids 6-12 with a fee
Restaurants: 7, including a juice bar and grab-and-go market
If you’re planning to explore more of Kauai, you’ll want to know about the best ways to get around. Check out my post on Kauai Transportation: Do You Need a Car?
Next Steps for Your Kauai Vacation
Now that you’ve chosen a resort, make important reservations at the best family-friendly restaurants and book your activities!
Kauai is always a good idea.
aloha, I’M FLO
Hawaii travel blogger + itinerary planning extraordinaire
I’m an island-hopping Maui mama of two, here to bring your Hawaii vacation dreams to life.
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