Shut your eyes and picture beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, and mountainscapes⦠that is Kauai. Aptly nicknamed “The Backyard Island,” the fourth largest of Hawaii’s islands encompasses laid-back aloha vibes. It is also the right journey for households with youngsters.
The abundance of actions to do and locations to go to is sufficient to excite dad and mom and keiki (the Hawaiian phrase for “kids”) alike! For those who’ve been ready for the second to go to Hawaiian Air and guide these tickets, that is it.
Child-Pleasant Sights in Kauai
Little followers of Thomas the Tank Engine will get a kick out of driving on the Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana. The tour takes riders via tons of crops and fruit groves, gives a narration on the historical past of the plantation, and lets riders get off to pet and work together with the farm’s animals, like pigs, goats, and sheep.
Kauai is residence to a few of Hawaii’s prime 15 golf programs (when you want a purpose to persuade your associate), however for the littler professionals, try the mini golf course at Anaina Hou Group Park. The course is amongst a backyard that interweaves details about the story of the island’s folks and its indigenous wildlife.
The city of Hanapepe wasn’t meant to be a child attraction, however with the success of Disney’s Lilo & Sew, youngsters will probably be excited to see the quaint city that impressed the movie. Nicknamed “Kauai’s Greatest Little City,” the primary road contains an previous swinging bridge, a classic bookstore, and Midnight Bear Breads, a terrific cease for a candy snack. And, after all, a photograph in entrance of the Lilo & Sew mural is a must-do.
Out of doors Actions in Kauai for Children
With practically excellent climate, starting from the mid-70s to the mid-80s 12 months spherical, there may be a lot to discover within the nice open air! I like to recommend renting a automobile whereas there so as to take your time exploring this beautiful island.
Kauai is residence to Waimea Canyon, or, as most individuals confer with it, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Drive to the lookout level to get sweeping views of the canyon and Instagram-worthy household photographs.
Whereas the island has eight waterfalls, the Åpaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls are essentially the most accessible, with lookouts proper alongside the primary highway.
For the extra adventurous kiddos (and barely older ones), there are helicopter rides obtainable the place you may get aerial views of those areas plus a lot extra, together with the island’s NÄpali Coast, a rugged shoreline stuffed with pure magnificence â a lot of which can’t be visited by foot. If your loved ones is not one for heights, take a tour of the coast by boat. Many boat excursions, like this family-run one on the Amelia, supply snorkeling as effectively.
Kauai can also be residence to the one navigable rivers in Hawaii. Reap the benefits of this and kayak the Wailua River. Households with youthful kids can take a guided river paddle tour, whereas extra energetic households with older youngsters can take a kayak tour that features an at-times difficult hike to the breathtaking Sacred Falls.
For a zipline journey, youngsters (and adults) 7 and up ought to go to the longest zipline on the island, Koloa Zipline. The three-and-a-half-hour journey consists of eight strains that soar above what was as soon as Hawaii’s first sugar plantation. The corporate additionally affords a tandem zipline for teenagers who want a bit extra parental assist.
Persevering with on with the adventurous sort, Kauai Backcountry Adventures leads a Mountain Tubing Journey, through which youngsters ages 5 and up (and up and up because it’s an grownup favourite exercise right here as effectively) can coast down the mild flowing waters, via open canals and tunnels dug amongst this former plantation land. The identical firm additionally affords a zipline tour for teenagers ages 12 and up.
For a strategy to discover on land, lease a bicycle and experience alongside the 7.6-mile Ke Ala Hele Makalae path in Kapa’a, on the island’s jap facet. The trail is paved and separate from the freeway, making it nice for teenagers. For those who want to stroll, or actually have a stroller in tow, you possibly can take within the scenic views alongside the coast by foot as effectively. Start the path at Lydgate Seashore Park (off Nalu Highway).
If you’re on the lookout for a seaside day, Lydgate Seashore can also be best for households, because it has a swimmable pond space and a playground. Child Seashore in Koloa is one other nice wager. With easy accessibility, small tidal areas that youngsters can wade in, and â when you’re fortunate â turtle recognizing, that is one other family-friendly seaside. Equally, Poipu Seashore, simply minutes down the highway, is a equally fashionable spot.
Greatest Eats for Children in Kauai
Pizza that holds as much as NYC requirements is tough to consider, however itâs true. JPâs Pizza has gotten fairly the excitement for its standout collection of pizzas, all made by 19-year-old Xavier John Paul Machado (AKA JP), a pizza prodigy! The small spot is takeout solely.
Dukeâs Kauai is a quintessentially Hawaiian restaurant. There’s the primary eating room and the Barefoot Bar, which is steps from the seaside if you would like a extra informal spot. Children will love their well-known Hula Pie, however be ready for that sugar excessive. (Hey, itâs trip!)
For a pinch of sophistication however nonetheless kid-appropriate, attempt Rumfire on the Sheraton Kauai. The spot affords oceanfront views, a menu crammed with recent seafood and steak choices (I counsel getting a duo so you possibly can have each), and a keiki menu with just a few primary plates for pickier eaters.
Youâve in all probability been advised to get shaved ice when you go to Hawaii, proper? To make that occur, head to Hee Fats Normal Retailer in Previous Kapaâa City. Store your approach via the shop to succeed in the shaved ice stand. The do-it-yourself pure fruit flavors within the syrup make these ices stand out.Youâve in all probability been advised to get shaved ice if visiting Hawaii, proper? Head to Hee Fats Normal Retailer in Previous Kapaâa City to make that occur. Store your approach via the shop to succeed in the shaved ice stand. The do-it-yourself pure fruit flavors for the syrup make these ices stand out.
For dinner and a present, there isn’t any extra family-friendly exercise that involves thoughts than a luau. Go to Aulii Luau Luau for one which takes viewers on a journey via the islandâs heritage and affords a conventional luau buffet.
The place to Keep With Children in Kauai
I like to recommend staying on the south facet of the island, as it’s the driest a part of the island. (Kauai is the rainiest of the Hawaiian islands.) It’s also residence to Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poipu, my best choice for households visiting Kauai.
The resort caters to youngsters; the second they arrive, they’re invited to hitch the Kauai is for Children Scavenger Hunt. Moreover, the property has tons of kid-friendly actions like a sâmores evening and lei-making lessons. There are additionally fields with soccer nets, volleyball nets, and one to play mini golf on. All of this implies extra time for Mother and Dad to loosen up by the pool or sneak in a spa therapy. And talking of swimming pools, they’re the centerpiece of this property. There are three in complete, they usually embrace waterslides for teenagers, a keiki splash pad, and a quieter, extra hidden adults-only one.
Lastly, our household beloved that each one the rooms (they usually have the whole lot from studios to a four-bedroom penthouse) have their very own washer and dryer, in addition to kitchens full with cooktops, microwaves, and fridges.
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