10 Things to do in Kauai with Kids

If you're looking for a location for a family holiday in Hawaii, you might want to consider the island of Kauai. This place offers activities for all ages such as kayaking, beach days, and tours of local farms or plantations. You can also take advantage of artisanal chocolate tastings, as well as the heart-warming experience of participating in the shelter dog hiking programme.

A visit is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the best things to do in Kauai as a family. In general, I recommend renting a car for convenience, including downtime for the little ones and packing everything you need. Childcare is available on the island, but it's best to do all of these experiences together.

During your holiday on Kauai I recommend you sign up for a kayak tour to enjoy the calm waters with the little ones. The most popular location is Fern Grotto Cave, a natural grotto where children can see lush hanging ferns and the best Luau shows. According to legend, centuries ago access to this exotic beauty was exclusive to ancient Hawaiian royalty.

The main advantage of visiting Kauai is that you can enjoy its amazing navigable rivers. The largest and most interesting is the Wailua River, which is notable for its meandering paths surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and scenery. From here you can reach the Secret Falls, a low-intensity hiking trail, where you can camp or organise picnics. The little ones are sure to get a kick out of discovering the almost secret location, while following clues and challenges. If you plan to go kayaking with children, you should be aware of this:

• It is important that all participants know how to swim, plus it is recommended that children wear life jackets.
• Try to choose a kayak trip of easy difficulty, so that the children can enjoy the experience.
• The age limit depends on the company you book the experience with, generally the minimum requirement is 5 years old.
• It is advisable to wear water shoes and hiking sandals, so the whole family will be comfortable.

If you want to introduce the little ones to the history and culture of Hawaii, there's nothing better than exploring the Polynesian roots through the best Luau shows. It is an educational, fun and educational activity, ideal to enjoy with children. It offers shows suitable for any age, as well as food feasts and music performances. The dances often capture curious minds, due to the characteristic graceful movements.

In fact, it is believed that the indigenous people connected with the gods, through hula dancing. These stories are something you can share with children to stimulate their creativity. There are different proposals to enjoy this Hawaiian performance, either in the sugar cane plantations, in front of the sea, on cruises on the Wailua River or in Polynesian villages.

In addition to the theatrical performance, the little ones can learn the Lei greeting and watch a knife dance. Note that the cost starts at 152 euros, however some luau shows offer special discounts for children. Of course, it is important to check with the service operator beforehand. Discounts or free entry are sometimes offered for children under the age of five, although you may have to keep them on your lap.

Exploring Kauai's movie locations with kids can be a fun and interactive activity, ideal for taking the little ones to see fictional worlds come to life. You can enjoy an open-air tour, as well as combine it with horseback riding, helicopter flights or bus rides. In fact, you can plan your itinerary to visit old film sets with free access, such as the Na Pali coast where Pirates of the Caribbean 4 was filmed.

However, if you're going with children you can take advantage of the convenience of the best local tours and excursions, visiting the most iconic locations aboard a comfortable bus. They usually include the accompaniment of a local guide, who can provide relevant information to the little ones about the locations where Jurassic Park, Blue Hawaii and Lilo and Stitch were filmed.

Kauai is a versatile island whose paradisiacal beaches, dreamy landscapes and great weather have stolen the limelight in Hollywood on more than one occasion. In fact, the first film shot among its waterfalls and cliffs was "The White Flower", a 1923 production. Thanks to its microclimates, chameleon-like locations, island hospitality, fascinating culture and prime location, it has immortalised more than 70 film productions.

A great outdoor activity to enjoy with kids is the fern grotto at Wailua State Park. This is a famous cave where the little ones can enjoy the contrast of sounds, sights and Hawaiian music. In fact, it's a popular location for weddings, and local musicians often perform the Hawaiian wedding song during the tour. It is recommended for families, as it is low intensity.

It can be done on your own without any problems, just be sure to wear water shoes and be careful when walking on the trails. They are quite safe, but can become slippery when wet. The best time to take this hiking route is in autumn or spring, especially if you are with children. Also, the quickest way to access the grotto is via a Wailua River cruise.

Kids love a challenge, so they're likely to have a good time rafting or snorkelling in Kauai. These are different, yet physically demanding experiences. The most recommended area is the Napali Coast, which is accessible by boat, plane or helicopter, so you'll have a double adventure. You'll pass beneath stunning cliffs, explore the curious caves and marine life, and go tubing down the mountains.

Tubing is a recreational activity that takes place on water tyres or inflatables, which is combined with white-water rafting. Other places to get your adrenaline pumping safely include some of the best local beaches, such as Ke'e Beach which has a popular reef lagoon for spotting fish and turtles.

There's nothing better than sharing an adrenaline-filled adventure with the kids, which is completely safe, as long as you take the necessary precautions and respect age limits. Please note that this is an exclusive experience for children aged five and over. In addition, it is advisable to look for beginner-friendly locations with smooth, crystal-clear water.

A holiday in Hawaii is not complete without a day at the beach. The island is surrounded by cliffs, bays and stunning beaches. Of course, it's important to sift through the options, to choose the most kid-friendly ones. In general, Poipu is the most popular for taking the little ones, as it offers safe spaces with lifeguards and fairly gentle surf. There's even a playground and picnic area.

It's not for nothing that it's one of Kauai's best beaches, as there are bike rental areas and you can occasionally enjoy some of the best Luau shows. You can also try surfing lessons, ideal for all ages. Note that every Wednesday the Kauai Culinary Market farmers' market is set up and offers cooking demonstrations, live shows and a variety of dining and souvenir shopping options.

Other kid-friendly beaches

• Hanalei is a quiet bay on the north side of the island, where beautiful rainbows often appear. It is patrolled by lifeguards and you can take surfing lessons with children.
• Lydgate: Families love this beach as it has play areas and is safe for swimming with children.
• Tunnels: allows you to enjoy calm waters with little surf, where you won't have to feel anxious about the safety of the children.

In general, the island offers family-friendly options and its best beaches are suitable for a good time with children. However, it is advisable to avoid risky areas. For example, Hanakapiai Beach lacks reefs, which promotes current drag. The waves and winds at Kee and Lumahai Beaches are also not recommended for children. Additionally, Kauapea Beach or Secret Beach is not recommended for children as it is an unofficial nude beach.

Visiting the local farms with kids is one of the best things to do on Kauai. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the harvesting and picking process of some of the most important products such as chocolate, tropical fruits and Hawaiian coffee. The locals are very friendly and hospitable, so every day they welcome tourists to the fields and plantations for an enthusiastic agritourism tour.

You can indulge your stomach with tastings of handmade chocolate, and even visit the factories where it's made into different products. If the kids get tired, local guides often organise games for them and even set up tables for painting. Don't worry, you'll never lose sight of them, as the children's activities are optional and they never stray far from the group. The most famous farms and factories are Lydgate Farms and Wild Kauai Chocolate.

Additionally, you can see how the beans are roasted and taste an authentic Hawaiian coffee, brewed with coconut milk. The coffee experience on Kauai and other nearby islands is characterised by its unique flavour and the location of the plantations on the volcanic slopes. The best local tours and excursions offer such activities for the whole family, and at the end of the tour you'll be able to buy handmade products.

The Kilohana train is a fun activity that offers a different perspective of Kauai and is a great way to learn about local history on a tour that lasts about forty minutes. It takes place aboard a replica of the old 19th century trains, which moved between the sugar cane plantations. Prices usually start at 18 euros, with discounts for children up to twelve years old and free for children under three years old.

You can enjoy a stop to feed animals, and while the kids are having fun you can try mai tai, a traditional Hawaiian cocktail. Other activities you can enjoy with the little ones at Kilohana Plantation include:

• Visit the plantations botanical garden, to explore over 50 types of flower and fruit species.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of the Kilohana Mansion, which was built in the Tudor style in 1935.
• Lunch at Gaylord's restaurant, with a comfortable atmosphere and live entertainment.
• Tour the rum distillery to sample local spirits.
• Spend some quality time in the souvenir shop and art gallery.
• Check out one of the island's best Luau shows, which takes place outdoors.

The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is an attraction with centuries of history, having been built in 1911. It is completely free and open 24 hours a day. However, for safety reasons it is best to visit during the day, as it is not as well lit at night. Here you can see Kauai's old connection to the sugar plantations, as well as enjoy the adventure of walking across the gently swaying structure.

Running or jumping over the bridge is not recommended to avoid falls. After this experience, you can tour Hanapepe, a district considered the art capital of Kauai. Here you'll find plenty of entertainment options, as well as dining options for all tastes. If you're looking for things to do on the island at night, you can sign up for family-friendly Art Nights.

On Kauai, they encourage animal care through various types of animal protection programmes, as animals are sacred to the identity and spirituality of Hawaiians. For example, you can visit an animal shelter with your little ones to participate in the Shelter Dog Field Trip programme. It's an activity that will encourage good values, as you'll be responsible for taking them to species-safe places such as trails, beaches and parks.

You will be able to give them affection and stimulate the little ones to be responsible, empathetic and respectful. In general, a responsible adult must be present to carry out the activity, it is also important to sign a declaration of responsibility, comply with the agreed schedules and present your passport. Some of the places where you can book the experience in advance include:

• Kauai Humane Society: is a local shelter that offers everything you need to take your dog on a safe excursion, in approved locations. In case you get attached to the dog, they handle all the adoption paperwork and migration process.
• Kauai Animal Welfare Society: allows you to enjoy the company of dogs and cats while walking with the kids around the island. In general, the activity is free but it is recommended to make a donation to the foundation.