Kaua’i
Landed in Kaua’i.
Kaua’i is nothing short of pure magic. Known as “The Garden Isle,” Kaua’i is full of tropical rainforests and lush vegetation. We traveled to Kaua’i as a family in March 2024 and are returning again March 2025! I just couuld’t get enough! Immediately after landing in Kaua’i, I looked outside, smelled the fresh, clean air and thought, “This is the Hawaii I was dreaming of.”
Facts about Kaua’i :
Known as one of the richest destinations in the south pacific for green landscape.
Ocean temps of 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Home to “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon.
Highest point on Kaua’i: Kawaikini Peak 5,243 ft.
Kaua’i has more miles of beach and more hiking trails than any other Hawaiian island.
Only 3% of the island is developed, leaving plenty of untouched land for admiring and exploring.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights of our trip-
- Sailing the Na Pali Coast with Blue Dolphin Charters.
No visit to Kaua’i is complete without seeing the Na Pali coast. We have been quite a few breathtaking places in the world, but this one takes the cake. The unimaginable beauty of the coastline actually brought my husband and I to tears. Tears of happy, travel joy that is! We chose the morning snorkel and Na Pali coast tour on Blue Dolphin’s catamaran. The morning starts out with a lovely breakfast with pastries, coffee and juice. Then it’s time to snorkel! My kids jumped into the water immediately and explored the sea below. The reef we stoped at was incredible and we saw a tons marine life - Sea turtles, Eels and lots of different fish!
The stunning Na Pali coast.
Then we coasted along, and the cliffs soon became steep and dramatic along the coastline. There are beautiful untouched beaches to see, caves and waterfalls along the way. Lunch was served along with some local beers and tropical punch. We spotted tons of dolphins and even saw Humpback Whales!
The kids admiring a waterfall.
Sharing a special moment that will forever be etched in our memory.
Aloha from the Na Pali Coast.
On the way back to the marina, the crew played music, we kicked back, relaxed & the kids had a blast! We did not want the tour to end! Thank you, Blue Dolphin Charters, for the BEST day ever!
- Accommodations.
Outrigger Kaua’i Beach Resort & Spa.
Enjoying a morning swim during the beautiful sunrise.
The Outrigger was a fantastic family hotel. Equipped with four pools, a pool bar, on site restaurant, gift shop, cafe, Spa and daily resort activities, it had something to do for everyone. We spent most days exploring the island and we loved returning back to this beautiful resort every evening. It’s central location in Lihue, made it easy to drive to the north and south shores.
Captured this special moment between our twins.
Watching the sunrise from the beach was absolutely stunning. I would grab a cappuccino and head down to the beach with the kids to soak it all in.
Sunrise from the hotel balcony.
-Beaches.
Poipu Beach.
Located on the south shore, Poipu beach was an amazing place to snorkel and see Sea Turtles! They are amazing creatures to observe, from a distance! Please be mindful to stay back and give them space. They are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and we want to do everything we can to help them thrive in their environment!
Poipu has crystal clear water with easy entry that is ideal for kids. There are barrier jetties that create a cove like shape which are great snorkel spots!
There are lifeguards on duty, showers, changing rooms and a restaurant across the street.
Tunnels Beach.
Tunnels Beach. Located on the north shore. Tunnels attracts surfers and beach walkers on this incredible stretch of sand. There are strong currents at this beach and no lifeguards. I would highly advise not getting into the water BUT please visit! You can walk on the beautiful sand, have a picnic and enjoy watching the surfers that brave the tides.
- Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark at Tunnels Beach while surfing in 2003. The kids love to watch “Soul Surfer” in her honor and learn about her incredible survival story.
Hanalei
Boogie boarding the waves at Hanalei Beach.
Hanalei was the absolute highlight of our trip. The moment you pass over the small, one way bridge entering the town, look out over the sprawling fields and mountains and see the beach, you know you’ve arrived in paradise.
Hanalei Valley Lookout.
The mountains and greenery were like nothing we had seen before. It made us feel like we were in Bali, Italy, Asia, all mixed in one.
Hanalei town has many surf shops that offer surf lessons, kayaking tours, paddle board and boogie board rentals.
For surf lessons, check out:
A rainbow mural in town.
The beach has lifeguards which was an added bonus, having all of the kids in the water. There is also a pier on the east side of the beach that is fun to jump off! There are showers and changing rooms at the park by the start of the pier.
Hanalei Pier.
In town, you can find gift shops with unique Hawaiian made goods, great food and shave ice. We loved: Hanalei Bread Company, Wishing Well Shave Ice and Wake Up Delicious.
Hanalei has an extremely laid back vibe. Don’t expect cabana service here, ( which is one aspect we loved about it.) Pack a cooler, beach chairs, umbrella and plan to stay all day!
You can get all your cooler necessities at Hanalei Market in town.
Gazing toward the ocean at Hanalei Beach.
Waimea Canyon.
Known as The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep. The canyon was formed by a massive collapse of the volcano that formed Kaua’i.
Type in “Waimea Canyon Lookout” in your GPS. This is the most convenient view to take kids to. There is a small parking fee, bathroom facilities and benches. Here, you can get stunning views of the canyon, waterfalls and observe the brave people taking helicopter tours!
It is quite easy to spend the entire morning or afternoon stopping at lookouts and hiking here. I suggest packing a cooler with lunch for this trip as there are no stores along the way.
Here are a few stops along the Kokee Road:
Hohonu Awawa Lookout
Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout
Red Dirt Waterfall
Kalalau Lookout
Red Dirt Waterfall.
Food suggestions:
Kauai’s food scene is pretty incredible. There are food trucks all over the island that use fresh, local ingredients. Not to mention the abundance of Shave Ice to satisfy the kids after a long day exploring the island.
Warehouse 3540
Paco’s Tacos Cantina Kapaa
Java Kai Kapaa
Napali Brewing Co
Wiki Pizza
Nourish Hanalei
A fresh, healthy breakfast at Java Kai.
I hope this guide helps you in planning your family trip to Kaua’i! Stay tuned for lots more Kaua’i content, as we pack up and head there again in March. During this trip, we will be celebrating our 10- year wedding anniversary with our kids. I can’t wait to explore more that this island has to offer! Aloha!
