Are you planning a family vacation to Kauai and want to know the best place to stay with kids? Keep scrolling for my recommendations of the best resorts in Kauai for families worth checking out!
This list of the best resorts in Kauai for families was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a family trip to Kauai and completely overwhelmed by resort options? I get it.
With 40+ trips to Hawaii under my belt as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, I’ve stayed at most of these properties with my own two boys, and I’m going to tell you exactly which ones are worth your money.
Kauai isn’t like the other islands. It’s quieter, greener, and honestly more magical. The beaches are less crowded, the waterfalls are everywhere, and some parts of the island are so remote you can only reach them by helicopter or boat.
My mom lives on Kauai, my grandmother lived there part-time for years, and I’ve been visiting since I was 10 years old. This island holds a special place in my heart.
Today I’m sharing the 10 best resorts in Kauai for families. These aren’t just places with good reviews online.
These are places where my kids still talk about the pools months later, where the rooms actually work for families, and where you’ll want to come back year after year.
If you want to skip all the planning and get my complete Kauai itinerary with daily schedules and family activities, grab my Kauai Travel Guide for Families. It’s got everything you need.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to stay and what to do, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I can help you plan the perfect Kauai vacation based on your family’s specific needs.
Where Should Your Family Stay on Kauai?
Before we get into specific resorts, you need to understand Kauai’s different areas. The island is small but the drive times can surprise you. Here’s what you need to know:
North Shore (Princeville/Hanalei): Lush, dramatic, gorgeous. Best in summer when the ocean is calmer. In winter, the waves can get massive and some beaches aren’t swimmable.
The North Shore gets more rain but that’s what makes it so green.
East Side (Lihue/Kapaa): Super convenient to the airport. Great central location for exploring the whole island. More budget-friendly options here. The beaches on this side can be rockier.
South Shore (Poipu): Sunny, dry, and perfect for beach days. This is where you’ll find the most family-friendly beaches with calm water. More developed with shops and restaurants nearby.
I talk about all of this in detail in my podcast episode Best Areas to Stay on Kauai (Episode 68) if you want to hear more about choosing the right location.
The 10 Best Kauai Resorts for Families (Organized by Location)
North Shore Resorts
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
This luxury eco-resort opened recently on Hanalei Bay and it’s stunning.
Located on the North Shore in Princeville, it sits right where the old St. Regis used to be but with a completely different vibe. Check latest rates and availability.
The rooms have this beautiful natural aesthetic with sustainable materials and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hanalei Bay.
The beach access is incredible, the spa uses organic Hawaiian ingredients, and the restaurants focus on local, sustainable cuisine.
This one’s definitely at the higher end price-wise, but if you’re looking for luxury with an eco-conscious approach on the North Shore, it’s worth considering.
Book: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Expedia
Hanalei Bay Resort
Right on Hanalei Bay with those gorgeous mountain views in the background.
The villas here range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, which is perfect for families who need more space. Check latest rates.
The resort sits up on a hillside so you get those sweeping bay views. There’s a pool with a waterslide that kids love, and the beach is just down the path.
The location puts you close to all the best things to do in Hanalei like kayaking, surfing, and exploring the cute town.
The concierge can help you book everything from horseback riding to boat tours. And you’re within walking distance of Hanalei’s shops and restaurants.
Book: Hanalei Bay Resort on Expedia
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Princeville is up on the cliffs overlooking the ocean on the North Shore. It’s not directly on the beach, but that cliff location gives you insane views. Check rates here.
What I love about this place is that the villas come with full kitchens and washers/dryers.
When you’re traveling with kids, having laundry in your room is a game changer. You can pack lighter and not worry about spills and sandy clothes.
The pools overlook the Pacific Ocean, and they have a kids’ pool with a waterslide.
You’re close to Anini Beach (great for little kids) and about 10 minutes from Hanalei Bay. The resort also has a shuttle service to get you around Princeville.
For families who want a more residential feel with kitchen space to save money on meals, this is a solid choice. You’re also near the Limahuli Garden, which is worth a visit if your kids are into plants and nature.
Book: Westin Princeville on Expedia
East Side Resorts
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Okay, this one. My kids STILL talk about the pool at the Royal Sonesta and we stayed there over a year ago.
This resort has the largest single-level outdoor pool in Hawaii, and it’s absolutely massive. Check availability.
We’ve stayed here twice now, and both times the boys spent hours in that pool.
It’s got multiple sections, hot tubs, and the whole thing just sprawls across the property. The resort recently renovated so the rooms are fresh and updated.
The location on Kalapaki Bay is perfect for families. The beach right in front has calm, shallow water that’s great for younger kids.
And you’re only a couple miles from the Lihue airport, which makes arrival and departure so much easier when you’re hauling car seats and suitcases.
There are five restaurants on property (we liked Kukui’s for breakfast), a spa, free cultural activities like lei making and hula lessons, and even a free airport shuttle.
Plus you’re in Lihue which means you’re close to tons of things to do and you can easily explore both the North and South shores from here.
This is definitely one of my top picks for families. You can read my full Royal Sonesta Kauai review here.
Book: Royal Sonesta Kauai on Expedia
Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort
This is your budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel budget. The Kauai Beach Resort was named Best Value Hotel on Kauai, and I think that’s accurate. See current rates.
It’s located in Lihue, steps from the beach, and close to the airport. The location is perfect if you’re planning to explore the whole island because you’re centrally located.
Kauai has incredible waterfalls, snorkeling beaches, zipline tours, and mountain tubing adventures, and being based on the East side makes it easy to get to everything.
The pool area is nice, the beach is right there for morning walks, and you’re getting a lot of amenities for less money than the South Shore resorts.
If you’re trying to do Hawaii on a budget, this is a smart choice.
Book: Kauai Beach Resort on Expedia
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
Only 2.2 miles from the airport, so arrival day is super easy. The villas here are huge, ranging from two to three bedrooms. Check pricing.
Each villa has two bathrooms, which is clutch when you’re traveling with extended family or multiple kids.
There’s a full kitchen in each unit, so you can cook breakfast and pack lunches to save money.
The resort has tennis and volleyball courts, a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and grills for BBQs.
You’re also close to some amazing spots like Opaekaa Falls (a 151-foot waterfall that’s super accessible) and Wailua River State Park where you can take a riverboat cruise to Fern Grotto.
For families who want apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, this is a great option.
Book: Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons on Expedia
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger
This condo-style resort is in Kapaa on the East side, right between Lihue and the North Shore. Every unit has at least two bathrooms, which is honestly necessary when you have kids. See availability.
The pool here is gorgeous. It’s got a lazy river, water slides, waterfalls, and lava rock decorations. Two acres of pool area for your kids to explore.
My boys would have been happy spending entire days just at the pool.
There’s beachfront access, and you’re located between Kapaa and Wailua which puts you near shops, restaurants, and activities.
The Oasis on the Beach restaurant is right there if you don’t feel like going far for dinner.
For families who want condo-style living with an amazing pool, this is a solid choice on the East side.
Book: Waipouli Beach Resort on Expedia
South Shore Resorts
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
This is my number one pick. If someone asks me point-blank where to stay on Kauai with kids, I’m sending them here.
We stayed in a villa with a washer and dryer, and having laundry in the room when you’re traveling with kids is honestly life-changing. Check rates.
The pool area is absolutely incredible. Like, USA Today voted it the #1 Best Hotel Pool and #1 Best Hawaii Resort in 2025.
It’s a 350,000-gallon multi-tiered pool with waterfalls, grottos, a waterslide they added in 2017, and a family lagoon pool. My kids couldn’t get enough of it.
The accommodations range from deluxe studios to three-bedroom villas.
We stayed in a villa and it felt like home with a full kitchen (full-size appliances, everything), separate bedrooms with private bathrooms for each room, and a washer/dryer.
The villas are huge, some up to 2,600 square feet.
You’re on the South Shore in Poipu, walking distance to amazing beaches and the Shops at Kukuiula.
There’s a great on-site restaurant called Holoholo Grill run by Chef Sam Choy (who they call the “Godfather of Poke”), a full-service spa, fitness center, hot tubs, volleyball court, and BBQ areas.
The resort also offers a shuttle to nearby beaches if you have a lot of beach gear and don’t want to walk. And you’re close to some of the best beaches on the island.
Honestly, we loved everything about this place. Read my full Koloa Landing Resort review for more details.
Book: Koloa Landing Resort on Expedia
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt just won Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Travel Awards, and honestly it deserves it. This resort is incredible.
We love the pool area (it’s a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon with a lazy river and a 150-foot waterslide) and the restaurants are really good. See latest pricing.
There are five restaurants on property, ranging from poolside casual to fine dining at Tidepools (which is consistently rated one of the most romantic restaurants on Kauai).
The food is actually good, which isn’t always the case at resort restaurants.
The resort has beautiful gardens, direct beach access to Shipwreck Beach, a world-class spa, and they offer daily cultural activities like hula lessons, lei making, and ukulele classes.
There’s also a kids’ club if you want some adult time.
The on-site golf course at Poipu Bay is beautiful, and if you want help planning activities, they have a Blue Hawaiian Activities Concierge that can book everything from helicopter tours to surfing lessons.
For families who want a full resort experience with amazing pools, great food, and lots of activities, the Grand Hyatt is a top choice. Read my full Grand Hyatt Kauai review for all the details.
Book: Grand Hyatt Kauai on Expedia
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Right on Poipu Beach with stunning ocean views. We attended the Auli’i Luau here and it was fantastic.
The location right on the beach with the sunset behind the performers made it really special. Check availability.
The resort has swimming pools, hot tubs, ocean views from most rooms, and it’s walking distance to other Poipu restaurants and shops. There are a few golf courses nearby if that’s your thing.
The Sheraton doesn’t have a full-service spa on property, but there’s one at Koloa Landing within walking distance if you want a spa day.
You can choose from regular guest rooms or suites depending on your family size.
This is a great option if you want to be right on Poipu Beach without the higher price tag of the Grand Hyatt. The location can’t be beat.
Book: Sheraton Kauai Resort on Expedia
Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
This is a smaller, condo-style property that’s perfect if you want a quieter experience. See pricing.
You’re close to both Baby Beach and Poipu Beach, there’s a heated pool, free parking, free wifi, and BBQ areas.
Each condo has a full kitchen, and here’s what’s really cool: they’ll stock your kitchen with groceries before you arrive if you send them a list. How convenient is that?
You can walk to shops and restaurants from here, so you don’t need to drive everywhere.
For families who prefer a smaller property with a more residential feel and the ability to cook your own meals, this is a great choice.
Book: Whalers Cove on Expedia
Before You Book: Important Kauai Planning Info
Best Time to Visit Kauai With Kids
Avoid school breaks if you can. The shoulder seasons (September through mid-December and mid-April through June) give you better prices and fewer crowds.
But honestly, Kauai is beautiful year-round. The North Shore gets more rain in winter, but that’s also when you see the biggest waves (just know some beaches might not be swimmable).
How Many Days Do You Need?
I recommend at least 5-7 days. That gives you time to relax at your resort, enjoy beach days, and still do some exploring.
Check out my guide on how many days in Kauai you need for help planning your itinerary.
What About All-Inclusive Resorts?
There aren’t any true all-inclusive resorts on Kauai. Some resorts include more amenities in their rates, but you’ll still pay separately for food and most activities. That’s just how Hawaii works.
Capture Your Family Memories
Every time we go to Hawaii, we book a family photo session with Flytographer.
It’s so worth it to have professional photos with everyone in them (because let’s be honest, moms are usually the ones taking all the pictures).
They make it super easy and you can save $20 when you use my link.
Free Resources to Help You Plan
If you’re still in the planning stages, I’ve got some free resources that’ll help:
Free Email Courses:
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-Day Course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5-Day Course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai (7-Day Course)
Comprehensive Travel Guides:
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families – Complete itineraries, daily schedules, and all my best tips
- Big Island Travel Guide
- Oahu Travel Guide
- Maui Travel Guide
- Hawaii Island Hopping Guide
Podcast: I cover all things Kauai on my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, including the Best Areas to Stay on Kauai episode which goes into way more detail about choosing the right location.
Don’t Forget Your Car Rental
Book your rental car as soon as you book your flights. We learned this the hard way during the 2021 rental car shortage.
I use Discount Hawaii Car Rental almost every time we travel to Hawaii. You can save a ton of money by comparing prices, and there’s no prepayment so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Book Tours and Activities Now
Some of the best Kauai activities sell out weeks in advance, especially in peak season.
I recommend booking these through Viator or GetYourGuide where you can see real reviews and often get better prices than booking directly.
Popular activities that sell out:
- Helicopter tours
- Na Pali Coast boat tours
- Kauai mountain tubing
- Zipline tours
- Luaus
More Kauai Resources
Looking for more help planning your Kauai trip? Check out:
- Best Things to Do on Kauai with Toddlers
- Best Kauai Beaches for Families
- North Shore Kauai Food Tour
- Best Kauai Luaus
- Poipu Kauai Vacation Rentals
- North Shore Kauai Vacation Rentals
- Ultimate Kauai Packing List
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Kauai Resort
Here’s the truth: you really can’t go wrong with any of these resorts. They’re all great in different ways.
If you want my absolute top pick, it’s Koloa Landing. The pool is unbeatable, having a washer/dryer in your villa is a game-changer with kids, and the location on the South Shore is perfect for families.
But if you want a bigger resort with more restaurants and activities, go with the Grand Hyatt. If you want to save money, look at Kauai Beach Resort.
If you want to be on the North Shore, Hanalei Bay Resort or Westin Princeville are both excellent.
The most important thing is picking the right location for your family. Think about whether you want to explore the whole island (East side is best) or if you’d rather stay put and enjoy one area (North or South shore).
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure it all out, that’s exactly what my Hawaii travel consultations are for.
I can help you choose the perfect resort for your family, plan your daily itinerary, and make sure you don’t miss any of the good stuff.
Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. The natural beauty, the quieter pace, the incredible beaches… it’s all just magical. You’re going to love it.
