Are you looking for the best things to do in Kauai with toddlers and preschoolers? Keep scrolling for some of Kauai’s best activities for kids ages 3 and younger.
This list of the best things to do on Kauai with toddlers in Hawaii 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.
I know there are tons of blog posts about the best things to do in Kauai with kids. But, today I wanted to focus on fun things to do on Kauai that are open to toddlers and preschoolers.
It can be super stressful traveling with toddlers and finding Kauai activities for families that allow little kids can be tricky.
Thankfully, there are tons of things to do with kids in Kauai for all ages. Yes, even kids who are just 2 years old or 3 years old.
So, I’ve pulled together a list of some awesome things to do on Kauai with toddlers that are totally worth booking! And I’ve even included links for discounted tickets to save you money.
I suggest adding a few of these to your Kauai family vacation itinerary and spreading them out so you have plenty of time to relax in between.
Let’s keep scrolling to check out all the best things to do with toddlers in Kauai!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Kauai with kids.
Best Kid-Friendly Kauai Tours/Activities
- Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure for kids ages 5+ and it’s a personal favorite for my kiddos)
- Private Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
- Kayaking Tour with Waterfall Hike (this is an awesome half-day adventure for older kids)
- Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
- Koloa Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Kauai and a must-do for adventurous families)
- ATV Ride (my kids LOVE this tour because you can do a little fishing, go exploring, and you’ll get DIRTY)
Best Kid-Friendly Kauai Resorts
- Grand Hyatt Kauai (this is a personal favorite for my kids because of the water slide and saltwater lagoon)
- Royal Sonesta Kauai (my kids LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)
- Hilton Garden Inn (we like renting the cottages here because you can walk to a massive playground)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Kauai with Toddlers FAQs
There are lots of great Kauai family resorts to choose from. Our favorite place to stay on Kauai with kids is the Grand Hyatt Kauai in Poipu. Other fun options include the Royal Sonesta Kauai, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Marriott Kauai Beach Club, and Koloa Landing Resort.
There are a lot of kid friendly Kauai beaches worth checking out. Some of our personal favorites include Poipu Beach Park and Salt Ponds on the South Shore, Lydgate Beach Park on the East Shore, and Anini Beach up on the North Shore.
I think so! I’ve done luaus with toddlers over the years and it’s always been an enjoyable experience. Little kids get mesmerized watching the dancing. If they get a little wiggly, there’s also usually places to walk around while still seeing the show. Plus, most toddlers can attend a luau for free.
10 Things to do on Kauai for Toddlers
Kauai is so much fun because there are plenty of things to do on Kauai for kids of all ages, including toddlers! Here are some of our favorite options.
1. Luau Kalamaku and Train Ride
If you have little kids that love trains, you’ll definitely want to do this Kauai luau at Kilohana Plantation. You’ll get to ride a train around the property right before the show!
Plus, the food is really tasty and there are a lot of options, even for picky eaters. And the show is quite mesmerizing and fully of interesting stories kids will like. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids ages 2 and younger are free. You can also book just the train ride separately directly through Kilohana Plantation. I think this is a must do on Kauai with little kids. Plus, you’ll recognize it from the 2021 Disney film Jungle Cruise!
2. Kauai Movie Tour
When movies are set in Hawaii, there’s a strong chance many of the scenes were filmed on Kauai. Some of these movies include Jurassic Park, The Descendants, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
This tour covers the East Shore up to Hanalei, where you’ll get a gourmet lunch. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids 2 and younger are free. This is a great activity to do if you need a break from the sun or you are a total movie nut!
3. Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto
If you’re looking for a kid friendly Kauai boat ride that is seriously mellow, you’ll love this Wailua River boat trip. It’s a smooth ride all the way to Fern Grotto, where you’ll get out and do a short jungle walk.
On the way back, you’ll listen to live music and watch Hawaiian hula dancers perform on the boat. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids ages 1 and younger are free and kids ages 2-12 are just $15. My kids always have fun with this!
4. Smith Family Garden Luau
This long-standing Kauai luau has been a favorite for our family for years and years. They have a gorgeous garden you can explore before the show and let kids get some wiggles out.
The food is pretty tasty and the show is actually in an outdoor amphitheater, where each seat has a great view of the stage. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids ages 2 and younger are free and kids ages 3-6 are only $25. This is one of the top things to do in Kauai for families.
5. Kauai Waterfall Swim, Kayak & Hike Adventure
If you want an easy adventure on Kauai with kids, this is a really cool Kauai tour where you’ll kayak and hike to a secret waterfall in the jungle.
This is perfect for families that love the outdoors. It’s a half day adventure and they’ll give you locally made cookies! Check latest rates and more information.
Kids as young as 3 years old can participate in this Kauai family activity. This is one one of the best adventurous things to do on Kauai with kids who are up for a little challenge.
6. Allerton Garden at Sunset
This is a cool evening stroll through an 80-acre Kauai botanical garden where you’ll see Hawaiian plants, sculptures, and other outdoor works of art.
The tour ends with a light dinner on the lanai right at sunset. Allerton Garden is a gorgeous place to take photos and just enjoy a beautiful outdoor space. Check latest rates and more information.
This Kauai attraction is open to kids of all ages. And it’s stroller accessible, which makes it one of the easiest Kauai activities for toddlers.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
7. Kauai Museum
If you’re looking for things to do on Kauai indoors for a rainy day, check out the Kauai Museum in Lihue. It’s the best way to learn about the history and culture of Kauai and Niihau. And it’s one of the best things to do in Lihue.
Kauai is actually where Captain Cook landed in Waimea in 1778, so you can learn about that as well as Kauai’s natural history. Check latest rates and more information.
This is open to kids of all ages. You’ll definitely want to check out their gift shop. It’s one of my favorites! This is also one of the best Kauai kids activities when you need a break from the sun or are world schooling.
8. Na Pali Sunset Cruise
One of the most iconic places to see on Kauai is the majestic Na Pali Coast. It’s best viewed by helicopter or boat and it’s full of lush valleys and gorgeous waterfalls.
Not only will you get to cruise the Na Pali Coast at sunset, but you’ll also get dinner. And there are Mai Tais and other tropical drinks available. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids as young as 3 years old can participate in this Kauai boat ride.
9. Kauai Food Tour
Kauai is known for being a paradise for foodies, but you just won’t have time to eat full meals at all the amazing restaurants. That’s why booking a Kauai food tour is a smart idea!
They have them all over Kauai and you’ll be able to taste amazing dishes while talking with local chefs and small business owners. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids of all ages can participate in this Kauai tour. We’ve shared samples with our kids, as the portions are huge. This is one of the best Kauai tours for foodies!
10. Kauai Helicopter Tour
One of the top things to do in Kauai is take a scenic helicopter ride to see some of the secret waterfalls and untouched nature.
This scenic tour of Kauai goes over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, Jurassic Falls, and more. And it’s just the right time: 50-55 minutes. Check latest rates and more information.
Kids under 2 years old ride free. While I wouldn’t say this is geared for toddlers, this is one of the few tours that allow them.
Wrap Up
Hopefully by now you have some epic family things to do in Kauai Hawaii for your next vacation.
And these are just some of the fun things to do in Kauai with a toddler. I’ve also got a full post about traveling to Hawaii with a toddler that might give you some more ideas. And I can help you find a vacation babysitter in Hawaii.
I hope you have an awesome family vacation to Kauai!
Looking for more Kauai travel resources? Find out 25 things to do in Poipu, Grand Hyatt Kauai review, kid-friendly Kauai tours, what to know before you go, the best Kauai luaus, and the tastiest Kauai food trucks!
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!