Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii and want some helpful Hawaii travel tips? Find out things no one tells you before planning a trip to Kauai with kids!
This post about how to plan a trip to Kauai 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.
So we’re standing in the Waimea Canyon parking lot.
My kids are bouncing with excitement because I’ve been talking up this “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” all morning.
We get out of the car and… it’s just white. Everywhere. Complete fog.
You couldn’t see 10 feet. My son looks at me and goes, “Mom, this is literally the most boring thing we’ve done all trip.”
I wanted to cry. We’d driven an hour for this.
And that’s when I learned: always check the Waimea Canyon weather before you go. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Look, I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times. My mom lives on Kauai part-time. I’ve danced hula for 20+ years, I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, and basically I’m a professional tourist at this point.
Which means I’ve already made every single Kauai mistake so you don’t have to.
Let me save you some pain.
You’re Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
Okay real talk. You need at least a week. Minimum. Ten days is better.
I know that sounds like forever when you’re trying to use limited vacation days. But Kauai is not an island you can “do” in a long weekend.
First, the driving. Everything takes longer than Google Maps says because of traffic (I’ll rant about that in a minute).
Second, weather. It might rain on the North Shore the day you planned that big hike, and you need flexibility to move things around.
But mostly? Kauai has this vibe that you can only experience if you slow down.
You need mornings where you don’t set an alarm. You need afternoons where you just float in the pool. You need evenings where the biggest decision is which beach to watch the sunset from.
Otherwise you’re just stressing yourself out trying to check things off a list, and that’s not a vacation. That’s work with better scenery.
If you’re overwhelmed about planning your days, I made a free 7-day email course for Kauai that walks you through the whole thing.
Don’t Even Think About a Day Trip
Just… no.
I’ve done it. It’s terrible. You spend the whole time stressed about making your flight back instead of actually enjoying anything.
If you’re island hopping and only have 2-3 days for Kauai, fine. But a day trip where you fly in and out the same day? You’re wasting your money and your time.
Kauai isn’t a checklist. You can’t just see the top 3 things and leave. The magic is in slowing down.
(If you’re trying to figure out which islands to hit, my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide breaks down how to split your time.)
The North Shore Will Probably Be Rainy
Listen, the North Shore is absolutely stunning. Those dramatic mountains, the lush green everywhere, beaches that look fake they’re so pretty.
But it rains. Like, a lot.
Mount Waialeale (on Kauai) is one of the wettest places on Earth. The North Shore gets even more rain because of how the trade winds hit the mountains. Especially in winter.
Does this mean skip it? No! Some of our best Kauai memories are from the North Shore.
When my kids were little (and usually hated hiking), they insisted on doing the first mile of the Hanakapiai Trail. They felt like real adventurers. They still bring it up and they’re much older now.
Just don’t plan your entire trip around perfect North Shore weather. Bring a rain jacket. Have backup plans.
And maybe don’t book a whole week in Hanalei in January unless you’re okay with rain.
Oh and speaking of Hanakapiai Trail – you need reservations now. The whole Haena State Park area requires advance booking through gohaena.com.
Only 100 parking spots per day, and they open up 30 days in advance. It’s $5 per person plus $10 for parking.
And they SELL OUT. So mark your calendar for exactly 30 days before you want to go, and book right when they open at midnight HST.
I did a whole podcast episode about where to stay on Kauai (episode 73) if you want more details on North Shore vs South Shore vs East Side.
You Can’t Actually Drive Around the Whole Island
This surprises everyone.
The Na Pali Coast cuts through the northern part of Kauai, and there’s no road. Which means if you want to get from the North Shore to the West Side, you have to drive all the way back through Lihue. It takes forever.
And the traffic. Oh my gosh, the traffic.
Nobody tells you about Kauai traffic. That stretch on Highway 56 from Lihue to Hanalei turns into a parking lot, especially late afternoon when everyone’s coming back from the beach.
What should be a 45-minute drive can easily turn into 90 minutes if you hit it at the wrong time.
There are some bypass roads that help (look for Kapule Highway and Kuamoo Road on your map), but you still need to budget way more driving time than Google Maps says.
Like, if Google says 30 minutes, plan for an hour. Seriously.
You Absolutely Need a Rental Car (Bring Your Own Car Seats)
The Kauai bus exists. But it’s not going to work for a family vacation. The buses don’t run often enough, don’t cover the beaches, and definitely won’t get you to hiking trails.
You need a car. Period.
I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare all the major companies and I’ve literally saved hundreds of dollars over the years.
Like, $200-300 per week sometimes just by booking through them instead of going direct to Budget or whatever.
Now here’s my soapbox moment: BRING YOUR OWN CAR SEATS.
Yes, it’s annoying to carry them through the airport. Yes, you look ridiculous. But rental car seats cost $15-20 PER DAY PER SEAT. That’s $210-280 per week for two kids. Insane.
Plus your kids will actually be comfortable in their own seats, you know they’re installed right, and they meet current safety standards.
Some rental companies have car seats from like 2015 still in rotation.
We use backpack straps that attach to our car seats for the airport. Makes it way easier.
Once you get your car, download the Kauai Shaka App. It’s a GPS audio tour guide that plays automatically as you drive.
My kids actually get excited about “Shaka time” in the car now instead of complaining about driving.
If You’re Visiting in Winter, Just Stay in Poipu
Winter in Kauai (November through March)? I’m staying in Poipu. Not even a question.
Poipu is on the South Shore, which is the sunny, dry side. While the North Shore is getting pounded with rain, Poipu is usually gorgeous and sunny. The beaches are calmer too, which matters when you have kids who aren’t strong swimmers.
Poipu Beach Park has this natural baby beach area that’s perfect for little ones. There are lifeguards. The snorkeling is easy. It’s just… better for families.
Hotels in Poipu for families:
Grand Hyatt Kauai – This is the big resort experience. The pool complex is ridiculous (in a good way) with a lazy river, waterslide, and saltwater lagoon.
My son literally spent 3 hours just going down that waterslide on repeat. It’s expensive but if you want that resort vibe, this is it. Starting around $600/night.
Koloa Landing Resort – Not on the beach (you have to walk or drive), but the pool is incredible.
Voted Best Pool in America three years running. It’s more condo-style with full kitchens, so you can cook and save money. Good middle ground option.
Sheraton Kauai – Right on the beach, slightly more affordable than the Grand Hyatt. A bit older but the location makes up for it. You can literally walk out and be on the sand in 30 seconds.
My Kauai Travel Guide for Families has way more details on all the hotels if you want the full breakdown.
The Food Is Way Better Than You Think
Okay so Hawaii food used to be pretty mediocre. Overpriced burgers, sad nachos, mai tais that were basically corn syrup.
That’s changed. Kauai has some legitimately amazing restaurants now. Farm-to-table spots, food trucks that are better than most mainland restaurants, even some fine dining that’s actually worth the money.
But let’s talk about shave ice for a second.
This is where my kids discovered their absolute obsession with shave ice. We went to Wishing Well Shave Ice on day 2 of our trip, and my son looked at me after the first bite and said, “We’re getting this every day, right?”
And we did. Every. Single. Day. Sometimes twice.
Their favorite spots:
- Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei (best flavors, huge portions)
- Wailua Shave Ice on the East Side (the tropical flavors are insane)
Pro tip: always get ice cream on the bottom. It melts into the shave ice as you eat it and creates this perfect creamy situation at the end. Life changing.
Also, get real poke while you’re here. Not the mainland bowl version with quinoa and whatever. Like, actual chunks of raw ahi from a fish market.
Koloa Fish Market and Ishihara Market both have incredible poke. Get the shoyu ahi. Thank me later.
Book Haena State Park Way in Advance
Want to hike the Kalalau Trail or visit Ke’e Beach? You need reservations.
Haena State Park implemented a reservation system a few years ago to manage the crowds and protect the area. You have to book through gohaena.com up to 30 days in advance.
And I mean it when I say book exactly 30 days in advance. The parking passes sell out fast, especially in summer.
If you can’t get a parking reservation, you can still visit by taking the North Shore Shuttle from the Waipa Park and Ride. The shuttle ticket includes your park entry fee and runs every 20 minutes or so.
Just don’t try to wing it and park on the side of the road in Haena. The fines are expensive, and you’ll annoy all the locals who actually live there.
Check the Waimea Canyon Weather. Seriously.
Remember that story from the beginning? The fog disaster?
Don’t be me.
Waimea Canyon is spectacular when you can see it. The colors are insane – reds and greens and browns all layered together. It really does look like the Grand Canyon but tropical.
But it’s at high elevation. Which means fog. So. Much. Fog.
Before you make that hour-plus drive (it’s about 45 minutes from Lihue, way longer from the North Shore), check the weather forecast. Look for clear skies at higher elevations. If it says cloudy or foggy, pick a different day.
Waimea Canyon isn’t going anywhere. It’ll still be there tomorrow when you can actually see it.
When you do go on a clear day, stop at multiple lookout points. Waimea Canyon Lookout and Puu Hinahina Lookout are the main ones. Pack water and snacks because there’s not much up there in terms of facilities.
And give yourself a full day for this. It’s not a quick stop. It’s an all-day thing.
Pick the Right Luau (This Matters More Than You Think)
Okay, as someone who’s danced hula for over 20 years, I have OPINIONS about luaus.
Not all luaus are created equal. Some are just dinner theater with fire dancers. Some are actually beautiful cultural experiences.
For Kauai, here’s what I recommend:
East Side (Lihue area): Luau Kalamaku
Best show on the island, hands down. It’s theatrical and actually tells a story instead of just being a variety show of different Polynesian dances.
My kids stayed glued to their seats the entire time, which is saying something.
It’s held under a covered pavilion, so rain isn’t an issue. (This matters on Kauai.)
They have different seating packages. Honestly? The basic seating is fine. But if you want to splurge, the Gold package gets you really close to the stage where you can feel the heat from the fire dancers.
You can also add on the plantation train ride beforehand, which is cute if you have younger kids. Book on Viator or Get Your Guide.
South Shore (Poipu): Auli’i Luau
This is the only oceanfront luau on Kauai. You’re literally on the beach watching the sunset while dancers perform. The setting alone makes it special.
The hula dancers from Urahutia are seriously talented. You can tell they’ve trained for years, not just learned a routine for work.
It’s pricey though. Around $200+ per person. But if you’re staying in Poipu and want that sunset beach vibe, it’s worth it.
I did a whole podcast episode about luaus (episode 6) if you want more details on what makes a good luau worth the money. Book on Hawaii Tours.
Get Professional Photos (You’re Always Behind the Camera Anyway)
Can I just say something real quick?
I’m in like 10% of our family vacation photos. Maybe.
Because I’m always the one taking pictures. And my selfie game on the beach is… not good. Either someone’s eyes are closed or the lighting is terrible or you can only see half my face.
Professional photos in Hawaii are actually worth it. You get gorgeous images with incredible backgrounds, everyone’s looking at the camera at the same time (miracle), and most importantly: you’re IN the photos.
I always book through Flytographer now. They have photographers all over Kauai who know the best spots and best lighting. And you save $20 using my link, which doesn’t hurt.
Ten years from now you’re not going to regret spending money on professional photos. You’re going to regret NOT having them.
Planning Kauai Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Look, I get it. Planning a Hawaii trip feels like a lot.
Where do you stay? What do you do? How do you not blow your entire budget in three days? What if it rains? What about the kids?
That’s why I made my Kauai Travel Guide for Families. It’s everything I wish I’d had on my first few trips: where to stay, what to do, where to eat, how to save money, sample itineraries.
I also have that free 7-day email course for Kauai planning that breaks it all down step by step.
And if you want personalized help? I do Hawaii travel consultations where we can talk through your specific family, your budget, and what kind of trip you actually want to have.
Episode 61 of my podcast walks through how to plan a Kauai trip from start to finish if you want to hear the whole process.
What You Really Need to Know
Kauai is magic with kids. It really is.
But it’s also different from Maui or Oahu. It’s quieter. Slower. Rainier. More spread out.
Stay at least a week if you can. Book Haena State Park in advance. Check the Waimea Canyon weather. Bring your own car seats. Stay in Poipu if you’re visiting in winter. Get shave ice every day (your kids will demand it anyway).
And let yourself slow down. That’s the whole point.
Your kids aren’t going to remember the perfect itinerary or hitting every tourist spot. They’re going to remember playing in the waves, hiking through the jungle, their first taste of shave ice, watching fire dancers at the luau.
Those are the moments worth planning for.
See you on Kauai.
