Having enjoyed our Spring Break on the Big Island in 2017, we were determined to trade in the west coast rain and wind one more time for a dose of tropical sun and sand.
We booked our flights to Kauai in August and then my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We decided to carry on with our plan to find our tropical paradise.
Once again, we loaded up the kids’ iPads with games to keep them busy on the 6-hour evening flight.
Kauai is the second Hawaiian island for my family and we were excited to explore.
We spent 10 days on Kauai and we took a very chilled-out island-life pace to our activities. I believe we found some of the best family-friendly adventures that Kauai has to offer.
If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, below are my recommendations on what to do with your young family and where to eat on the Garden Island:
Day 1: Wednesday
Poipu beach & Pool
We stayed at the Parrish Collection Regency at Poipu. We woke up early and headed to the nearby Living Foods Market for some breakfast essentials like a gorgeous white pineapple, some cute apple bananas and some fresh roasted coffee.
We kids walked down to Poipu Beach Park, about 10 min away, and saw a pod of dolphins playing. Our condo was stocked with beach chairs and an umbrella, so we planned to return later on.
We spent the rest of our first day lounging by the one of the resort’s pools, rehydrating with cold drinks, and nursing jet lag. There were two family pool areas, one just steps from our condo that was a good size, but chilly.
We picked up more groceries from the Koloa Big Save Market including pretty much every packaged item that mentioned it was Hawaiian – Maui onion chips, Kauai Plantation rum punch, cases of delicious Kona Brewing Co. and Maui brewing beer, Hawaiian BBQ sauce.
Day 2: Thursday
Poipu beach, Brennekes, Glass beach, Port Allen, Kauai Kookie Co, Kauai Coffee, Fire Show
We headed back to Poipu Beach for the morning to play in the waves before the tropical sun got too hot and high. We were so lucky to have some turtles swim right onto the beach. We cooled off with shave ice from Brennekes and then headed back to the townhouse.
After lunch back at our townhouse, we hopped in the car and headed west to Glass Beach and Port Allen. Glass Beach is at the end of the road that used to lead to a municipal dump, so we had to pass through a relatively industrial area in order to get to the parking area. Just over the bluff, there were two endangered ring seals that had hauled out for a rest. Glass Beach also has some black sand at the westermost end.
We explored the small shops in Port Allen and watched folks who had signed up to do boat tours glug their dramamine. We had a snack at the most western brewery in the world and we enjoyed a flight. The brewery sold these giant cans instead of growlers (a crowler?) so we picked up a couple to enjoy later. IPAs have made it to Kauai, but they didn’t have a single sour on their menu!
The road to Port Allen goes right past Kauai Coffee Co. So we stopped in for a self-guided tour and a tasting. We also picked up 4 lbs to enjoy at home.
After dinner, we walked towards the Poipu Hyatt where there was an incredible fire show. We watched from the public walkway and were wowed by the grace and strength of the dancers as their poi reflected in the koi ponds and swimming pools of this incredible hotel.
We watched the full moon rise over Shipwreck Beach and then headed back up the hill to the townhouse.
Day 3: Friday
Waimeia Canyon and Salt Ponds
This was our last day on the south part of Kauai. We took one last walk down to Poipu Beach and then packed up and headed back
Day 4: Saturday
Hanalei and Princeville
Surfing the North Shore.
Day 5: Sunday
Kilauea, Sushi
Day 6: Monday
Day 7: Tuesday
Tubing
Day 8: Wednesday
Hanalei, Fancy Dinner
Day 9: Thurday
Anini beach, rainstorms and so many turtles!
Summary
What to Do on Kauai:
- Brenneke’s beach
- Surf Hanalei
- Shopping in Hanalei, Princeville and Kapa’a
- Waimea Canyon and Falls
- Tubing
- Kauai Coffee
- Snorkeling – Poipu Beach, Salt Ponds, Anini Beach
Where to Eat on Kauai:
- Kauai Juice Co
- Koloa fish market
- Big Save (?)
- Princeville Resort
- Shave Ice