Tips For Traveling with Kids to Kauaʻi
Here are ways to make sure your family vacation to Kauaʻi is fun and stress-free.
Traveling with kids can be an enriching and bonding experience that creates core memories within different cultures—hi parenting goals!—but let’s face it, it is also pretty daunting.
As a Kauaʻi resident and mother of three young ones, I understand first-hand the ins and outs of “parent math”—calculating departure times, packing the right clothing, and anticipating snack and entertainment needs—all while creating an itinerary that is realistic.
Well, adults traveling with children, you are in luck. I’ve itemized some simple and effective tips to offer the support and confidence necessary to take on Kauaʻi with your keiki.
Pack Light
Pack light for your trip to Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/miniseries
I know, easier said than done. But the reality is you don’t need much. With consistently warm temperatures year-round, Kauaʻi’s weather is pretty predictable. Don’t sweat the small stuff—we have a Target now as a safety net—and just pack the essentials:
- Two swimsuits – These can be washed in the sink and hung up nightly wherever you may be staying.
- At least one warm weather outfit per day plus one spare outfit
- A light jacket for our rainbow-inspiring tropical showers (which pass quickly)
- A pair of long pants for chillier evenings
- Toiletries
Pro-tip: Use an over-the-door shoe organizer to pack the kids’ outfits as well as footwear. Slippers (or flip-flops) are the footwear of choice here, but a pair of sneakers or hiking boots are encouraged as well depending on your plan. Once you reach your destination, hang it up for easy access. No digging through luggage allows more time for family fun!
Rent Gear
Rent a car seat.
Photo: Getty Images/Fly View Productions
If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, checking your pack ’n’ play, car seats, strollers and other gear will add up and make for a more complicated arrival with already stir-crazy keiki. Simplify that aspect of your trip by checking out BabyQuip or Nana’s Baby & Beach Gear. Most will deliver to the airport as well, making it super convenient to get what you need upon arrival without waiting at the carousel. (Most car rental companies are rent out car and booster seats.)
Allow for Time Adjustment
Allow the kids to get adjusted to the time difference.
Photo: Getty Images/Tatiana Maksimova
Wherever you are traveling from—whether it is a drastic time difference, or only a few hours—your kids will likely be thrown off their schedule. The best bet for a drama-free family excursion is to plan activities earlier in the day for the most part. That way, a midday nap, quiet time or an early bedtime won’t interfere with the fun you have planned.
Pro-tip: Want to wing it and take the kids to a lūʻau in the evening? Plan it later in the trip, so they’ve had some time to adjust. No point in bringing your keiki to an experience they may melt down at or sleep through.
Keep It Flexible—and Realistic
Plan a visit to Kīlauea Lighthouse on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/Westend61
As much as I would love to tell you that the laid back “no plan plan” is best, the reality is that traveling with children requires at least a loose plan. Make a list of MUSTs, MAYBEs, and IF WE HAVE TIMEs, and prepare yourself to be ok with not hitting every mark. I’ve found that limiting it to one activity or attraction per day sets you up for success. For example, if you’ve planned a beach day at Lydgate Beach and Kalamani Playground, perhaps shoot for mini golf at Anaina Hou and a tour of the Kīlauea Lighthouse another day.
Pick a Side, Any Side
Hiking on the north side of Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/Per Breiehagen
The north shore, south side, west side and east side all have different attractions and appeals, and it’s best to dedicate (at least) a day to each side of the island. For reference, Hanalei and Haʻēna State Park on the island’s north shore, Kōkeʻe State Park and Waimea Canyon are on the west side. You wouldn’t want to cram both in a single day.
Pro-tip: Kauaʻi is called the Garden Island for a reason. Expect brief blessings of rain here and there, but rest assured: You can likely drive 15 minutes in any direction and the weather will change.
Embrace the Natural Playground
Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/ALEAIMAGE
What I love most about raising kids on Kauaʻi is the endless (free!) entertainment. Here are three of our favorite family-friendly activities on island:
- The Berry Flat Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park
- National Tropical Botanical Gardens’ free hula show on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. during the Aloha Market
- Baby Beach(es). There are two beaches called Baby Beach on Kauaʻi, with shallow protected waters and keiki-friendly tide pools to explore. Check out these sweet little spots in either Poʻipū or Kapaʻa.
However you choose to spend your time on Kauaʻi, we hope your family is able to experience the open-hearted culture that makes it so special. It’s the sense of aloha that will remain in the hearts of your family long after your trip has ended.
