The Ultimate Weekend Getaway on Kauaʻi for Families

Whether you’re tacking on to your vacation or just hopping over from a neighbor island, Kauaʻi is a great destination for a weekend getaway with your ʻohana.

Known for its lush landscapes, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that show off the natural splendor of the Garden Isle. Here’s a simple itinerary to create a fun weekend on Kauaʻi with your family.

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

You can spend an entire week on Kauaʻi and still not hit every activity and restaurant. So, don’t try to squeeze too many experiences into one weekend—especially while traveling with kids. Instead, take your time; with Kauaʻi’s laid-back vibe, that’s easy to do.

READ MORE: Tips for Traveling with Kids to Kauaʻi

Where to stay:

Both located in Poʻipū, the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa and Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū, Autograph Collection, are popular options for families. If you’re looking for accommodations with extra space and even full kitchens, Waimea Plantation Cottages offers charming one- to five-bedroom homes. The property is tucked on the southwest side of the island.

Friday Evening:

If you arrive on the island on a Friday afternoon, you can check out Hanapēpē’s Art Night. Every Friday from 6-9 p.m. the community comes together in the quaint town, which inspired the backdrop to “Lilo & Stitch.” During Art Night, music fills the air and vendors line the main street. You can wander through art galleries and pick up dinner from a local restaurant or food truck. Plus, Hanapēpē isn’t too far if you’re staying in Poʻipū or Waimea.

READ MORE: Your Walking Guide to Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi

Saturday Morning:

Breakfast at Little Fish Coffee

This cute roadside stand in Poʻipū is a great spot to fuel up for the day. From açaí bowls topped with seasonal fruit to peanut butter and jelly bagels, you’ll find plenty of options at Little Fish Coffee, even if you have picky little eaters. Plus, parents can get their caffeine fix with a cup of coffee (or two).

2294 Poʻipū Road, Kōloa, littlefishcoffee.com

Tube Down an Old Irrigation Ditch

One of the most unique and memorable activities on Kauaʻi is floating down old irrigation ditches at the historic Līhuʻe Plantation. On this three-hour tour with Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures, you’ll make your way down open canals that were hand-dug in the 1870s. Kids have to be at least 5 years old.

3-4131 Kūhiō Highway, Līhuʻe, kauaibackcountry.com

Saturday Afternoon:

Pick up Next-Level Musubi for Lunch

For lunch, head to the Musubi Truck for top-notch musubi. This signature snack has been the go-to lunch for generations in Hawaiʻi and a favorite among local kids. The Musubi Truck’s original location is in Kapaʻa, about a 15-minute drive from Līhuʻe. At the food truck, you can grab a variety of musubi, keiki meals, crispy Tater Tots, bentos and more.

4548 Kukui St., Kapaʻa, themusubishop.com

Sample Locally Grown Chocolate

After lunch you can sample locally grown chocolate at Lydgate Farms’ new store and tasting room, just a short walk from the Musubi Truck in Kapaʻa. Those interested in diving deeper into how chocolate goes from bean to bar can take a tour at Lydgate Farms, open to folks 7 years and older. Along with grabbing a sweet treat at the store, you’ll learn some fascinating facts about chocolate cultivation.

4-1379 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa, lydgatefarms.com

Hit the Beach

It’s time to cool off at the beach! Poʻipū Beach is a family favorite, equipped with easy parking, restrooms and even a playground. Here, the crystal-clear waters are home to a vibrant reef, making for amazing snorkeling. There’s also a natural wading pool, which is perfect for young swimmers. If you choose to spend the rest of the day at the beach (we don’t blame you if you do), you’ll catch a spectacular sunset.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Beaches on Kauaʻi

Saturday Evening:

Enjoy Dinner in Kōloa

The charming town of Kōloa is home to a variety of family-friendly restaurants. You can enjoy artisan pizza from Kōloa Pizza Kitchen + Bar, burgers and sushi burritos from Kenji Burgers, loaded hot dogs from Porky’s, or street tacos from Mucho Aloha Brewhouse.

READ MORE: 7 Reasons to Stop in Kōloa on Kauaʻi

Sunday Morning

Breakfast from Kountry Kitchen

You can spend Sunday exploring the island’s North Shore. But first, you’ll need breakfast. If you’re driving from towns like Poʻipū or Waimea, make a pit stop at Kountry Kitchen. Located in Kapaʻa, the restaurant will help break up your journey to Hanalei. Here, you can enjoy hearty portions of local favorites like macadamia nut pancakes with homemade coconut syrup and kālua pork omelettes.

4-1489 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa, kountrystylekitchen.com

Visit the Holy Grail of Doughnuts

Once you arrive in Hanalei, treat yourself to fresh, homemade doughnuts. In a red trailer in Hanalei you’ll find Holey Grail Donuts, where you can grab a box of hot doughnuts prepared with Hawaiʻi-grown kalo (taro), fried in coconut oil and flavored with local ingredients.

5-5100 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei, holeygraildonuts.com

Learn to hang ten or just hang out at Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is one of the most beloved beaches in Hawaiʻi, graced with views of Hanalei’s emerald mountains. You can walk along historic Hanalei Pier and even jump off it if you’re brave enough. The warm waters are typically calm, perfect for keiki to play in, and there’s plenty of space for parents to just relax.

The iconic crescent-shaped bay is also a great spot to learn to surf. The beachy town is home to local surf schools, including Hanalei Surf School and Titus Kinimaka’s School of Surfing. You can sign up for a class or rent boards and gear.

Sunday Afternoon

Lunch at Tahiti Nui

After a morning at the beach, head to lunch at Tahiti Nui. The family-run restaurant is in the heart of Hanalei and exudes the warm spirit of the island. The extensive menu should also satisfy everyone in the family, with dishes like kale Caesar salad, tofu poke, coconut shrimp and pizza topped with kālua pig. Parents: Tahiti Nui is known for its mai tai, and after creating an epic weekend on Kauaʻi, you deserve one.

5122 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei, thenui.com

Cool Off with a Sweet Treat

End your family weekend on Kauaʻi with shave ice from Wishing Well Shave Ice. The shave ice truck is just a five-minute walk from Tahiti Nui. Since 1983, Wishing Well Shave Ice has been serving the community bowls of ultrafine shaved ice doused in homemade syrups.

5-5080 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei, wishingwellshaveice.com