4 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kauai

  • Day 1: Waimea Canyon State Park
    1 hour 10 minutes (30.3 miles) from Lihue

    Start your trip with a visit to Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Admire the breathtaking views of the canyon and the lush greenery around it. Take a family-friendly hike to the Waipo‘o Falls and explore the park's natural wonders.

  • Day 2: Kalapaki Beach
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Lihue

    Spend a relaxing day at one of the most family-friendly and leisurely beaches on the island. Go swimming, sunbathing, or try some of the many water activities offered on-site, such as surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Follow up with a local beachside dinner at Duke's Kauai for a perfect end to your day.

  • Day 3: Wailua Falls
    30 minutes (11.6 miles) from Poipu

    Explore the beauty of Kauai's natural waterfalls by visiting the Wailua Falls. Marvel at the majestic twin waterfalls, which were featured in the opening credits of the 1970s TV series "Fantasy Island." Take a dip in the nearby freshwater pool and snap some family photos as lasting souvenirs.

  • Day 4: Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
    1 hour 20 minutes (35.4 miles) from Kapaa

    End your trip by exploring Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, which offers a vast array of family-friendly outdoor activities like hiking, camping, snorkeling and taking in the stunning coastal views. With various trailheads to choose from, enjoy a hike up to the famed Kalalau Lookout for a perfect end to your trip in Kauai.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Waimea Canyon State Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Kalapaki Beach (6-8 hours, $10 for a beach umbrella and chair set)
  • Wailua Falls (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (4-6 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $10

Transportation

For a family-friendly vacation in Kauai, a rental car is recommended for all transportation needs to and from the suggested attractions. A rental car can cost anywhere between $40-60 per day, depending on the vehicle size and rented amenities. Keep in mind that Kauai lacks public transportation, and walking may not be a viable option, especially with small children.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more time, we recommend taking a day trip to the nearby island of Niihau to enjoy a unique beach experience, or a helicopter tour of the island to see more of the stunning landscapes from above. For travelers with less time, the suggested attractions can be adapted to fit a condensed timeframe, depending on your interests and preferences.

Airports

Kauai's main airport is the Lihue Airport (LIH), conveniently located just three miles east of Lihue city center. Airlines that service this airport include American, Hawaiian, Delta, and United Airlines.

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