7-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Kauai

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Lihue, Hawaii

10:00 AM

Explore Kalapaki Beach

Start your vacation by soaking up the sun at the family-friendly Kalapaki Beach, where gentle waves invite kids for splashing.
Drive from Lihue Airport (1 mile, 5 min)
USD0, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Duke's Kauai

Enjoy a delicious Hawaiian-inspired meal at Duke's, with a great child-friendly menu and stunning ocean views.
5-minute walk from the beach
USD75, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Grove Farm Homestead Museum

Learn about Kauai’s history at this engaging museum, which is a fun experience for the whole family and showcases local agriculture.
Drive (3 miles, 10 min)
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

Settle in at your hotel or vacation rental, freshen up, and relax before dinner.
Varies depending on hotel choice
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Fish Express

Savor a casual dinner with fresh poke bowls and seafood, perfect for the whole family in a laid-back atmosphere.
Drive (1.5 miles, 5 min)
USD70, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring the North Shore

North Shore, Hawaii

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company

Start your day with delicious pastries and fresh coffee at this local favorite bakery in Hanalei.
Drive from Lihue (30 miles, 45 min)
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Tunnels Beach

Spend the morning swimming and snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, known for its colorful marine life, perfect for kids.
Drive (5 miles, 15 min)
USD0, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tahiti Nui

Grab a plate lunch with savory local flavors at this lively restaurant, a favorite among families.
Drive (10 min)
USD60, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Kayak the Hanalei River

Enjoy a fun and engaging family kayak tour along the serene Hanalei River amidst beautiful scenery.
Rent kayaks from Hanalei kayak center (15 min walk)
USD100, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Postcards Café

Indulge in locally-sourced dishes at this charming café, perfect for a relaxing dinner after a day of outings.
Drive (5 min)
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Hanalei Adventure

Hanalei, Hawaii

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hanalei Markets

Enjoy a mix of fresh fruits, smoothie bowls, and pastries at this vibrant market.
Drive (10 min)
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Explore this beautiful botanical garden filled with native Hawaiian plants and engage in family-friendly tours.
Drive (10 min)
USD40, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bar Acuda

Savor tasty tapas-style dishes using fresh local ingredients, perfect for sharing amongst family.
Drive (10 min)
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge

Take a scenic drive and observe the beautiful wildlife, with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Short drive (5 min)
USD0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Beach Time at Hanalei Bay

Spend a lovely afternoon enjoying the golden sands and swimming at Hanalei Bay.
Drive (5 min)
USD0, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Dolphin

Treat your family to a delightful seafood dinner at this popular local eatery while overlooking the Bay.
Drive (5 min)
USD90, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Waimea Canyon Exploration

Waimea, Hawaii

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Café at Koke’e

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options while enjoying the cool heights of Koke’e State Park.
Drive from Hanalei (35 miles, 1 hour)
USD50, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Hiking Waimea Canyon

Explore trails suitable for families, offering stunning views of the canyon and its vibrant red and green hues.
Navigate trails within Waimea Canyon State Park.
USD10 (car entry), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Waimea Canyon Lookout

Pack a picnic or grab food from your hotel to enjoy against a backdrop of breathtaking canyon views.
Canteen or personal picnic.
USD0, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Koke’e Natural History Museum

Learn about the unique geology and wildlife of Kauai through interactive exhibits that are kid-friendly.
Drive within Koke’e Park (10 min)
USD15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Scenic Drive Back Down

Enjoy a leisurely drive down the canyon to take in all the stunning scenery one more time.
Drive down the canyon (25 miles, 40 min)
USD0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Shrimp Station

Delight in plate lunches featuring the local specialty, shrimp, among other delicious Hawaiian dishes.
Drive (20 miles, 30 min)
USD80, 1 hour
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Day 5: Sun and Surf at Poipu

Poipu, Hawaii

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kalaheo Coffee Company

Start your day with delicious coffee and breakfast options at this homey spot famous for its local flavor.
Drive from Waimea (15 miles, 30 min)
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Relax at Poipu Beach

Spend the morning at Poipu Beach, a family-friendly spot renowned for its soft sand and gentle waves.
Drive (10 min)
USD0, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Keoki’s Paradise

Enjoy vibrant tropical decor and a diverse menu at this family-friendly restaurant located near the beach.
Drive (5 min)
USD80, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Go Snorkeling at Lawai Beach

An afternoon snorkeling trip at Lawai Beach provides great shallow water opportunities for children.
Drive (10 min)
USD30 (gear rental), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Spouting Horn

Witness the natural blowhole at Spouting Horn, a fun activity that will surely amaze kids and adults alike.
Drive (15 min)
USD0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Beach House

End the day with a spectacular ocean view dinner serving fresh local dishes, perfect for families.
Drive (10 min)
USD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Barking Sands Beach Fun Day

Barking Sands Beach, Hawaii

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Green Mango Cafe

Enjoy smoothies and breakfast bowls made with local ingredients at this refreshing spot to kickstart your day.
Drive from Poipu (20 miles, 30 min)
USD35, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Spend the Day at Barking Sands Beach

Relax and play at Barking Sands Beach, known for its expansive sands, perfect for family beach games.
Drive (5 min)
USD0, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Beach

Pack a picnic or enjoy takeout from nearby eateries to enjoy on the beach under the Hawaiian sun.
Picnic at the beach.
USD0-60 (depends on takeout choice), 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Beachcombing and Shell Collecting

Engage the kids in an adventure of beachcombing and shell collecting as they explore the shorelines.
Remain at Barking Sands Beach.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Watch the Sunset

Gather for a family sunset watch, as the beautiful colors of the sky reflect upon the ocean—a perfect ending to a beach day.
Stay at Barking Sands Beach.
USD0, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Pasta Garden

Dine on Italian-American comfort food, offering something for every family member’s preference.
Drive (30 min)
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day in Kauai

Lihue, Hawaii

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Local Lizard

Hit a local breakfast spot known for its friendly atmosphere and breakfast burritos that kids love.
Drive from Poipu (25 miles, 30 min)
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kauai Museum

Spend the morning at Kauai Museum, learning about the rich history and culture of the island through interactive exhibits.
Drive (5 min)
USD20, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Puka Dog

Enjoy a local flavor twist with Hawaiian-style hot dogs at this unique eatery—perfect for families on the go.
Drive (10 min)
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Last-Minute Shopping

Take time for some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local crafts at shops in Lihue.
Drive in Lihue area.
USD0-100 (depends on purchases), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Head to Lihue Airport

Wrap up your family trip and return the rental car before checking in for your flight home.
Drive to Lihue Airport (2 miles, 5 min)
USD0, 1 hour
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