Visit to Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai known for is epic Na Pali coast, incredible hikes, snorkeling, and lush vegetation is an incredible Hawaiian island. There are several things that you can enjoy with your toddler on this island. Some of the things available are more challenging, or young children are not permitted. There are things that are perfectly geared toward young children. Hawaii is a very beautiful place to visit with many child, friendly activities.
Travel to Kauai, Hawaii with a toddler
Of note, if you are coming to Hawaii from the east coast of the United States it is a long flight with a lay over and that should be part of the planning with the toddler. It is a very long day of travel. While it is doable, you have to account for that. If you are making the journey, make sure you have snacks, milk, toys/activities, medicines, changes of clothes and everything you may need to make it a seamless day of travel.
Toddler Travels must haves
Shopping On arrival
Kauai, Hawaii has a lot of options for grocery and general needs stores. There is a Walmart in Lihue and Safeway Grocery stores are scattered around the island. At these stores you can stock up on baby foods, milk, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, medicines or any other needs for the baby.
Toddler Travels things to do
Lydgate Beach Park
We spent a huge portion of our trip at this beach park. It was a great place for sunrise (we were up early every day) and perfect for our toddler due to the amazing Kamalani Playground. They have sheltered/protected swimming areas. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, lifeguards and plenty of parking.
Poipu Beach
This is a very popular beach destination in Kauai and for good reason. It is a great location for seeing sea turtles sunbathing and you can also see monk seals. There are calm swimming areas and it is great for snorkeling as well. There is a playground for children and lifeguards on duty. It is a must visit!
Scenic Flight
A scenic flight is a highlight of visiting Kauai and a great way to see the Na Pali Coast. Unfortunately, most helicopters do not allow young children, especially helicopters with open doors. If you want to do a scenic flight, you are able to do scenic flights with a young toddler, we use Wings Over Kauai. It was a great experience. We did a Cessna plane so it was just us but they also have a slightly bigger plane as well. What was great about this company is that infants were free.
Kauai Plantation Railway
The Kauai Plantation Railway is a small 40 minute train ride through local produce and agriculture as well as a stop for petting zoo and feeding of animals such as horses, cows, and pics. It was a great thing to do with young children and those less than three are free. Calvin absolutely adored the ride and feeding of the animals!
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is a great beach for families. It has very calm waters. It is a great place to snorkel. I found the waters much calmer here than at Tunnels and I saw so many sea turtles I was blown away! On google maps Anini Beach is located in two places. One is more isolated down a dirt road and absolutely beautiful but the main snorkeling is to the right of the boat launch. There are showers and bathrooms.
Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park
Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park is a beautiful botanical gardens on Kauai. Reservations are required. They have a variety of different tours through the gardens. Also once a month they have a splash and play which is perfect for young children. There is also a playground in the area as well. We were lucky enough to be there for that and our toddler loved it! Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
Challenges with traveling with toddler in Kauai, Hawaii
Na Pali Coast
One of the most epic things to do is to take a boat ride of the Nepali coast. Unfortunately, this is something that you are unable to do with most kids less than five years old according to the boat company policies after reading several peoples responses this is likely due to the choppiness of the water and safety for the child however, prior to going on this trip, I was not aware of this so it immediately excluded this possibility for us to do. Many helicopters do not allow young children so be sure to check the company. Scenic flights for seeing the Na Pali Coast is really your only option with a toddler.
Secret Falls
The Waimea River is another great place to check out that has kayaking and Secret Falls. Secret Falls you must kayak and hike to get to it. Unfortunately, tours groups do not allow young children and the kayaking companies do not allow rentals with young children so once again, this was something that we could not do with Calvin.
Hiking
Hiking is feasible with young children if you bring a carrier. I would highly recommend bringing hiking poles because the trails are frequently muddy and slippery so having the poles is useful for hiking especially if you are hiking with children. Ultimately, even though we brought a carrier for hiking, I ended up hiking alone and Thomas watched Calvin for the hikes during our visit to Kauai. Honestly, after my few hikes, even as an avid hiker, given the slippery mud, I would be more hesitant to be hiking with children.
Snorkeling
There are several really incredible snorkel spots around the island. However, toddler cannot snorkel so we would have to take turns snorkeling where someone would need to be with the baby unsure however this is very feasible. We did snorkeling at Tunnels Beach and Anini Beach. Anini is much better for young children
Toddler Travels
Traveling with toddlers is well worth some of the hiccups and changes in your travel plans. If you are prepared and willing to be flexible you will have an incredible time. Despite the long travel coming to Kauai was worth it. No matter where you go trust me you’ll love it!
