When we planned to visit Kauai Hawaii for Spring Break with my parents and sister, we decided to visit an Island that we had not been to before. Kauai Island. We had personal friends that had gone and raved about it, so we really wanted to give it a try. We were so happy we did. There is so much fun outdoor things to do in Kauai and most of those things are FREE! My husband and I are already planning another visit by ourselves. That’s how much we loved it.
When looking at Kauai hotels, we realized it was more affordable to get a rental from private party on AirBNB. Kauai rentals with full kitchens and pool access are so affordable and when the price is shared with other adults — it’s a steal!
Kauai Vacation Itinerary
So I will state before you see our actual Kauai things to do list, my kids consistently said, “When are we going back to the pool?” That’s how nice the pool was at our condo. So, hopefully your kids love being out and about a lot like we do.
Kauai Day 1
Poipu Beach Park (South Shore)
- Protected areas for snorkeling
- Natural wading pool
- Lifeguards
- Seals and turtles
#11 Restaurant on TripAdvisor is Da Crack (Mexican)
Kauai Coffee Company
- Self-guided tour
- Samples
- Ice cream
Old Downtown Koloa
- Pizzetta is affordable lunch spot
- Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee
- #3 Restaurant on TripAdvisor is Makai Sushi
- #4 Restaurant on TripAdvisor is Koloa Fish Market
Kauai Day 2
Hanalei Bay (North Shore)
- Surfing
- Low Tide jump off Hanalei Pier
- Subject to strong currents
- Lifeguards on duty
- (home of Puff the Magic Dragon)
Hanalei Valley Lookout
Kauai Mini Golf
Kauai Day 3
Anini Beach (North Shore)
- shallow because of off-shore reef
- lots of shells and rocks (wear water shoes)
- lagoon for snorkeling
- no lifeguards
- bathroom available
Kilauea Lighthouse
Turtle Cove
- Low tide may see 100+ turtles
- Water fall flows into ocean
- High surf, large waves – be careful
Queens Bath
Kauai Day 4
Lydgate Beach Park (East Shore)
- Safe snorkeling for kids
- Bathroom
- Picnic areas
- State Park has a wooden playground
- Natural History Museum
Kauai Path
- 9 miles one way
- See lots of beaches
- Rent bikes
Kapaa Shopping
- Olympic Café for breakfast (huge portions plates can be shared)
Kauai Day 5
Wailua River
- Rent a kayak
Opaekaa Falls
- 2 miles
- Most accessible waterfall
Wailua Falls
- 173-foot waterfalls
- 10 minute drive off the main road, Highway 56 to Ma’alo Road
- Featured in opening scene of Fantasy Island
Kauai Day 6
Waimea Canyon
- Free
- 3-4 hours
- Lower lookout
- Main lookout (bathrooms available)
- Iliau Nature Loop trail is less than half a mile
- Kalalau Lookout (last stop)
There you have it. Our entire itinerary. We had a family vacation that was chock full of family fun. Those who have been to Kauai, what did we miss?
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