Curator’s statement
Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian Chain. Due to its paradisiacal lushness, it has been nicknamed the Garden Island. You may recognize it's landscape from the movie Jurassic Park. When I visited in October of 2023, I was amazed at how tall the mountains were and how small the landscape made me feel.
There is a lot to do on Kauai, as it boasts its fair share of water and land activities. The island is home to nine golf courses in seven locations. There are lots of opportunities to support local businesses and boutique shops. Based on my trip, these are my recommendations.
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Poʻipū Beach Park
Poʻipū Beach Park is a much-frequented southside beach. It offers a protected cove that is great for snorkeling and young swimmers. There are also opportunities for body boarding and surfing for older children. You can picnic here while any kiddos can enjoy the playground. There are facilities and lifeguards on duty.
Kaua'i Backcountry Adventures
This is a place for a super fun tubing adventure. It is not for the claustrophobic or those afraid of the dark. Our tour group was big, and it was pretty interactive. The youngest in our group was five. They shared the history of the sugar plantains and the family who built the tunnels. There is an opportunity for photos. Also, the best part for families is they feed you. The tour, from start to finish, takes about three to four hours.
Koloa Zipline Company
Koloa Zipline Company has the longest zipline in Kauai. They have you hike from zipline to zipline, and it requires a certain weight to zipline smoothly, so it may not be ideal for young kids. They provide snacks and beverages, so there is no need to carry a water bottle. Our tour guides were friendly and upbeat. Even my husband, who is scared of heights, made it through.
Holo Holo Charters: takes you on a tour of the beautiful Napli coast. During the tour, they will provide lunch and stop at multiple locations to snorkel. As you journey from spot to spot, they will share the history and culture of the island of Kauai.
Things to Consider:
There is one road around the coast, and it is the only way to get around the island.
You can book in the off-season (September to December or April to June) and enjoy most of the same adventures. Some places have seasonal tourism industries, however, Hawaii is open all year-round. With that in mind, you will always want to book well in advance.
Hawaii's islands require specific ocean safety requirements, and you should review them before you head to the Hawaiian islands.
It rains often. When we went in October, it would rain off and on for about 20 minutes at a time and no more than a drizzle.
Need to know
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kauai In need of further inspiration? Check out Brianna Seaberg’s guide, Kauai: The Best Hawaiian Island For Hiking.
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Travel Advisor
Kadia Sarvey
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