Kauai is stunning with its gorgeous beaches and mountainous terrain, truly one to add to your bucket list. However, it is often not considered as a family travel destination because of cost and travel time. If you can get past the flight time and cost (the ideas below will allow you to explore the island without spending much extra), your family will love it!
Kauai is an island where you can drive from the north end to southern tip (Poipu) in around an hour and a half so I highly recommend you rent a car and explore as much as you can! You may even come across locations from scenes in 6 Days 7 Nights, Jurassic Park and Blue Hawaii.
We recently took a family trip to Kauai and, since I had a hard time finding this information prior to going, I wanted to share what we found with everyone! Below are four parks to incorporate into your trip. You’ll see the beach, learn some Hawaiian history, and visit local towns along the way! Here are the top 4 parks we recommend:
Address: 2179 Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
As you look for details about the best spots on Kauai, the town of Poipu will come up again and again. The beach is wonderful with its easy entry into the water and the wildlife you may encounter! Located on the Southern coast of the island, there are so many places to eat, both casual (check out Puka Dog) and fine dining (you can’t get more beautiful than The Beach House). Plan to spend a few hours at the beach area and bring along towels, beach chairs, snacks and water shoes.
The Poipu Beach Park playground was far enough from the beach that you didn’t have to worry about wandering close to the water and it had a play structure ideally for ages 5 to 8.
We were hoping for more snorkeling opportunities, but it turned out to have much bigger marine life to see right there on the beach. On our first day enjoying Poipu Beach, two Hawaiian Monk Seals came up onto the sand just one family over! They are endangered so shortly after they arrived, the area was roped off to allow them safety. The next day, a giant sea turtle came ashore!
Address: 4481 Kona Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
The playground itself may not seem like much, but the Hanapepe Town Park has more than meets the eye. We experienced more local wildlife as a chicken clucked at us from a tree overhead!
There was local history to learn about through signage nearby and green space for some soccer, frisbee or a picnic.
While you’re there, we recommend a visit to the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, the shops along Hanapepe Road, and for some sushi, Kuuleis Gourmet. And don’t miss all of the references to the beloved Lilo & Stitch!
Address: Kapaʻa, HI 96746
You actually will get two playgrounds at this spot! Lydgate State Park is a Regional Park with a large sized wooden playground (very similar to the Frisco Elementary playground here in Colorado) as well as a more modern playground, picnic shelters, pavilions, lifeguarded beach, and camping grounds.
You can feel the sense of community at the Kamalani Playground with its beautiful art work and focus on local children.
Right next to the wooden playground is a large, more traditional playground. This section of the park is great for younger ages with the rubber surfacing for easier accessibility, low play structures, and bright colors.
Address: 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
We saved our favorite playground for last! The Anaina Hou Community Park is so much more than a playground. The play structures represent Hawaiian history with its volcano slide, large boat, and local children’s artwork.
There is also an 18-hole miniature golf course set among a beautiful Hawaiian Botanical Garden, representing the different eras of their history. Check out this website before you go as there are also fire shows, happy hour themed nights, a Farmer’s Market and more!
There is so much to love about Kauai and we hope this helps your little ones love it that much more. If you have been there and have another recommendation to share, please add it in the comments below!
Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!
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