Kauai is a fantastic place to visit for so many reasons. Full of unbelievable scenery, gorgeous beaches, and exciting things to do, you’re sure to have a blast when you’re here! If you’re planning your family vacation for this year, you’ll be happy to know that Kauai is a very kid-friendly destination.
Whether you’re looking for the best places to snorkel with your little ones or want to head out on a whale watch, there are plenty of things to do in Kauai with kids. Ready to plan? Let’s explore the top family-friendly things to do in Kauai.
Looking to plan your vacation to Kauai? We’ve compiled a guide with everything you need to know:
In this blog:
- Spend Your Day Snorkeling
- Poipu Whale Watching Tours
- Kauai Helicopter Tours
- Book Your Kauai Vacation Directly with Hawaii Condo and Home!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spend Your Day Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do in Kauai with kids! When snorkeling, you have two options: head out on your own or go on a snorkeling tour.
Top Family Friendly Snorkeling Spots in Kauai:
Poipu Beach Park
Conveniently located right in Poipu, Poipu Beach Park is known locally as “Keiki Pond”. There’s a rock wall here that shields the cove, so the water is nice and calm. Kiddos often spot sea turtles and fish like the state fish (Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa), Parrotfish, Butterfly Fish, and more.
Lawai Beach
Just a five-minute drive away, Lawai Beach is another great option. Similar to Poipu Beach, the waters are protected by a reef so they’re calm and shallow. It might be less crowded here, too!
Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach is a wonderful family-friendly beach in Kauai! Its famous for Morgan’s Ponds, which are perfect for snorkeling. There are two enclosed, man-made saltwater lagoons that make swimming and snorkeling safe and free from powerful ocean currents!
Poipu Snorkeling Tours
Of course, you may not want to head out on your own, and that’s okay! There are plenty of Poipu snorkeling tours that are perfect for families! Here are just a few:
Kauai Zodiac Tourz
Known for small-group adventures, Kauai Zodiac Tourz has fantastic raft tours that get you close to Kauai’s coastline, with snorkeling stops in scenic spots packed with marine activity. There are several to choose from, from the North Anini Beach Guided Snorkel to Kauai’s Ultimate Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure. Prices vary depending on which experience you’d like to embark on, so you should check out their website for full details!
Kauai Sea Rider Adventures
This family-friendly tour company combines snorkeling with scenic boat rides along the coast, making it a great option if you want a mix of sightseeing and ocean time. Similar to Kauai Zodiac, Sea Rider has several great options to choose from, like the Guided South Shore Snorkeling Tour and Ultimate South Island Boat Snorkel Adventure. Similarly, the prices vary greatly between tours, so you’ll want to find the tour you want for your specific needs.
Snuba Tours of Kauai
What is Snuba exactly? It’s a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, so you can explore underwater without full scuba gear. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to see more marine life in deep waters! No certification required!
Cost: $121 per person
Includes: All equipment needed, just bring your swimsuit and towel! Group sizes are small (4-8 people), so you’ll have a personalized experience.
Poipu Whale Watching Tours
One of the most exciting things you can do with your family in Kauai is go whale watching! Whale season is from November to April, so you have a wide window. You may be able to spot some of these majestic creatures from your balcony, but the best way to see some is to go on a whale watching tour!
These are some of the best Poipu Whale Watching Tours:
Blue Dolphin Charters
A popular choice for whale watching, Blue Dolphin Charters has experienced crews that can help you spot whales while sharing interesting facts and tidbits about Kauai’s marine life.
Cost: Adult $115, Youth 13-17 $100, Child 2-12 $85
Includes: Hydrophones for hearing the whales (weather permitting), appetizers, water, juice, & soft drinks, beer, wine, & Mai Tais (for those 21+)
Na Pali Coast Boat Tours
These tours combine whale watching with incredible views of the Na Pali Coast, giving you a chance to see both dramatic cliffs and migrating humpback whales in one trip. They offer both a raft whale watch and a catamaran tour; the raft allows you to get closer to the whales on a more nimble vessel, while the catamaran is a more classic experience on top a large yacht. You can also book a private charter if you’d like, but it can get pricey!
Star Whale Watch (Catamaran) Cost: Adult $140, Child $110
No food or drink included.
Raft Whale Watch Cost: Adult $110, Child $90
Includes: Beverages
Additionally, Kauai Sea Riders and Kauai Zodiac Tourz also offer whale watches!
Kauai Helicopter Tours
Now, this may not be for all children, especially very young kids, but if you have an older crowd, they’ll love this birds-eye view! Just imagine yourself on a helicopter with all of Kauai stretched out underneath you. It’s the kind of view you may only see once in a lifetime, and we highly recommend!
These are our recommendations if you want to take a helicopter tour during your time in Kauai:
Air Kauai
Air Kauai is the go-to for helicopter tours in Kauai. They even have a Doors-On Ohana option that is made for families! Typically, the tour is $350 a person, but you can often find deals for $315. It’s a 45-minute flight and has room for up to six passengers.
Ali’I Air Tours & Charters
This is a no-door helicopter tour of Kauai, better for older kids. If you do travel with younger kids ages 7-11, doors will remain on for safety. This tour is a bit pricier at $399 per person, but if your kids are older than eleven, the open door experience is truly special!
Book Your Kauai Vacation Directly with Hawaii Condo and Home!
Featured Rental: Poipu Kai Makanui 422
Now that you know about all the top family-friendly things to do in Kauai, it’s time to book your vacation accommodations! Thankfully, you’re already in the right place. Hawaii Condo and Home has been serving the Hawaiian Islands for decades, delivering trusted service to vacationers like you. When you book directly with us, you save time, money, and stress.
Our Kauai vacation rentals are located right in Poipu, so you’ll be close to all the action! The Poipu Kai resort gives you access to communal pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and impressive ocean views. Properties like Poipu Kai Regency 211 can sleep up to 6 guests, so they’re perfect for the whole family!
When you’re ready to book your vacation accommodations, browse our available selection of Kauai vacation rentals. And if you’re interested in another island, you can explore Hawaii here to make the best choice for you! No matter where you stay, you can’t go wrong when you choose a Hawaii Condo and Home rental. We can’t wait to welcome you to Kauai!
Browse All Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
What age restrictions should you expect for tours in Kauai?
Many tours have minimum age requirements. Boat and snorkeling tours often require kids to be at least 5–7 years old, while helicopter tours may have stricter safety rules depending on the operator. Always check age limits before planning your itinerary to avoid last-minute changes.
What’s the best time of day for snorkeling with kids in Kauai?
Go early, before 10 a.m. Morning conditions are typically calmer, with better visibility and less wind. By the afternoon, waves and currents tend to pick up, which makes snorkeling harder for younger or beginner swimmers.
How many “big activities” should you plan with kids in Kauai?
Limit it to one major excursion per day, and no more than 2–3 big-ticket activities per trip. Kauai trips work best when you mix in plenty of downtime at the beach. Overloading your itinerary leads to burnout fast, especially with younger kids.
What should you pack specifically for snorkeling with kids?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards for sun protection, and water shoes for rocky entries. If your kids are new to snorkeling, pack or rent flotation vests and practice beforehand. Having the right gear makes a noticeable difference in comfort and confidence.
Is Kauai safe for kids in the ocean?
It can be, but conditions change quickly. Stick to protected beaches (like Poipu or Lydgate), watch posted surf reports, and only swim in lifeguarded areas when possible. Even experienced swimmers should avoid unfamiliar beaches during high surf.