Some of the most dramatic scenery in all of the South Pacific is found on Kauai, or the Garden Isle. And while the island’s deep valleys, skyward-reaching mountains, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls appeal to adults, there are plenty of ways for keiki (kids) to have fun, too. Here, we take a look at five kid-friendly activities on Kauai.
Off Road
Load the family into a two-, four- or six-passenger off-road vehicle and go on a waterfall tour with Kipu Ranch Adventures. During the four-hour tour you will ride through the ranch’s incredible landscapes and movie locations, as well as hike to a waterfall and river and enjoy a picnic lunch. Be sure to bring your swimsuits and towels — you will have the opportunity to swim in the river and at the waterfall. And bring your sense of adventure, too — there is an Indiana Jones-like rope swing!
Go Tubing
The Mountain Tubing Adventure with Kaua’i Backcountry Adventures takes you down the plantation irrigation system hand-dug by plantation workers around 1870. The gently flowing water follows canals and flumes, and goes through five tunnels. Don’t worry if you are afraid of the dark, though — headlamps are provided to light your way.
Zip Lining
Adventurous keiki may be up for flying over the island on a zip lining adventure. Skyline Eco-Adventures is the island’s newest zip line and features eight lines over the island’s deep mountain valleys. And, if you or your kids aren’t quite sure how you will like the adventure, you can opt for a five zip line course instead.
Kauai beaches © Eddygaleotti | Dreamstime.com
Beaches
Kauai’s 50 miles of white-sand beaches make a family outing here, well, a day at the beach. On the east side of the island, also known as the Coconut Coast because of all of the coconut trees growing there, you will find Lydgate Beach Park and Lydgate Pond, essentially a large saltwater pool and considered one of the island’s safest year-round swimming spots. On the island’s south side, Poipu Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai, with a natural wading pool, perfect for younger swimmers.
Luau
Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to dig into at a traditional Hawai’ian luau. And when the traditional hula and fire dancers take the stage, plates will be pushed aside and eyes will widen at the spectacle. Who knows, your family may even be pulled on stage to learn the hula!
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