Itinerary Suggestions

Question

Hello, we’re a family of 6 (3 adults in 30s, 1 adult in 60s, 2 kids ages 3 & 6) looking for itinerary recommendations. We’re visiting at the end of July for 8 nights and staying in Princeville. We’re also visiting Maui for a week after our stay in Kauai. Looking for recommendations for beaches, sights we can’t miss, and family friendly hikes.

This is what we loosely have planned so far -

Day 1 - arrive mid-afternoon, groceries, pick up snorkel gear

Day 2 - Relax & beach day

Day 3 - Waimea canyon & Koke’e park, possibly stop in Poipu on way home

Day 4 - Beach in morning, Luau at Smith’s Garden at 5 (considering the Fern Grotto & Wailua Falls in the afternoon)

Day 5 - Relax & explore Hanalei Bay

Day 6 - Ha’ena State Park & hike 1st section of Kalalau trail

Day 7 - Possibly Na Pali Coast boat tour - would love suggestions on this since we’d likely just have the adults go in pairs since the kids aren’t old enough for most tours. Any tour suggestions that leave out of Hanalei & are only 2-3 hours each?

Day 8 - Relax & beach day

Day 9 - Fly to Maui

Any sights we can’t miss? Beaches that are family friendly or have good snorkeling? Hikes that young kids could do? Thank you!

Answer

Your Kauai itinerary already covers many highlights of the island, and with an 8-night stay in Princeville, you have plenty of time to balance relaxation with adventure. Since you’re traveling with a multi-generational family and young children, it’s great to mix beach days, scenic drives, and easy hikes.

Here’s a detailed set of suggestions to complement your current plan:

Beaches: Family-friendly beaches near Princeville include Hanalei Bay (gentle waves, soft sand, lifeguards) and Anini Beach (calm waters, great for snorkeling, protected by a reef). Kee Beach at Ha’ena State Park is also beautiful but can have stronger surf, so caution is needed with kids.
Snorkeling: Anini Beach and Poipu Beach on the south shore are excellent spots for families. Make sure to check tide and surf conditions.
Sights: Waimea Canyon is a must-see; stop at the lookout points for easy viewing if hiking with kids isn’t feasible. Koke’e State Park offers shorter, family-friendly trails like the Canyon Trail to the first lookout. Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are accessible with minimal walking.
Luau & Cultural Experiences: Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau is family-friendly and includes a garden tour. Consider adding a short visit to the Fern Grotto via a riverboat tour if time allows—it’s scenic and kid-friendly.

For your planned Na Pali Coast adventure:

Since your children are too young for most full-day tours, consider a short 2–3 hour catamaran or boat tour departing from Hanalei Bay. Look for companies that specialize in half-day trips with adult-only options. Some companies offer snorkeling, sightseeing, and dolphin or turtle watching, perfect for small adult groups.
If adults prefer kayaking or hiking sections of the Na Pali Coast, you can arrange this while kids enjoy a beach day at Hanalei or Anini.

Family-friendly hikes on Kauai that are suitable for young kids include:

Alakai Swamp Trail (short sections) – a unique rainforest hike near Koke’e with boardwalks.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail – flat coastal hike with scenic cliffs and beaches (southern shore).
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge (short strolls) – easy walk with wildlife and scenery.
Short sections of Kalalau Trail – as you planned, hike only the first mile to Hanakapiai Beach, suitable for older kids or adults only depending on your group.

Other must-see sights while in Kauai:

Queen’s Bath in Princeville – only for adults if visiting due to safety risks; unique tide pool experience.
Spouting Horn near Poipu – natural blowhole, quick stop, easy for kids.
Kilauea Lighthouse – great for birdwatching and scenic coastline views.

Tips for visiting with kids:

Start beach days early to avoid peak sun hours and crowds.
Pack snacks, water, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen for short hikes.
Alternate full activity days with more relaxed beach days to avoid exhaustion, especially for younger kids.

With these additions, your itinerary balances sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring that both adults and children enjoy the best of Kauai before heading to Maui for the next leg of your trip.