Naptime isn’t long enough to get everything done. Save yourself hours of research, and use this toddler-friendly Kauai itinerary. We’ve got you covered!

Though it is a “small” island, there is a lot to see and do on Kauai. You could easily spend a week or more exploring everything the island has to offer, but we found that staying 5 nights gave us enough opportunities to get to experience a variety of activities. In this itinerary, we worked in naps and aimed to create a balanced week. Of course, modify as needed for your family and length of stay.

Check out “City Guide: Kauai, HI” for all the best toddler-friendly activities, restaurants, beaches, and more on Kauai!

This itinerary assumes your home base is in the Poipu/Koloa area - our recommendation to be centrally situated in Kauai. We loved our stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai!

Review the map below to reference our itinerary suggestions or to help draft your own!

Arrival

Grocery Shopping & Settling In

Travel days can be exhausting! Don’t plan too much on your first day, instead spend just a couple hours getting yourself set up for the week! Our flight landed at noon, and we were thankful we did our ‘chores’ before settling in - it was that much more relaxing when we got our toes in the sand!

• Arrive in Kauai

• Pick up your rental car or Turo, if you have a reservation

• Stop by Target or Costco for a handful of groceries, and snacks for the road

• Shop the local thrift stores to pick up toys you didn’t have room to pack

• Check-in to your accommodations and unpack

• Get the lay of the land and explore Poipu Beach Park

• Dinner at The Cabana Bar and Grill and head to bed early, if possible, to get ahead of that jet-lag.

Day 1

Poipu Hike & Farmers Market

If your toddler is like ours, mornings start early - but add jet-lag and you might be up before the sun rises! We enjoy taking advantage of these quiet mornings by beating the crowds to popular destinations.

• Breakfast & coffee from your groceries or hotel

• Set out on a short hike to see the sunrise at Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

• Claim your spot by the pool, or visit a nearby playground

• Grab an early lunch and shave ice at Old Town Koloa Food Truck Park

• Nap time

• Go to a farmers market (check schedule) or check out the live entertainment at Poipu Shopping Village (M & Th 5pm).

• Dinner at Kenji Burger (reservations recommended during busy seasons)

Day 2

Waimea Canyon Mini-Roadtrip

This was our most ‘jam-packed’ day on paper, but it was manageable with cooperative toddlers who napped on the ride back from our Waimea Canyon hike! We couldn’t believe the breathtaking views of the canyon and the lush trails. Pack the night before and lay out your clothes as you will want to make sure you have appropriate shoes, beach gear, sun protection, towels, a sound machine, snacks, and car toys. Downtime in the afternoon and dinner at Keoki’s Paradise truly rounded out this perfect day!

• Breakfast & coffee to go from Little Fish Coffee

• Head out early to Waimea Canyon Lookout (best to leave by 7:30 or 8:00am)

• Take a leisurely hike at Iliau Nature Loop Trail, stopping at any lookouts that pique your interest along the way

• Grab an early lunch or shave ice at Island Taco and Wailua Shave Ice

• If you have time, stop by Salt Pond Beach

• Nap time on the drive back to your accommodations

• Relax at your accommodations, and get ready for dinner

• Dinner at Keoki’s Paradise (reservations suggested during busy seasons)

Day 3

North Kauai Playground, Hike, and Surf

We loved getting to see the north side of the island - it is so green it is almost unbelievable! Princeville and Hanalei areas have the most going on, though they are still small towns. Our family loved relaxing on the beach while watching our friend surf, then heading to the perfect toddler playground!

• Breakfast & coffee from your groceries or hotel

• Explore Lydgate Beach Park and Kamalani Playground on the east side of Kauai

• Take a short, easy walk down Puu Poa Beach Trail to the ocean

• If anyone in your group wants to try surfing, grab a board at Hanalei Surfboard Rentals

• Enjoy the calm waters at Hanalei Bay (summer only)

• Eat lunch at Tiki Iniki or if you are short on time, grab food to eat in the car from Hanalei Food Truck Park

• Nap in the car, or head home for a nap (if the little ones do take a nap, stretch their nap by visiting Opaekaa Falls View - as long as it is a sunny day)

• Dinner at Bubbas Burgers in Poipu (order online for pickup)

Day 4

Kilohana Train Ride, Fern Grotto Cruise, and Luau

This will be a memory-making day for your toddler - so many exciting things to see and do! If it isn’t in the cards to do all of these paid excursions, feel free to skip them! Hopefully, your toddler has adjusted a little better to the time change and can stay up later to enjoy the Luau!

• Breakfast & coffee at Kauai Bakery & Coffee (closed Sundays)

• Take the plantation train at Kilohana Plantation

• Nap in the car, or head home for a nap

• Take the family to Smith’s Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto (M, W, TH, F only)

• Attend the Smith’s Garden Luau, which includes dinner

Day 5

Recoup & Relax in Poipu

Ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? Us too! We have found the best way to feel most rested is to turn the speed waaaaay down on our last day of vacation. Revisit your favorite spots, or just sit still taking in the tranquil views at the beach.

• Breakfast & coffee at Anuenue Cafe

• Go slow and take in all the beauty on your last full day on the island

• Go to a farmers market (check schedule) or check out the live entertainment at Poipu Shopping Village (M & Th 5pm).

• Get some hot dogs or sandwiches at Brennecke’s Beach Deli and enjoy your last afternoon with a picnic on the beach at Poipu Beach Park

Extra

Toddler-free Adult Excursions

Get a babysitter (see our suggestion here) and enjoy some much-deserved adult time! These adventures are either too long or strenuous for a toddler or not approved for young children - but experiences worth the cost of a babysitter!

• North Kauai

  • Snorkel at Tunnels Beach (summer only)

  • Hike the Queen's Bath Trail (it can be dangerous, be cautious)

  • Surf Hanalei Bay

  • Dine at Bar Acuda

• East Kauai

  • Tour: Mountain tubing adventure

  • Tour: Combined hike and kayak

  • Free Tasting: Koloa Rum Tasting

  • Hike the Wailua Falls Trail

  • Dine at JO2 Restaurant

• West Kauai

  • Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail (3+ hours) in Koke’e State Park

  • Dine at The Eating House

Check out “City Guide: Kaua’i, HI” for all the best toddler-friendly activities, restaurants, beaches, and more on Kauai!