Kauai has held a very special place in my heart since my first day ever on the island. My boyfriend at the time, suggested a trip to Kauai over Spring Break back when I was teaching. It turned out to be the most memorable vacation. Not 24 hrs. after landing, he asked me to marry him and the rest is as they say, our history. We’ve been back many times with our children starting with our 1st when he was just 4 months old. It is our favorite island given it’s significance to our life together but also because it is full of beauty, rich history, and small town feel unlike the more developed islands. This trip was perfect timing right after our 3 kiddos were out of school. The consummate start to a summer we’ll always remember.
We have always chosen to stay on the south side of the island as we often come in the winter or spring months when it can be a little rainier in the north. Here are some photos of our recent stay on the island along with some tips on where to get the best shave ice, best views, excursions, places to eat and more.
A new excursion we did this trip was a tour of the Napali Coast by boat. We’ve hiked part of the Napali trail from the north and hiked to views via Waimea Canyon from the South, but have never seen the coast from the sea. This was a new experience worth taking. A large part of the Napali Coast is only reachable by water. We used the tour company Liko Kauai who were great. They were knowledgeable, fun and safe during the trip and would recommend them to others. We were able to get up close to dolphins, turtles, many kinds of fish and sea caves that we would never have been able to encounter from land.
We took long walks from beach to beach in Poipu. One day we went surfing. My big kids are really doing well with surfing considering they only surf once or twice a year! In Poipu, I’d recommend Kauai Surf School. They have nice beginner boards, rash guards, great instructors and are located right on Poipu Beach a short walk up the shoreline from where we were staying.
Brennecke’s Beach is the best beach in the area for boogie boarding and body surfing. My oldest had a blast out there. A little walk up from there are tide pools that are perfect for exploring. Nearby is also Baby Beach which has a hook shaped reef barrier that creates the best calm water cove for little ones to play. We were lucky to happen upon a Hawaiian Monk Seal taking it’s requisite 10 hour siesta on a beach walk one morning. These big guys are endangered animals aptly protected here in Hawaii. It’s not uncommon for them to be found resting on shore for 10-12 hrs. at a time before heading back to sea.
Two of our favorite places to eat on Kauai are The Beach house Restaurant in Poipu and Jo Jo’s Shave Ice in Waimea. The Beach House is oceanfront dining at its best with views of the sunset like no other on the south side of the island. This is also where we had dinner the night my husband asked me to marry him. We go back at least once each trip for a visit and trip down memory lane. It is also situated next to one of the best spots to snorkel in Poipu and the location of the only place I’ve ever been able to swim up close and personal with a Giant Sea Turtle!
Other favorites include Merriman’s at the Kukui’ula Shopping Center and The Grand Hyatt Kauai at Shipwreck Beach. Both are within walking distance from pretty much anywhere in Poipu. We really enjoy walking whenever we can while traveling. You can appreciate the sights and sounds more vibrantly. In Hawaii with sweet smelling gorgeous flowers and salty ocean air it’s a must! The Grand Hyatt is a truly special resort. It is coming up on 25 years old, unbelievably, but still has that exceptional feel the moment you walk up to the grand entrance. Black swans, open air unparalleled views and gardens that will make you pause with gratitude.
Thank you Kauai for another truly spectacular family adventure.
Lovely travelogue and photos of Kauai! We stayed at the Hyatt there a few years ago and loved it too. I agree it’s so uncrowded and quieter in Kauai which we love. The Big Island is also like that right now. Who knew June was a low month? Love your blog! Looking forward to reading more!
x Kim
Thank you Kim! Hope you had a great time in Hawaii with your family.
Hi there,
We are planning a trip with our 3 kiddos (8, 6 and 3) this coming February. We have 9 days and thought it would be fun to spend half the time up North and half on the South shore. Any recommendations on places to stay? Thanks
Hi Kate! What a fun trip to spend nine days in Kauai! We typically spend more time on the south shore especially in the winter months as the North Shore tends to get a little more rain. We like the Marriott Waiohai in poipu as it’s a nice mix between a hotel and a condo and is right on a great beach for kids. They also have rooms big enough for a family of 5! It’s easily walkable to other beaches and restaurants and shops too. Feel free to email me any ideas you come across and I can give you feedback. Have so much fun with your family!