We are travelling with our daughter, son in law and 3 grandchildren (2, 6 & 8) for 2 wks in Feb. and are wondering about a couple of things due to the ages of the kids. We're wondering about appropriate beaches for them (the most 'kid friendly') and also a luau. We have looked at the Smith's family luau and think that might be fun but we are staying in the Poipu area for the week we're in Kauai. I realize that there is a luau at one of the fancier hotels in Poipu but I don't like the 'glitz' of those luaus. Does anyone have any comments about the length of time it would take to get to Smith from Poipu and also if it would be more 'kid friendly'. also, as a gramma, I'm worried about the beaches so any comments would be much appreciated! Thanks a lot.

It will take approx. 45min. to get from Poipu to the Smiths Family luau. You might wnt to add some extra timw tho, the traffic can get realy bad in Kappaa. The luau is really nice but its along night. It might be too long for the two year old I dont know. You start off with a tram ride thru the grounds. Then you can explore the grounds by foot while you wait for the other guests to arrive. Then there is an unearthing of the pig ceremony. Then it is time for the luau. After the luau there is a show in a separate theater.
Lydgate Park Beach on the East side is a really nice beach for kids. There are two rock enclosed swimming areas, one for kids and one for adults. There is also a playground there also.
Poipu Beach also has a rock enclosed area for kids. Both of these beaches have lifeguards.

I'm not sure where you are staying in Maui, though the south Maui region of Kihei, Wailea and Makena have very good beaches for children. And the best chance of sunny weather in Feb. on Maui.

ditto j. smith's luau food is the best (the farm the pigs come from are grained fed, so it's juicy plus they don't put a lot of salt on the lomi salmon).

there's also fuji beach aka baby beach in kapaa, less crowded but great for young kids.

On Kaua'i, another beach to consider is Salt Pond Beach Park. http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/beach...tBeachPark.htm

Skip the luau and spend you money on another activity. Of all the things my wife and I have done in our six trips to Kauai, the least satisfying was the luau--absurdly touristy and in our humble opinion slightly racist.

cidbob - all luaus are for the tourist. you won't find many locals having a luau except for the same foods minus the show. it's just like the mainland and anywhere else, lots of food, beer, talk story. the only entertainment is if someone takes out their guitar or ukulele.

as a teenage employee at smiths, training how to behave towards tourist was essential, in fact most were friendlier towards visitors than to locals . also, the show was just south pacific, now they’ve added asian cultures. by “slightly racist” was it b/c of the way cultures were portrayed or towards you? well, if it was the latter, i’m sorry that happened

I second the vote for skipping a lu`au -- the kids are too young to appreciate it yet.

When in Maui make sure to take the kids to the aquarium. The mini-golf and bumper boats right there are fun as well. The Sugar Cane Train would probably fun for the little ones too, my nieces and nephews enjoyed it a few years ago.

Thanks for the responses.I agree with skipping a luau but my daughter really wants the girls (6&8 yrs to go) so I'm sure we'll go as a family.We're also looking for a nice family-friendly place in Poipu area for a birthday party as it's Grampa's 60th while we're there! Would Keoki's be a good place - my hubby & I were in Kauai for 3 days last yr and just barely got a glimpse of it. Thanks once again.

Royal Lahaina Luau on Maui isn't the best, but it is perhaps the best value as there are many discounts.

Kids 5 & under are free.

Kids 6-11 are free (one per paid adult)

This luau is also very kid friendly & has a kids menu in addition to the traditional luau menu.

I don't think kids 6 & 8 are too young to go to a luau.