Kauai tips
 

Ok, we have booked our flights to Kauai from England, staying ten nights. We considered hopping islands but with two children and after a long flight, we want to explore this island!

Please can you recommend the must-sees and dos? We are two adults with 8&9 year old boy and girl.

We are staying in the poipu area...is it possible to drive to the north Coast or is it too far?

Many thanks

It's not only not too far - you will WANT to go to the North Shore, because 1) it's gorgeous, 2) there are a lot of great beaches, and 3) the funky little town of Hanalei.

Yes, definitely drive to the North Shore. That and Waimea Canyon are always my two "must dos". From Lihue it usually took me a little over an hour (avoid "rush hour" through Kapa'a) so from Poipu maybe 90 minutes one way. Be sure and stop at Ke'e Beach and Tunnels if safe (check with the lifeguards at Haena Beach Park about Tunnels, may have to park there and walk down). Lunch in Hanalei is fun, with cute shops, also the Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden is nice, all native Hawaiian plants.
Any interest in hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail depending on weather conditions?
Weather permitting you might enjoy a boat tour of the Na Pali coast, only reachable via boat tour, long hike, or helicopter.

Thank you both! I was just a bit worried that it might be too far to drive, but it seems manageable! We really don't want to split our stay either as we will have had a long flight, so want a rest!

Does it make a difference as to the type of car we hire? I'd do we need a jeep/sub or will a smaller car do us?

Small car is fine, no need for a 4-wheel drive.

Do you like to hike? I'd be a little concerned having 10 days on Kauai with two under-10s because there isn't that much to do (which is a good thing if you're older, or if you're really young and just playing in the pool or at the beach all day is fine (which we did on Kauai when our kids were 2 and 4, and again when our DD was 20 - she was less enthralled with the amount of time we spent just sitting around on the latter trip).

One thing she did love was the surf lesson she took at the beach in front of Kiahuna Plantation. The first time she actually got up, people on the beach were clapping. Very pleased with herself LOL.

Thanks for the car advice! I think we will find ways to fill the ten days! We don't fancy island hopping as it just adds to the flights. But yes, surf lessons certainly sound good, so thank you for that idea.

We don't mind hiking...is there somewhere you'd recommend?

There is wonderful hiking on Kauai. We did the Canyon Trail (recommended on here by Songdoc) and really enjoyed it. We saw families hiking that trail with kids your kids' ages.

We will be in Kauai in Dec. Haven't been there in a while, but I like your plan to stay on one island for the 10 days. I think you will fill the days just fine with the day trips described above and hanging around Poipu. In addition to surfing and boogie boarding, teach the kids (and maybe you also) to snorkel. A thrilling thing to do around the Poipu area.

Thanks guys. Will kit for eg snorkelling be available on the island...ie we won't need to bring this ourselves?

We are super excited!

You will not get bored staying on Kauai.

Your kids will probably like the Kilohana plantation and train ride. My favorite part was feeding the pigs!

I don't know Poipu well, but I know there are places in Kapa'a that rent snorkel gear -- so they probably do that in Poipu, as well.

You might want to rent bicycles in Kapa'a and ride the paved bike path that parallels the ocean.

Also...park at Shipwreck Beach (right next to the Grand Hyatt in Poipu) and walk the Maha'ulepu path.

You'll be close to Spouting Horn--and there are lots of chickens there. That's fun.

I HIGHLY recommend a boat ride past the Napali cliffs. The views are truly astounding.

If your kids are animal lovers you can go to the Humane Society and take a dog out for a walk for the day.

When you go to Waimea Canyon (a definite "must-see") be sure to drive to the Koke'e lookout.

Stop at Wailua Falls (near Lihue). You'll pass the turnoff en route to Kapa'a and the North Shore.

As others have said, don't miss driving to the end of the North Shore -- Ke'e Beach. You can make lots of stops along the way. And a "regular" car is fine.

There's also horseback riding, zip lines, tubing, kayaking, and more than enough to keep you busy. You're going to love Kauai.

You can rent snorkel gear at the shack in front of Kiahuna ( same place you sign up for surf lessons) BUT it probably makes more sense to rent in town for the whole time you're there. The. You can use them whenever you feel like it. Last time we were there, the snorkeling was great right at Poipu Beach park.

Wow songdoc....thank you for that, what a helpful list.

And thank you sf7307 for all your advice which is just so helpful.

We are literally on the other side of the world, and this will be (unless we win the lottery!) a one off trip, so want to make sure we don't miss something!

You can rent from Snorkel Bob's, they are all over Hawaii, make sure they fit your mask properly so it does not leak.
For car rental try: www.discounthawaiicarrental.com
They were recommended to me on TripAdvisor and I got a nice new car from Avis through them. Keep checking the rates every so often, if they drop you can rebook.
Jeeps are a nuisance, we had one a couple of times, space for luggage is limited and soft tops can get broken into easily.
Good advice about visiting Koke'e State Park, in fact drive there first to the Kalalau Lookout, it gets cloudy later in the morning.

Take the advice of SONGDOC. Kauai is his second home. We love it too. Bike riding Kapaa, beach time in both Hanalei and Poipu, the canyon, easy hiking with kids will certainly fill 10 days. enjoy

Have you considered splitting your time between the north and south sides of the island? The north shore is the most amazingly beautiful place I have ever seen. I couldn't take my eyes off of Hanalei Bay and the mountains.

And as mentioned by others, see the Napali coast by boat.

Enjoy your trip!