Kauai with a two year old
 

We may be crazy, but we are are bringing our two year old along with us to Kauai in a couple weeks. Our last trip before his birth consisted of kayaking, hikes, etc.(the etc. being romantic dinners...) but I don't know if that is going to happen this time!!! Any suggestions/pointers for traveling Kauai with a toddler? We will also have an eleven year old with us.

A day at Lydgate State Park would be fun. There is an extremely shallow keiki pool for wading plus there is a lifeguard. Across the parking lot is Kamalani Playground which your 2 year old will adore. A new play area is nearby, look for signs, ask the lifeguard, or follow the new bike path south for 1/4 mile. It is called Kamalani Kai Bridge, it's a fanciful play structure that is not to be missed---it is waaaaay off the beaten path so seek it out.

There's Baby Beach at Poipu. There's a good kids shop in the Coconut Marketplace too. We have to hit more casual dining places too. Like Margerita's and Dali Deli. The Sheraton had a good family pool.

Fresh pineapple rinds or sugarcane sticks keep them busy too! ;)

In Kauai most stores sell bags of crispy thin breadsticks made in Kauai. Those keep my child busy and happy during siteseeing trips.

We travelled to hawaii many times with our child, starting when he was 7 mths old. My best piece of advice is get a condo. It gives you so much more freedom for doing more meals at home, more space for giving your child a nap without having to tiptoe around a hotel room, etc. Poipu Beach Park is also a great area for the little ones.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We are staying in a condo at the Waiohai which is right next to Poipu Park, I believe. Yes, the napping thing is an issue with our little guy (and sometimes with me too!). With all the restaurants across the street, things might be pretty simple. We had a nice meal at Brenneckes a couple years ago, but I hear it is not as good. I guess I could cook, but it is my vacation too!!! We have a back carrier for the two year old, so we may take an easy hike. Also, the 11 year old wants to learn to surf. We were hoping to do that close to the condo for convenience. I would still like to kayak with the kids. Maybe not ocean but river. Additional suggestions would REALLY be appreciated. :)