On the north coast, take those new to mask and flipper adventures to Anini Beach's lagoon on the north shore. Always ask locals to make sure the snorkeling is safe. In winter, the north-coast's rough waves and strong currents make snorkeling dangerous. In summer, several outfitters combine boat and snorkel tours. On a Captain Andy's Sailing outing, you'll enjoy zipping along the Na Pali Coast in a Zodiac boat, small enough to get you into the sea caves, followed by lunch and snorkeling.
On the east coast, Lydgate Beach Park's lagoon is good for beginners and Kalapaki Beach offers good snorkeling and some surf.
Kauai Attractions
 | Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 1A-2A Ele ele, Kauai, HI • 800-535-0830 Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Hiking Kauai, HI Sprawling across more than 4,300 acres, Kokee State Park on Kauai's west side is rainforest that has within it the vast Alakai Swamp. The park offers 45 miles of trails. Yellow-ginger bushes and sandalwood trees border some of the trails not far from the road. Other trails lead to sweeping views of the Coast and of Waimea Canyon, and still other trails wind through the park's wild interior, the Alakai Swamp with its muddy bogs and dwarfed trees. Bring a rain jacket as you will likely get wet at some point on your outing. Best For: Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Island Helicopters Kauai, HI • 800-829-5999 If your budget allows for only one splurge, then make it a helicopter tour of Kauai. While flightseeing anywhere gives you a birds-eye-view of the landscape, Kauai, we think, gifts you with the best scenery in Hawaii and also enables you to view many of the island's rugged, inaccessible regions. You'll soar over verdant valleys and deep gorges, hover next to the Na Pali Cliffs' waterfalls and enjoy panoramic views of the Coast. Among the outfitters are Island Helicopters, Jack Harter, and Blue Hawaiian. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Kauai Beaches Kauai, HI Popular Poipu Beach on the southern coast has relatively calm waters plus a natural pool area that's great for splash happy little ones. Kalapaki, one of the best stretches of sand on Kauai's east coast can be good for swimmers. In winter when the waves are stronger, it's a nice place to watch surfers. Among the island's prettiest beaches is the north shore's Hanalei Beach. Framed by cliffs, the beach offers good swimming and fun boogie boarding, especially riding the gentle waves at the kids' beach near the Hanalei Pier. As always, ask the locals and your concierge about beach and water conditions. Winter can bring rough waves and strong currents that make swimming dangerous, especially in the North. Even when the water looks calm, ask, because, unless you know how to read the ocean, you won't be able to tell if currents are dangerous. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Kayak Kauai Hanalei, Kauai, HI • 800-437-3507 Paddling tours of the Na Pali Coast gift you with views of waterfalls, caves carved into the rocky mountainside by crashing waves, and often, sightings of dolphins arcing through the surf. These tours are offered April through September when the ocean is reasonably tame. In winter, paddle off the coast of Poipu. The big excitement in winter is spotting the humpback whales that migrate to Hawaiian waters from Alaska. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Luau Kalamaku Kilohana Plantation 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway Lihue, Kauai, HI • 877-622-1780 Swirling dancers, swaying hula, flickering torches and melodious chants are just some of the lures of a traditional luau, which is about much more than just the food. Luau Kalamaku, on the Kilohana Plantation, ups the drama by adding "E Pulama no I ka Anoano," a production about a family's voyage from Tahiti to Hawaii complete with drum beaters and fire eaters. With young kids, arrive early to ride the Plantation Train. The buffet dinner has lots of choices so even picky eaters should be able to find something they like. Visit their web site to purchase tickets. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Na Aina Kai 4101 Wailapa Road Kilauea, Kauai, HI • 808-828-0525 In Hawaiian "Na Aina Kai" means "Lands By the Sea." The 240-acre Na Aina Kai stretches from hardwood forest to the beach, showcasing different gardens. Sculptures, waterfalls, ponds and small bridges make strolling the garden fun for kids. The Poinciana Maze with its hedge lined paths delights youngsters, as does the Under the Rainbow ChildrenâÂÂs Garden with its Jack and the Beanstalk fountain and train and wagon for climbing on. The Wild Forest blooms with heliconias and ginger plants as well as nutmeg and cinnamon trees. You can experience Na Aina Kai by guided tour, whether by foot or by tram. Na Aina Kai suggests the regular one-and-a-half- to five-hour outings for kids at least 13-years-old. Families with younger kids should choose the two-hour Children's Garden Tour. This covers the formal gardens, hedge maze and the Children's Garden. Most kids, however much they are into greenery, won't want to be in a garden for more than two hours. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9) |
 | Princeville Ranch Adventures Hanalie, Kauai, HI • 888-955-7669 With Princeville Ranch Adventures, located on a 2,500-acre working cattle ranch, you can go horseback riding, zip lining, kayaking and hiking. Their Ride 'N Glide, geared to ages 12 and older, combines a scenic horseback ride followed by the adrenaline thrills of zooming along three zip lines. Families with kids at least 8-years-old should try the Waterfall Picnic Ride. After 30 minutes in the saddle, you hike for about 15 minutes to a waterfall where you can cool off. If you have younger children, consider signing them up for the Kids' Adventure Center. Ages 4-11 go on pony rides, mini-hikes and listen to Hawaiian stories while you and your older children sample the ranch's other activities. It's best to reserve the Kids' Adventure Center and other activities before you leave home. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Waimea Canyon Waimea Canyon Drive Just past Mile Marker 23 Kauai, HI • 808-245-6001 The Waimea Canyon, a.k.a the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is another must-see. Adjacent to Kokee State Park on the island's West, the canyon at 14-miles long, one-mile wide and more than 3,600-feet deep, impresses. From the Waimea Lookout, the canyon appears as a dramatic sweep of pink and gray striations sporadically cut with the silvery streams of waterfalls. With young kids, stroll the Iliau Nature Loop, a flat three-tenth's-mile path that allows little ones to "hike," hear birds chirping and enjoy a canyon vista. With older kids, try the three-and-a-half-mile round-trip to the top of Waipoo Falls. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
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