7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families: our kids approve! (2024) - The Hawaii Vacation Guide (2024)

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Kauai is one of the lushest and most unspoiled islands in Hawaii. And while many families choose to spend their vacation on Oahu or Maui, Kauai is also a great destination to visit with kids. The island has beautiful beaches, green jungles, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks just waiting to be explored.

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai with family, then you’ll want to stay in a hotel or resort that is kid friendly. Having access to a big room, a fun pool, and lots of entertaining activities is very important to keep you and your little ones entertained. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best resorts on Kauai for families so that you can spend less time planning your trip and more time enjoying it!

(Haven’t quite settled on an island? Check out how Kauai stacks up against Maui.)

Is Kauai Good for Family Vacation?

Absolutely! With beautiful landscapes and fun outdoor activities, Kauai is an excellent option for families seeking adventure. It’s also far less crowded compared to some of the other Hawaiian Islands, which allows your family to get off the beaten path.

Some of our favorite family-friendly activities include biking along the Ka Ala Hele Makalea coast, snorkeling at Lydgate Beach Pond, and exploring the lush vegetation at Ha’ena State Park.

But that’s only a tiny sample of what you can do here. For a complete list of family-friendly activities, check out our Things to do on Kauai with Kids Guide. You also don’t want to miss our full list of 35 things to do on Kauai, to help plan your trip.

Don’t forget to put our full Kauai Guide on your reading list. When to go, where to stay, and what to do, we’ve got you covered.

What is the Best Time to Visit Kauai?

Kauai is the rainiest island in Hawaii (it’s the reason why it’s so green and lush), but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice vacation. It rains the most during winter, specifically from October to March. Therefore, you’re better off traveling in summer if you want to have clear and sunny days.

However, Kauai can be very busy in summer, which means more people and more expensive accommodation. If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, we recommend traveling during shoulder season (May, August, and September).

We have a complete breakdown of when to go to Kauai, to help you plan a great trip.

How Many Days Do You Need on Kauai?

There’s so much to see and do on Kauai that you need at least a week on the island. This will give you time to check off a few must-see places while also saving room for a few relaxing beach or pool days.

If you only have a few days, you can still have a great time on Kauai. However, it’ll be tight to pack in a lot of activities or sights, as you still need to take into account the time it takes to drive to different places. It’s not totally impossible, but you’ll have a more relaxing time if you stick to one or two spots on the island.

Still not sure how long you need here? We’ve created a Kauai itinerary and ideal plan to help you decide. Plus, make sure you check out our Kauai packing list before you pack your bags.

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7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families

Koloa Landing Resort

As part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, Koloa Landing Resort is a luxury retreat that the whole family can enjoy. It’s set on 25 lush acres on the South Shore (Poipu), just half a mile from The Shops at Kukui’ula. Although the resort is not directly on the beach, you can walk to the nearby Poipu Beach in about 10 minutes. Poipu beach is usually a good beach to visit in the winter.

The resort is famously known for its lagoon pool, which has won “Best Pool in America” for the past three years. And believe us – it is something special! Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the pool has waterfalls, waterslides, hot tubs, and a grotto. But that’s not the only pool available to guests! The hotel has two more pools – the Family Lagoon Pool, which is smaller but still fun, and the adult-only Tranquility Pool.

And while kids will love splashing around in the pool, they’ll also love the great kid-friendly amenities offered by the hotel. This includes a kid’s welcome bag upon check-in, twice weekly S’mores night, and fun sport facilities, like a putting green, soccer field, and volleyball court).

Rooms at Koloa Landing Resort are made for short or long stays. Even their smallest room (which is a spacious 500-square-foot studio) has its own Queen sofa sleeper, kitchenette, lanai, and washer/dryer unit. If you’re traveling with more people, you can also book one of their 1-,2-, or 3-bedroom villas or the expansive 4-bedroom penthouse suite.

We had a two-bedroom villa and we had more than enough space for us. I wish we would’ve brought the grandparents along to enjoy it with us! Watch our video below for a full tour!

The food options are a bit limited here. Holoholo Grill sits adjacent to the outdoor pool and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because of the lack of eateries, it’s nice to have a kitchen to cook meals when everyone gets hungry. Or you can walk to The Shops at Kukui’ula if you’re craving something different. Don’t forget to make sure you grab a shave ice from one of these great spots.

Koloa Landing Resort Features

• Activities: Putting green, soccer field, volleyball, complimentary yoga classes, campfire S’mores, spa
• Kid’s Club: No
• Restaurants: Holoholo Grill (poolside grill with kid’s menu for 12 and under) and Gourmet Marketplace (shop selling snacks and groceries)
• Pools: Three pools – the award-winning main Lagoon Pool, the Family Lagoon Pool, and the adult-only Tranquility Pool.
• Nearby: The Shops at Kukui’ula (great restaurants and retail stores), Poipu Beach

Sheraton Kauai Resort

Located right on the shores of the palm-fringed Kiahuna Beach (and a short walk from the legendary Poipu Beach), the Sheraton Kauai Resort is one of our favorite hotels on the South Shore. Here, you can enjoy all the swimming, snorkeling, and adventurous outdoor activities that Kaui has to offer.

The rooms are nice and modern, albeit a bit on the basic side. If it’s within your budget, we would recommend upgrading to an ocean-view room where you can wake up to drop-dead gorgeous views of the crashing ocean waves each morning. Additionally, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites (both of which are also ocean view) are available if you’re traveling with a bigger group.

Related article: 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu

If you can’t snag an ocean-view room, you can still enjoy the panoramic views from the main lagoon-style pool. If this pool is too crowded, you can simply walk across the street to the hotel’s garden pool. It’s a bit smaller, and it doesn’t have an ocean view, but it’s still fine if you can’t nab a beach chair by the main pool.

Activity-wise, the Sheraton Kauai Resort has tons of fun daily cultural activities, like lei making and ukulele classes. They also have seasonal movie nights and fitness classes, which are great for kids and their parents too! All activities are included with your resort fee, except for the surfing classes.

If you’re looking for a unique thing to do during your stay, then you’ll want to book a table at Sheraton’s Aulii Luau. You’ll be treated to delicious Hawaiian food and great entertainment like hula, knife, and fire dancing. It’s the only oceanfront luau on the island and is definitely worth a visit during your stay. And it’s just a short drive to some great Kauai food trucks.

Sheraton Kauai Resort Features

• Activities: Hawaiian cultural classes, complimentary oceanfront yoga. Beach toys and snorkeling equipment is available for rent
• Kid’s Club: No
• Restaurants: RumFire Poipu Beach (no kid’s menu), Lava’s on Poipu Beach (no kid’s menu), Link Cafe, and Aulii Luau (every Monday and Wednesday)
• Pools: Two pools – the oceanfront lagoon pool and the smaller garden pool
• Nearby: Kiahuna Beach, Poipu Beach

Waipouli Beach Resort

If you want the relaxing atmosphere of a beachfront hotel but also the amenities of a vacation rental, then look no further than the Waipouli Beach Resort. Besides having your own condo space to sprawl out in (with a kitchen for cooking), you’ll also have a stunning pool area, beautifully manicured gardens, and golden sands right outside your door.

All condos on the property are 1 or 2 bedrooms, so they’re perfectly sized for couples or families. However, all the units are owned by different individuals. Therefore, you must read the review for the specific unit you are renting, as cleanliness, decor, and even room amenities will vary from unit to unit. You can also book rooms directly with Marriott Homes & Villas, which usually has a higher standard when it comes to room quality.

The pool is a highlight of the resort as it rivals those of some of the top hotels in the area. It has waterslides, a waterfall, a hot tub, a wading river, and a children’s beach. There’s also a poolside snack bar in case you need a co*cktail or a quick bite to eat while you’re sunbathing. We also love the tropical setting of the hotel, as it really gives you that Hawaiian feel.

Although there are some on-site amenities (fitness center, spa, etc.,), there aren’t any organized activities or classes put on by the resort. While the pool and beach can keep you occupied for a few days, those interested in games, events, or cultural activities should look somewhere else. But if you’re here for relaxation, then the Waipouli Beach Resort is an excellent option for your trip.

Waipouli Beach Resort Features

• Activities: Fitness studio, spa
• Kid’s Club: No
• Restaurants: Oasis Bar and Restaurant (poolside grill)
• Pools: 2-acre Fantasy Pool
• Nearby: Waipouli Beach, Waipouli Town Center

Poipu Kapili

Poipu is one of the most popular areas to stay on Kauai. But just because this area is crowded with tourists doesn’t mean you can’t find a quiet place to call your own. At the Poipu Kapili, you’ll be away from the hustle and bustle but still right on the ocean and 15-20 minutes walking from Poipu Beach.

This is a small, laid-back resort with individual condo units that are privately owned and rented out to guests. We love the old-school plantation style of the buildings, which consist of 1- and 2-bedroom villas. Units are incredibly spacious (between 1,100 and 1,800 sq ft) and come with full kitchens so you can cook meals during your stay.

As with other vacation rentals, it’s important to do your research to understand what your exact unit comes with. For example, some villas aren’t equipped with A/C (a must for those warm summer days), while others have outdated furnishing and decor. There isn’t any consistency between the units, so it’s hard to write a review strictly based on the quality of the rooms.

Although hotel grounds are small, the Poipu Kapili does have tennis and pickleball courts, community-style BBQs, and an outdoor pool. The pool is a bit on the small side, but if you’re traveling with kids, it’s nice to have something quant where you can keep an eye on them.

It’s also unfortunate that there isn’t a restaurant on the property. Although you’ll have full kitchens to cook in, you can also pop down to the Poipu Shopping Village (it’s within walking distance) if you don’t feel like cooking.

Poipu Kapili Features

• Activities: Tennis courts, pickle ball courts, outdoor BBQs
• Kid’s Club: No
• Restaurants: None on-site, although restaurants at the Poipu Shopping Village are 10-minutes away on foot
• Pools: One
• Nearby: Poipu Shopping Village, Poipu Beach

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The 5-star is a massive resort (one of the largest on the island) that is perfect for families and groups of all sizes. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be wowed by the sheer size and beauty of the resort, from lush grounds with parrots and orchids to the jaw-dropping views of beautiful blue waters.

Unfortunately, the ocean is usually too rough and rocky for swimming. But that doesn’t matter because the Grand Hyatt has a multi-layered pool complex where you can spend the day instead. There’s a lazy river, a 150-foot water slide, and an adult only section. There’s also a saltwater lagoon, so you can close your eyes and imagine that you’re swimming in the ocean!

Rooms are furnished with modern Hawaiian decor and are relatively spacious (starting at 500 sq ft.) If you want more room, there are also various suites you can choose from, including the 6-guest Royal Suite, Alii Suite, or Presidental Suite.

To keep your kids occupied, the resort offers daily Hawaiian cultural activities, including hula dancing, ukulele lessons, lei making, and more. They can also sign up for Camp Hyatt, a daily program for kids between 3 and 12 years. It’s a bit on the pricy side, but worth it if you want a few child-free afternoons.

There are five restaurants on the property, as well as the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. Most places are child-friendly (except the sushi and co*cktail Stevenson’s Library restaurant) and have keiki menus for children under the age of 12. We’d recommend the Hale Nalu poolside restaurant for a quick lunch or Ilima Terrace for the breakfast buffet. For a unique experience, book a table at Tidepools. This thatched-roof restaurant floats above the resort’s koi bond and has a very special and romantic ambiance.

There is one thing to keep in mind before , and that’s the crowds. This is a very big and very popular resort, so you might find yourself waiting in long lines, especially at the pool.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Features

• Activities: Hawaiian cultural activities, hydroponic garden tours, spa, fitness center
• Kid’s Club: Yes, Camp Hyatt (extra fee)
• Restaurants: Tidepools (Hawaiian with kid’s menu), Stevenson’s Library (no kids menu), Ilima Terrace (casual eatery with kid’s menu), Seaview Terrace (coffee shop), Hale Nalu (poolside grill).
• Pools: Multi-level pool complex
• Nearby: Shipwreck Beach, Poipu Bay Golf Course

Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club

Steps away from the golden sands of Lihue’s Kalapaki Beach is Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club. The condos have all the benefits of staying in a vacation rental and the perks of staying in a hotel. That’s because Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club actually shares space with the Royal Sonesta Kauai! At first, it might seem weird that there are essentially two brands using the same property, but you’ll get used to it after the first day.

That means you’ll have access to the Royal Sonesta pool, restaurants, and facilities. Some people find the property to feel a little outdated, but there’s no denying that it exudes a sense of grandeur. Just take a look at the pool, which is surrounded by tall columns and shooting water fountains. In fact, it’s the largest single-level pool in all of Hawaii! There’s also a small kid’s pool with a little waterslide for younger children.

Depending on the number of people you’re traveling with, you can book either a studio room, 1 bedroom villa, or 2 bedroom villa. They also offer “parlor” rooms, which have Murphy beds that pull down from the wall. Rooms also have a small kitchenette with a microwave and mini fridge (but not a stovetop or oven).

There are several different restaurants at the resort for you to try. The main restaurant (Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach) has a great breezy vibe with a nice pool and ocean views. There is also an upscale Italian restaurant on-site (Cafe Portofinos) although that’s probably better reserved for date night rather than a family dinner.

Another big selling point of the resort is that it’s a stone’s throw away from the Lihue Airport. And despite what you may think, the hotel is surprisingly quiet, so you can still enjoy a relaxing family vacation.

Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club Features

• Activities: Hawaiian cultural activities (hula lessons, ukelele lessons, lei making), fitness studio, spa and salon
• Kid’s Club: No
• Restaurants: Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach (kid’s menu for 12 and under), Duke’s Kauai (kid’s menu for 12 and under), Kalapaki Grill (poolside grill), Aupaka (breakfast), Cafe Portofino (Italian), Toro-Tei Sushi Bar (Japanese)
• Pools: Yes, the largest single-level pool in the Hawaiian islands!
• Nearby: Kalapaki Beach, Lihue Airport

Westin Princeville

With craggy cliffs and stunning ocean views, Princeville is one of the most picturesque places on the North Shore. If you want to explore this area, we recommend basing yourself at the Westin Princeville. From here, it’s approximately a 10-minute drive to Anini Beach or a 20-minute journey to Hanalei Bay. When conditions are right, this is one of our favorite kid-friendly beaches on Kauai.

Not sure if staying up north is right for you? Check out our where to stay on Kauai guide.

The rooms are condo-style vacation rentals, with studios and 1- or 2-bedroom villas available for rent. The studios have a small kitchenette, while the villas have fully equipped kitchens where you can whip up meals for you and your family. Villas also have washer and dryer units, which is a huge plus if you’re planning to stay here for an extended period of time.

If you prefer to eat out, you can always head to the on-site restaurant, Nanea Restaurant & Bar for island-inspired fare (there’s also a kid’s menu for pickier eaters). You can also grab some snacks at the Princeville Market or unwind with a co*cktail from Wailele Bar to watch the sunset. There isn’t a poolside restaurant or grill, which can be a dealbreaker if you are hoping to have pool service during your stay.

The tropical grounds are beautiful and have four different pools for you to choose from. Your kids will love splashing around in the Keiki Pool, which has shallow waters, a turtle fountain and play figure, and a mini water slide. And if they’re between 5 and 12 years old, they can also spend the day at the Westin Family Kid’s Club playing board games, making crafts, or swimming in the pool. Other activities offered at the Westin include fitness classes, koi fish feeding, Hawaiian craft making, and guided nature walks.

Westin Princeville Features

• Activities: Hawaiian cultural activities, fitness classes, koi fish feeding, guided nature walks
• Kid’s Club: Yes, for an extra cost
• Restaurants: Nanea Restaurant & Bar, Wailele Bar
• Pools: 4 Pools – Main multi-level pool, Keiki pool, Nā Pali Plunge Pool, and adult-only Mālie Plunge Pool
• Nearby: Anini Beach, Hanalei Bay

Make your Kauai Trip Planning Easy

There’s a lot to plan for a trip to Kauai. We help take care of the rest of your trip with ourdone for you itineraries. Full of excursion days to take you to the best spots around the island, you can relax knowing that we have you covered.

I purchased the Kauai itinerary and it is awesome! I had no idea how much work and information you guys really put into it and I am so excited for our trip now!!

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