7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families: Our Kids Approve! (2026)

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I love taking our kids to Kauai. When we lived on Maui we would island hop whenever we got the chance, we would pack up for a long weekend (or a week) and make the trip. 

While it’s just a quick 45 minute flight from Maui, Kauai is spectacularly different. The Napali Cliffs, the north shore beaches, the botanical gardens are all amazing to see. 

Whenever we stay on Kauai, we try different hotels and vacation rentals to find a family-favorite spot. And we have found many! (Our Where to Stay database has them all!).

Whether we’re adventuring on the north shore or enjoying amazing pools on the south shore, we have found the best resorts on Kauai for families. 

These are the places we keep taking our kids back to and that the entire family loves. 

Quick note: We visit all the resorts listed here and do all the activities we’ve included. You can’t always trust “best of” lists on the internet to give you first-hand advice, but you will find nothing but our personal, first-hand advice and experience here.

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

If you’re heading to Kauai with kids, these are our kids’ favorite activities that we need to make sure we book in advance:
– My son loves a snorkel tour, whether it’s to the Napali Coast or this shorter Poipu one (he loved the power raft)
– Both of my kids love a luau and these have been our favorites
– We took our son on this kayak and hike and it has become a core memory for me!

Is Kauai Good for a Family Vacation?

Our family certainly thinks so! 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 (they also have a great playground), and exploring Ha’ena State Park.

If we’re staying on the south shore we grab Puka Dogs and watch the sunset on Poipu Beach (with another great playground).

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. You also don’t want to miss our full list of 35 things to do on Kauai, to help plan your trip.

If you want to do some more investigating, compare other islands with our vs articles:
Big Island vs Kauai: Which One Is Ideal For Your Vacation
Oahu vs Kauai: This is the Best Island For Your Vacation
Maui vs Kauai: Pick the Right Island for Your Trip

What is the Best Time to Visit Kauai?

Kauai is the rainiest island in Hawaii (which is 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 clear, 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.

Honestly, don’t overthink it. Anytime is a great time to visit Kauai. You will want to be mindful of which side of the island you decide to stay on, which we’ll get to in the resort recommendations.

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.

How Many Days Do You Need on Kauai?

There’s so much to see and do on Kauai that you need at least five full days 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.

Have you booked your rental car? We recommend booking it as soon as you book your flights. We learned our lesson after the great rental car crisis of 2021. Compare prices with rental car carriers using Discount Hawaii Car Rental. We use them 99% of the time we travel, and we’ve saved thousands of dollars over the years. No prepayment, so you have nothing to lose!

7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families

I’m going to separate these by area: the south shore, the north shore, and the east side.

Personally, in the winter we stay on the south shore (Poipu) because there is a lower chance of rain and ocean conditions are usually better. In the summer, we head for the north shore because the ocean conditions are generally great, and we love the landscape up there!

And we’ll stay on the east side if we want to be centrally located, or we’re going for a slightly better budget option.

1. Koloa Landing Resort (Poipu)

This is our go-to spot on the south shore because of the room size. Anyone who has tried to cram a family into a small hotel room for an extended period of time knows that things get tight, fast.

Rooms at Koloa Landing Resort (Marriott Property) 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.

In-unit laundry is a big deal for us when we’re traveling with our kids.

Koloa Landing Resort is 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).

We had a two-bedroom villa, and we had more than enough space for us. We brought the grandparents along with us for our next stay! 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.

The only real downside of this hotel is it’s not on the beach. It’s oceanfront but not beachfront, which means we need to drive (or walk) to a nearby beach.

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

2. Kiahuna Plantation

We love Kiahuna Beach, and it might be my favorite beach on the south shore. It’s stunning, the kids love playing in the waves, and it’s never very crowded. 

But parking here is limited, so it’s nice to stay right on the beach. We’ve stayed at the Sheraton before, which is OK, but overpriced in my opinion, but Kiahuna Plantation right next door is a great vacation rental community. 

It’s located right on Kiahuna Beach and stretches along it. Units are one story and feature a very beachy vibe, with Florida windows and lanais that open to green space. All of the units here are different and independently owned, so checking reviews is really important. 

Aside from the beach, we really love the location. Pool access is across the street at the Poipu Athletic Club. It’s a bit of a bummer to need to walk there, but the pool makes up for it. It’s definitely a step up from your typical vacation rental pool, with a water slide and a hot tub, which both got heavy use from our kids. Plus, the pool has a zero-entry section that’s great for babies and toddlers.

Just across from that is Little Fish, Poipu’s most popular breakfast and smoothie spot. And next to that is Poipu Village, where you can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as do some shopping. So you can do a lot without ever getting in your car. 

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Features

• Activities: None
• Kid’s Club: None
• Restaurants: None on site, but plenty within walking distance
• Pools: Access to the Poipu Athletic Club across the street
• Nearby: Poipu Village shops and restaurants, The Sheraton Hotel with Holo Holo Grill, Little Fish, and Kiahuna Beach. Also, this excellent luau is walking distance.

Related article: 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu

Don’t miss these amazing things to do in the area and around the island:
The 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu: Kauai’s South Shore
18 Great Things to Do in Lihue (near the harbor + in town)
The 9 Best Things to Do in Kapa’a
The 12 Best Things to Do in Hanalei: Kauai’s Rugged North Shore

3. 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 cocktail 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

If you choose to stay on this side of the island, you’ll be near some of Kauai’s best waterfalls!

4. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

When I first looked at this hotel, I was convinced that it was for adults only. It looked sleek and swanky and just built for a romantic vacation. And it is built for a romantic getaway. 

But it’s also great for kids. 

1 Hotel Hanalei is located on the North Shore of Kauai in the Princeville development. It has been the location of a luxury hotel for years, most recently as the St. Regis. It’s built on the cliffs of Princeville overlooking the unbelievably beautiful Hanalei Bay. The hotel and view is stunning — the best view from a hotel I’ve ever seen.

But here’s why we loved it with kids. Having beach access to Hanalei Bay is a game-changer. We could skip between the pool (which my kids loved with lots of stairs and levels) and the beach. In fact, we spent one day going back and forth easily. This is really uncommon in Princeville — only this hotel and the Hanalei Bay Resort next door have easy access to Hanalei Bay. 

My husband and son rented a kayak from the beach and headed out kayaking and snorkeling, while my daughter and I alternated between digging on the beach and jumping in the pool. It’s one of my favorite Kauai memories to date. 

The pool food is also just perfect for kids. Pizza and shave ice were on rotation every day. 

The hotel also has a kids program, Seedlings, which our kids did not participate in. It’s an on-site camp for kids aged six and older, so kids can have fun while parents get a little downtime. 

As far as other food on site, we had breakfast and smoothies at the cafe multiple times and it was nice having a healthy and quick option for food. And we had dinner one night at 1 Kitchen, which was nice, but not spectacular. 

Our favorite dinner was actually this one at a regenerative farm nearby. We had an excellent farm-to-dinner experience that we all really enjoyed!

1 Hotel Hanalei Resort Features

• Activities: Plenty! But not many kid-focused activities. Hour-long kid activities on various days (like crafts or nature presentations)
• Kid’s Club: Seedlings for ages 6-12, open 10 am – 1 pm
• Restaurants: 1 Kitchen is their main restaurant, a beautiful terrace lounge restaurant (great for sunset), pool restaurant, pool shave ice spot, and a cafe with smoothies and coffee.
• Pools: A main pool near the beach for all ages and an infinity pool for the 21+ crowd
• Nearby: Hanalei with so many amazing things to do (we’ve got a list)! Anini Beach, which is great most of the year, and our favorite farm to table dinner experience. 

5. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The 5-star Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa 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 Presidential 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 ages 3 to 12. It’s a bit pricey, 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 cocktail Stevenson’s Library restaurant) and offer keiki menus for children under 12. We’d recommend the Hale Nalu poolside restaurant for a quick lunch or the 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 pond and has a very special and romantic ambiance.

There is one thing to keep in mind before booking the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, 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.

The Grand Hyatt is a great option to book with points as Hyatt has the best point value! See our Beginner’s Guide to Reward Travel in Hawaii and our Hyatt Hotels in Hawaii for details.

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

Keep exploring Kauai
24 Things To Do on Kauai with Kids: from toddlers to teenagers
Is Kauai or Maui Better for a Family Vacation?
The 3 Best Kauai Luaus: our unbiased review

6. Hanalei Bay Resort

We waited so long to stay here and it didn’t disappoint! We first heard about this vacation rental community years ago, but every time we went to plan a trip to the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay Resort was already booked! 

Luckily, last year I planned months in advance and was able to book a studio here at a great price. Learn my lesson: book well in advance!

Hanalei Bay Resort is in Princeville, and it is one of the two properties with beach access (it shares beach access with 1 Hotel Hanalei next door). That is absolutely the biggest draw for me. I love being able to take my kids to the beach without having to drive and find parking. It makes our trip so much easier! They have a golf cart that can shuttle you to the beach and back, but we always walked. The walk was less than 10 minutes and easy. 

This place is stunning and is hotel-like, with a couple of on-site restaurants, a large beautiful pool, a front desk staff, a fitness center, and tennis courts. 

First: the pool. It was almost always empty and we enjoyed swimming there each afternoon once we came back from our activities. It has one zero entry side, which is great for little kids. And a hot tub, which was unfortunately out of order when we visited. The pool is also right in the middle of the property, really easy to get to, and has a great view of the mountains. 

The restaurants on-site were fine, but definitely nothing to rave about. It was nice to have a convenient option on site for the nights we were too tired to go out. 

The room sizes range from studio to 2 bedrooms and there is a big range in quality. Some of them have been nicely updated and have new furniture. Others (like the studio we were in), were extremely dated, but a lot cheaper. Read the reviews and look at plenty of pictures to find the one that matches your budget and your taste. Most come with a small kitchenette, which is good for easy breakfasts, though some of them have full kitchens!

All in all, we really enjoyed our stay here and it’s our new go-to place when 1 Hotel Hanalei isn’t in the travel budget. 

Hanalei Bay Resort Features

• Activities: There were a couple of activities posted on the bulletin board, but nothing noteworthy
• Kid’s Club: None
• Restaurants: Happy Talk Lounge, small coffee bar and market, and a pizza restaurant
• Pools: A great pool with a zero entry side for young kids. An additional smaller pool on site. 
• Nearby: Hanalei with so many amazing things to do (we’ve got a list)! Anini Beach, which is great most of the year, and our favorite farm to table dinner experience. 

7. 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 cocktail 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, a 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.

We saw many endangered nene (goose) while staying here. It made for a special treat for all of us.

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

Check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Kauai with Kids and grab our itinerary below for seamless trip planning!

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 our done-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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