Rachael
Kauai Is For Kids Too!
Kauai may not be high on your list of family destinations but it should be! I just returned from a five-night stay in Kauai with my two children, ages one and two. The whole island was very welcoming to families from the beaches to the dining. Many of the restaurants we went to had great kids menus and those that did not were more than willing to make kids portions for them. Many of the beaches have lifeguards on duty everyday as well as wonderful set off areas for kids to romp in the ocean with out feeling overwhelmed!
We stayed at the Kauai Beach Villas located on the East Side of the island near the Lihu’e airport. The grounds offer a wonderful lagoon with swans and ducks abound, a pool, tennis courts and barbecue grills. The kids loved to feed the ducks and the fish in the afternoon after naps!
During our stay we visited many beaches, the first of which was right behind our hotel. While this beach was not particularly safe for most swimmers, my little ones liked the small lava rock enclosure on the north end of the complex, which allowed them to feel the waves without getting knocked over. The sand here is fun to play in and watching the little sand crabs was a real treat for the kids.
The next day we went to Lydgate State Park, a very short car ride to the north. The swimming was great for all expertise levels. While I did not partake, there were many people snorkeling. Across the parking lot there was a TREMENDOUS playground with activities for all ages! From slides of all sizes, tic-tac-toe, a xylophone, and of course swings, this park had everything imaginable.
Salt Pond Beach Park was our next adventure. The half-hour trip up to Hanapepe was well worth it! The water was warm and the sand was as soft as I'd seen. There was a large area for swimmers (lifeguard on duty everyday) and another lovely lava rock enclosure for the little ones. In this area there were many fish to be seen, and sea creatures to be touched! On our return trip home we stopped by a small local sandwich shop for lunch where my daughter found the ultimate treat...shave ice! OH BOY!
On our last full day we went into lovely Po'ipu. Here we visited "Spouting Horn" and heard the dragon roar and spout out water from the blowholes. There was a nice grassy area and picnic table for the rest of us to enjoy. There were also some vendors selling everything from key chains to Hawaiian shirts. We then proceeded to Po’ipu Beach Park where the kids ruled! This was a great place for the kids, the swimming area was superb and the beach was big and very welcoming. There were also playmates for all ages!
After this wonderful afternoon at the beach, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa. This was really a treat. For such a luxury property they really embraced children. In fact, the "Camp Hyatt" (available for children 3 through 12) can be as much fun for parents as kids!
Some people might find a vacation with one and two year old kids not very relaxing but our trip to Kauai was nothing but!
Rachael