Top Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kauai for Family Adventures

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We visited Kauai for the first time when our kids were 10, 9 and 6. I was worried we wouldn’t be able to explore as much as we wanted to with three youngish kids in tow, but I was very pleased to learn that there were plenty of kid-friendly hikes in Kauai. After a little bit (ok, a lot) of whining at the idea of hiking, we finally convinced our kids that they had no option but to come with us. But by the end of the first hike, they were completely sold and couldn’t wait to do another Kauai hiking trail the next day.

On our most recent Kauai trip, we decided to do the hike to the Secret Falls in Kauai. This one is totally doable with kids as well, although it does require kayaking to the trailhead.

Hiking in Kauai is a great way to explore the island, and is also one of the free things to do on the island. If you’re traveling to Kauai on a budget, going hiking and visiting the beaches won’t cost you a thing. Worried you don’t have the right hiking gear? There’s not a whole lot you need, but these kids hiking essentials can make the trip a bit easier. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to check out these places to eat in Kauai.

Use this Hawaii packing list to help you plan for everything you’ll need while visiting this island.

Where to Stay in Kauai

Deciding which part of the island you should stay on in Kauai? I can help. Check out my other Kauai blog posts for even more resources to plan your next family vacation. I list the best family resorts on Kauai as well as the best beaches for kids on the island. Interested in other Hawaiian islands? Check out my other posts: Best Hawaii Family Resorts and Best Maui Family Resorts.

Click here to discover even more Kauai adventures for your next trip.

Kid-friendly Hikes in Kauai

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is probably the most famous hike on the island of Kauai. The entire Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles along the Napali Coast and requires a permit, so it most definitely does not top my list of kid-friendly hikes in Kauai. However, the first two miles of it do.

Getting started on this hike is a bit difficult, as now you need to book a shuttle or reserve a parking spot in advance because there is no public parking available. Once you get started, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful lookout at the half-mile mark. This trail has some steep and uneven parts, and it is often muddy, but it is definitely doable with kids. And Ke’e Beach is at the trailhead, so the family can enjoy a beautiful beach after the hike.

After a two-mile trek, you’ll be at Hanakapiaai Beach, which is not a beach suitable for swimming. But it is beautiful to sit and watch the waves here, and you can explore some rocks and caves. From here, you can venture back to the start, or continue another two miles to the first waterfall, but with kids in tow, you should make sure they’ll be up for another 6 miles before you continue on.

Ho’opi’i Falls – Our favorite of the kid-friendly hikes on Kauai

The Ho’opi’i Falls hike was our family’s favorite hike when we visited Kauai last year. The Ho’opi’i Falls trailhead is in Kapa’a, right in the middle of a neighborhood, and is just under two miles out and back.

This trail is very doable for the kids, and will take you to two different waterfalls. The first one has great spots for jumping off the rocks into the swimming hole below. My kids could have stayed here all day. They loved jumping in and watching others do the same. A bit further past this waterfall, you’ll get to the second waterfall and a huge swimming hole, complete with a rope swing.

Queen’s Bath – One of the most popular kid-friendly hikes in Kauai

Queen’s Bath, located on the Princeville side of Kauai, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. And it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Princeville. When the conditions are right, this natural swimming pool is perfect for swimming in or jumping off the rocks into. And it only requires a short hike to reach this natural swimming pool.

It’s a .8-mile out-and-back hike down to Queen’s Bath, making it one of the shortest kid-friendly hikes on this list. But there are a few things to consider before making the trek. First, this is the rainy side of the island, so the trail is often very muddy. It’s also pretty steep. Finally, the trail is closed through the winter months due to high surf.

Rogue waves have been known to sweep people out to sea when the conditions aren’t safe, so it can be very dangerous here. In fact, there’s a sign at the bottom with a tally mark for every person who has drowned here. Even when the trail is open, you shouldn’t go into the water if the waves are above 4 feet.

If you do get the opportunity to visit Queen’s Bath, I’d recommend getting there early, as there is only a small parking lot at the top of the trail. If the lot is full, you can hang back and wait a bit. Because this hike is short, there’s relatively quick turnover in the parking lot.

Sleeping Giant Trail

The Sleeping Giant trail is another hike located in Kapa’a. This one is a bit longer at 3.4 miles roundtrip, and it can be pretty slippery in parts. Even still, it’s a hike your whole family can enjoy (even your dog!). And it’s a worthwhile trek, offering stunning views of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay, and the Hoary Head Mountain.

Maha’ulepu Coastal Trail

At the last stretch of accessible coastline on the south shore, you will find the Maha’ulepu Coastal Trail. This easy, 4-mile roundtrip coastal trail will take you from the far end of Shipwreck Beach along sand dune cliffs and limestone formations.

You might catch sight of some monk seals and sea turtles while following this beach trail. The trail ends at Mahaulepa Beach, which isn’t a great swimming beach, but it is a good spot whale watch at certain times of the year. Check out the other fun things to do in Poipu while you’re on that side of the island.

Okolehao Trail – One of the kid-friendly hikes on the north side of the island

Back on the north side of Kauai, you’ll find the Okolehao Trail. This 5-mile roundtrip hike will be more of a workout than some of the other trails listed on this page, but the spectacular views of Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley, Makana, Kilauea Lighthouse and the Napali Coast will make this hike well worth the trek. And if this trail is too steep for your family, you don’t need to hike the entire way to enjoy the views–there are various lookouts you can enjoy on the way.

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