The kid-friendly island of Kauai has plenty of beaches where kids can swim and play in the sand. Wildlife is abundant in the water, on the land, and in the air. Add the verdant tropical flora that graces this island and your kids will get as close to pristine nature as they've ever been. Unleash the children in this happy paradise and they will make memories to last a lifetime.
The twin parks of Kamalani and Lydgate sit adjacent to each other on the eastern shore of Kauai, creating one large recreation area. Already a large and popular play area, improvements are ongoing, with the goal of creating an even more extensive multi-use facility for families. As of 2010, a wooden playground filled with nooks and crannies and platforms keeps children happy for hours as they explore and discover new surprises around every bend. Pavilions of various sizes provide shaded areas for family picnics, birthday parties and other events. Kids who want to play soccer, fly kites or toss Frisbees will find the grassy fields perfect for their activities. Two pools ringed with rocks capture water to create safe play pools for the little ones. Families also will enjoy the biking and walking paths. This is a free public park.
Department of Parks and Recreation
4193 Hardy St.
Lihue, Kauai
808-241-4460
kauai-hawaii.com
The children will be enchanted, as will their parents, by the Smith Family Garden Luau. Arrive early to tour the grounds and discover the secrets of roasting a Kalua pig, wrapped in leaves, in an underground pit called an imu oven. In addition to the Kalua pork, the menu also includes salmon, chicken beef teriyaki and a sampling of the Hawaiian specialty poi, a sticky concoction made from the taro plant. Entertainers serenade guests before and during the feast, and afterward, a few lucky visitors are invited to try their hand at the hula during the performances at the Pele Amphitheater. In 2010, the cost of dinner and a show was $78 for everyone over 13, $30 for those who were 7-13, and $19 for 3-6.
Smith's Tropical Paradise
174 Wailua Road
Kapaa, HI 96746
808-821-6895
smithskauai.com
Take the kids on an exciting expedition they will never forget. Captain Andy's Na Pali Sailing and Snorkeling Tour promises an unforgettable underwater adventure exploring a private reef as well as enjoying spectacular sights above water. This luxury tour along the western Na Pali coastline of Kauai allows Captain Andy's sailboat passengers to see breathtaking waterfalls and lush green cliffs that rise tall out of the water. Chances are the children will return home with stories of whale and dolphin sightings. Guides are on hand to share information about the land and sea and to make the voyage as packed with fun as possible. In 2010 the cost of this tour was $139 for adults and $99 for children ages 2 to 12.
Captain Andy's Na Pali Sailing
4353 Waialo Road
Eleele, HI 96705
808-335-6833
napali.com
