Beaches, waterfalls, and family-friendly resorts: Why Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’ might just be America’s best family vacation spot

Kauaʻi is a place I return to again and again. After three visits, the Hawaiian island has fully entranced me with its canyons and cliffs, waterfalls and swinging bridges, beautiful beaches, and easygoing vibe.

It’s a vacation spot I’d recommend to anyone, especially families. Where else can you see filming locations for movies like Jurassic Park, float through tunnels along an old sugar plantation irrigation system, marvel at a 10-mile-long canyon, visit the town that inspired Lilo & Stitch, learn to surf, and eat your fill of shave ice and fresh fruit all on one vacation?

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It sounds pretty good, right? If you’re ready to start planning your own trip, these are my picks for the best hotels for families on Kauaʻi.

1. Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort

Occupying a prime spot on the island’s Royal Coconut Coast, Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort is an ideal home base for families who want to get out and explore the Garden Isle then return to a relaxing retreat after a busy day. Guest rooms and suites draw inspiration from the tropical setting, and alfresco dining options provide both amazing views and menus that will keep the whole family happy.

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An infinity pool overlooks the beach, where you can admire memorable sunrises but unfortunately can’t swim due to a rocky reef near shore. But Lydgate Beach Park and Kealia Beach are nearby, and the resort’s complimentary bikes and access to an eight-mile bike path make it easy to get around the area. (Make sure to pedal into the town of Kapa’a for some great shopping and breakfast at Java Kai.) Lawn games, an open-air game room, and free shave ice in the afternoons will be hits with the kids, and an on-site luau and cultural activities like ukulele lessons help the whole family learn more about the islands.

2. Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauaʻi by Outrigger

My family spent a week at Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauaʻi by Outrigger and it was one of those best-of-both-worlds experiences. The beachfront condo resort includes a collection of individually owned/Outrigger-managed units that have full kitchens and private lanais. That meant it was easy to stock up on breakfast items and other food so we weren’t eating out every meal, but we could also enjoy hotel-style amenities like complimentary access to the pool and tennis courts at Poipu Beach Athletic Club just across the road.

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The resort sits on a swimmable stretch of Poipu Beach, where a beach shack rents boogie boards and Kauaʻi Surf School offers private and group lessons for all ages (my husband and daughter loved theirs). One thing to note: Only about 50% of the units currently have air-conditioning. We overlooked this fact and slightly panicked when we realized ours didn’t. But once we opened all the windows up, we wound up really enjoying the tropical breezes. If air-conditioning is a must, your best bet is to book directly through the Unit Choice program to view each unit’s details.

3. Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa

It’s easy to appreciate the island’s natural beauty at Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa, where courtyards and breezeways connect different sections of the property and all 605 rooms have a private lanai or balcony. The resort sits along Keoneloa Bay in Koloa on Kauaʻi’s South Shore, offering easy access to Shipwreck and Poipu Beaches for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.

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Amenities here include a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon with its own sandy beach, multiple pools, a lazy river, and a 150-foot waterslide. The onsite cultural center hosts activities like hula and ukulele classes and coconut basket weaving, and the family can also take part in a throw net fishing experience showcasing the islands’ traditional fishing methods. A weekly luau shines a spotlight on Polynesian culture and cuisine, and the resort’s “Enrich” program provides immersive voluntourism opportunities like adopting a dog for the day from Kauaʻi Humane Society for an island outing.

4. Waimea Plantation Cottages

I’ve been intrigued by Waimea Plantation Cottages for years, and the West Kauaʻi property is definitely on my want-to-stay-there-someday list. A former dairy and sugar cane plantation dating from the 1880s, the site became a resort in 1984. The 59 cottages were built between the late 1880s to 1930s, and they each have a unique floor plan and a classic Hawaiian feel.

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The cottages range from one to five bedrooms and have full kitchens, making family vacations and even multigenerational getaways a breeze. There’s also an onsite restaurant serving classic American fare that you can eat at the restaurant or take back to your cottage. A pool overlooks the ocean, and while the private black-sand beach isn’t swimmable, it’s a great place for strolling or just enjoying the scenery. Grassy lawns offer spots for play during the day and stargazing at night.

5. The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort

Located not far from the island’s Lihue Airport, The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort sits on the shores of Kalapakī Beach. After a multimillion-dollar, multi-year renovation, the property blends past and present via an open-air lobby with its own koi pond, redesigned guest rooms with island-inspired decor, and a new luau experience that includes drums, dances, and a buffet of Polynesian cuisine.

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The resort boasts the largest single-level pool in Hawaii, plus a separate kids pool with a waterslide. Hawaiian cultural activities include lei making and hula lessons, and a poolside restaurant and grab-and-go breakfast spot are ideal for casual family meals. For the adults, an onsite spa and regular schedule of wellness classes add to the appeal.

6. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a high-style, high-end getaway on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. It’s got a spa, state-of-the-art gym, juice bar, cliffside infinity pool, and other luxe amenities with an emphasis on nature and wellness.

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But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to take the family. The hotel’s Seedlings program offers full- and half-day experiences for kids ages six to 10 that include tidepool exploration, gardening workshops, and art projects. There’s also a parent-accompanied experience designed for younger children. Cool off at the family-friendly pool, snorkel and paddleboard at Puʻu Poa Beach, or take part in cultural activities like hula dancing and bracelet weaving.

7. Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa

A sand-bottom pool and 75-foot waterslide. Cultural activities like lei making and ukulele lessons. Newly renovated guest rooms. Those are just a few of the reasons why Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa is a great choice for families.

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Situated in Lihue between Kaua‘i’s North and South Shores, the resort makes seeing the island sights easy. One tradeoff though? Swimming at the beach fronting the resort isn’t recommended due to strong currents and a lack of lifeguards. But a swimmable beach is just a five-minute drive away. End the day with a meal at one of the on-property restaurants and some live music.

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