Babble

My husband and I have just decided to take our son to Kauai for a friend's wedding in September. He'll be close to 2 then. Was wondering if anyone here has gone to Kauai with kids, especially young ones? Or even before kids? Haven't done any research yet (though I expect that will change in the next eight hours as I blow off real work in favor of daydreaming about my first-ever Hawaii vacation) and am looking for tips, stories, recommendations, etc. about places to stay, things to do. Thanks!!

We leave to Kauai on Friday with our 2 kids ( 2 1/2 and 12 months old.) We went to Kauai when I was 6 month pregant with my first, then Maui for a wedding when she was 14 months old and I was 4 months pregnant with the second. Here we go again but with 2 plus a group of family that in total has 5 kids under 4 years old.

 My thoughs:

Rent a condo/house. It is nice to have a fridge, kitchen, laundry. It is nice to be able to put something together for a meal (cereal for the kids, etc) and have milk in the fridge. In Maui my daugther got the stomach flu, we had to wash alot of stuff and keep Pedaylite (spell?) in the fridge.

Try to eliminate layovers as much as possible and BUY you child a seat on the plane so he/she can sit in the their car seat. I held my daugther once and it was hard. We flew to Portugal with both of them this summer (13 hour flight that we slipt into 2 days) and we did very well.

Kauai is super laid back with little night life. We stayed in the Poipu area last time which was nice and this time will be in Princeville.

It is doable. I bring lots of snack, toys, DVD player and Bendaryl for the plane ride. Once you get through the plane ride the rest is cake as long as you are perpared and do not mess up the kids schedule too much. I try to stick to the same routine as home for meals, naps, etc so they aren't off and cranky.

Good Luck.

I just got back from Kauai, a solo trip with my 6-year-old. We had a brilliant time. What to do? Beaches, beaches, beaches! We rented a car and did a new beach (or two) every day. With a small child, I would heartily recommend ke'e beach, which is uber chill and gorgeous.For the best weather on the island, head up to the most stunning beach (in my opinion), Polihale State Park, where I am told it's always sunny. The surf is too dangerous for swimming, but the beach is breathtaking. Grab a good guide book and follow their recommendations.

 We stayed at the Marriott resort just south of Lihue, which was a great location for my daughter,as there is a fabulous pool (and separate kiddie pool) as well as a beach. She was able to make several new friends and had a blast. The also offer activities for kids as well as day camps, in case you wanted to get away for the day. It's also close to town, so easy to grab provisions. The Sheraton on Poipu beach also looked great and I met a family staying at the hilton resort in Lihue, which they said was lovely for their kids, 7 and 3.

 
My advice would be to do like the Hawaiians - stay chill, don't over plan and enjoy the island life. The beauty of Kauai is there isn't too much to do but enjoy its stunning natural beauty. You can see our pix on flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/superjaimee.

 Have fun!

 sj

Thanks for the comment about my little one. :-) She is the light of my life!

I can't wait to go to Kauai again - we had such a good time.  Have a great trip.