1. ALOHI TRAIL, Nawiliwili, Kauai

When I moved to Kauai two years ago, I didn’t know anyone on the island. I had moved here with my then 6 year old to start a new job. Since I was living in an apartment building in a pretty busy area, I immediately sought out advice for where to go for walks with my energetic little boy.

It took a while to find different options because on Kauai the trails tend to be a little more hidden than on some of the other islands. This particular trail is a hidden gem that can be found on the property of the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki beach in Lihue. This loop trail is a little under 3 miles.

First off, I’ll warn you that it’s a tad tricky to find but I promise you it’s worth it!

If you’re heading towards the Kalapaki harbor on rice street you will see an entrance to the Kauai Marriott Resort. After turning into the property you drive up the road until you reach a large parking with tennis courts. You park here.

There will be a lagoon adjacent to the parking lot and you walk towards the lagoon and over a small bridge. 

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There are several ways to get to the trail but this one is my favorite!

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After crossing the bridge there will be 2 side walk paths. I prefer the golf cart path on the left because it takes you up the hill to a small club house on the golf course where you can purchase overpriced snacks or more importantly use the restroom. If you have a small child this is priceless since you can also wash hands, relax before or after the hike etc. The snack shop closes at 2pm but the space and bathroom remains open until sunset. There are also several seats and tables you can lounge on if you choose. 

Sometimes my son and I go there for a treat before the hike. Behind the clubhouse is a road. Turn left on the road towards the wooded area. This road is normally desolate but every once in a while you will encounter a vehicle so take the usual care you would on a busy road. AND..this is where it can get confusing. You will reach a roundabout at the end of this road and can either take the left or right path. I prefer the path on the right but you can also enter through the path on the left. Once you enter the trail you will see some signs and several options to veer off and take side trails which also lead to a road alongside the airport. (Cool spot to watch planes land!) This airport road gets a decent amount of car traffic so proceed with caution if you decide to explore it.

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And, don’t worry about getting lost as its a loop trail and all paths lead to the same place. If you have a stroller, I would stay on the gravel and paved trails but that’s just me:) 

What I like about this trail for children is that it’s level with little to no elevation changes and its extremely safe. There are grounds keepers on golf carts that maintain and monitor the trail so although it can get empty I’ve never felt unsafe. There is also a restroom in the middle of the trail which is a nice perk and it’s super clean and well maintained!

Throughout the trail, there are some heavily wooded areas which provide a nice reprieve from the sun. I honestly do this trail at anytime of the day but during the high summer months on Kauai May-October, I would stick to before 10am or after 5pm when it’s cooler. 

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Another super fun feature is the hand made natural swings that can be found throughout the trail. My son always insists we stop and swing which is a nice break from walking. There is also a little lake that’s a nice spot for photos and picnics. 

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This trail is also bike and scooter friendly. Sometimes I opt to jog while my boy scoots alongside me. The possibilities are endless and each time is a new adventure. I can honestly say that after 2 years this trail never gets old. Enjoy! 

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2. Wai Koa Loop Trail/Hike, Kilauea, Kauai

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If you like horses, this is a very neat family friendly trail. Not sure about strollers- perhaps a good jogging stroller can make it through if you don’t mind it getting dirt on the wheels. 

This trail is pretty straightforward to find. If you GPS Anaina Hou Visitor Center, it’s  located on the back of the property. Since the hike is located on private property, it’s recommended that you go to the visor center to sign a liability waiver. They have a small gift shop and little restaurant. 

A cool feature on this property is an adorable creatively designed playground with seats and shade for tired parents!

If you continue behind the playground, you will find the entrance to the trail. The trail is easy to follow and flat- so again very kid friendly. It’s a bit longer than the Alohi trail- 4.1 miles so definitely plan for a longer trek. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you can just track it and turn back earlier on. It is a loop trail and if you continue, it will take you exactly back where you started.

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Like the previous trail, the views are woods for the most part. It’s not the most scenic in terms of ridges and ocean views, but I found it very nice for my boy. We went with another mom and her seven year old son. The boys had a lot of fun collecting sticks and running ahead. Because its level and well maintained the boys were able to run free and really enjoy the wide open spaces. I enjoyed how wide the trail is and the lack of treacherous drop offs which are common on more rugged Hawaii hikes. It’s definitely a lovely opportunity for the family to get outdoors for some sun and exercise. 

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Now, the unexpected perk was roughly three miles into the hike.. 

There is a neighboring ranch that has lots of horses. Apparently, the horses also make use of the trail so do not be surprised if you encounter a few horses towards the end. Please note: the horses are not shy so use your care and judgment when encountering them. It appears that they are accustomed to hikers and probably being fed. They showed curiosity towards us and approached our little group and allowed us to pet them. Shortly after realizing they wouldn’t be fed, they wandered off. This was definitely a treat for the boys and something you don’t see everyday- even on Kauai!

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After the hike, the boys still amazingly had lots of energy and made use of the little playground while us moms took a rest in the much welcome shade 🙂 

3. Kilauea Ridge Trail, Wailua, Kauai

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This hike is more challenging than the above two trails with some elevation changes. 

What I feel makes it very family friendly is the width of the well maintained trail. Even on a very muddy day, it was pretty straightforward and easy to follow. The only side note is that if you attempt it during our rainy season (usually December-May), prepare to get muddy. I would recommend you pack light jackets for random rain showers and hiking boots. The nice thing is that there is a stream shortly up the road after the trailhead where you can wash the mud off! It’s even welcoming enough to take a dip and there were several families with small children playing in the clean mountain water.

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This trail does have some elevation changes so I would not deem it stroller friendly although you can probably use a hiking pack for smaller children if you’re comfortable with that. Unlike the previous two, this trail does not have any restrooms but there are plenty of shrubs you make use of if nature calls:) 

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Some parts have steep drop offs so use caution when hiking with energetic curious children. Again, the trail is relatively wide throughout so not as treacherous as some other mountain hikes. 

The total distance is 3.6 miles but there are some nice areas where you can stop and enjoy snacks and even picnic if you choose.

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The trail leads to a bridge with a small waterfall. There is a sign clearly marking the end of the trail. The waterfall can be tricky to reach so again use caution with small children. The bridge signals the end of the hike. We decided to turn back at the bridge as we started the hike later than usual but from what we were told the trail continues in the same condition beyond for about three more miles. Use your discretion and gauge your kids endurance as it is an in and out hike. Note: stay on the trail if you are not experienced hikers. There are some detours that can be taken for the more adventurous/experienced. These trails are not as clearly marked and a lot more treacherous. I personally wouldn’t do any of those side trails with a young child. 

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For exact location and more detailed trail descriptions, it may be a good idea to consult a hiking website or app like AllTrails. 

Much aloha and have fun! Feel free to DM or email your thoughts/pics/experiences!