Just exiting my first trimester woes, I was craving a tropical getaway. The catch? Almost every city with warm weather during the winter months is plagued with Zika, banning all expecting mothers from their heavenly beaches. Generally opting for the road less traveled, I never thought I would find myself in Hawaii. But there I was, boarding a plane to Poipu, Kauai with husband and toddler in tow.
Full disclosure: It ended up being the perfect family getaway and we loved every minute we had on this little slice of tropical paradise. It took a good bit of effort and research to find places that were baby friendly, but I’ll save you the hassle with this article!
Top Beaches
Lydgate Park
What a gem! Lydgate Park has a ton to offer so make a day trip out of it and pack a lunch. There are two jetty-enlcosed swimming/snorkeling areas in the ocean which were amazing for babies, toddlers, and swimmers of all levels. Then across the way is a huge playground that offered endless fun and exploration. There are also restrooms and showers and plenty of picnic tables.
Baby Beach in Poipu
Much smaller than Lydgate Park, this gorgeous little spot is right next door to the Sheraton Resort. It had two jetty-enclosed swimming/snorkeling areas and one of them was literally only about 6-12″ deep – perfect for frolicking babes. There are no restrooms and the shower is still up for debate. William said it belonged to the house behind the beach, but I saw plenty of beach goers use it.
Sheraton Kauai Resort Beach + Pool
We stayed at this resort and we would certainly book a room here again! They have two main pools and a spa right on the beach for all day fun in the sun! Spend a little time in the ocean..take a dip in the pool..and head back over to the sand for some play time. Arlo spent a good portion just running back and forth between the two, which was more stressful than relaxing at times, but he certainly enjoyed himself!
Top Spots for Food
Bubba Burgers
So good, we went there twice! Very casual dining with great quality food at a low price. Oh, and their milkshake is a must-have!
Lappert’s Hawaii
A great place to refuel with a cup of coffee and a quick bite to eat. They have a wide variety of delicious pastries and their ice cream is exceptional.
Anake’s Juice Bar
A bit grossed out from all of the burgers and milkshakes we had consumed, we decided to search for a healthier option. Anake’s Juice Bar was just that. They have a huge variety of acai bowls and smoothies packed with all sorts of nutritious [and delicious!] ingredients.
Tortilla Republic – Downstairs Cantina
After exploring the farmer’s market, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner out at this Mexican cantina. The food was flavorful and high quality for the price we paid. They were also kid friendly with a high chair and kid’s menu for Arlo to color. Please take note that this is the downstairs cantina. I am pretty sure the upstairs restaurant is much pricier and not nearly as kid friendly.
Anuenue Cafe
Ok, here is where your toddler comes in handy with those early morning wake up calls. Beat the rush and grab breakfast at 7am. We made the mistake of arriving around 10 am and the place was swamped with hungry customers. The food was good, but not worth the hour wait.
Pizzeta
We didn’t make it to this place! But it has great reviews and seems very family friendly.
Top Activities
Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana
Highly recommend this little adventure! Arlo loved riding the train ride and along the way, we got to stop and feed some rambunctious pigs! Some had babies that were only a couple weeks old and they were ADORABLE.
Farmer’s Market [Located at the Kukuiula Shopping Center]
Every Wednesday from 3:30-6pm you can tour a variety of local vendors offering crafts, food, and much more! There is also a live band and a cooking demonstration for you to enjoy while you sip on a beverage at the Wine and Beer Garden.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
A hike fit for all fitness levels and ages, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail offers scenic views of the ocean without much physical demand. Be aware, there are cliffs along the way that could pose as a danger to little ones. The path diverges several times and the safer, more inland route is always an option. Park in the parking lot at the end of Ainokoa St. [behind Grand Hyatt Resort] and take a left along the beach until you hit the trail. After our hike, we sat down and watched local surfers catch some waves at Shipwreck’s Beach.
DriftBound 