ALL REQUESTS ARE PROCESSED IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY WERE RECEIVED. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING. INQUIRIES AND REQUESTS ARE ONLY PROCESSED DURING BOOKING HOURS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9A – 5P, HST.
SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND: The more specific the request (time sensitive, multiple days, continuity of care, age of caregiver, specialty care, etc), the more limited our availability, which is limited to the quantity of excellent providers on island. We will not compromise the quality of care, in order to accommodate more business. We do suggest at least 48/+ hours for a single request.
KAUAI WITH KIDS
Planning travel whilst juggling everyday life (especially if you have little ones) is difficult. As a former concierge, Michelle, the owner, was able to have first hand experience with all the tours, sights and destinations on island. Hopefully, some of this general info and family friendly favorites she learned will help highlight a few of the awe inspiring experiences, things to do, places to go, food to savor and things to bring home while you’re on Kauai!
PLANNING
- The variety and diversity of tour companies offering similar experiences can make it challenging to choose the “right one.” Concierge services are AMAZING- and free to the consumer! All you have to do is tell them about who’s traveling and what’s on your wishlist. They work with the vendors to do the rest! If you’re staying at a hotel, utilize your in-house concierge. If you don’t have access to one, please note as such in your inquiry, so we can introduce you to one in your area.
- TIMING: Most tours/activities have a check-in time appx 30-45 min before their actual tour time. Please double confirm your check-in time and location to allocate for the appropriate sitter arrival time (don’t forget to add in the 15 minute overlap for transition).
- TRAFFIC: We have ONE “highway” (main road) around 3/4 of the island. Traffic through Kapaa town and Lihue can delay a commute 20-45 mins. Though you may be on vacation, the residents of Kauai have daily jobs. Click here more about roadwork, contraflow (during AM rush hour) and road safety.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Private transportation is highly recommended. Ride share apps are not yet abundantly available on Kauai. Expect wait times of up to 45-60 mins, or n/a certain times of day and more remote locations. Public transportation is run with aloha (which can sometimes be “island time”). Our public transportation is the Kauai bus.
BEACH & OCEAN SAFETY
- Nature is powerful! Please use caution when entering any water. Our currents are STRONG. Kauai boasts the most mileage of sand covered beaches, many of them remote (enticing, I know!). Of the 84 mile coast, circumnavigating our island, only TEN beaches are lifeguarded. “If in doubt, don’t go out.” See more about ocean safety.
- REEF CONSERVATION: While snorkeling or swimming at one of our beautiful beaches, something as small as standing on the reef may seem innocuous to some, but detrimental to the fragile ecosystem. These acts can greatly impact the longevity of what we love!
- SUN & REEF SAFETY: Being near the equator means being closer to the sun. The sunburn struggle is real, but lather up with respect! For your health and the natural habitat, read more about safe sunscreens.
CONSERVATION
- A large attraction of Hawai’i is our ecosystem, comprised of exotic flora and fauna. Unfortunately, we have the highest number of listed threatened and endangered species in the nation. There are 437 threatened and endangered species in the State of Hawai’i.
- PROTECTED ANIMALS: As tempting as it may be to interact with the cute little sea turtle from Finding Nemo, or cuddle the statuesque + squishy looking Hawaiian Monk Seal on the sand, REFRAIN YOURSELF! Not only may it disturb or harm the animal, but under the federal Endangered Species Act, the penalty includes a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison. If you see an injured or entangled animal, do not approach it, instead call 888-256-9840.
- NAPPING ANIMALS: It is recommend to stay 20 feet from turtles, 50 feet from monk seals, and 150 feet from monk seal mom/pup pairs. If you see a seal on the beach, please call NOAA Fisheries Monk Seal Hotline (808) 651-7668 or email PIFSC.monksealsighting@noaa.gov. They will send a volunteer who can inform and educate the spectators.
- MEMENTOS: “Pele’s Curse” is the belief that anything natively Hawaiian, such as sand, rock, or pumice (lava), will effect bad luck on whoever takes it away from Hawaii. Just ask the countless tourists who send these back in order to escape the awful luck that Pele has caused them. Moral of the story: please appreciate nature where it is.
KAUAI’S INFAMOUS NAPALI COAST STATE PARK: the most magnificent 17 miles of untouched, pristine perfection. Best for: sightseeing and hiking.* After the flood of 2018, Kauai experienced a much needed break on our North Shore while roads, homes and natural habitats were being rebuilt. During this time, the NaPali Coast replenished what our heavy human usage has degraded. The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources has worked to continue protecting this legendary wonder. As a National Park, it now *requires permits for park entry. If you’re planning on accessing the beach at Ke’e or hike a portion of the Kalalau Trail, to Hanakapiai Beach or Falls, please be sure to get your hiking or parking permit *here in advance. Please note: this trail is NOT for beginner or novice hikers! There is NO cell phone reception and medical/emergency services are not easily accessible.
KID-TIVITIES:
DO + GO
- Haena: National Tropical Botanical Garden: Limahuli and Haena Beach
- Kilauea: Mini golf, Playground, Wai Koa Loop Trail, Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden and Anini beach
- Kapaa: 2 Mile Beach front bike path, Kapaa beach shop for bike and gear rentals!
- Wailua: Lydgate Beach, Kamalani Playground and Smith’s Family:
- Fern grotto river boat: best $20 spent on quintessential aloha!
- Luau
- Lihue: Plantation Railway, Humane Society and The Kauai Museum
- Poipu area: Beach Park and Playground, National Tropical Botanical Gardens: McBryde Garden and National Tropical Botanical Gardens: Allerton Garden
- Westside: Waimea Canyon & Koke’e
EAT
- Hanalei: Bar Acuda (date dinner), Ama (dinner), The Dolphin, Hanalei Poke (Big Save parking lot), Hanalei Bread Co (coffee, breakfast and lunch), Pink’s Grilled Cheese & Ice Cream, Tahiti Nui and Hanalei Bay Pizzeria
- Princeville: Kauai Ono
- Kilauea: Sushi Girl (lunch), Kilauea Fish Market (lunch and dinner), Trilogy Coffee and Kauai Juice Co
- Kapaa: Kauai Juice Co, Pono Market (breakfast), Wailiua Shave Ice, Java Kai (coffee, bakery, cafe for breakfast and lunch), Scorpaciatta (lunch and dinner), St. Burger, Oasis on the Beach (all) and the monthly 1st Sat Art Night
- Lihue: Aloha Aina Juice Cafe
- Poipu: The Beach House (sunset and drinks), Eating House 1849 (FAVORITE!), Koloa Fish Market, Makai Sushi , Tidepools (dinner), Kauai Juice Co and Little Fish Coffee
- Hanapepe: Japanese Grandma’s Cafe, Midnight Bear Bakery, and the weekly Friday Night Art Walk
- Waimea: Ishihara Market (poke!)
SHOP:
- Hanalei: The Barn 808, On & On day spa and On the Road to Hanalei
- Kilauea: Hunter Gatherer, Aloha Exchange and Oskar’s Boutique
- Kapaa: Shipwrecked, Kiko, and Work It Out
- South and West
- Kalaheo: Aloha Exchange
- Lawai: The Warehouse
- Poipu: The Shops at Kukuiula
- Hanapepe Talk Story Book Store
LODGE:
- North Shore
- Eastside
- Southside
- Westside:
- Luxury Private Rentals
Need Baby Gear rentals?
- Babylicious: 808-652-4273
- Kauai Ready Rentals: 808-823-8008
Note: any links to external organizations are provided for informational purposes. Kauai Babysitting Co does not take responsibility for anything on any other website. Please do your research and gain knowledge on safe and responsible travel.