Aloha from Utah Travel Pros! We escaped to Kauai in early February with our family—including our 7-month-old—and it was the ultimate adventure. From lush trails to turtle-filled beaches, Kauai is a dream for Utah families craving nature on a budget. Here are 5 budget-friendly wins to make your Kauai adventure unforgettable, plus a few lessons we learned along the way!
Getting to Kauai from Utah
We flew from Salt Lake City (SLC) on Southwest Airlines with a quick layover in Oakland (OAK). The flights were smooth—about 10 hours total travel time—and we booked using points from our Southwest Priority card. Round-trip tickets cost us around $550 per person, a steal for Hawaii! Our baby did great on the way there but struggled on the return—she didn’t want to leave (and honestly, neither did we!).
A rental car is a must on Kauai—we used Budget and paid about $100/day (after all taxes and fees). Pro tip: Sign up for their FastBreak program to skip the massive line at LIH. We waited only 20 minutes with FastBreak, while others were stuck for over an hour. Pack patience if you don’t have it!
1. Hike Hanalei State Park with the Whole Family
One of our favorite adventures was hiking in Hanalei State Park on the North Shore. We did an intermediate trail—about 2 miles round trip with a 500-foot elevation gain—and it was perfect for our family, including our 7-month-old (carried by my wife) and me. The weather in early February was ideal: sunny, mid-70s, with a light breeze. The trail offered stunning views of Hanalei Bay and the Na Pali Coast, plus a peek at a small waterfall. In some places the trail would get wet, slippery, and rough. I used these shoes to maintain a good grip and keep my feet dry. You need reservations to enter the park. Get your reservations here. We recommend checking 30 days before your trip to ensure you get your spot. We did the park and ride (drove from our hotel in Poipu to the Waipa Park & Ride) and it was very easy and convenient to get to the parking lot and then get off the shuttle at the entrance of the state park. The cost for the shuttle (park entry included) is $40/adult. We only wish we’d spent more time exploring the North Shore and its charming small towns like Hanalei and Kilauea—next time!
2. Stay at Kauai Sheraton Resort in Poipu—Worth Every Penny
We stayed at the Kauai Sheraton Resort in Poipu, and it was a highlight. The staff were incredible, the pool was awesome for kids, and we saw sea turtles on the beach just 5 minutes from our room! If we return to Poipu, we’d 100% stay here again. We were given a check-in gift and then later we were also given a cooler backpack that was perfect for our hikes! It’s a splurge, but the location and amenities make it a budget-friendly base—no need to spend on extra activities when the beach and pool are this good.
3. Snorkel at Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach, right by our hotel, was a family win. We bought snorkel gear at Costco in Lihue for $40 and spotted fish and all sorts of sea creatures right off the shore. Early in the morning we saw a huge turtle sleeping on the beach. The water is calm, with a shallow area for little ones, and it’s free to access. Lifeguards are on duty, and there’s a playground nearby—perfect for a full day of adventure. Bring a picnic to keep costs down.
4. Hike to Waterfalls Near Kapa’a
We loved hiking near Kapa’a on the East Side, where we saw two stunning waterfalls. The trails were easy—about 1.8 miles roundtrip—with clear paths, making it doable for our whole crew. People were jumping off the water falls into the pools below and made it look very tempting. As we worked our way further down the path we came to the second water fall. This one you couldn’t swim/jump off but it did have a rope swing. I thought the water was freezing but nobody else in my family did. These waterfalls are free to visit, and the lush scenery felt like a true Kauai adventure.
5. Go Whale Watching (But Expect Dolphins Too!)
Since we visited in early February, we went whale watching off the South Shore (through a local operator, Captain Andy’s). We only saw one whale—February is peak season, but sightings aren’t guaranteed—but we were surrounded by dolphins, which my wife loved! They were swimming all around us and kept up with the boat for 20-30 minutes. Book a morning tour (around 7:00 AM) for calmer waters, and bring binoculars if you have them. It’s a thrilling way to experience Kauai’s wildlife without breaking the bank.
Lessons Learned: More Time on the North Shore
Our biggest regret? Not spending more time on the North Shore. The small towns leading up to it—like Kapaa, Anahola, and Kilauea—are full of charm, with local shops, food trucks, and quieter beaches. We’d carve out at least two full days next time to explore more of the North Shore’s magic, like Tunnels Beach or the Kilauea Lighthouse. The food also sounded better on the North Shore as well. Around Poipu all we could find was steak and seafood. Those foods are great but after a meal or two, you want something different. Be sure to check the hours of restaurants around the island. Some of them are only open a few days a week and close at unusual times.
Ready for Your Kauai Adventure?
Kauai is a paradise for Utah families seeking adventure—all on a budget. We used our Southwest Priority card to book flights with points—and save up for our next trip! Gear up with a cooler backpack to keep your food and drinks fresh.
Got Kauai tips of your own? Share them with us on X or Instagram. Ready to plan your next family adventure? Check out our Plan Your Adventure page.
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