If you are considering a trip to Kauai but aren't sure if it's an appropriate vacation for the whole family then guess no more. Our guide to Kauai provides great tips on how your family can have an eventful, but stress free vacation. Kauai, known as "The Garden Isle" is not only breath taking in beauty, it also offers endless hands on learning experiences in history, culture, botany and marine biology. Gather the kids, pack light and prepare for a memorable trip of a lifetime.

Six Survival Strategies for Taking Kids to Kauai

1. Before packing, you want to make your reservations to popular attractions and events as early as two to six months in advance. It's important to plan for your "must do's" in advance of your trip. Making reservations helps you plan a tentative schedule and allows you to get the most current information like closing hours and days of operation, prices and special events. Some activities are only available during certain seasons or are affected by weather conditions.
2. When packing, keep in mind that Kauai has an abundance of rental agencies that offer just about any equipment you could possibly need, this allows you to pack light. If you have very small children, they offer rental car seats, strollers and cribs. If your family is interested in sports, whether on land or in water, the right  equipment is available to rent at reasonable prices. A good tip here is to rent everything that you're going to need at once. There is a possibility of a shortage, especially with boogie boards and snorkeling gear.
3. Several families with younger children reported that the best transportation is a rental car. Make sure it's something sturdy (and has 4-WD or all wheel drive) for some of the rugged trails and is spacious enough for all your equipment.
   
4. Many families visiting Kauai report that condo rentals are more beneficial than hotel suites because they usually have a laundry room, kitchen and fridge for meals and snacks, and some also come equipped with your sporting goods and luxury furniture. It is also beneficial to have separate rooms for nap times and added privacy for mom and dad. 
5. The key to a stress free family vacation is good planning, but don't over plan. It is reasonable to schedule some beach time, mealtime, rest time and one tourist attraction per day. Over stimulation and missed nap times makes for unhappy campers. This also holds true when traveling with older family members like Grandma and Grampa.
   
6. There are several resorts that offer day camps for children as young as three to the age of twelve in case you want to slip away for a romantic getaway or more of an adventure than the little ones can handle. Kauai's day camps are a great form of childcare. They are run by qualified teams of educators and include activities such as snorkeling, lei making, sand castle contests, crafts, kite flying, fishing, garden exploration and lessons in Hawaiian culture. Like all other activities, reservations are required and prices range between sixty and one hundred dollars per child per day and include meals, snacks and the ultimate entertainment experience.

Now that we've gotten through the basics, lets go have some fun! The best way to begin your trip is at the beach. The most frequented beach by families is Poipu Beach. This famous beach is located on the south shore has lifeguards, velvety golden sand, low gentle waves, and tidal pools full of colorful fish, bathrooms, and shaded pavilions. This would be the ideal spot for snorkeling, and riding waves on a body board. This beach also receives the least amount of rainfall. The best playground to visit with the kids would be Kamalani Playground. Located on the east shore, this playground is known for its volcano slide, maze of jungle gyms and mosaic artwork, not to mention a resting area in the Japanese garden.

What Hawaiian vacation would be complete without the traditional luau? Located off the Wailua River on the east coast of Kauai, you can enjoy the experience of Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau. The only luau preformed in a tropical garden accompanied with Hawaiian music, a traditional ceremony, a garden tour, a feast and spectacular performances. This event is only available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:45 to approximately 9 pm. Once again, reservations are required.

A must see is Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens located on the north shore. The entire family will enjoy a tour through twelve garden areas featuring ninety bronze sculptures. The children's garden features Jack's pond with the giant looming sixteen feet overhead, a tropical jungle with bridges, tunnels and slides and kids sized railroad train ride.

Other great attractions include Guava Kai Plantation on the north shore of Kauai. Here, you can take a short self-guided tour where you can pick your own guava. On the west shore, watch locals make natural sea salt at Salt Pond. Kauai Back Country Tubing offers a unique adventure through a sugar cane plantation near the east shore.

Kauai is the best of the islands for a family to visit due to its family friendly environment, endless adventures, variety of entertainment and wealth in historical and cultural learning opportunities. Some other activities your family might be interested in partaking in while on their visit to Kauai would include; horseback riding, ATV rides, helicopter tours, snorkeling, ziplines, guided educational tours, kayaking, hiking, biking, surfing, golfing and fishing.