The Na Pali Coast is an area that is home to unsurpassed beauty.  It doesn’t matter whether you are on a Kauai family vacation, looking for a romantic getaway destination or just in search of a relaxing beach vacation, if you are in Kauai, you must visit the Na Pali Coast.  The sheer beauty is unlike anything else.  It will leave you re-energized and after it is all over, you will have a completely new appreciation for nature.

Once there, you must decide on how to take in this experience.  Tours in Kauai are a great way to see the coast and learn all about the region.  Two of the best Na Pali Coast tour platforms include helicopter and boat tours.  Both are very different in nature, but can provide excellent experiences and perspectives.  There are many different companies which offer tours, so be sure to take a look at tour packages and duration.  For Kauai Na Pali Coast boat tours, the size of the boat and seating capacity can also impact the experience so choose based on your personal preference.   For example, if you are a cautious person and the open sea gives you anxiety, choose a tour with a larger boat.  The larger boats fair better against the ocean’s waves which minimize the impact you will feel on the water.  Boat tours are popular because being out on the water is an experience all in itself.  When you can combine this experience with the Na Pali Coast in the background and whales, dolphins and sea turtles at your side, you will understand why it doesn’t get any better!

In order to choose the right boat tour for you, it would be wise to take a minute to look up customer reviews.  Although most tours are top notch, there are some that consistently deliver superior customer service.  Captain Andy’s tour is one of the more popular companies delivering great Na Pali Coast tours for over 25 years.  One last thing: be sure to bring your camera!  You will not want to miss out on taking a piece of the adventure back home with you.

Ka’anapali Beach

Just north of Lahaina, on the west coast of Maui, is Ka’anapali Beach. The beach is easily accessible, a short bus or car ride from the town. It features amazing sand and great water. Best of all, this beach is swimmer friendly, with minimal coral, rocks, and other swimming hazards. There are many restaurants along the beach, with tastes to suit almost all travelers. In addition, when the beach time is through, there are upscale shopping venues throughout the area featuring many designer and name brands. The north end features snorkeling and wildlife is abundant. The sunsets are amazing and well worth staying around to watch.

Whalers Village

When vacationers tire of the beach routine, many take a break from the sun to visit Whalers village. Whalers village runs along Ka’anapali Beach, so the sun is never far away. Access is very easy, most Lahaina hotels offer free shuttle bus service. The entrance is marked by a genuine sperm whale skeleton, something sure to provide excellent picture backdrops. There is a whaling museum, with many exhibits on the historical whaling that used to operate from nearby waters. Unique boutique store offer a local flair, with various items such as scrimshaw not readily available elsewhere.

America II Sunset Cruise

Looking for something a little more adventurous? The America II was a 1987 America’s cup challenger. The ship offers two hour sailing expeditions. This is not a gentle sunset cruise, but a mad dash through the ocean. The ship is large enough to accommodate most parties, and sails multiple times. Expect to get wet, this is a racing yacht, and offers an exciting introduction into the yachting world. The sunset cruise can get a little chilly, so keep that in mind when debating between an afternoon and sunset expedition.

With numerous Lahaina hotels and resorts, amazing beaches, and many other attractions, Lahaina is rapidly becoming one of Maui’s best vacation spots. Plan events early, especially during peak season, as resorts and attractions fill up quickly. There is something exciting and fun available for all ages and lifestyles.

Sometimes a family holiday can go wrong because different members of the family might want to do different things, but in Kauai there is something for everyone and it makes for a great family beach holiday destination. Parents have lots of entertainment in the evenings, teenagers can sleep late and then do their own thing, whilst this is an experience that small children won’t forget for years to come.

10 things to do in Kauai for families

1. Surf lessons and young children will even love this.
2. Go tubing through the mountains
3. Take a boat tour of the Napali coast. Young kids will enjoy the adventure and the scenery is fabulous. For serious hiker families there is a trail you can do. It is 11 miles longs with the option to camp over and requires a permit to do so.
4. There is also a helicopter tour you can do of the Napali coast. This will take you right around the Garden Isle, as the state of Kauai is better known.
5. Go on a movie tour of Kauai. Many movies have been shot here, such as Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost  Arc.
6. There are many beaches to choose from for your family beach holidays. Some are remote, some very safe with supervision and some surfer spots are more dangerous.
7. A drive around the North Shore is spectacular and something everything should do who visits this beautiful place.
8. The Kauai plantation railway will give the family an educational trip into plantation life
9. The Limahuli Gardens are beautiful and were once voted the best in America.
10. There is plenty of hiking to do here. The Waimea canyon is a short family hike and a beautiful site.

The top 10 family beach holidays

The Jungfrau, Swiss Alps

First stands Hotel Lanai in the heart of Lanai City. Built by world famous businessman James Dole, the hotel now ranks as a local landmark. Dole Plantation executives once stayed in its gracious environs. With ten rooms in the main lodge and an additional one-bedroom cottage that stands alone, variety and comfort come in different forms.  The rooms in the main building include plantation-style ceiling fans and wooden floors for gracious, yet casual island visits.  In the cottage, enjoy the TV or watch DVDs.  Nap, anyone?  Just step outside to the deck and drop into your own personal hammock.

Your stay includes the usual amenities such as fax and concierge service plus family plans, parking and complimentary breakfast.  The lovely rooms and setting make the inexpensive rates a fabulous bargain.

In the middle expense rate is one of the two Four Seasons resorts on Lanai, Koele’s famous Lodge.  It is located in the cooler region of central Lanai’s uplands.  There, guests enjoy a variety of activities such as clay shooting, archery and horseback riding.  World-class golf can be had at a course designed by Ted Robinson and Greg Norman. For relaxation, this resort includes a spa.  As you would at any Four Seasons location, except the finest in fine dining.
To help offset slightly higher rates, Koele offers a free night’s stay after each of the first two paid nights.

Last but not least by any means is the second offering by Four Seasons located on the beach and a marine preserve at Manele Bay. It features tennis courts in addition to an in-house spa.  If you are into great golfing, you will love the Challenge at Manele, designed by pro Jack Nicklaus. And as always, delicious dining is definite!

The usual amenities plus a personal safe for your valuables, parking, 24/7 room service, whirlpool/hot tubs, computers, fax services and the Internet are included with your stay. A special feature for busy parents is the Keiki activities program for children.

Manele Bay’s rates are at the high end, but its pampered guests who pay for three consecutive nights receive a free fourth night.

Lanai is a perfect vacation spot with its sunshine activities including ocean kayaking, snorkel sailing, helicopter tours, trail rides, deep sea fishing, and world-class golf.  No matter which of the Lanai hotels or Lanai resorts you choose, you can’t go wrong.

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