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Kauai Family Multisport

Kauai Family Multisport

With scenery so lush it's almost beyond belief, Kauai more than lives up to its nickname "The Garden Isle." Let Backroads treat you and your family to this paradise at its most beautiful and diverse. Our journey begins on the East Shore, known as the "Coconut Coast," with its sugar-fine sand beaches - perfect for walking or beachcombing. Explore the Wailua River Valley, which features one of only three navigable rivers in Hawaii (Kauai boasts all three!). Then it's on to the wild and rugged North Shore, one of Hawaii's most spectacular landscapes, where precipitous emerald cliffs plunge like blades into turquoise waters. Heading to the island's sunny southwest side, marvel at Waimea Canyon, an enormous river-scoured gorge once described by an awestruck Mark Twain as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Of course, Kauai is also beloved for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, historic towns, postcard-perfect sunsets and warm aloha spirit - all of which you'll enjoy to the fullest.

Days 1-2 Princeville

Meet in Kapaa Paddle up the Wailua River to the trailhead for our hike Trek to Secret Falls, a natural amphitheater featuring a stunning waterfall that plunges into a freshwater pool Dine on Hawaiian specialties and watch graceful dancers at a traditional luau  A hike along the Na Pali coast offers one of the world's most stunning ocean views Descend into the Hanakapiai Valley, where tropical flora and a pristine beach await Walk through lava terraces at Limahuli Gardens, a National Tropical Botanical Garden set in a verdant peak-rimmed valley.

Days 3-5 Waimea

Learn to surf in Hanalei Bay Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, an important nesting site for native seabirds Exquisite vegetation and birdlife, waterfalls, montane forests and canyon vistas set the stage for a highland hike in Kokee State Park  Marvel at Waimea Canyon, whose exposed layers of lava reveal Kauai's geologic history Stop at the Kalalau lookout before trekking through the forest Embark on a leisurely ride along the coast Toast a memorable week during a festive dinner under the stars.

big map Kauai Family Multisport

BEACHSIDE BLISS: Casual Inns

Hanalei Bay Resort (2 nights): Nestled above spectacular Hanalei Bay, this resort offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa services, tennis courts, restaurant and sunset bar.

Waimea Plantation Cottages (2 nights): Authentic sugar plantation homes, set amid a coconut grove on a black-sand beach, welcome us with period-inspired décor, hammocks and an oceanfront pool.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

On this Family Trip, liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

Kauai Family Multisport
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years

Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 7 years

Minimum age restriction for surfing: 8 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Guest Trip Reviews

Our leaders were beyond the pale fabulous with my daughter, Vivian. They showed endless patience and willingness to just play - which is all an 11-year-old wants anyway. I've been on two previous Backroads Solo trips and thought they were outstanding. But the quality, sensitivity, and just plain fun of this family trip has made me a true Backroads believer. We will be back! p.s. From Vivian (11): "It was really, really, really, really fun!"
Kate Sparks - Alexandria, VA

The trip to Kauai with our three grandsons far exceeded our expectations. The guides were able to take the kids and not only motivate them to enjoy being active but also helped to build their confidence in all of the activities while making it fun too. It not only opened their world to new experiences like kayaking and surfing, they also now know that there is more to a fun vacation than just going to amusement parks. The Backroads' guides went above and beyond on this one to make sure that each of them had special experiences. I can't thank you enough!
Cindy DiMassa - Phoenix, AZ

My teenagers were skeptical before we went on the trip. They were Backroads fans within a day - due especially to our leaders' good natures and hard work. When we stayed at a resort afterwards for a few days, Georgia told me she couldn't believe how fake it all looked. Yeah! - they saw more of the "real" Hawaii and they learned to enjoy that more than manicures & pedicures at a spa. That means a lot to me. Thanks. They just keep looking through the brochures.
Betsy McElroy - Whitefish Bay, WI