Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Many Kauai hotels, such as the the Grand Hyatt, offer a kid-friendly starting point for family-style island recreation.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa offers kids a meandering river that links chlorine-free pools, a 150-foot water slide, and camp activities.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

At Naina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park, kids can feed koi in a lagoon, wander through a hedge maze, see dozens of playful life-size bronze sculptures, and explore the children’s garden.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Princeville Ranch on Kauai’s north shore offers pony rides, a petting zoo, hikes in the forest, bug collecting, and a chance to learn all about horses.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Naina Kai Botanical Gardens’ children’s garden has everything from a Navajo settlement with a covered wagon to a tropical jungle gym with bridges, tunnels, and slides.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Kamalani Playground in Lydgate Park just south of Kapaia on Kauai’s east coast was built by more than 7,000 local volunteers.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Hike along the Pihea Trail in Kokee State Park for sweeping views of the Kalalau Valley.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Secret Beach is located near Kilauea on Kauai’s north shore.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Secret Beach overlooks the century-old Kilauea Lighthouse.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

The century-old Kilauea Lighthouse marks the northernmost point in the Hawaiian Islands.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Baby Beach, an unmarked beach tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Poipu, is protected by a natural offshore reef.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

Use a standup paddleboard to explore Hanalei Bay.

Kari Bodnarchuk for the Boston Globe

At a lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park on the island’s west coast, a stroller-friendly path leads to a platform with views of the expansive red-rock canyon.