22 Aug Relaxing Getaway Kauai
Hawaii has always felt like a second home to us—especially Maui, where we’ve spent two amazing weeks each year soaking in its magic. But in 2023, with the devastation that struck Lahaina in August, we knew we needed to pivot. That’s when Kauai called us back. We’d visited once before, staying on the lush and rain-soaked Princeville side. This time, we were ready for something new—and traveling with our 6-month-old daughter for the first time, we craved ease, calm, and comfort. Poipu, on Kauai’s sunnier south shore, turned out to be the perfect fit.
Why Poipu Was the Perfect Choice with a Baby
Before we even checked into our resort, we made a Target curbside pickup stop to grab all the baby necessities, snacks, and drinks. It was a game-changer and removed so much stress from those first travel hours. Highly recommend this simple planning step if you’re traveling with a little one!
We chose to stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, and honestly, it was the best decision we could’ve made. Their spacious three-bedroom villas were incredibly family-friendly. The staff greeted us with the warmest welcome—and even a sweet gift for our baby girl. Perched on the top floor, our villa gave us a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the resort and ocean. With a full kitchen, laundry, and roomy layout, it was perfect for hosting friends and family who popped in throughout our two-week stay.
Resort Highlights: Pools, Cabanas & On-Site Eats
The pool setup at Koloa Landing deserves a special mention—total paradise for both kids and adults. We rented a poolside cabana a few times, which was a dream for days with a baby. Think: cozy chairs, fans, a mini fridge, and waiter service.
While the resort didn’t have a huge variety of dining options, the on-site coffee shop/market and restaurant had everything we needed for breakfast and poolside lunches. For a nearby lunch spot with incredible views, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler hit the mark— open-air, oceanfront, and casual.
Another major perk? The resort’s walkability. We took stroller walks to Poipu Shopping Village, where you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, familiar shops, art galleries, and Living Foods Market—a gem for quick bites and fresh groceries.
A Slow-Paced Adventure with a Few Outings
This trip was all about relaxing, adjusting to travel with a baby, and moving at a slower pace. That said, we did venture out for a few memorable experiences.
Waimea Canyon State Park: A scenic drive that’s super doable with a baby, and the views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” are absolutely worth it.
Grand Hyatt Spa Day: I treated myself to a luxurious spa day—think treatments, steam rooms, and a poolside lunch all in one serene setting.
Golf Time: My husband took full advantage of the world-class golf courses nearby and couldn’t have been happier.
Favorite Dinner Spots in Poipu
When it came to dinners, we did make time to explore. These were our top picks:
The Beach House Restaurant – unbeatable sunset views and fresh island fare.
Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt – beautiful setting over koi ponds and delicious.
Hawaiian cuisine.Stevenson’s Library – an elegant sushi restaurant tucked inside the Grand Hyatt.
Merriman’s Poipu – consistent excellence and locally sourced ingredients.
A Quick Tip for New Parents
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re planning a trip, do yourself a favor and invest in the Doona car seat stroller. It was hands-down the MVP of our trip— compact, convenient, and made getting around effortless.
Final Thoughts
Kauai’s Poipu gave us everything we needed for our first vacation as new parents—natural beauty, peaceful vibes, and a great home base in Koloa Landing. While we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for Maui, Kauai showed us a new side of Hawaiian paradise that we fell in love with.
Whether you’re planning a tropical family getaway or easing into travel with a baby, Poipu is a perfect pick.
Check out more of my travel blog posts below:
Escape to paradise: Turks & Caicos
