Our Babymoon in Hawaii: Why Kauai Was the Perfect Pre-Baby Escape

Somewhat impromptu (and let’s be honest, a little hormonally driven), my husband and I booked a babymoon in Kauai. The stars aligned: we found affordable flights, scored a room at our dream hotel, and, most importantly, Grandma was available and willing to watch our oldest. WINNING.

I’m normally not a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-maternity-leggings vacation planner. But with a baby on the way and time ticking, I shoved my anxiety aside and made it happen. Spoiler alert: it was worth it.

Getting to Kauai While Pregnant

At 16 weeks pregnant, I was in that “is-she-pregnant-or-did-she-just-eat-a-big-lunch?” phase. We flew coach with a layover in Phoenix, and honestly? It wasn’t bad. I had a giant bag of salty and sweet snacks and stayed hydrated. Tip: wear compression socks, choose an aisle seat, and get up to stretch often. Oh, and designate a travel buddy (husband) to carry your stuff and tell you you’re glowing.

I’ve flown as far along as 33 weeks on a 3-hour flight, and even that wasn’t exactly comfortable. Looking back, I know that anything beyond 25 weeks would’ve made that 8-hour coach flight to Kauai pretty miserable. At that point in pregnancy, legroom feels like a luxury and sitting still becomes its own kind of endurance sport.

Where We Stayed on Our Kauai Babymoon

We stayed at Hanalei Colony Resort on the North Shore, and it was exactly what my pregnant self needed: quiet, off-the-grid, and absolutely gorgeous.

This place is unique. No A/C, no TV, no Wi-Fi in the room… but the ocean is steps away. You trade technology for waves crashing outside your window, ocean breezes, and a full kitchen where you can make midnight grilled cheese sandwiches (or maybe that was just me).

The beach isn’t swimmable, but it’s perfect for walking, unwinding, and watching the surf. And the North Shore of Kauai? Perfection. It feels less touristy, especially outside peak season, and it’s where I’d live if I could talk my husband into it.

Babymoon Activities In Kauai

Hiking While Pregnant

I am not what you’d call “outdoorsy.” My usual idea of adventure on vacation is trying a new flavor of shave ice. But for reasons I still don’t fully understand, we decided to hike to Hanakapiai Falls.

My husband had done this hike years ago and claimed it would be “easy.” I have nodoubt that when my husband was 18 and played high school track, cross-country, hockey, that the hike was easy for him. Fast forward a few (17) years and the easy hike was not so easy anymore.

We hiked to Hanakapiai Beach and then kept going to Hanakapiai Falls. Eight miles. While pregnant. On a muddy, slippery trail. Would I do it again? Absolutely not. Was it stunning and dramatic and worth a story for the rest of our lives? Kinda.

My advice? Stick to shorter, safer hikes like the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path in Kapaa or maybe Hoopii Falls Trail. Or, an even better idea is to just park yourself at the beach and call it a day. You’re on a babymoon, not “Survivor: Pregnant Edition.”

Babymoon Bliss: Beaches on the North Shore

When I wasn’t limping around from my “fun” hike, we spent lazy days at Hanalei Bay and Haena Beach Park (not to be confused with Haena State Park). Hanalei Bay has gentle water and calm vibes, perfect for reading, floating, or eating snacks in the shade. Haena Beach is great for people-watching and surfer spotting, papaya eating.

Plus, there’s a little sea cave there that I walked about 10 feet into before getting the creeps and backing out. I got the picture, that’s all that matters.

Pregnancy Cravings and Where I Satisfied Them

Açaí Bowls & Shave Ice

The two food groups of any proper babymoon in Kauai.

• Aloha Juice Bar (Hanalei): Best açaí bowls ever. Packed with antioxidants and whatever else makes me feel like a wellness goddess. Totally doctor approved (as in, Google doctor).
• JoJo’s Shave Ice: Macadamia nut ice cream in the middle. Need I say more?

Kountry Kitchen (Kapaa)

I made my husband drive to Kapaa because my soul needed an omelet from Kountry Kitchen. Yes, the wait was long, and yes, it was 100% worth it. Big portions, delicious food, and the type of place where you can lean into “island time.”

Sushi Girl

We stumbled across Sushi Girl on our way to Hanalei Colony Resort. While my husband happily scarfed down a sushi burrito, I settled for tofu and passive-aggressive glances. If you’re pregnant and can’t eat raw fish, it’s a lesson in self-control. They’ve since relocated to Kapaa, but the burrito lives on.

Chicken In A Barrel

Texas girl here so I take BBQ seriously. But Chicken In A Barrel on Kauai? It surprised me in the best way. On our babymoon, it blew me away. Since then, we’ve returned, and it’s still good… but nothing hits quite like that first magical bite when you’re pregnant and ravenous.

Is a Babymoon in Kauai Worth It?

Absolutely. Kauai is the perfect place to connect before baby, take slow mornings, eat ridiculously good food, and breathe in that ocean air.

Even with my swollen feet and snack cravings, I felt more relaxed, more connected, and more myself than I had in weeks. It wasn’t about checking off bucket list items, it was about slowing down, soaking it in, and remembering who we were before diapers and night feeds reentered the chat.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Babymoon in Kauai

If you’re considering a babymoon in Kauai, take this as your sign to book the trip. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or perfectly planned. Sometimes, the best memories come from saying yes to the moment, eating the extra bowl of açaí, and booking the massage you didn’t think you needed.

Kauai is the perfect babymoon destination because it invites you to slow down. With lush landscapes, peaceful beaches, and fewer crowds than other Hawaiian islands, it’s easy to relax and reconnect before baby arrives. Whether you’re soaking in ocean views, enjoying a prenatal massage, or savoring shave ice in Hanalei, everything about Kauai is magic.

Babymoon in Kauai and create the kind of memories that stay with you, even through sleepless newborn nights and spit-up-filled days.

FAQs About a Babymoon in Kauai

Is Kauai good for a babymoon?
Yes! It’s quieter and less commercial than other Hawaiian islands, which makes it perfect for relaxing, connecting, and getting some much-needed rest.

Where should I stay in Kauai for a babymoon?
The North Shore (like Hanalei Colony Resort) is perfect if you want to escape crowds and unwind. South Shore (Poipu) offers more resort amenities if you prefer luxury and convenience. I have a more detailed article all about Where To Stay On Kauai, Hawaii.

Can I hike in Kauai while pregnant?
Yes, but choose wisely. Skip Hanakapiai Falls unless you’re extremely fit and up for a challenge. Opt for less strenuous trails like the Hoopii Falls Trail.

Are there babymoon-friendly activities in Kauai?
Beach days, prenatal massages, gentle yoga, scenic drives, sunset watching, and eating your weight in tropical fruit and shave ice.

When is the best time for a babymoon in Kauai?
Spring and fall tend to have the best mix of good weather and smaller crowds.