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The Na Pali CoastI remember reading somewhere that the Na Pali coast is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and the hike to Kalalau beach one of the best hikes in the world. After having hiking the 11 miles to the Na Pali coast to Kalalau beach, I am now in total agreement with the aforementioned statement.
There are several camping opportunities along the way. The first camping spot is at the river crossing 2 miles in (Ke'e Beach). Again, Do not swim here! You will drown. We recommend you camp here, if there is an opening, so that you can do the 4 mile round trip hike up the Hanakapi'ai Valley to see the waterfalls. We met several families that had children aging 5-10 so we are confident in saying this is a do-able hike for families with younger children. From Ke'e beach, you can hike in another 4 miles to another campsite before Hanakoa waterfalls (mile marker 6). A little afterwards, around marker 7 1/2 you will find the last real campsite before Kalalau beach. In Kalalua Beach, there are two recommended sites to camp. At the very begining of the beach (south side) and the very end (next to the waterfalls). Both places offer excellent campsites, although we recommend the one next to the waterfall since it has a great view and is next to fresh water.
As you hike, you will need to remember that the water must be treated before you drink it. If you don't have some kind of water purification system, then you must boil it for at least 5 minutes before drinking. You would also do well to use hiking sticks along the way. If you don't have hiking sticks, pick up a bamboo stick on Ke'e beach and use it, you will be thankful you brought it along. You should also keep your eyes on your kids as you hike in the narrow areas of the trail, as it can get really dangerous and slippery. Once you reach Kalalau Beach, you should strongly consider staying for at least 2 nights, so you can get the full effect of the place. There is so much to see and do while here, including using the surf boards and boogie boards that surfers leave behind (just return when you are done). 
You can do a lot of exploring around the beach and up into the valley on the south side of the beach. You will find a ton of old mangroves, guava trees and limes that used to be cultivated by Hawaiians, but now are left alone to populate the Na Pali coastline. You can follow the river up the valley and find several swimming pools and minor waterfalls as well. If the tide is low, you can get around the north point of the beach into some caves that have been hollowed out by the surf. Again, be careful, if the surf is about to come in, don't even think about going out here, especially with kids.
Although it may be tough for families to hike along the Na Pali coast, we highly recommend it, because it will be a hike your entire family will never forget.
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To get to the beginining of the trail, you will need to drive north on the highway (there is only one on Kauai) past Princeville, until the road ends. At the end you will see parking where you can park your vehicle and begin your Na Pali coastal hike. If you plan to incorporate this into your family vacation getaway, then we suggest you bring along plenty of water, hiking sticks and be ready to carry your kids, if they are small. The hike is strenuous if you plan to do the whole thing, but most people cannot, because they haven't gotten a permit first. You can, however, hike in the first 2 miles to the first major river crossing and get some awesome pictures here. Keep your kids out of the water here, however, since it is very dangerous surf and will quickly become fatal.
Along the Na Pali coast, you will find a lot of fresh fruit that may or may not be in season. March and April seem to be one of the best times to get the freshest fruit. You can expect to find guavas, limes, oranges, and mangoes along the way. You can also expect to see a lot of wild goats and maybe the occasional wild pig. There are no predators on the island which makes it real nice for peace of mind and not having to hide your food away.
