Things to do / Travel Guide
Mention “Hawaii” and people think of a lush, green, tropical paradise; waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs straight into the ocean, and remote beaches backed by dense jungle. That's Kauai. If you teach a little kid what the color “green” is while on this Pacific isle region, the rest of his life will be a permanent letdown. Same with “epic,” and the phrase “natural beauty.” Indeed, from the scores of rivers headed by Wailua River and Hanalei River, to the island's four state parks of Na Pali Coast, Kokee, Waimea Canyon, and Wailua River, to the mile upon mile of coastline, there's no end to your choices on Kauai for outdoors recreation and fun. There's a tremendous amount of rainfall on this island, but if you plan your itinerary right, you'll pat yourself on the back for the rest of your life for vacationing here.
Land-based Activities in Kauai
Kauai is eminently hike-able, trails appearing along every crevasse and numbering almost as many as the island's rivers. There are a few must-treads though, beginning with any in the inimitable Waimea Canyon. Hiking this 10-mile, 3,500-foot-deep wonder, you're only thought will be, “wow!” The whole island was formed by volcanic activity, and there's no better place to see this than in the canyon.
Everywhere you walk or hike on the island region of Kauai, certainly including Waimea Canyon, you'll be treated to a visual feast of Hawaii's indigenous plants, trees, and birds. You'll see the ohia and lehua trees, which, with their silvery-green leaves and bright red pompon flowers, can reach heights of up to 100 feet. The proud koa tree reigns on Kauai, with its superior height and prized reddish wood. No matter where you are on the island you'll see these trees, as well as other unique foliage and wildlife, making any stay on Kauai a naturalist's delight.
Very different from Waimea, but no less beautiful, is Na Pali's Kalalau Valley, your number-one stop for catching waterfalls cascading onto the valley floor. Stand at the back-end of the valley for a moving view of the ocean, several miles in the distance.
Another way to scope out new vistas is on a mountain bike. There's a relatively easy bike trail heading down along Waimea Canyon, and another, more intermediate trail, contouring Kalalau. Nearby the latter, the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails provide an epic loop of Na Pali Coast. Most places the trail is of the same red dirt that makes all the ridges in the canyons and valleys practically look painted.
A different way to take an outdoors timeout is a round on Kauai's golf courses. Or maybe not a timeout, considering the power of these bad boys. Princeville's Prince Course is considered Hawaii's best, while Poipu Bay Golf Resort is home to none other than the PGA's Grand Slam of Golf tournament.
Water Activities in Kauai
Obviously, Kauai is blessed with a large amount of beaches, some of which are hailed as among the best in the United States. There are enough of them on the island for you to choose either a popular one or one secluded, but either way, the white sand and the blue effervescent water are every bit what you've always expected from Hawaii. And if you're into surfing, head to Hanalei Bay for experts, or Poipu Beach for beginners.
For more inspiration, dive into Kauai's sparkling waters. There, you'll witness an amazing undersea field of pinnacles, caves, caverns, lava ridges, and archways, all formed by molten lava rapidly cooling after making contact with the ocean. The coral is also a big draw, and the warm tropical water teems with marine life, creating a rainbow of colors for you to enjoy.
You'll be able to find diving outfitters and diving locations throughout the island, though the northern and southern shores are the most popular. There's stuff for beginners and experts, as well as for everyone in between. You'll have your work cut out for you choosing between this lagoon, that reef, those bluffs - no worry, this effort is purely for pleasure!
There's another view from which the splendor of Kauai can be drawn in, and that's from a kayak on the waters of the vast Pacific Ocean. Making your way down, the many narrow volcanic ridges of Na Pali coast come into perspective for a maddening view of color and texture. Kayak into sea caves (weather and surf conditions permitting) accompanied by sea turtles, dolphins, and, occasionally, even a rare monk seal.
Inland, both the Wailua River and the Hanalei River yield spectacular views of magnificent waterfalls, lush green mountains, sparkling ocean waters, and beautiful beaches. You can paddle deep into the heart of the island, all the way to the shadow of Mt. Waialeale, the island's physical and organic center. This peak, by the way, gets more rainfall than any other place on earth!
No trip to Kauai would be complete without a fishing excursion or two. Fishing off the isle is nothing short of miraculous, due in part to the very deep waters just off the beaches. Everything from big game sport fishing to deep-sea sport fishing to fishing charters is available on Kauai, and you'll potentially hook such prizes as mahi-mahi, marlin, ahi, and ono, among others.
Kauai from Above
For the most adventurous, Kauai offers some great way to get up in the air- zip lining for instance. You can soar through the lush forest canopy high above Kauai waterfalls and rivers, attaining speeds of up to 35 miles per hour! Or try kite surfing, which is fast gaining worldwide prominence. Best yet, and for hands-down the best view of the island, try skydiving from 10,000 feet, reaching a terminal velocity of 120 mph as you hurtle to the earth.
Out of the ocean exploded this island-region loaded with awesome recreational jewels. No matter how you enjoy the tropical paradise of Kauai, there's no doubt that you will leave a different person.
Outdoor Recreation in Hawaiian Island of Kauai
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
Shipwreck Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse
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