Ultimate Guide to Adventure in Kauai

Autumn Skies
If you are looking for an adventure on the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is sure to please. The rural parts of Kauai, the Garden Island, leave a lot to be explored. This is a guide to adventures on Kauai.

One of the many reasons people want to go to Kauai is to see the famous Na Pali coast. If you really want to experience Kauai and its natural beauty, why not take a kayak trip along the Na Pali Coast. This is a sixteen mile kayak trip starting at Ke'e Beach on the north shore and ending at Polihale Beach on the west coast. Kayaking the Na Pali coast is only recommended to folks that have experience kayaking; this is not for the beginner. Taking this trek is often called the Mount Everest of kayaking. You can make this trip on your own or with a guided tour. Currently, kayak tours of the Na Pali coast are given by Napali Kayak (808-826-6900) and Kayak Kauai (800-437-3507). Kayaking the Na Pali coast can only be done from June through August due to ocean conditions.

If kayaking is just not your thing, another way to see the Na Pali Coast is by hiking the Kalalau Trail. This is an eleven mile hike along the Na Pali Coast starting at Ke'e Beach and ending at Kalalau Beach. This hike can take a few day so you will need to camp to out to get to the coveted end. Permits are required to camp along the Kalalau Trail and can be obtained from the Division of Parks and Recreation (808-274-3444). This hike is a bit strenuous, but definitely rewarding with majestic views of the mountains, pounding surf and several waterfalls, ending at the isolated and pristine Kalalau Beach.

If you are a scuba diver looking for a diving adventure, try the dives off the island of Niihau. Several diving outfits offer three tank diving tours to the "Forbidden Island". Niihau is said to have the clearest and best diving in all of Hawaii. The island is in the rain shadow of Kauai so there are no permanent streams or runoffs, making the waters crystal clear. The waters are filled with tropical fish, caves, and arches. Dive shops that feature tours to Niihau include Bubbles Below (808-332-7333), Dive Kauai (808-822-0452), and Sea Sport Divers (808-742-9303).

The serious adventurer will certainly have much to do on the island of Kauai. It goes without saying, that those who seek adventure, go at their own risk, but will have experiences of a lifetime.

Published by Autumn Skies

I'm a Registered Dietitian with 10 years of clinical experience. I am also a freelance travel writer, who focuses on the Hawaiian Islands.  View profile

1 Comments

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  • Paula Wilson6/8/2010

    I have always wanted to visit Hawaii. Great work. I have subscribed to your content. I hope you will check out some of my work.

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