The Best Active Adventures for Exploring Kauai
Top tips to help you chose the right activities
The Hawaiian Island of Kauai is a perfect choice for an active vacation full of adventures. There are many activities to choose from while exploring Kauai, but if you are looking for fun energetic things to do that mix in exercise here are my top five choices:
Hike Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. It was created by the collapse of the volcano that formed Kauai. You can drive up and stop at the many vantage points and lookouts for views of striking cliffs and waterfalls. There are a wide variety of hikes (click here for a map), so you can find something suitable for all levels. Some of the hikes have fantastic canyon views and others have views of the Na Pali coast as long as it’s not too foggy for coastline views. I suggest getting there early because it is a popular destination, and it gets hot midday. Afterwards, grab lunch at Coconut Corner* and make sure to stop for a shave ice at Jo Jo’s in the town of Waimea.
Explore the Na Pali Coast By Boat
The Na Pali coast spans 15 spectacular miles along the northwest corner of Kauai and rises 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized with emerald cliffs, lush valleys, waterfalls, sea caves, and beautiful beaches. You can view the coast via helicopter tours, but I prefer seeing it by boat for a more active experience. We chose Na Pali Experience boat charters because they have smaller boats that can go in and out of sea caves; under waterfalls; and closer to the coastline. Plus, you don’t have to deal with a large, crowded boat. They offer snorkel equipment, and our captain took us to multiple spots for cooling off and swimming in the water. It can get choppy along the coastline so plan ahead: look at the marine forecast and take a non-drowsy Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness. It is worth the adventure.
Surf or Paddleboard Poipu Beach
The Poipu area of Kauai along the south shore is a great place to stay. This popular beach has a more shallow and protected area that’s great for swimming, an area for snorkeling on a reef, and in the summer, there is a wave break for surfing. It’s also quite common to sea large sea turtles lounging along the sandy shore. Nukumoi Surf Shop services the area with all sorts of beach rentals including surfboards and stand-up paddle boards; they even offer surf lessons. If you’re hungry after all the water sports stop by Koloa Fish Market for one of their amazingly fresh poke bowls.
Take an ATV Tour of Kipu Ranch
An ATV tour may not seem very active; however, ATVs afford you a way to see the private Kipu ranch with its lush green pastures. The off-road scenic eco-tour leads you through the tropical Huleia Valley and climbs from under the rainforest canopy with Mt. Haupu as a stunning backdrop. There are ample stops along the way to walk around and explore and even try out the famous rope swing from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The guides are very knowledgeable and show you various movie locations while also teaching about the landscape and pointing out notable botanical features. Kipu tours provides helmets, goggles, bandanas, and a delicious snack. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and don’t plan anything fancy afterwards because you’ll be grubby and in need of a shower. There are a million photo opportunities and if you don’t mind looking like GI Joe the guides are happy to take a group picture.
Hike the Poipu Shoreline
There are some great hikes along the Poipu shoreline. If you are looking for an easy and beautiful hike good for all ages, try the hike to Mahaulepu beach. This is part of the longer Koloa Heritage Trail if you are looking for something longer. The hike starts in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Park in the Shipwrecks Beach parking lot and head east to the trail head. It is a 4 mile out and back hike with amazing views of the rocky coastline.
Helpful Info:
- Villas at Poipu Kai – a convenient location near Poipu beach with large, updated kitchens and ample bedrooms for large groups. The units have lanais, a shared swimming pool and are an easy walk to Poipu beach.
- *Coconut Corner Restaurant – 9460 Kaumualii Hwy Waimea HI 96796
- It’s a long flight to Kauai especially from the east coast, but some airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, offer direct flights to Honolulu which lessens the travel time.
- Chaco’s sandals are great for easy hikes.
- Altra’s trail hikers are good for more serious hikes.
- Rash guards like the ones by Carve are a necessity.
If you are interested in my article about stand-up paddle boarding in San Juan, Puerto Rico click here, or perhaps you’d like to learn about renting a boat to explore Capri. Also, make sure to click “Subscribe” in the upper right hand corner so you don’t miss any of my posts.
