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 FERN GROTTO is a beautiful fern
covered cavern located near Wailua, on the East side of the island. It's located in a
tranquil rainforest that you can either kayak or take a relaxing river boat to. The river
boat option requires no prior reservations and includes entertainment of onboard hula
dancing with Hawaiian music while you enjoy the spectacular views. The 1-1/2 hour cruise
runs 9am-11:30am and 12:30pm-3pm. The river boats leave out of the Wailua Marina State
Park. River boat ride is $16 per adult and $8 per child under 12. Look for signs to
direct you to the entrance.
 GUAVA KAI PLANTATION allows you to stroll through guava orchards, enjoy nature, and taste-test
juice and jams made from guavas. Informative video on the processing of guavas is shown.
No charge for self guided tours of the plantation. Tours of the plant are offered
Monday-Friday based upon plant availability, $1. Located on very close to the
Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge on the opposite side of Highway 56 in Kilauea. From Highway
56 turn take Kuawa Road to the end. Call 808 828-6121 for more information.
 The HAWAIIAN CULTURE PROGRAM at the Hyatt Regency Kauai offers archaeology and dune walks, hula
lessons, lei making, and ukulele lessons. Open to guests and visitors of the hotel for no
charge. Different events happen on each day so check with your hotel activity desk for
more information or call the Hyatt Regency Kauai at 808 742-1234.
 HIKE HAWAII- Discover
hidden Hawaii by walking through a rain forest, or to a waterfall, or through a canyon.
Always bring water on your hikes to prevent dehydration. Other items handy to have are a
snacks, camera, sunscreen, bug repellant, and a whistle in case you get lost. Trails may
be slippery due to mud so wear appropriate hiking shoes. Please make certain your hiking
shoes are free of foreign seeds, The spread of unwelcome, introduced plant species can
destroy Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem. It’s a good idea to leave a note in your
room explaining how many people are hiking, where, and when you expect to return in case
there is an accident. Please do not litter your trash or cigarette butts anywhere
while in Hawaii. Mahalo!
The trail head
for KALALAU TRAIL begins at Kee Beach, on the North side of the island. This is a very
challenging 22 mile adventure that follows a path used by ancient Hawaiians. You will
enjoy breathtaking views of the steep Na Pali cliffs, see remnants of taro patches
and farms abandoned in the 1920's, and cascading waterfalls. The currents in the ocean
waters in this area is very strong so beach swimming is unsafe. This is recommended as a
2-3 day adventure with an estimated hike time of 18 hours round trip. Camping permits must
be obtained on a weekday at the Division of State Parks in Lihue.
Another
challenging NA PALI HIKE is to Hanakapiai Falls. This trail branches off from the Kalalau Trail about 2 miles in. There
is a large sign shortly after crossing Hanakapiai Stream directing you to the falls. You
will pass the remnants of an old coffee mill that used the stream to power the mill. If
you are lucky the guava and mango trees will be fruiting, which makes a refreshing snack!
You will pass several small waterfalls and pools before you reach the main waterfall. The
pool is broad and deep and is excellent to swim in. If you would like to camp in this area
a permit is required. Camping permits must be obtained on a weekday at the Division of
State Parks in Lihue. The current in the ocean waters in this area is very strong so beach
swimming is unsafe. This trail is 7 miles round trip and takes 5-6 hours to complete.
The Pihea Trail to the ALAKA'I SWAMP offers a very special Hawaii experience
with fantastic views of Waipio Canyon and an intimate encounter with a very unique
ecosystem. The Alakai’i Swamp is located near the wettest place in the world, Mt.Waialeale, receiving an estimated 480 inches of rain per
year. The drenching rain has created Alakai’i Swamp which is the highest swamp in the
world. Some of the unique animals, plants, and trees of Alakai’i Swamp are only found
in this one place in Hawaii. There are board walks in some places along the swamp trail
but in some areas it is very rainy, foggy, wet, and muddy. This can be a very dangerous
hike due to the slippery mud. Wear hiking boots or old sneakers and act cautiously. Hiking
Directions: The trail begins on the remains of a road along a Kauaian razor ridge
line. As you start your adventure take in the breathtaking view of the Na Pali coastline.
The trail follows the ridge line for more than a mile. The trail eventually breaks from
the ridge and begins to descend into the swamp. After about a mile the trail has a
boardwalk which makes the hike a bit easier. Less than a half mile after the beginning of
boardwalk is the Alaka'i Swamp junction. This is 1.75 miles from the trail head and if you
are looking to do less than a 4 mile hike it is a good place to turn back. For the
adventurous, the Pihea lookout is two more miles along the Pihea trail. If you take a left
at the junction the trail will take you 2-3 miles into the the swamp. It is important that
you stay on the marked trail so you don’t get hurt where you wont be found and so you
do not damage the fragile ecosystem of the swamp. Be sure to clean your hiking shoes
before your hike so you do not introduce foreign species. Driving Directions: Directions: Take highway 50 and just past the 23 mile mark turn
towards the mountains onto Waimea Canyon Road and drive to the very end of the road. The trail begins at the
end of Waimea Canyon Road.
On
the hike to WAIPO'O FALLS you will see amazing views of
Waimea Canyon on your way to two beautiful waterfalls. Just before the falls is an
intersection with paths leading to the two waterfalls. Waterfall #1 is small but you can
swim in its' cool refreshing pool. The path to waterfall #2 takes to the top of the 800
foot fall. This adventure is moderately strenuous which takes 2-3 hours round trip.
Directions: Take highway 50 and just past the 23 mile mark turn towards the mountains onto
Waimea Canyon Road and park between the 14 and 15 mile marker. It is less than a mile down
the road to the trail head.
The WAIMEA CANYON HIKE will give
you an amazing view down the length of the canyon all the way to the sea. There are many
varieties of flora and fauna found along this trail. Koa, Ohia, passion flower, kukui, and
hala trees as well as blackberry bushes are some of the most common. You will also pass a
small waterfall pool surrounded by beautifully fragrant ginger flowers almost a mile into
the hike. To get to the trail head, start at the Kokee State Park headquarters. Go
1.3miles back down highway 550 towards Waimea to the park entrance sign that reads
"Kokee State Park". Just below the sign on the canyon side of the road is the
turnoff. At the turnoff you will notice a paved driveway, it leads to a NASA facility.
Follow the dirt road down to the end about .8-mile to the trailhead. If the dirt road is
muddy, you will not be able to drive on it. In that case park on the main road and walk
the .8-mile to the trailhead. About 50 yards from the trail head the trail splits and
becomes Canyon Trail and Cliff Trail, stay on the Canyon Trail. Keep your eye out for rare
birds and mountain goats. This trail is 4.8 miles round trip and takes about 4 hours to
complete. This trail is best to do in the morning. As the sun warms up the canyon a fog of
clouds develops and obstructs the incredible views.
 Each Tuesday at 10am the KAUAI MUSEUM offers a free informative tour with
admission. Docents provide interpretation of Kauai and Niihau culture as they lead tours
through the Museum's Galleries. Call: (808) 245-6931 for more information. Kauai Museum is
located at 4428 Rice St. in Lihue.
Kilauea Light House |
View From Kileauea Wildlife Refuge |
 KILAUEA POINT WILDLIFE REFUGE is the home to frigate birds, red-footed boobys, white and red
tail tropic birds, shearwaters, and Laysan albatross. The lighthouse on the point has the
world’s largest clamshell lens. Open daily but call 808 828-0168 for more information
and hours open. It is located in Kilauea; turn off Highway 53 near mile marker 23. Take
Kolo Road to Kilauea Road.
 The
picturesque GREEN SAND
BEACH of LUMAHAI BEACH is a great place to stop
for a photo. The green sand is water worn olivine created in former volcanic activity.
This is where Mitzi Gaynor sang " I'm gonna wash that man right out of her hair"
in the movie South Pacific. Due to extremely rough currents this is not a place to go
swimming. Located on highway 56 on the North side of the island not too far
past Hanalei Bay.
 LIMAHULI GARDEN was recently named
the nations National Botanical Garden of the Year. You can explore the 17 acres of gardens
and rainforest on your own, or take a guided tour. They are open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday
and are are located in Haena State Park at the end of Highway 56 on the North side
of the island. Call 808 826-1053 for more information and tour
reservations. Open 9:30am-4pm daily, $15 for a guide tour or $10 for a self guided tour.
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
has 100-acres of beautiful plants, statues, and waterways. It is arranged to create
outdoor rooms to walk through. Guided 1 mile walking tours are available Tuesday-Saturday,
$25 per person. Located on the South side of the island. Call 808 332-7361 for recorded
information or 808 742-2623 for guided tour reservations.
 MENEHUNES are small elf like people that legends say inhabited the islands prior to
the arrival of the Marquesans and Tahitians. Kauai is usually considered the home of
the Menehune. Kauai's folk lore is filled with stories of Menehune's unbelievable feats,
each project only taking one night to complete. They are credited with building mysterious
irrigation ditches, fish ponds, and temples found around the island. Menehune's were
believed to be joyful, noisy, little people with big eyes and faces. Legends say that long
ago there were thousands of them on the island, but when the Tahitians arrived the King of
the Menehune worried that his people might marry into this new alien race. He ordered all
of his people to leave Kauai, and if they were seen by a Tahitian they would be turned to
stone. Archaeologists were able to date the construction of the irrigation ditches,
fish ponds, and temples found around the island to pre-Tahitian arrival but have found no
other evidence to who actually constructed them. It is still a mystery. Some islanders
still believe the Menehune's live in the remote valleys of Kauai.
MENEHUNE DITCH
is a smooth-lined watercourse still functioning as part of the Kakaha-Waimea
plantation ditch system. Archeologists are puzzled on who constructed this ditch because
the engineering style used to construct the ditch, wall, and tunnel was not practiced by
Hawaiians. Legends say it was constructed in one night by Menehunes. Located on the South
side of the island off Highway 50 on Menehune Road. It is about 1 mile up the road. You
will see a hanging swing bridge over the ditch.
The
MENEHUNE FISHPOND is still used today to raise mullet. It is located at the bulge
where the Nawiliwili Stream flows into the Nawiliwili Bay. A stone wall more than 900 feet
long forms the fishpond. Legends tell of how the pond was built in one night by Menehunes.
It is located on the South side of the island. There is a lookout on Hulemalu Road that
gives a great view of the pond. To get to the lookout take Highway 51 to the end.
You will end up on Nawiliwili Road. Turn left shortly after at Wilcox Road. When the road
starts to fork go right, it will merge with Hulemalu Road. Go left on Hulemalu Road and
the lookout and information sign will be on the left.
Waikanaloa Wet Cave
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Manini-holo Dry Cave
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 MANINI-HOLO DRY CAVE
is legend to have been created by Manini-holo who was the chief fisherman for the mythical
Menehune. He along with other Menehune dug the cave while searching for supernatural
beasts called akua who were stealing their fish. The dry cave is easily accessible located
across the street from Ha'ena Beach Park on the north side of the island along Highway
560.
WAIKANALOA
WET CAVES are legend to have been created by the fire
goddess Pele for her lover but left when they became filled with water. There is a
freshwater pool that is inside the cave. You can swim in the pool but it the water is very
cold. There
is a separate chamber in the cave called the "Blue Room" where light filtered
through the fresh water turns everything blue. To get to the Blue Room one must swim in
the cold cave water to the back of the cave and enter a triangular opening. Once though
the triangular passage it is about a 10 foot swim to the left before you enter the Blue
Room chamber. The chamber is about 6 feet over head and 8 feet in diameter. There is not
much to hold onto so you should be able to tread water well to do this adventure. The
fresh water in the cave empties underground into the nearby ocean and is affected by the
tides. Low tide lets in a lot of light so the color is muted but during High tide the room
glows blue. These caves are easily accessible located nearly at the end of the
North Shore's Highway 560, it can be seen right next to the road. To
get to the wet cave park at the ocean side lot of highway 560 about 2/10 mile before the
end of the road at Ke’e. Right before you reach the cave, you will cross
Limahuli Stream which flows right over the road. Waikanaloa Cave will be immediately on
your left, towards the mountain. There
is a short trail to the Waikanaloa wet cave. Please note that any freshwater may contain
bacteria and should not be entered if you have open sores.
 NIIHAU is the small island
across the Kaulakohi Channel off Kauai’s west coast. The island is 18 miles long and
6 mile wide. It is owned by the Robinson Family which are direct descendants of the
Sinclair family who bought the island from King Kamehameha V. Only 250 people presently
populate the island and unique dialect of Hawaiian is spoken almost exclusively. All
residents work for the Robinson's’ by running the cattle and sheep ranch, making
charcoal from Kiawe (mesquite) trees, gathering honey, and making leis from rare Niihau
shells. Life is very simple here, there are no guns, no liquor, no jail, no telephones, no
sewers, and no electricity. Entry without permission is not permitted.
NIIHAU HELICOPTER AND BEACH ADVENTURE: The owners of the island of Niihau are offering unique ways to
experience this remote island. One way is a half day excursion that picks you up in a
helicopter at the airport on Kauai, provides you a narrated air tour of the island of
Niihau, then the helicopter lands on a deserted Niihau beach where you can enjoy several
hours of snorkeling, swimming, and beach combing. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Call Niihau Safaris Inc. at 1-877-441-3500 for more information, rates,
and reservations.
NIIHAU HUNTING ADVENTURE: The other way
to experience Niihau is on a hunting adventure. The island of Niihau has feral pigs and
goats that were originally introduced in 1864 when the first owners purchased the island.
Only recently has hunting been permitted on Niihau to try and control the population
because it has grown to a point where their digging and eating of vegetation is causing
erosion damage to the island. The hunting adventure is operated by the owners of the
island of Niihau and includes pick up in a helicopter at the airport on Kauai and
transportation to Niihau, one Polynesian boar, one hybrid sheep, transportation on Niihau,
one guide, packing and skinning of animals, lunch, snacks, and soft drinks. There are
rates for hunters and observers. Call Niihau Safaris Inc. at 1-877-441-3500 for more
information, rates, and reservations.
 On the NORTH SHORE/HANALEI area there are lush valleys, picturesque coastline, and a beautiful
mountain range. A scenic stop in this area is the Hanalei Valley Lookout. It gives a
panoramic view of taro wetlands with a background of purple fluted mountains. This is the
spot that inspired the song "Puff the Magic Dragon".
 The ruins of a RUSSIAN
FORT built in 1815 can still be seen on the
South side of the island. A ambitious German, Anton Shaeffer, tricked the young king of
Kauai into allowing him to build the fort in the name of Russia. Shaeffer advised the King
he would be able to protect Kauai from invasion from Kamehameha the Great, who was trying
to unify the islands. The fort had 38 cannons, flew the flag of Russia, and was named
Elizabeth after the Czar of Russia. In 1817 the king of Kauai learned Shaeffer was an
imposter and did not represent Russia. An angry mob of islanders drove Shaeffer from the
island. The fort is located on the ocean side of the Highway 50 not far from the
road that leads up to Waipio Valley, Highway 552.
 When
driving in KAPAA on Kuhio Highway 56 keep an eye out for the SLEEPING
GIANT. Nounou Mountain looks like a profile of a
slumbering giant. According to legend, the giant laid down to rest near the banks of the
Wailua River. Villagers tried to wake him by throwing rocks into his mouth, which choked
him to death.
SPOUTING HORN is
a lava tube that howls and spouts out bursts of water as the waves crash. Legends
say a mo'o, or lizard, swam from Niihau to Kauai, crying from the loss of his two
sisters. Unable to see through his tears and ended up trapped in the blowhole. The moans
coming from the lava tube are believed to be the sorrowful cries of the stranded mo'o.
Located in Poipu, on the South side of the island. Take Poipu Road to the Poipu/Lawai sign
and turn right towards Lawai. It is at the end of Lawai Road. There is a visitors center
for the National Tropical Botanical Garden at the Spouting Horn.
 STARS
AND STRIPES TOUR is ideal for WWII history buffs who
are not staying on the island of Oahu. The tour includes round trip airfare between Kauai
and Oahu, a visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a Guided Tour of the USS
Missouri Battleship, a Guided Tour of the Punchbowl National Memorial, and a Drive Through
Historic Downtown Honolulu. $45 per adult, $34 per child- including transportation from
the Honolulu International Airport. The flight from the Kahului Airport on Kauai departs
at 6:15am and the return is approximately 7pm. $199 per adult, $189 per child. For
more information or reservations call Roberts Hawaii Tours at 808 831-5541.
 There is a TREE TUNNEL made of eucalyptus trees along the road from Koloa and Poipu. It was
created when over 500 trees were donated to the city. The community pitched in and
helped plant the trees. Today the mature trees line over a mile of roadway filling the air
with it's spicy fragrance. Located on Highway 520, Maluhia Road, on the South side of the
island.
 KIPU FALLS & POOL is a
little known waterfall where you can swim in it's cool refreshing pool. If you go on a
weekday there is usually no one there but it is a popular swimming hole for locals on the
weekends. There is a rope swing and a latter that you can climb to the top of the falls.
Directions: Turn onto Kipu Road across from the 3 mile mark on Highway 50. Turn left onto
the dirt road just before the bridge on Kipu Road. Park outside the gate. You should see
the path leading down to the falls on the right. It is just a 5 minute walk to the falls. Be
aware that all naturally existing water sources can contain Leptospirosis or other
micro-organisms so be cautious if you have open skin cuts.
KALIHIWAI FALLS is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the roadside.
Directions: Head north towards Kilauea on Highway 56. The first Kalihiwai Road leads past
an unnamed waterfall just before mile marker 25. There is a place to pull over just past
mile marker 25. Get out and walk out on the bride walkway and look towards the mountain
for a breath taking view of Kalihiwai Falls.
WAILUA FALLS is the double falls featured on TV's Fantasy Island. It is easily
accessible. Located on the East side of the island just outside Hanamaulu on Highway
583.
Opaekaa Falls
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Wailua Falls
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In
Wailua turn off Highway 56 to junction 580, Kuamoo Road, and drive to several scenic
overlooks. On your left is the river region stop to read about the areas history. Drive
further and park on the right for a stop at OPAEKAA
FALLS lookout at Wailua River’s north fork.
Located on the East side of the island.
After a heavy rain the WAIPO'O FALLS can be seen from
the Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout in Waimea Canyon. Best time for sightings of this falls is in the
winter. Directions: Take highway 50 and just past the 23 mile mark turn towards the
mountains onto Waimea Canyon Road and take this road until you come to the Pu'u Ka Pele
Lookout.
 Amazing panoramic
views at WAIMEA CANYON, known as the Grand Canyon of the
Pacific, at Koke’e State Park and Pu’u
Kila Lookout. The best views of the canyon are in the morning. As the sun warms up the
valley gets cloudy and obstructs the view. The high elevation makes it very chilly, bring
warm clothing to put on. Located on the west side of the island. Take highway 50 to
highway 550. Koke'e State Park & Pu'u Lila Lookout is located at the end of
highway 550.
 PLEASE
NOTE: Prices for island activities featured within our
site are NOT guaranteed. Since we are not
affiliated with any of the activity providers we are not notified if services or prices
change. You will need to contact the activity
provider directly for a current price quote and for availability information.
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