The oldest Hawaiian island, Kauai, is also the least frequented in the archipelago. The Garden Isle, which is overshadowed by famous Oahu and Maui, rewards visitors who go off the beaten path with a beautiful environment rich in animals, natural marvels, hidden beaches, and waterfalls aplenty. It's possible that the location is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.
But Kauai's beauty isn't just on the surface; it penetrates deep into your spirit. Something about the wild mountains and rough beaches makes you desire a bit (or a lot!) more adventure from your Hawaiian trip. You'll feel compelled to explore, to challenge your body and intellect, and to feel energised.
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Fortunately, travellers to Kauai have a plethora of exciting things to choose from. You might fill a month's schedule with adventures and yet leave Kauai yearning for more.
Eat your heart out, thrill-seekers: Here are seven exciting activities to do in Kauai.
1. Go on a Helicopter Ride
Because many of Kauai's most spectacular sights are unreachable by car, every vacation to this Hawaiian island should start with a helicopter tour. A bird's-eye perspective of the island will make you realise exactly how lush and varied this pristine paradise really is.
Maverick Helicopters, an award-winning aviation business, extended its service to Kauai's Port Allen Airport in August 2018, and currently offers tourists tours of the island. The Kauai Explorer trip will take you all around Kauai, offering you the chance to visit the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon, two of the island's most renowned natural features. The 50-minute flight will also take you through Manawaiopuna Falls and the Hanapepe Valley, which were both featured in the Jurassic Park film. For visitors on a limited time or on a budget, Maverick's Kauai Discovery trip is a fantastic choice. The 25-minute trip highlights the natural wonders of Western Kauai, such as Waimea Canyon and the Napali-Kona Forest Reserve.
2. Learn To Surf at Kauai Surf School
Surfing is a Hawaiian heritage, and Kauai has some of the state's finest surf locations. Take a surfing lesson at the Kauai Surf School if you've never surfed before. The facility, which is located on Poipu Beach, has been teaching residents and tourists how to hang 10 for the last 20 years. Small groups of novices may take 90-minute surfing classes at Kauai Surf School, which begin on the sand and rapidly progress to the water. The teachers are kind and encouraging, and it is their goal to make you feel secure and confident on the board. After you've mastered the art of riding the waves, you may return to one of Kauai Surf School's three-day surf clinics to fine-tune your technique.
See also: The Best Natural Attractions In Kauai
3. Waimea Canyon Hike
Waimea Canyon, at ten miles long, one mile broad, and up to 3,600 feet deep, has earned the moniker "Pacific Grand Canyon." Waimea Canyon's walls are striped with hues of brown and red, much like the Grand Canyon's canyon walls, providing for some serious visual candy. Take it all in from one of the three authorised observation points on Highway 550 in Waimea Canyon.
Then hike it to get a closer look at Kauai's geological marvel. Around Waimea Canyon, there are around a dozen hiking routes, the most of which are moderate to tough. The most popular trail, Canyon Trail, takes you on a beautiful 3.4-mile round-trip trek to the Kumuweka Lookout, where you can have a picnic and take in postcard-worthy vistas.
4. Take a tour of the Napali Coast by boat
Sure, you could walk the 11-mile Kalalau Trail (ranked 9 out of 10 by the Sierra Club) along the Napali Coast, but you can have just as much fun — without the effort — viewing this renowned area of Kauai by boat.
On 24-foot solid hull rafts, Capt. Andy conducts excursions along the Napali Coast. The exciting rides will take you through the jagged green cliffs, lava rock caverns, and unspoilt coastline of Napali. You'll also get the opportunity to snorkel at a secluded beach and see the remains of an old hamlet. You will be elated with the entire experience.
See also: Things To Do In Kauai
5. Take a Zip Line Ride
Aerial tours of Kauai aren't the only option to see the island from above; you can also see it from above on a zip-line trip. Princeville Ranch has nine zip lines that will take you over the edge of a beautiful valley and over the treetops to give you some spectacular mountain vistas. However, don't put all your bravery into the first few rides. The last double zip line (called "King Kong") requires you to leap from a 30-foot tower and soar 1,200 feet over a fern-filled valley. Your trip will involve an hour of splashing about in a hidden rainforest swimming hole, in addition to zip lines.
6. Take a detour off the beaten path
Imagine kicking up dust and putting your foot to the metal on Kauai's gravel roads (all while taking in the scenery!). When you book an off-roading trip with Kauai ATV, you'll receive just that. Some of Kauai's most experienced adventure leaders will accompany you on a 23-mile route through farmlands, tropical woods, and even a secret tunnel for 3 to 4 hours. You'll witness panoramic views and even some famous movie locations along the route. When you start to sweat, you'll go straight for a waterfall to cool down and wash the dirt off your body. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
See also: The Best Luxury Hotels In Kauai
7. Scuba Diving in the Dark
Some of Kauai's most interesting experiences take place beneath the water, rather than on land. The island has an amazing number of diving spots that are suitable for both novice and expert divers. On night dives with the Kauai Down Under Dive Team, certified divers may see what marine life looks like after dark. The adventure begins with a site introduction and an in-depth explanation of marine biology. Then you'll dive up to 40 feet under the surface with a brilliant underwater light in search of sleeping turtles, octopuses, eels, and other animals. The 45-minute night dive will let you appreciate Kauai's aquatic life in a whole new way. Don't worry if you don't have your diving certification yet; the Kauai Down Under Dive Team provides a range of diving classes to help you obtain your certification.
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