Kauai has served as a playground for the rich and perhaps not so famous, as a backdrop for Hollywood big-screen events and as a paradise for those seeking active adventure in the great outdoors. The emerald green rainforests and countless waterfalls encourage exploration of the island's back country. Clear seas brimming with marine life entices snorkelers and divers to hit the water. Find your special adventure on the island of Kauai.
Fly Fishing
Hawaii is known for its record-breaking Pacific marlin deep sea fishing. On the island of Kauai, anglers have the choice to go after rainbow trout in the back streams of Kokee State Park. The three streams Koaie, Kawaikoi and Kauikinana are hidden deep within the rainforest and are accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles or on foot. Fly fishing on Kauai also gives you the chance to do some wilderness camping. Suggested campsites are at Kawaikoi and Sugi Grove, both a short walk from Kawiakoi Stream. This is real back-to-nature camping, so be sure you bring in water, food and all the supplies needed. Pack a frying pan and make an evening meal of some fresh-caught trout. A license is required to catch freshwater fish in Kauai.
Kayaking
Choose from paddling the calm waters of the Wailua River or get out on the open ocean as you thread your kayak around the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. On the Wailua River trip, paddle to the Fern Grotto, a natural sound amphitheatre, to hear Hawaiian songs and chants in a rainforest setting. The Na Pali Coast tours take you from the calm waters of Hanalei Bay into the blue Pacific. Paddle past jagged emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls and hidden sea caves. You may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, a rare monk seal and, during the winter months perhaps a whale or two. Stop for lunch and a swim on a secluded beach. The all-day ocean kayaking tours require some previous experience and good physical conditioning.
Backpacking
If this is your first time hiking Kauai's back country, you might consider joining a tour group, particularly if you are going to tackle the Na Pali Coast Trail. This moderate-to-strenuous trail is 11 miles long, often wet and sometimes a bit steep. It will take you to some of the most secluded pocket beaches and interesting sea caves on the island. To actually enjoy yourself, allow three days to make the round trip. One-night camping is permitted at Hanakoa Valley, at the halfway part of the journey. The trail ends at the Kalalau Valley, where camping spots can be found on the beach or in the forest. A permit is required to hike the trail and to camp at Kalalau.
Snorkeling
Get out in the water and discover some of Kauai's underwater treasures. Poipu Beach County Park, on Kauai's sunny southern coast is a family-friendly snorkeling location. Young children and beginning swimmers of all ages take to the gently sloping swimming beach, protected by a lava outcrop. A sand bar divides this beach area from the open ocean. If you follow along the right-hand side of the sandbar, you can explore the offshore reefs. Anini Beach County Park, on Kauai's North Shore, is a three-mile-long swimming beach that is protected from the open ocean by a reef that extends along the entire shoreline. The water on the beach side of the reef is only four to five feet deep and is perfect for beginning snorkelers. Follow the gap on the northern end of the reef to get to deeper waters, often frequented by scuba divers.
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Biking
Rent a bike and take to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail, a four-mile pathway that leads from Ahihi Point in Kealia to Kapaa's Lihi Boat Ramp on the eastern shore of Kauai. Along the way cycle through Lydgate Park, a two-mile section that offers ocean views and picnic spots along the way. The trail is mostly flat and is perfect for beginning riders and families with small children. If you want more of a challenge, join a downhill biking excursion from the lofty heights of Waimea Canyon to sea level, a 3,600-foot drop.
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