Kauai Sports Travel Tips by venteeocho

Theme: Beach Activities

kauai is the perfect destination for today'saventure traveler.
for leisurely river kayak rides ,
scuba diding and ocean sailing,
to horseback riding,
hiking or biking


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hiking

About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot. Of course, before you set out you'll need to know where you're going.

Write to the Hawaii Geographic Society, P.O. Box 1698, Honolulu, HI 96806, and ask for their information packet. A good book on the subject, Hawaiian Hiking Trails, by Craig Chisholm, offers trail descriptions by someone who has been there. You can also contact the Sierra Club, Kauai Group at http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Kauai/kauai.html. Any of the above will prove helpful to your planning.

Good maps are also necessary. The University of Hawaii Press Reference Map of Kauai is available from the Hawaii Geographic Society and at bookstores on Kauai. Maps may also be obtained from the State Division of Forestry, P.O. Box 1671, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766.

Three of Kauai's best trails:

The Kukui Trail
This 5-mile (round trip) trail drops 2,000 feet into spectacular Waimea Canyon, and offers the shortest route to the canyon floor. There's a large swimming hole at the bottom. The trail begins off the Iliau Loop Trail.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail
This 4.2-mile (round trip) hike offers dramatic views of small waterfalls and a wealth of flora. The trailhead is about a mile beyond the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station on Route 580.

The Kalalau Trail
This is the original Hawaiian trail into Kalalau Valley, and offers dramatic views of Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach. It begins at Kee Beach where Highway 56 ends. Two miles inland is Hanakapiai Falls, which cascades 300 feet to a pool below. The trail travels on to Kalalau Valley, and many hikers camp overnight at Hanakapiai and before continuing on the next day. The entire trip is best made by experienced hikers.

Equipment: The most difficult thing about a visit to Kauai - besides getting on the plane to return home - is knowing where to start once you get here. Opportunities for fun are virtually endless. So, what do you want to do first? You might start by checking out the various outdoor sports and other activities that are available on the island.

Leave a Comment