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Kauai

Fern Grotto

One of the Kauai activities that is a must is the Fern Grotto River Cruise: Experience the Wailua River as it winds its way through dense tropical growth and by settings reminiscent of centuries gone by. Learn about the fascinating legends of the area and family members entertain with Hawaiian songs, old & new. In this beautiful, tropical jungle setting, nature has formed a natural amphitheatre with acoustics that are remarkable

 

4 Wheel Drive/Hiking Adventure

Journey to the heart of Kauai on a guided four-wheel drive and hiking adventure to the base of Mt. Waialeale – the wettest spot on earth.

You’ll head inland from Wailua on Kuamoo Road (580) past Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua Reservoir to the Keahua Arboretum.  From the Arboretum, fasten your seat belts and get ready for a bumpy ride, further into the heart of Kauai.  The trail crosses streams and winds through the dense forest to the, "Gate", used in Jurassic Park.  After parking at the gate and you'll stroll for about half an hour past wild flowers and gorgeous vistas to the, "Blue Hole", where water is diverted into the irrigation system of Lihue Plantation.

There is a total of about 3 miles of walking involved in this tour.  The trail is not difficult but between the bumpy roads and the walking, this tour is not recommended for people with neck or back problems, people prone to motion sickness or people who are not at least moderately fit.

This tour is operated in the Wailua Forest Management Area, under a permit issued by the Na Ala Hele Trail Access Program of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  A portion of the price of the tour is paid to Na Ala Hele for the maintenance and improvement of trails on Kauai. Advance, paid reservations are required.  In order to reserve space on this tour, you must agree that $15 of the tour price is NON REFUNDABLE, except in the case of weather cancellation.

Location:  2 pick-up locations: Kilohana Plantation / Coconut Marketplace (in Wailua) pick-up, Kauai

Time:  3.5 hours – Morning Tour, 7:45am Kilohana pick-up / 8:15am Coconut Marketplace pick-up / 8:30am-12:00pm.  Afternoon Tour, 12:45pm Kilohana pick-up / 1:15pm Coconut Marketplace pick-up / 1:30pm-5:00pm

Days of Operation:  Monday-Friday

Inclusions

Umbrellas, ponchos, walking sticks, back packs, snacks and beverages, expert guided narrated tour.

Special Notes

NOTE: Sorry, no children under 5.

• Adult:      $62.40
• Children:  $48.00

 

Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum

Kaua'i Children's Discovery Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing and perpetuating a permanent science, art, and cultural exploratory museum -- a hands on, touch, see, feel, and learn, museum of experience -- for the children & adults of Kaua'i and island visitors.

KCDM is a community venture made possible through the generosity of many volunteers, members, individual and business sponsors, corporations, foundations, local, state & federal agencies. This center for informal education is an important opportunity which is making a difference in the life of our community.

 

 

Tour Na Pali Catamaran & Snorkel

Another of the favorite Kauai activities.  Experience this unique Na Pali catamaran journey through Hawaiian eyes, as the crew of Liko Kauai Cruises shares legends and family stories passed on from generation to generation! This is the most complete narration of the history of the Na Pali Coast and the ancient Hawaiian culture that lived and vanished there.

The 49’ Na Pali catamaran, Na Pali Kai III, is incredibly fast and comfortable with unobstructed views (all seating facing forward). The boat is fully equipped with a fresh-water shower, spacious restrooms, and snorkel platform.

Liko Kauai Cruises’ west-side departure gives you more time for sightseeing and snorkeling! The smooth Na Pali catamaran allows you to view wondrous sea caves, cascading waterfalls, uninhabited lush valleys, miles of white sand beaches and incredibly blue ocean water. Marvel at the colorful marine life, playful dolphins and humpback whales when in season. Dive into the most beautiful water in the islands for an hour of snorkeling and enjoy a deli lunch with fresh baked bread, ham, turkey, assorted cheeses and veggies, pasta salad, fruit and dessert.

Location:  Liko Kauai Cruises office check-in, Waimea, Kauai

Time:  4 Hour Cruise - 8:00am check-in / 8:30am-12:30pm (one hour of snorkeling).

Days of Operation:  Monday-Saturday

Inclusions

Fabulous narration, top quality snorkel equipment and instruction, deli lunch.

Special Notes

NOTE: Participants must be 4 years of age or older. 

Activity time: 8:00am

•   Adult     $110.00 

•   Child (4-12)  $75.00 

Kauai's Snorkeling Tour

Kauai snorkeling from the beach! Aloha Kauai's snorkeling tour is the perfect guided ocean adventure for all ages and all levels of experience.

The first snorkel spot is usually at Lawai Beach. The reef is about 50 yards from shore and the water inside the reef is about 8-10 feet deep. You’ll spend most of the time on this first snorkel hovering over the reef in just a few feet of water. There is a great variety of species here including, butterfly fishes, tangs, surgeon fishes, wrasses, and puffers. You are in the water for up to 45 minutes before taking a break. Nervous about snorkeling?  The tour assistants have large, soft surfboards with handles around the edges.

After everyone is refreshed, those who are comfortable with a slightly more advanced snorkel are taken to the second area to see the pacific green sea turtles. The tour is video taped and you will have the option of purchasing a copy!

Location:  Kilohana Plantation check-in (pick up at some hotels can be arranged), Kauai

Time:  4 Hours - 7:45am check-in / 8:00am-12:00pm

Days of Operation:  7 days a week 

Inclusions

Top quality equipment including wetsuits and optical masks (for those who need corrective lenses), thorough instruction and tour with expert guides, discussion of relevant marine biology, beverages and snacks. 

Special Notes

NOTE: Participants must be at least 5 years old.

Activity time: 7:45am

•   Adult     $72.00 

•   Child (5-12)  $60.00 

 

Waterfall Excursions

Here is another of our favorite Kauai activities!

Hike through lush native flora and fauna and swim in a picturesque Hawaiian waterfall!

This moderate, 4-mile hike begins by hiking to the ranch lookout point where a breathtaking 360-degree view awaits you. Gorgeous green mountains, crystal blue ocean - this lookout offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire North Shore! Trekking onward, a short hike through pasturelands leads you into a tropical paradise. Learn about the native and introduced plants as you descend to a beautiful cascading 100 foot waterfall - a refreshing reward! Swim, take pictures under the falls, relax and enjoy a healthy snack.

Hiking with Princeville Ranch Adventures allows you exclusive access to 2,500 acres of remote, private property that is otherwise inaccessible. We emphasize education on history, flora and fauna and take pride in our personalized, small group hiking excursions.

Location:  Princeville Ranch Adventures office check-in, Princeville, Kauai

Time:  4 Hours - 9:30am check-in / 10:00am-2:00pm

Days of Operation:  Monday - Friday 

Inclusions

Backpacks, waist packs, lunch, water, souvenir water bottle, binocular use, walking sticks. 

Special Notes

NOTE: This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate and can accommodate a maximum of 19 participants per tour. Participants must be 5 years and older. 

Activity time: 9:30am

•   Adult $79.00 

•   Child (5-12) $71.10 

Jungle Streams &  Waterfalls Hike & Paddle

Hike and paddle the Wailua – a beautiful and historic jungle stream, and swim in a gorgeous pool below a picturesque cascading waterfall!

The Wailua River is a natural wonderland deep in the heart of Kauai.  Enjoy the lush scenery as you paddle up the river – when the water gets shallow, you’ll tie your kayak to a tree and take off on a one-mile hike up the valley to a 100-foot waterfall.  Frolic in the beautiful pool to cool off and the feast on a great picnic lunch!

Rated:  Moderate

Location:  Guests staying at Poipu or West side resorts - Outfitters Kauai Office check-in, Poipu, Kauai / Guests staying on East and North shores - Nawiliwili Boat Harbor check-in, Kauai

Time:  7 Hours - 8:00am-3:00pm

Days of Operation:  Monday-Saturday 

Inclusions

All equipment, lunch, snacks, and drinks. 

Special Notes

NOTE: Wear your swim suit, shorts, t-shirt, windbreaker or light jacket, footwear with agressive tread for muddy conditions, sunscreeen, hat, bug and bug spray. All participants must weight 275 lbs. or less. Cancellation for groups of six or more, will require at least 72 hours notice.

Activity time: 8:00am

•   Adult   $94.00 

•   Child (5-14)   $72.00   

 

Backroad Adventure

This half-day, four wheel drive tour takes place on the private roads of the 22,000 acre Grove Farm Plantation.  Behind locked gates, this adventure gives you exclusive access to scenic and historic areas of Kauai.  This tour is a look back into the history of Kauai and a glimpse of the future.

On the way up to Kilohana Crater, the vegetation changes from sugar, to rat berries and guava, to a mixed pine and bamboo forest.  The gorgeous 360-degree view at the top will make your head spin!    As you wind down the backside of Kilohana towards the rest area, the expert guides elaborate on the formation of the islands, the migration of the Polynesians, Hawaiian history and culture, the sugar industry and diversified agriculture.

You’ll travel through a cane tunnel, built after WWII by McBryde Sugar then take a short tour of the old mill.   And finally, you’ll view Mahaulepu, a beautiful area of rugged coastline and pristine beaches, still on Grove Farm land. The tour returns to Kilohana through Koloa, Hawaii’s oldest plantation town.

The typical tour has 10 or fewer passengers.  The small groups and the comfortable vehicles make for an interactive tour.   Your questions are welcomed and the conversation can focus on areas of your particular interest.

Location:  Kilohana Plantation departure, Kauai Hawaii

Time:  4 Hours – Morning Tour, 7:45am check-in / 8:00am-12:00pm.  Afternoon Tour, 12:45pm check-in / 1:00pm-5:00pm

Days of Operation:  7 days a week

Inclusions

Refreshments, expert guided and narrated tour. 

Special Notes

NOTE: Children under 4 must ride in a car seat (available upon request). 

Morning

•   Adult     $57.60 

•   Child (12 & under)    $48.00 

Afternoon

•   Adult     $57.60 

•   Child (12 & under)    $48.00 

Tropical Paradise Luau

This tropical paradise luau is by far the most beautiful Kauai Hawaii  luau in a tropical garden setting along the Wailua River. Upon check-in, take a narrated tram tour of the gardens or stroll through the meandering pathways of tropical splendor at your own pace. Enjoy lagoons teeming with fish, exotic peacocks, the endangered “singing tree duks,” and view over 20 types of fruit in the orchard. This is one of the "must do" Kauai activities.

The Kauai luau festivities begin with the Imu Ceremony – the unearthing of the traditional pig, cooked to perfection in an underground oven. Then, sit back and enjoy cocktails, as tables are dismissed one at a time to go through the international buffet.  Wonderful Hawaiian musicians entertain you throughout the dinner hour. The generous buffet includes kalua pig, teriyaki beef, adobo chicken, sweet sour mahi mahi, garden isle greens, poi, three bean salad, jello, oriental fried rice, macaroni salad, namasu salad, lomi salmon, assorted fresh fruits, assorted breads and butter, snowflake potatoes, sweet potatoes, hot vegetable of the day, coconut cake, haupia, rice pudding, coffee, punch, soft drinks, Mai Tai, beer, wine and standard bar.

At 8:00pm, the luau pageant at the torch-lit Lagoon Amphitheatre begins!   Night blooming lilies open before your eyes as the performers immerse you in a colorful festival of dances, showcasing the lively ethnic groups that have come to call Hawaii home.  This Kauai luau is an international celebration with dances and songs from Tahiti, Hawaii, China, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand and Samoa.

Consider combining this luau with the 3:30pm Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto – located right on the Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau grounds, this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in paradise!

Location:  Kapaa on the Wailua River, Kauai

Time:   March-November 5:00pm check-in, 6:00pm-9:15pm / December-February 4:45pm check-in, 5:45pm-9:00pm

Days of Operation:  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Inclusions

Imu ceremony, cocktails, music, luau with international flavor, international pageant at the Lagoon Amphitheatre.  

Activity time: 5:00pm

•   Adult     $57.60 

•   Junior (7-13)   $28.80 

•   Child (3-6)     $18.24 

 

Waterfall Picnic Ride 

Saddle up for a ride across Princeville's working cattle ranch and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Hanalei Mountains and Pacific Ocean.  Then, take a steep, 10-minute hike to a fern-lined waterfall plunging into a mountain pool! Take a cool brisk swim and then meditate over its majestic beauty while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch.  Choose from the 4-Hour Ride or the 3-Hour Ride.

Location:  Princeville Ranch Stables check-in, Hanalei, Kauai

Time:  4 Hour Ride – Morning Tour, 9:00am check-in / 9:30am - 1:30pm.  Afternoon Tour, 10:30am check-in / 11:00am – 3:00pm.  3 Hour Ride – Morning Tour, 8:30am check-in / 9:00am – 12:00pm.  Afternoon Tour, 12:30pm check-in / 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Days of Operation:  Monday - Saturday 

Inclusions

Scenic horseback ride with a professional guide, picnic lunch, and refreshments. 

Special Notes

NOTE: Participants must be 8 years or older, children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under age 18 must have written consent from a parent. All riders must be in Good Physical Condition. Weight and height are determining factors for participation, weight limit is 220 lbs for men 180 lbs for women. Wear your swimsuit underneath long pants, closed shoes (required). Maximum of 7 people on the 3-Hour Ride. Maximum of 12 people on the 4-Hour Ride.

 -Hour Ride - 9:00am 

•   Adult/Child (8 & Older)  $105.60 

4-Hour Ride - 9:30am 

•   Adult/Child (8 & Older)  $115.20 

4-Hour Ride - 11:00am 

•   Adult/Child (8 & Older)  $115.20 

3-Hour Ride - 1:00pm 

•   Adult/Child (8 & Older)  $105.60