Parts of Kauai can only be reached by foot.
Not all of Kauai can be explored by car. Even a four-wheel-drive vehicle will only get you so far. Hiking into Kauai's back country lets you discover hidden waterfalls, colorful birds and an array of floral delights. Camping overnight brings you even closer to Mother Nature. Letting a guide show you the way enhances the experience.
Princeville Ranch Adventures -- Ponies and Picnics
Combine a horseback ride through the rain forest with a hike down to a secluded waterfall. Once at the falls, take a swim in a pond that is surrounded by ferns, ohia trees and tropical flowers. After a picnic lunch at the falls, hike up out of the jungle on a different trail that includes a bit of rock climbing. This trail also leads you to a second waterfall and across several stream beds. Then it's back on the ponies for your trip back to Princeville Ranch headquarters. This all-day adventure is only one tour offered by Princeville Ranch Adventures, located on the northern end of Kauai. One of the more adventuresome offerings is a combination hike and zip-line adventure. Zip across nine zip lines and cross over a waterfall on a suspension bridge. The final zip line is called "King Kong." The starting tower is 26 feet high, and the ride is 1,200 feet long.
Hawaiian Wildlife Tours --Kauai's Wild Side
Learn about the wildlife of Hawaii by taking a personal hiking tour with Dr. Carl J. Berg, Jr. This is a one-on-one experience lasting about four hours. Tours usually leave in the morning, and because the weather on Kauai is unpredictable, Dr. Berg usually makes more than one reservation for clients. It's much more fun to go out and find exotic birds and plants in the sunshine. Hiking expeditions explore Kauai's back country along the Wailua River, in Kokee National Park or along the shoreline. During the winter whale-watching season Dr. Berg takes you to spots where you can see the whales from shore. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and holds a doctorate in zoology. Take this hiking tour not only to see the island, but also to learn about its wildlife.
Sierra Club -- Kauai by Moonlight
The Sierra Club is a conservationist group that is active in many places throughout the world, including the island of Kauai. As part of its goal in promoting and saving the natural environment, the Sierra Club offers hikes of various difficulty levels. The hike into Waimea Canyon to picnic at Waipio Fall is fun and easy enough for children. Others, like the Iliiliula Jungle Trail, a 7.5-mile hike in the back country of North Wailua, are quite challenging. The Sierra Club also offers night hikes. The Kealia coast walk starts in the afternoon and follows the coastline from Kealia to the sands of Donkey Beach and back again. The return trip lets you view the sunset and then finish the final leg to Kealia by moonlight. Payment is by donation. Reservations should be made in advance.
Na Pali Coast - Camping by Kayak
Napali Kayak will rent you an ocean kayak to paddle along the Na Pali Coast on Kauai's northern coast. If you've made this 17-mile trip before, you are welcome to go on your own. If not, this company will send a guide along with you. There are two campsites along the route. One is at the seven-mile mark, called Kalaulau, and allows up to five nights of camping. The other is 11 miles out, known as Milolii, and is only assessable by water. Both require permits issued by the Division of State Parks, part of Hawaii's Land and Natural Resources Department. These must be issued before your arrival. Napali Kayak charges a flat fee for the trip that includes transportation to the launch spot, kayak and related equipment rental, parking and storage of your bags. If you need a guide, that is extra. Camping equipment including sleeping bags, tents, camp stoves, water and food may be purchased or rented in Hanalei or in Lihue.
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