Often overlooked in favour of its more populated neighbours, the island of Kaua‘i is an ideal option for adventure lovers.
Nowhere else on the island reveals its beauty as vividly as the 25-kilometre Nāpali Coast. Book a boat tour and glide along the coast to see waterfalls cascade down its soaring rippled cliffs into the ocean as spinner dolphins race the bow. For the ultimate splurge, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter tour. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
On the island’s western side, Waimea Canyon delivers a different kind of awe. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, it stretches for 22.5 kilometres, measures 1.6 kilometres wide and plunges more than 1 kilometre deep. Its red and rust-coloured walls contrast sharply with pockets of bright green forest, creating a landscape that begs to be explored. Lace up your hiking boots or hop on a bike tour to follow trails that wind along canyon rims and dip into lush valleys, offering lookout after lookout that stops you in your tracks.
Kaua‘i is also the only island in Hawai‘i where you can go mountain tubing. Don a headlamp, hop into an inner tube and float down irrigation canals and through hand-dug tunnels carved by Chinese labourers around 1870 with Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures. Built to bring water from the rainforest to sugar cane fields, these cool, dark passageways offer a fascinating glide through history.
If your idea of adventure involves flying, Kaua‘i delivers there too. Soar through the air at Kōloa Zipline, skimming over valleys, streams and jungle canopy.
Movie lovers are also sure to recognise Kaua‘i. Its rainforests, beaches and waterfalls have starred in countless films and TV shows, and you can book a tour dedicated to these locations. From Tropic Thunder and Six Days and Seven Nights to South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean and Gilligan’s Island, the island has played everything from war zones to desert isles. Wailua Falls, just north of Lihu‘e, even appeared in the opening credits of Fantasy Island and is easily viewed from a roadside lookout.
If your idea of paradise involves a pair of hiking boots, Kaua‘i is waiting.
Looking for more tips on outdoor adventures? Visit outdoor.hawaii.gov
Where to stay
Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort
On the shores of Po‘ipu Beach on the South Shore, a popular resort area in the Kōloa region, Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort offers oceanfront and garden-view rooms, poolside cabanas, on-site dining at restaurants such as RumFire and activities ranging from snorkelling to yoga. Guests also enjoy fitness facilities and easy access to beaches, golf and island attractions.
Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort
On the east (windward) coast of the island, Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort at Kapa‘a has oceanfront rooms with private balconies and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s also an infinity-edge pool, on-site restaurants and bars, a gym, yoga, beach activities and cultural experiences like lū‘au.
