5 Fun Outdoor Adventures on Kauaʻi

One thing our secluded island is not lacking is adventure. Whether you experience Kauaʻi by land or sea, there are plenty of ways to appreciate the beauty and excitement this island has to offer. Here are five fun outdoor adventures to get you started. 

Hike Waimea Canyon – You can view the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” from several vantage points depending on which trail you choose, and there are several scenic overlooks on the drive up to Waimea Canyon State Park. The massive canyon is 10 miles long and at points up to 3,000 feet deep. Uninhabited (other than by feral pigs, goats, and a myriad of forest and coastal birds,) the hiking trails wind through peaks and valleys, showcasing the fantastically red mountains in all their majesty. The local flora and various types of terrain take center stage, particularly on the Waipoʻo Falls trail. Hikers begin beneath the cool canopy of the rainforest before coming to a desert-like lookout at the top of Waipoʻo Falls. A small waterfall and pool at the turnaround point is the perfect place to cool off after the trek.

Paddle the Wailua River to Secret Falls – Uluwehi Falls, aka Secret Falls, is accessible via hybrid excursion–part water, part land. Beginning at the Wailua River State Park marina, paddlers can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for the 2 miles upriver to the trailhead. After a (likely muddy) 1-mile hike to the falls, you’ll find yourself at the foot of a 120-foot waterfall. Guided tours are available if you are not familiar with the area. Note: There is a point that requires crossing a fork in the river (by foot), so be sure to check the conditions or go with a guide to stay safe out there.

Ziplining – Get the aerial view (and a rush of adrenaline) by choosing a ziplining tour on Kauaʻi. There are several options to zipline here on Kauaʻi, and one is more picturesque than the next. Since ziplining without a tour guide is not advised (or possible?), here are some tours that are voted to be the best. 

Get down and dirty with an ATV experience – By now, I’m sure you’re ready to get down with the red dirt that is so prominent on Kauaʻi, but red MUD is next level. Slap those goggles on and enjoy rambling the backcountry island-style!  Mountains, waterfalls, and Jurassic Park views? This is a rough-and-tumble good time that can be packed with history, movie trivia, and adventure for days. Don’t sleep on this one!

Experience the Nāpali Coast by boat – We saved the best for last here, and we think it goes without saying that this is our favorite adventure. There is nothing like seeing the Nāpali for the first time from the water. With spinner dolphins, monk seals, sea turtle sightings, and, of course, seasonal humpback whale hellos, there is nothing quite like it. Ready to jump in? Our Niʻihau and Nāpali Supertour is the way to go to experience the Nāpali Coast, the forbidden island of Niʻihau, and the BEST snorkeling near Lehua Rock. 7 hours of the baddest, best, wettest, and most unforgettable adventure that Kauaʻi has to offer. See you on board!