Many folks ask for my favorite pics for activities on Kauai, so here goes!
The "Garden Island" offers fantastic scenery and lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea Canyon, the "hidden" valley of Kalalau and colorful tropical plants and flowers. Other landmarks include Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay and Poipu Beach.
Nature: With a nickname like Garden Isle, visitors expect nothing less than incredibly rich natural splendor, and Kauai delivers! The North Shore offers the famed Na Pali Coast, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse, Makana Peak and Waikanaloa & Waikapalae Wet Caves. On the West Side resides the famed Waimea Canyon and Captain Cook's Monument. The South Shore offers the Nationa Tropic Botanical Garden, the only tropical botanical garden in the U.S. to be chartered by Congress, and the Spouting Horn, a natural water spout formed by an underwater lava tube. Fern Grotto and Wailua Falls are found at Lihue-Kalapaki as well as the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, the thickly jungled wildlife refuge where Indiana Jones made his daring escape in the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark. To the northeast, in the region known as the Coconut Coast, visitors can find the historic Bell Stone, which when struck sharply rings out a tone once used to announce royal births across the Wailua Valley. Some of the most spectacular views are only accessible by helicopter, but are well worth the effort. These can be arranged from Lihue, Port Allen and Princeville. Hawaii Vacations
Water Adventures: Sportfishing is a popular attraction on Kauai. Marlin, ahi, ono, and aku are found in abundance off Kauai's south and east coasts. There also are charters available that will take you near the forbidden island of Niihau for giant tuna and marlin. Scuba diving is best along the southern shore where waters are calmer, visibility averages about 50 feet and sea life is abundant. Snorkeling is available along most of Kauai's coasts but most accessible in the South Shore, Lihue-Kalapaki and Coconut Coast areas. With its rugged and lush coastline, sea kayaking is another great way to experience the beauty of this island. Hawaii Vacations
Hiking: Kauai is a hiker's paradise. The Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the Kokee region have the most extensive network of trails. There are a also some near the Wailua River. Whether hiking or biking, Kauai offers an unparalleled sense of discovery with each waterfall, swimming hole, colorful exotic flower and breathtaking view. Hawaii Vacations
Golfing: Kauai holds 3 of the top 5 golf courses in the State of Hawaii: Poipu Bay, Kauai Lagoons and Princeville. However, all 8 of Kauai's courses offer breathtaking views and a challenging game, including 4 courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and 2 by Jack Nicklaus. Wailua Municipal Golf Course, a par-72 layout that plays to 7,020 yards, one of America's finest public golf courses, is also located on the island. The front side begins with two holes bordering the ocean and is primarily flat with few other water hazards. Wailua, which hosted the 1996 USGA Public Links Championship, also possesses one of the most picturesque par 3s in the nation. Kiahuna Golf Club in sunny Poipu is built around remnants of a carefully preserved ancient Hawaiian village in 27 archaeological sites that pepper the landscape. Can't choose from all these great options? Then ask about the Kauai Golf Challenge, a unique promotion that allows visitors to experience one round each at the island's best golf resorts for one special price. The Kauai Lagoons, Poipu Bay Golf course and the Princeville Resort are all included in the deal. Hawaii Vacations
Surfing & Windsurfing: The best surfing in Kauai varies by time of year. On the South shore, the best times are from May to October with Kuhio Shores offering 8 prime spots for a variety of skill levels. The North Shore is best from November to April and includes the world-famous Hanalei Bay, a favorite of avid surfers. Windsurfing is good at Kalapaki Beach and Anini Beach Park, reported to have the most consistent wind. Hawaii Vacations