One of the most exciting parts of vacation is trying things you’ve never done before! There are plenty of unique and exciting activities to explore your trip to Kauai, Hawaii. One of the best things about the Garden Island of Kauai is the vast amount of wonderful activities right next to your accommodations! There are so many things to do right next to our Kauai properties, so you can enjoy the Hawaiian fun without the hassle of wasting precious vacation time on navigating travel between islands. 

Mountain Tubing

If you want to relax with a beautiful view, try mountain tubing! Guests ages 5 and up are driven through some of Kauai’s old plantations with their beautiful terrain, and then dropped off to start tubing on a guided tour. Adventurers float through long canals built to water the plantation’s sugar crops in 1893. Each guest receives a headlamp to navigate the tunnels, and then emerge into beautiful scenery with views of the mountains and Waialeale Crater. Close out your tubing trip with a picnic lunch at a natural swimming hole, the perfect place to take a dip and relax after a wonderful day.  

Kayaking 

Kayak tours are an awesome activity! Try a guided tour. One great option is Hidden Valley Falls kayaking. Embark on a peaceful two-mile paddle tour on the Hule‘ia River , surrounded by the beautiful National Wildlife Refuge. Hike through the jungle to the waterfalls for lunch and then return hike and kayak back. There are many options from Outfitters Kauai, Kayak Kauai, and plenty of other kayaking services. 

Whale Watching

Take a whale watching and snorkeling tour along the Na Pali coast of Kauai. Look out for spinner dolphins and green sea turtles, or bird watch for boobies, frigate, and tropic birds. Look but never touch or get too close to the “honu” or sea turtles. They are protected in the state of Hawaii.

Whales, or “kohola”, are an important part of Hawaiian culture, existing within Hawaiian legends and on petroglyphs (stone carvings) throughout the islands. There are even temples dedicated to the kohola. During winter, Hawaii is a breeding ground for humpback whales. An estimated two thirds of the Pacific island population of humpback whales come to Hawaii to breed each winter, from around November to March. Peak whale watching is in January and February. Take a boat tour to see these massive creatures gracefully frolic, gliding and breaching through the water. If you prefer to keep your feet on land, you can even see the whales from the beach or right from our lanais – binoculars provided in each unit!

Ziplining

If you’re thrill-seeking and love an adrenaline rush, check out ziplining! Guests seven years old and up can enjoy the breathtaking views, soaring through the treetops. Fly over beautiful waterfalls and colorful rainforests, blanketing canopies and lush gardens. In Kauai you’ll find some of the longest zipline courses and most amazing views. Head to Outfitters Kauai to ride a brand new 400-foot zipline, where you can fly over locations from famous films such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. For a wide variety of ziplining aerobatics options, check out Koloa Zipline. Their tours have magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and lush farmlands, and they even have a sunset/night zipline tour. 

Waimea Canyon

Looking to take a hike with the reward of a fantastic view? There are many hikes in and around Waimea Canyon, known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. This gorgeous canyon is 14 miles long, a mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. Open during daylight hours, there is now a small admission fee per car and per person. This helps to keep the park clean and beautiful for all visitors. Upon entering the main road, you’ll reach a lower lookout point and the main Waimea Canyon Overlook, with views of Kauai’s interior. The road continues into the mountains, ending at Koke’e State Park, which offers 45 miles of hiking trails. Along the Canyon are numerous trails for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. 

This wide variety of activities means the adventures never end! There are so many ways to explore and enjoy the wonders of Hawaii’s natural scenery. If you’re looking for more advice or activities, feel free to reach out to us. One of the benefits of booking with The Best Beach Houses is our concierge service. From the coolest beaches to explore to the most delicious local eateries, we’re happy to direct you to all the best places so you can make the most of your stay. No matter what you decide to do, there’s plenty of fun to be had in beautiful Kauai! 

Photos by Robin and Eric Gotfrid.