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The best adventure activities on Kauai
If you’re looking for adventure activities, Kauai will not disappoint. The best adventure activities on Kauai are abundant, and you’ll have so much to choose from. As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I’m often asked which island in Hawaii is best. The truth is, there isn’t a “best” island, but there is an island that’s best for you and your family.
I always recommend Kauai for those who love adventure and the outdoors. Kauai doesn’t have as many “human-made” attractions, but the natural attractions are breathtaking. From hiking to surfing to kayaking, snorkeling, and more, Kauai has something for everyone.
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent. I’m one of the top travel agents for Hawaii, and creating fantastic custom trips in Hawaii is my passion! Contact me today to help plan and book your Hawaii vacation.
DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR IN Kauai?
You’ll definitely need a car in Kauai. Public transportation isn’t very reliable, and you’ll need one because these things to do in Kauai are spread all over the island! You’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Top 10 adventure activities on Kauai
Here are the top 10 adventure activities on Kauai, in no particular order.
1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour
While it’s not a physical activity, a helicopter tour on Kauai is an absolute must. Did you know that only 10% of Kauai is accessible by land? That means that to see Kauai truly, you’ll need to see it from the air!
I have a full Kauai helicopter tour review blog post, complete with pictures.
2. Forbidden Isle Snorkel Tour
You can’t technically visit Ni’ihau without an invitation, but you can take a snorkeling tour of the Na Pali coast and the Ni’ihau coast. This is as close as you’ll get to the Forbidden Isle without being invited, so it’s definitely a Kauai bucket list item.
3. Koloa Zipline
What list of best adventure activities would be complete without a zipline? Koloa Zipline is Kauai’s longest zipline and explores Kauai’s natural beauty.
4. Kayak the Wailua River
You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and journey down the Wailua River by yourself. You can also take a guided tour if you want to see the highlights without risking getting lost.
5. Mountain Tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers many adventure activities, including mountain tubing. This is the only tubing activity on Kauai, and it’s a lot of fun! Mountain Tubing is available for anyone 5 years and over, so it’s a great activity for the entire family.
6. Hike the Kalalau Trail
For the #1 ultimate Kauai bucket list item, hiking the Kalalau Trail. You’ll need a permit to hike here, even if you only plan to do part of the trail.
This trail isn’t for the faint of heart and will likely take at least two days to hike in and out if you plan to do all of it. The trail is 11 miles one way, so plan accordingly. Although it will take some planning, hiking the Kalalau Trail is arguably the best adventure activity on Kauai.
You can also hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach (2 miles in, 4 miles round-trip) or Hankapi’ai Falls (4 miles in, 8 miles round-trip), but you’ll need a permit for that as well. Check out the website for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources for current information.
7. Hike the Awaawapuhi Trail or Nualolo Trail
If the Kalalau Trail seems a bit much (the logistics of having to camp can be complicated), then try the Awa’awapuhi Trail or another Na Pali view trail. I have a post on the 7 best hikes on Kauai if you need more inspiration.
8. Kauai to Hidden Valley Falls
Another fun kayak adventure that is less talked about is Hidden Valley Falls. This is an amazing adventure that you won’t want to miss.
9. Hike Waimea Canyon to Waipo’o Falls
We made it all the way to #9 on the list of the best adventure activities on Kauai without mentioning Waimea Canyon. It’s okay, this list isn’t in order! It’s only a little over 3 miles round trip (out and back), and it’s a great family activity as it’s one of the less crazy Kauai hikes.
10. Go on a whale watching tour
If you’re visiting Kauai in the winter, going on a whale watching tour is a must. Kauai is one of the best places to spot whales, and the North Shore is generally the first place they are spotted during whale season.
Book your Kauai adventure with a Kauai Travel Agent
If you’re looking for a Kauai vacation personalized just for you, give me a call! I specialize in working with clients to create their dream vacations.
Make sure to contact me and I’ll get back to you to start planning ASAP!
Don’t miss my itineraries for Hawaii if you want insider tips for your vacation, but don’t need to work with a Hawaii Travel Agent.
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Looking for more things to do in Kauai?
- 10 best things to do on Kauai.
- 25 more things to do on Kauai.
- 7-day Kauai Itinerary.
- The 7 best resorts on Kauai.
- 100 things to do in Hawaii.
- 7 best Hawaii tours + more tours that are worth it!
- 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
5 reasons you might need a Hawaii Travel Agent
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