Vacations & Activities in Kauai, Hawaii

Waimea Canyon, on Kauai's western side, is often referred to as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" due to its immense size and depth. It can be accessed and viewed by driving or on a hike. The terrain provides a range of walks and hikes, from gentle trails accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities, to rugged and mountainous passes suitable only for experienced adventurers. Photography is another popular pursuit at Waimea Canyon as visitors can capture and preserve its breathtaking panoramas.

Wailua River is located on the east side of Kauai and is one of the island's navigable rivers. Tourists can canoe, kayak or take an organized boat trip along the river and enjoy the spectacular surrounding jungle landscape, complete with waterfalls and dense tropical vegetation. A highlight of a trip along the river is Fern Grotto, a volcanic cave dripping with ferns that forms a natural amphitheater for live traditional Hawaiian music.

There are seven golf venues on Kauai, providing golfers with a choice of nine different courses. The Princeville Resort (www.princeville.com/golf.html) has two renowned courses--the Prince Course and the Makai Course, with a combined total of 45 holes. Wailua Golf Course (www.kauai.gov/golf) is a local favorite municipal course that has hosted three National Amateur championships. The Poipu Bay Golf Course (www.poipubaygolf.com) is situated on the south coast of Kaua and is notable for hosting the PGA's Grand Slam of Golf for 13 years.

For an exciting and unusual way to experience the mountainous landscape and ancient tropical forests of Kauai's backcountry, consider a zipline tour. There are several companies on Kauai that will take you out to the wilderness, where you will soar at high speeds along a series of ziplines. Depending on the particular tour you choose, the ziplines may take you through treetops, over streams and waterfalls, down mountainsides and end at a pool or waterfall where you can cool off with a dip.

The Napali Coast along the north shore of Kauai is a secluded and entirely unspoiled area of great natural beauty. The coast is only accessible over land via an 11-mile trail through valleys, waterfalls and cliffs. It is a difficult hike only undertaken by experienced hikers, often over the course of a few days. Camping is allowed with permits, and it is useful to consult a local guide before undertaking the trip. Other options for sightseeing in the region are helicopter tours for a one-of-a-kind viewpoint, kayak and canoe trips or organized boat excursions.