Biking
Rent bikes and go out on your own, or sign up with a tour company offering guided trips. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path begins at Lydgate Beach Park and continues north along the cost to Kealia Beach Park. The path offers access to scenic vistas, local dining and beaches. For the more active traveler, a bike ride down Waimea Canyon with a tour company allows you panoramic views of this 3,500-foot deep canyon.
Zipline
Venture deep into Kauai's lush interior and fly over layers of forest canopy with a zipline adventure. Harnessed tightly in safety gear, you'll get to soar like a bird in one of Hawaii's more tropical and untouched settings. Several companies offer a variety of scenery, and the perfect way to explore Kauai's backcountry.
Hiking
Since much of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking is a great way to see the Island's natural splendor. Koke'e State Park offer more than 40 miles of footpaths leading to scenic lookouts. The Kalalau Trail alog the Napali Coast is the Island's most famous, and most challenging at 11 miles. Other notable trails include Kuilau, Moalepe and Powerline Trailhead. Maps are available through the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Division of State Parks. Please do not hike alone. If you must, make sure to tell someone where you are going. Do not drink water from freshwater ponds or streams, and avoid entering with open cuts. Stick to the trail and follow trail head markers to avoid getting lost.
Camping
Some of Kauai's campgrounds (excluding state parks along Napali Coast and forest reserve campsites along Waimea Canyon) include grills, picnic tables, toilet, cold-water shower and drinking water. Camping permits are required and you can prepare by contacting the appropriate state, country or forest reserve site agencies:
Kauai Department of County Parks and Recreation: (808) 241-4463
Kauai Division of State Parks: (808) 274-3444
Kauai Division of Forestry and Wildlife: (808) 274-3433
ATV
Take the road less traveled when you hop aboard an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)! Go off-road on an ATV and see breathtaking views of Kauai's incredible landscape. A variety of tours are offered with adventurous routes and scenic views.
Horseback Riding
Ride along bluffs, across foothills, toward the coast, across sugar cane fields and past secluded beaches, bays and waterfalls. A variety of horseback riding outfits offer guided tours ranging from 90 minutes to five hours.
Above Kauai
From shore, the 3,000-foot cliffs of the Napali Coast are awesome. But for a truly amazing perspective on the scale of this natural wonder, take to the air. Helicopter rides and air tours over and around Kauai open up inaccessible scenery along the coast and through the lush interior. See the magic from the air and your journey on the ground will be even more memorable.
