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13 January 2005
Five
best activities on Kauai—
for two bucks or less
But you
better hurry
By Terry Riley
 Development is coming to Kauai in giant steps. And along with more
hotels, more condos, and more timeshare properties are more tour companies
offering more activities—at a cost, of course.
Nevertheless, the best activities on the Garden Isle are still free or
nearly so. Here are my favorites.
Stick your head in the sea. Kauai doesn't have the best
snorkeling in the islands, but it's a heck of a lot better than any
snorkeling I've done in Des Moines. The best beaches for snorkeling are on
the north shore, but almost any cove or reef will suit the casual
underwater spectator.
(Hint: Take your own mask, fins and snorkel or buy a set when you
arrive. If you use them only one other time in your life, it's cheaper
than renting—and you won't be sucking on somebody else's cooties.)
Take a hike. Probably one of the most popular hikes on
the island is along the Kalalau trail. And although it's popular, it isn't all that crowded because it isn't all that easy
either. If you are in fairly good shape—and you aren't dragging along
little kids—it is worth the effort.
The trailhead is at the end of the road on the
North Shore. It offers spectacular views of the Na Pali coast from
the Na Pali coast. At two miles you'll arrive at Hanakapiai Beach. From
there, you've got three choices: Continue on to Kalalau (for serious
backpackers only), ford the stream and turn inland to Hanakapiai Falls
(another and a more strenuous two miles to a fantastic 300-foot waterfall)
or return (my favorite).
(Hint: Wear sturdy shoes and don't hesitate to walk through the water
and mud.
You're shoes will be indelibly red by the time you return no matter how
careful you try to be. Better yet, just take and old pair of sneakers to
Kauai and toss them before heading home.)
Get some sand between your toes. The beaches of Kauai are
relatively uncrowded, but if you want a stretch of sand all to yourself,
head to Polihale State Park—a two-mile long beach with very few folks.
There are no conveniences anywhere near the beach so make sure to take
everything you need, and be mindful that the surf on this northwest
facing shore can be treacherous.
(Hint: The sunsets from the beach are reported to be awesome. However,
you don't want to be out there after dark. I'd suggest a sunset view from
Kekaha Beach Park on the way back.)
Check out the boobies. (The seabird kind; not the Sports
Illustrated Swimsuit Edition kind. Sorry guys.) Kilauea Point National Wildlife
Refuge offers a little history, a little nature and a grand view of the
pacific all for a $2.00 entrance fee. And
it is one of the best places to catch sight of humpback whales as they
migrate from Alaska.
(Hint: Take a pair of binoculars to spy on the lives of the
cliff-dwelling birds and, if you are there between December and April, to
spot a humpback. Guided
walks by volunteers are given periodically. Call 808-828-1413 for details.)
Park it. Kokee State Park is up the road from Waimea canyon.
The natural history museum is worth a couple of bucks donation, and the
views from the Kalalau and Puu O Kila lookouts—if it's not foggy—are
dramatic. So too is the view from Waimea Canyon Lookout on the road up to
Kokee State Park. Be sure to stop.
(Hint: State Park docents and Sierra Club members occasionally offer
guided hikes. Check the local newspaper and call for reservations.)
Each of these activities can fill up a day, but if you like, you can
string a couple together too. Just make sure to time your travel to avoid
traffic. With the increase in development an increase in traffic has
arrived in Kauai as well.
© 2005 Applied Psychology
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