Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [128]
2 Watersports
Several outfitters on Kauai offer not only equipment rentals and tours but also expert information on weather forecasts, sea and trail conditions, and other important matters for hikers, kayakers, sailors, and all backcountry adventurers. For watersports questions and equipment rental, contact Kayak Kauai, 1 mile past Hanalei Bridge on Highway 560, in Hanalei ( 80 0/437-3507 or 80 8/826-9844; www.kayakkauai.com), the outfitters’ center in Hanalei. They have a private dock (the only one on Kauai) for launching kayaks and canoes. In Kapaa, contact Kauai Water Ski & Surf Co., Kinipopo Shopping Village, 4-356 Kuhio Hwy. (on the ocean side of the highway), Kapaa ( 80 8/822-3574). In Kapaa and Koloa areas, go with Snorkel Bob’s Kauai at 4-734 Kuhio Hwy. (just north of Coconut Plantation Marketplace), Kapaa ( 80 0/262-7725 or 80 8/823-9433; www.snorkelbob.com); in Koloa, Snorkel Bob’s is at 3236 Poipu Rd. (just south of Poipu Shopping Village), near Poipu Beach ( 80 8/742-2206).
For general advice on the activities listed below, see “The Active Vacation Planner,” in chapter 3.
BOATING
One of Hawaii’s most spectacular natural attractions is Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Unless you’re willing to make an arduous 22-mile hike , there are only two ways to see it: by helicopter (see “Helicopter Rides over Waimea Canyon & the Na Pali Coast”) or by boat. Picture yourself cruising the rugged Na Pali coastline in a 42-foot ketch-rigged yacht under full sail, watching the sunset as you enjoy a tropical cocktail, or speeding through the aquamarine water in a 40-foot trimaran as porpoises play off the bow.
When the Pacific humpback whales make their annual visit to Hawaii from December to March, they swim right by Kauai. In season, most boats on Kauai—including sail and powerboats—combine whale-watching with their regular adventures.
Kauai has many freshwater areas that are accessible only by boat, including the Fern Grotto, Wailua State Park, Huleia and Hanalei national wildlife refuges, Menehune Fishpond, and numerous waterfalls. For sportfishing charters, see “Fishing,” below. For tours of the Fern Grotto, .
Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures Captain Andy operates a 55-foot, 49-passenger catamaran out of two locations on the south shore. The snorkel/picnic cruise, a 51⁄2-hour cruise to the Na Pali Coast, from May to October, costs $139 for adults and $99 for children 2 to 12, and includes a deli-style lunch, snorkeling, and drinks. There’s also a 4-hour Na Pali Coast dinner sunset cruise that sets sail for $105 for adults and $80 for children, and a 2-hour pupu cocktail sunset sail with drinks and pupu for $69 adults and $50 children. They also offer a 6-hour Na Pali Zodiac cruise on inflatable boats for $139–$159 adults and $99–$109 children ages 5 to 12. Book 7 days in advance for $10 off.
Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor, Poipu; and Port Allen, Eleele. 80 0/535-0830 or 80 8/335-6833. www.napali.com. Prices vary depending on trip.
Holoholo Charters This outfitter has taken over several boats and features both swimming/snorkeling sailing charters as well as powerboat charters to the Na Pali Coast. The 5-hour sailing trips take place on a 50-foot catamaran called Leila and is offered both in the morning (with a continental breakfast and lunch) for $139 adults, $99 children. In the afternoon there is a 2-hour dinner cruise for adults only ($79). The 7-hour powerboat trip is on the 65-foot vessel Holoholo, and it not only cruises the Na Pali Coast but then crosses the channel to the forbidden island of Niihau, where they stop to snorkel. A continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and snorkel equipment are included in the price: $179 adults, $129 children. Afternoons, there is a 31⁄2-hour sunset tour with heavy appetizers, $99 adults and $79 children. (Check for web deals.)
Port Allen, Eleele. 80 0/848-6130 or 80 8/335-0815. www.holoholocharters.com. Prices and departure points vary depending on trip.
Liko Kauai Cruises Liko offers more than just a typical