Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [129]
Kekaha Small Boat Harbor, Waimea. 88 8/732-5456 or 80 8/338-0333. Fax 80 8/443-0881. www.liko-kauai.com. Na Pali trips $140 adults, $95 children 4–12 (lunch included).
BODYBOARDING (BOOGIE BOARDING) & BODYSURFING
The best places for bodysurfing and boogie boarding are Kalapaki Beach (near Lihue) and Poipu Beach. Snorkel Bob’s (see above) rents boogie boards for just $26 a week.
FISHING
DEEP-SEA FISHING Kauai’s fishing fleet is smaller and less well-recognized than others in the islands, but the fish are still out there. All you need to bring are your lunch and your luck. The best way to book a sportfishing charter is through the experts; the best booking desk in the state is Sportfish Hawaii ( 87 7/388-1376 or 80 8/396-2607; www.sportfishhawaii.com), which books boats not only on Kauai but on all the islands. These fishing vessels have been inspected and must meet rigorous criteria to guarantee that you will have a great time. Prices are $1,250 to $1,495 for a full-day exclusive charter (you and five of your closest friends get the entire boat to yourself), $950 to $1,195 for a three-quarter day exclusive, and $675 to $795 for a half-day exclusive.
FRESHWATER FISHING Freshwater fishing is big on Kauai, thanks to its dozens of “lakes,” which are really man-made reservoirs. Regardless, they’re full of large-mouth, small-mouth, and peacock bass (also known as tucunare). The Puu Lua Reservoir, in Kokee State Park, also has rainbow trout and is stocked by the state every year. Fishing for rainbow trout in the reservoir has a limited season: It begins on the first Saturday in August and lasts for 16 days, after which you can only fish on weekends and holidays through the last Sunday in September.
Before you rush out and get a fishing pole, you have to have a Hawaii Freshwater Fishing License, available through the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, 3060 Eiwa St., Lihue, HI 96766 ( 80 8/274-3346). To purchase online or find license agents, go to http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/licenses_permits.html. A 7-day license costs $10; a 1-month license costs $20. When you get your license, pick up a copy of the booklet State of Hawaii Freshwater Fishing Regulations. If you would like a guide, Sportfish Hawaii ( 87 7/388-1376 or 80 8/396-2607; www.sportfishhawaii.com) has guided bass fishing trips starting at $265 for 1-2 people for a half-day and $375 per person for a full day.
Not So Close! They Hardly Know You
In your excitement at seeing a whale or a school of dolphins, don’t get too close—both are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Swimmers, kayakers, and windsurfers must stay at least 100 yards away from all whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. And yes, visitors have been prosecuted for swimming with dolphins! If you have any questions, call the National Marine Fisheries Service ( 80 8/541-2727) or the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary ( 80 0/831-4888).
KAYAKING
Kauai is made for kayaking. You can take the Huleia River into Huleia National Wildlife Refuge (located along the eastern portion of Huleia Stream, where it flows into Nawiliwili Bay). It’s the last stand for Kauai’s endangered birds, and the only way to see it is by kayak. The adventurous can head to the Na Pali Coast, featuring majestic cliffs, empty beaches, open-ocean conditions, and monster waves. Or you can just paddle around Hanalei Bay.
Kayak Kauai , a mile past Hanalei Bridge on Highway 560, in Hanalei ( 80 0/437-3507 or 80 8/826-9844; www.kayakkauai.com), has a range of tours for independent souls. The shop’s experts will be happy to take you on a guided kayaking trip or to tell you where