Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [402]
Outfitters Kaua′i (Map; 742-9667, 888-742-9887; www.outfitterskauai.com; Po′ipu Plaza, 2827A Po′ipu Rd; 4hr tour adult/child 7-14 $125/99, 8hr tour incl lunch adult/child under 15 $175/135). Offers two multiactivity tours that combine zipping, hiking, waterfall swimming and the ever idealized ‘rope-swinging’. Half-day tour includes four zips; full-day tour includes only one. Minimum zipping age is seven.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The only way to navigate the Hule′ia River and see the Hule′ia National Wildlife Refuge is on a commercial tour. The best are offered by Outfitters Kaua′i (Map; 742-9667, 888-742-9887; www.outfitterskauai.com; Po′ipu Plaza, 2827A Po′ipu Rd, Po′ipu Beach; tours adult/child 3-14 with lunch $108/84, without lunch $104/78), which combine kayaking and hiking. It’s a cinch, downwind for only 2 miles, with a return trip not by kayak but by motorized canoe.
Island Adventures (Map;246-6333; www.kauaifun.com; Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor; tour incl lunch adult/child 6-12 $89/69) offers a 4½-hour tour in the Hule′ia National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll paddle 2.5 miles into the wildlife refuge, hike to two private waterfalls, swim and picnic. If you can’t hike eight to 10 flights of uneven steps, take a pass.
Tubing
Part historical site, part lazy-man cruise, ‘tubing’ means floating down former sugar-plantation irrigation ditches in old-fashioned inner tubes. Kaua′i Backcountry Adventures (Map; 245-2506, 888-270-0555; www.kauaibackcountry.com; Kuhio Hwy; 3hr tour incl lunch $100; departures 9am, 10:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm Mon-Sat, 9am & 1pm Sun) offers the island’s only tubing tour, which ends with lunch at a swimming hole. Great for the whole family (including kids as young as five).
ATVs
Can driving an ATV across private, pristine ranchland really constitute an ‘ecotour’? On two tours offered by Kipu Ranch Adventures (off Map;246-9288; www.kiputours.com; tours driver/child/senior & passenger from $125/72/100) you do see gorgeous, otherwise-inaccessible landscape, including the Ha′upu mountain range, Kipu Kai coast and Hule′ia River, plus wild pigs, pheasants, peacocks and turkeys. But gas-powered vehicles are hard to endorse. For a green alternate, try Kaua′i ATV Tours (Click here).
Golf
The original two Jack Nicklaus–designed 18-hole par-72 courses at Kaua′i Lagoons Golf Club (Map; 241-6000, 800-634-6400; www.kauailagoonsgolf.com; Kaua′i Marriott, 3351 Ho′olaule′a Way; green fees morning $125-175, afternoon $105-125, club rental $55) were called Kiele and Mokihana. In 2008, both courses began undergoing a major renovation that will last through 2010. During this period, only one combined 18-hole experience is available. Guests of the Kaua′i Marriott receive discounted rates (morning/afternoon $115/95).
The lush cliffs of Mt Ha′upu serve as a backdrop to the Robin Nelson–designed Puakea Golf Course (Map; 245-8756, 866-773-5554; www.puakeagolf.com; 4315 Kalepa Rd; green fees incl cart before 11am $135, 11am-2pm $79, after 2pm $59, club rental $40), which first opened in 1997 (with an odd 10 holes) and became an 18-hole course in 2003. It’s located near Kukui Grove Shopping Center.
Fishing
Most charters depart from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor (Map). The following outfits are top-notch:
Lahela Ocean Adventures (635-4020; www.sport-fishing-kauai.com; 4hr shared charter per person $219, 4hr private per 6 passengers $625) Captain Scott Akana is named by other fisherman as the island’s ‘best’ and a real ‘pro.’ Spectators ride at half-price. Detailed website answers all your questions and more.
Happy Hunter Sport Fishing (639-4351, 634-2633; www.happyhuntersportfishing.com; 4hr private charter per 6 passengers $625) Captain Harry Shigekane has 30 years’ experience and sails a fantastic 41ft Pacifica. Private charters only.
Helicopter Tours
The best selection and quality of chopper tours fly from Lihu′e Airport (Map). The going rate for a 50- to 60-minute flight is