GOLF
Photo by: Nick Galante

Some of Hawaii's best golf -- and most challenging golf courses -- are found on Kauai. In addition to several outstanding resort courses, there are also some excellent public courses. What puts all these golf courses in a class above those you might play elsewhere, is their location. Most come with an inspiring ocean view or spectacular mountain backdrop. Click here for more golf info.

Go to Golf Courses

HORSEBACK RIDING

Of all the ways to explore Kauai, from horseback must be among the best. There are scenic trails that follow along the coast. Trips up Hanalei Valley, a place that hasn't changed much in the past one thousand years. Other trails take you to Haupu Valley, along the beach and past the coves of Mahaulepu Beach, or down into Waimea Canyon, known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.'

Go to Stables

FISHING

Kauai is a popular spot for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Large- and smallmouth bass are taken in Kauai's inland reservoirs. Marlin, ahi, ono, and aku are found in abundance off Kauai's south and east coasts. There also are special charters available that will carry you near the private island of Niihau for giant tuna and marlin.

Go to Fishing

HIKING
Photo by: Kayak Kauai

About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot. Of course, before you set out you'll need to know where you're going.

Write to the Hawaii Geographic Society, P.O. Box 1698, Honolulu, HI 96806, and ask for their information packet. A good book on the subject, Hawaiian Hiking Trails, by Craig Chisholm, offers trail descriptions by someone who has been there. You can also contact the Sierra Club, Kauai Group at http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Kauai/kauai.html. Any of the above will prove helpful to your planning.

Good maps are also necessary. The University of Hawaii Press Reference Map of Kauai is available from the Hawaii Geographic Society and at bookstores on Kauai. Maps may also be obtained from the State Division of Forestry, P.O. Box 1671, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766.

Three of Kauai's best trails:

The Kukui Trail
This 5-mile (round trip) trail drops 2,000 feet into spectacular Waimea Canyon, and offers the shortest route to the canyon floor. There's a large swimming hole at the bottom. The trail begins off the Iliau Loop Trail.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail
This 4.2-mile (round trip) hike offers dramatic views of small waterfalls and a wealth of flora. The trailhead is about a mile beyond the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station on Route 580.

The Kalalau Trail
This is the original Hawaiian trail into Kalalau Valley, and offers dramatic views of Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach. It begins at Kee Beach where Highway 56 ends. Two miles inland is Hanakapiai Falls, which cascades 300 feet to a pool below. The trail travels on to Kalalau Valley, and many hikers camp overnight at Hanakapiai and before continuing on the next day. The entire trip is best made by experienced hikers.

Go to Land Activities

WINDSURFING

Anini Beach Park and Kalapaki Beach are both good places for windsurfing, especially Anini Beach because it said to have more consistent wind. On the south coast, Poipu Beach is also an excellent choice. For the more advanced, Haena Beach on the north shore is a great spot.

Go to Water Activities

SCUBA DIVING
Photo by: Kayak Kauai

The best diving on Kauai is found along the southern shore because waters are calmer. The water is clear, with visibility averaging about 50 feet, and sea life is abundant.

Go to Water Activities

CAMPING
Photo by: Kayak Kauai

Kauai's county and state parks are ideal for camping. Both require permits. Permits for camping at county parks are issued for seven days, and enable you to camp in one location for seven consecutive days - and a total of up to 60 days at all county parks. Permits cost $3 per person per night, with children under 18 free. State park permits are free, and allow camping for five consecutive days. It is suggested that permits for state and county parks be requested up to one year in advance of arrival, especially for popular areas such as the Na Pali coast and Kokee. For other areas, try approximately one month in advance for the winter and six months in advance for the summer. The State Division of Forestry also offers camping permits for sites in the forest reserves. For permit information, please contact:

County:
Department of Parks and Recreation
4193 Hardy Street
Lihue, Kauai
Phone: 808-241-6660

State:
Department of Land and Natural Resources
3060 Eiwa Street
Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
Phone: 808-274-3444

State Division of Forestry
3060 Eiwa Street
Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
Phone: 808-274-3433