The kids around me made it look easy. One by one, teenagers leaped about 20 feet or more off the cliff of Kauai’s Ho’opi’i Falls, located in the eastern part of Kapaʻa in the eastern portion of the island. These guys made it look too easy.
The hiking trail to the falls is a bit of a dichotomy. Hikers grab a trail in a suburban neighborhood and walk a mile into the lush greenery, where the sound of the Kapaʻa Stream cascades.
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Don’t let that “stream” connotation fool you. The two falls are impressive, and cliff jumping is part of the fun of hiking the 2.6-mile out-and-back trail. I ditch my shirt and shoes and near the rocky edge, gazing at the churning abyss below. Some local boys said hitting the trail for the cliff jumping was part of their everyday routine, but at almost 50, they have quite a few years on me.
The Waterfalls of Kauai
The volume of the falls drowns out much of the surrounding noise, and after a few seconds, I take the plunge. The frigid water is an instant cooldown from the humid August weather and is worth the experience alone.
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A quick swim downstream is a bit like living in a different world, and some of the ancient truck parts along the way add to the “Lost” experience of the island (although the television show was filmed on Oahu_.
The day remains frozen in my memory months later. Kauai is nicknamed “The Garden Island” for good reason, and a visit is a must for anyone who loves the outdoors – and the beach experience is pretty amazing too.
The 552-square-mile island is the least populated of Hawaii’s four major islands – and has plenty to keep any outdoorsman busy. Beyond Ho’opi’i Falls, here’s a quick look at just a few hikes and other outdoor experiences worth checking out.
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Waimea Canyon State Park
From beaches to rocky coastline to lush jungles, Kauai offers a varied landscape. Waimea Canyon may be an unexpected gem for those new to the island. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the massive land formation runs about 10 miles in length and 3,000 feet deep.
Waimea is probably not what one thinks of when it comes to Hawaii. The drive takes you from the island’s green landscape into a much drier environment. The rusty reds and browns of the canyon look more like something one might see in Utah or Arizona than on the island where major parts of Jurassic Park were filmed.
There are several hikes to choose from with scenic views and changing landscapes. Be prepared for some elevation changes, picturesque settings of the surrounding canyon, and the occasional wild goat. We hit the trail on a strenuous trail to check out a couple more waterfalls, and the scenery was certainly worth the trek.
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Kalalau Trail
Speaking of Jurassic Park, Kauai’s Nāpali Coast played a major role in the first film that kicked off the franchise. More on this brilliant rocky coastline below, but the Kalalau Trail offers a first-hand experience for those in good shape and looking for a multi-day excursion.
The 11-mile, one-way trip is the island’s land access to the famed coastline. Hikers will experience rugged cliffs, valleys, and pristine beaches along the way. Like a Boy Scout, be prepared.
The terrain can be treacherous with slippery conditions. Remember, Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth, and Mount Waialeale in the center of the island averages about 450 inches of rainfall per year. This is no beginner hike, but the addition of a Kalalau Trail trip can be quite an adventure.
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Epic Hiking Locations
Secret Beach – Officially known as Kauapea Beach, but the “Secret” moniker has stuck. While a short hike, expect some steep and muddy terrain. The trip has a great ending, and the tide pools along the beach are perfect as natural swimming holes.
Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant) – This four-mile trek sees 1,000 feet of elevation change and offers brilliant views of Wailua Bay beach.
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Alaka’i Swamp Trail (Koke’e State Park) – Yet another interesting terrain in Kauai, this 7.7-mile trail offers something different through one of the world’s wettest locations. Look for plenty of plant and animal life, as well as moss-covered trees.
Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure
I attempted to grab a spot on this excursion on my first trip to Kauai several years ago, but found out after landing that Kauai Backcountry Adventures was booked up for two months. This getaway is popular for good reason. Lesson learned, and I planned ahead on the next trip.
I’m so glad I kept this outdoor excursion on the itinerary. The trip mixes in a little island history with an unmatched experience. Tubers are dropped into man-made irrigation canals built beginning in 1870.
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Travelers drift their way through thousands of acres of a former sugar plantation. Check out the rich greenery and natural surroundings as you float.
An occasional tunnel offers tubers the chance to turn on their headlamps and gaze around what would otherwise be pitch-black. Marks in the rock cut via pick-axes are visible all around. The excursion ends with a nice lunch.
Other interesting options to get a first-hand experience of the natural wonders of Kauai include ziplining, helicopter tours, and more. You won’t be disappointed when booking a trip.
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Nāpali Coast
No trip to Kauai would be complete without gazing at the Nāpali Coast. This 17-mile stretch on the eastern edge of the island offers sweeping views of jagged mountains that seem to crash into the Pacific Ocean.
The area is cut off from the rest of the island with minimal ways to explore Kauai’s real wild side. It’s amazing to learn that Native Hawaiian communities not only once lived in the unforgiving landscape, but they apparently thrived at one time.
Sharp ridges cut into the landscape, and gazers will find a mix of browns, reds, greens, and other colors, taking in a true wonder of the world. Occasional mountain goats and waterfalls may appear on the mountains above, and the pristine beaches of the Kalalau Trail are also visible along the way.
Getting there is half the fun, and boat trips offer not just a panoramic view of the coastline, but many charters steer passengers into hidden sea caves for a peek – complete with waves crashing into the rocks. Some snorkeling can enhance the experience, with tropical fish and sea turtles regularly on display. The entire journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity.
Looking for other options on the water around the island? The list is endless and includes day-long fishing trips, boat tours, whale-watching, catamaran trips, kayaking, and more. Surfers also have plenty to look forward to. Grab a board and hang 10 in an oasis unlike any other.
Ultimate Relaxation on Kauai
After an adventure in the water or in the mountains, a nice lunch and drink at the beach can be a great way to unwind, and there are many great options to choose from. Grab a book or take a plunge.
After a week of adventure mixed with some relaxation, my own trip to the Garden Island finally came to an end. Getting back to reality was difficult, but that next trip is always right around the corner.
