Garden Island Activities Provide Memorable Adventures
1) Hike to Hanakapiai Beach On the Na Pali Coast
This is a great way to get a glimpse of the Na Pali Coast without having to endure all of the rigors of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. The two mile hike into the first valley, Hanakapiai is a nice day hike with great views. If you are more adventurous you can hike another two miles up the Hanakapiai River to the awesome Hanakapiai Waterfall.
The multi-tiered waterfall plunges more than 1,000 feet down the mountain. The last drop of more than 400 feet falls directly into a large pool, providing a great place for a refreshing dip in the cool water after the arduous hike up into Hanakapiai Valley.
2) Take A Kauai Boat Tour
Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures will sail you away on their 55-foot sailing catamarans, a wonderful way to see the spectacular Na Pali Coastline. Hawaiian spinner dolphins often ride in the bow waves of the boat, and during the winter you can look for humpback whales.
Captain Andy’s catamarans include bathrooms, trampolines for sunbathing; showers, and even a submerged platform for easy entrance into water. This is also a great way to experience snorkeling in Hawaii. The boat stops in a protected area along the Na Pali Coast where you can get an up-close and personal view of colorful fish and other underwater marine life.
3) Go Skydiving Over Kauai’s Western Shore
Sky Dive Kauai offers tandem skydiving that starts with a plane ride up to the 10,000 foot level. Then it is time to jump out of the plane and begin your freefall over Kauai before parachuting back to Earth. You will also be able to buy a video of your jump.
4) Go Ziplining Above The North Shore Jungle
Strap yourself into a harness that connects to a trolley, and away you go! Princeville Ranch Adventures offers a Zip n’ Dip Expedition that includes 8 ziplines as well as a walk over a suspension bridge throug the treetops and over a waterfall. Then have lunch by a mountain pool and take a swim in the cool, refreshing water.
5) Visit Hawaii’s Northernmost Point – Kilauea Point Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge
This historic landmark is set atop a peninsula bluff that is the northernmost spot in all of the Hawaiian Islands.
The panoramic views from rugged Kilauea Point are spectacular. The Lighthouse area is also known for its abundant native bird population – from frigatebirds to albatross to boobies to shearwaters, tropicbirds, and nene (Hawaiian geese).
The Visitor Center at the Refuge has great exhibits and also a nice Gift and Book shop.
To get to the Lighthouse drive into the town of Kilauea from Kuhio Highway by turning makai (toward the ocean) just past Mile Marker 23 at the Shell gas station—this is Kolo Road. Turn left after about 100 yards, onto Kilauea Road, and follow it to the end at Kilauea Point.
6) Pamper Yourself On the North Shore at the Princeville Health Club and Spa
How about some Swedish and Lomi Lomi massage followed by Aromatherapy. Perhaps you would rather have a Hot Stone Massage Tropical Body Wrap and then a Facial? You can even get wrapped up in Limu seaweed!
After your treatment you can visit the Princeville Spa’s luxurious fitness center with a full weight room that overlooks the ocean. Then take a swim in the pool and soak in the jacuzzi before finishing up with a sauna and steam room.