Kauai - Hawaii with Kids - page 386

IN THE WATER
Several outfitters on Kauai not only offer equipment rentals and tours, but also
give out expert information on weather forecasts, sea and trail conditions, and
other important matters for hikers, kayakers, sailors, and other backcountry
adventurers. For watersports questions and equipment rental, contact Kayak
Kauai Outbound, 1 mile past Hanalei Bridge on Hwy. 560, in Hanalei ( & 800/
437-3507 or 808/826-9844; www.kayakkauai.com), the outfitters' center in
Hanalei. They also have their own private dock (the only one on Kauai) for
launching kayaks and canoes. In Kapaa, contact Kauai Water Ski & Surf Co.,
Kinipopo Shopping Village, 4-356 Kuhio Hwy. (on the ocean side of the high-
way), Kapaa ( & 808/822-3574 ). In the Lihue and Poipu areas, go with Snorkel
Bob's Kauai at 4-734 Kuhio Hwy. (just north of Coconut Plantation Market-
place), Kapaa ( & 800/262-7725 or 808/823-9433; www.snorkelbob.com), and
in Koloa at 3236 Poipu Rd. (just south of Poipu Shopping Village), near Poipu
Beach ( & 808/742-2206 ).
BODYBOARDING & BODYSURFING
The best places for bodysurfing and boogie boarding are Kalapaki Beach (near
Lihue) and Poipu Beach. In addition to the rental shops listed above, one of the
most inexpensive places to rent boogie boards is the Activity Warehouse, 788
Kuhio Hwy., across from McDonald's, Kapaa ( & 800/343-2087 or 808/822-
4000; www.travelhawaii.com), where they go for $2 to $6 a day. Snorkel Bob's
(see above) charges just $15 a week.
BOATING
One of Hawaii's most spectacular natural attractions is Kauai's Na Pali Coast.
Unless you and the kids are willing to make an arduous 22-mile hike, there are
only two ways to see it: by helicopter (see “Helicopter Rides over Waimea
Canyon & the Na Pali Coast,” earlier in this chapter) or by boat. Picture your-
self cruising the rugged Na Pali coastline in a 42-foot ketch-rigged yacht under
full sail, watching the sunset as you enjoy a tropical cocktail, or speeding through
the aquamarine water in a 40-foot trimaran as porpoises play off the bow.
When the Pacific humpback whales make their annual visit to Hawaii from
December to March, they swim right by Kauai. In season, most boats on
Kauai—including sail and powerboats—combine whale-watching with their
regular adventures.
Kauai has many freshwater areas that are accessible only by boat, including
the Fern Grotto, Wailua State Park, Huleia and Hanalei national wildlife
refuges, Menehune Fish Pond, and numerous waterfalls. If you want to strike
out on your own, Paradise Outdoor Adventures, 4-1596 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa
( & 800/66-BOATS or 808/822-0016; www.kayakers.com), has 40 different
rental boats to choose from, like the popular Boston whaler (six-person capac-
ity) for $295 a day, plus kayaks and sea cycles. Included are all the amenities,
such as safety equipment, coolers, dry bags (for cameras, wallets, towels), and a
comprehensive orientation on where to go. The staff will even deliver the boat
to the Wailua River at no extra charge.
Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures Ages 2 and up. Captain Andy oper-
ates a 55-foot, 49-passenger catamaran out of two locations on the south shore.
The snorkel/picnic cruise, a 5 1 ⁄ 2 -hour cruise to the Na Pali Coast, offered from
May to October, costs $129 for adults and $89 for children 2 to 12, and includes
a deli-style lunch, snorkeling, and drinks. A 4-hour Na Pali Coast dinner sunset