What to Do in West Kauai
Are you planning of going to Kauai for an active vacation? Go to the west side of Kauai and you will surely be welcomed to a paradise. The Garden Island of Kauai continues to prove its extraordinary blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Everyone visiting Kauai will surely enjoy the various fun and thrilling activities and adventures that the island offers. Whatever type of activity you're looking for, this region of Kauai is definitely the perfect place to visit.
First, you may start your exploration of the island by air, land, or sea, or by joining a group tour. Regardless of what your choice of tour is, you’ll be able to witness in any angle, the beauty and grandeur of this garden paradise.
Activities you can participate in when visiting West Kauai include driving ATVs, surfing, biking, boogie boarding, hiking, trailing, horseback riding, and mountain tubing. See the island's amazing sights from exceptional vantage points you can access through air tours, windsurfing and kite surfing, water skiing, land tours, and ocean tours. Make sure you include the following activities in your itinerary:
Sailing
Kauai is beautiful in the morning and in the afternoons. But it is most beautiful during the sunset. No one will dispute that Kauai at its sunset turns into a more spectacular tropical getaway. To top this off, you and your loved one can have a romantic dinner and have an even more enchanted evening. There are so many boat companies that offer sunset cruising while a romantic dinner is served aboard their powered, sailing catamarans.
Sightseeing
With all the natural wonders West Kauai has to offer, sightseeing should definitely be included in your list of must-dos. Attractions you shouldn't miss include the amazing Waimea Canyon, a natural landmark that is a result of Hawaii's unique geography and landscape. There are several lookout points scattered around the canyon, giving you several options when gazing at this wonderful tourist attraction. Another sightseeing spot is the Kalalau lookout, a vantage point that boasts of incredible views and spectacular images of the Waimea Canyon.
The Hanapepe Valley lookout is also a must-see when in this part of Kauai. Because of its lush landscape, scenic greneries, and spectacular hills, this was actually used as a backdrop in the Hollywood movie Jurassic Park.
Strolling along the botanical gardens
If you don't mind traveling to nearby regions, then take a stroll along the botanical gardens of Kauai. You might be surprised to know that many native Hawaiian plant species are now endangered. There are three botanical gardens being operated on Kauai. And all these three share one common denominator: they are all devoted to addressing the conservation of the diversity of tropical plants, most especially the rare and endangered plant species, in the Hawaiian Islands. And you should come and see these botanical gardens since there are two on the South Shore and one on the North Shore, all open for public tours.
Bicycle tours
Biking is one activity that is for all ages and gives you physical exercise while you wander through the beaches, savoring going past through the hot and white beach sands stretching many miles long. Always remember to put on your safety gear such as helmets and elbow pads, and to familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot do when on a bike tour. If it's your first time to join a biking tour, stick to your guide and group. Going on a guided bike tour has several advantages. Aside from having someone to ask around when in an unfamiliar place, a guide can also narrate stories about Hawaiian history, culture, and folklore to make the trip more enriching. Enjoy your bike ride in this beautiful place and you'll learn about what makes Kauai special.
Eco-tours
The Kauai Eco-Tours are becoming popular with travelers nowadays. Visitors are now enjoying this outdoor activity involving travel to natural destinations and building environmental awareness. Many eco-tours also help provide financial assistance for conservation, and empowerment of local people and their culture. Satisfy your curiosity and ask your eco-tour guide about the different native Hawaiian plants, the various bird and trees species found in the island. You can also ask about the best hiking trails located in Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park.
Snuba diving
If you don’t know yet the difference between snorkeling and snuba, here it is: Snorkeling is such a great way to laze around in the sun, while floating cozily on the waters and marvel at schools of multi-colored fish coming up towards you. Snuba diving, on the other hand, is much more exciting because you get to move deeper into the bottom and therefore get a much clearer and more captivating view of the fishes swimming around.
Snuba, unlike scuba, which goes deep down the ocean bottom, is only a shallow water dive that is in the middle of snorkeling and scuba diving. Anyone can almost immediately learn to snuba in 90 minutes. But there are certain requirements that need to be satisfied such as that you must be at least eight years old, are healthy, and that you know how to swim. If you meet all these requirements, then you may start plunging into the water for your first snuba experience in Kauai.
Actually, snuba is not as exhausting and time consuming as learning to scuba, though snuba diving is a liitle bit more adventurous and satisfying than snorkeling. A float with a scuba tank serves as the air supply, giving you a chance to dive whenver you're ready. Experienced divers will serve as guide during your snuba diving tour, and they can help you identify the various marine life forms you'll see beneath the waters.
Shopping
If you love old, charming towns, West Kauai is the place to be. Located in this charming region is the Eleele Shopping Center, a place where you'll enjoy shopping for local handicrafts, scrumptious delicacies, souvenir items, and other knick knacks you can take home to remind you of your wonderful vacation. Other specialty products you'll find here include handmade soaps, furniture made of wood, and household items such as plates, cups, and pillows with Hawaiian motifs.
Eating out
After a day of adventure, satisfy your cravings and through the regions various eating establishments that include cozy eateries. Grab a lilikoi cream pie from a local bakery and savor the tropical flavor that makes Kauai unique. Whether you're looking for Thai, American, or Chinese dishes, Kauai's west side boasts of plenty of eating establishments that serve various cuisines. For a more unforgettable experience when in West Kauai, buy some grilled fish or Kalbi ribs and bring them with you when on a biking tour. At noon, feast on your delicious packed lunch while enjoying the majestic views.
Travelers who have been to Kauai come back and frequent the islands. Planning your paradise vacation in Kauai isn’t difficult after all. Just always remember that it is not enough that you enjoy the natural and majestic beauty of Kauai; don’t forget that when you plan your trip, you also make sure you book activities that will make the vacation one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Kauai offers so much for explorers like you. You’ll find a long list of fun and exciting activities, ranging from slightly active to madly exploratory. Whether you decide to tour with a group or go solo, the island’s enchanting appeal is truly rewarding. Discover West Kauai, and make the most of your stay with the countless thrilling adventures you can choose from.