Motorized rafts, catamarans or sailboats carry you out
to sea, under waterfalls and into sea caves, to watch sea
turtles and dolphin, snorkel, and picnic on remote beaches,
while viewing a part of the island that no roads touch.
Few things compare to seeing the turquoise sea close-up.
Against the waves, the ride gets rough; with them, it's a
gentle tour.
Dolphins
This is really how close you will commonly find them
in the wild, if you take a pricey zodiac raft trip (or kayak
or boat) out to sea, in Na Pali. Here, I saw Spinner Dolphin
dancing on their tales!
Kayaking
Rent a kayak in Hanalei, where they will mount it on the
roof of your car. Hanalei and Kalihiwai Rivers
are both wonderful for effortless paddling. Wailua is
over-priced. On a nice day, you can take it out into the
bays.
Sailing
Paddle a long canoe out into the bay, for a sunset sail
in Hanalei.
Sea turtles
This can best be done on one of the pricey trips out
into the ocean, but I've also seen them swimming at Ke'e
beach!
(Oops, and don't get this close - Protected by big fines!)
Snorkeling
Tunnels, reached
by walking up Haena Beach,, is exceptional.
Lydgate is
a protected reef, with facilities, on the east shore.
Ke'e is another good north shore
option.
Poipu is a good south shore option,with
public facilities.
Tubing
Scenic ride up a mountain, then inner tube ride down a sugar
cane ditch, through tunnels!
Waterfalls
Wailua, view "Fantasy Island" falls,
as the hike down is now closed & dangerous
Opaeka'a, view
only, with Wailua River views & a heiau,across the street,
and a Hawaiian village down the hill.
Hanakapiai, a strenuous 8 miles RT into
the NaPali Wilderness, from Ke'e Beach.
Hanakoa, , a strenuous 13 miles into Na
Pali, but therefore,more secluded.
Kipu Falls tours - private property.
Secret Falls, via outrigger from the Hawaiian
village ($15) with swimming.
Pictured, is a
waterfall off the road, south of the big bridge, but no longer
accessible.
