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Sea Adventures
OCEAN KAYAKING
As the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai has had more time for wind and water erosion to create beautiful natural sites. Kayaking has become a very popular way to experience Kauai's beauty and there are many different ways to kayak. You can rent your own kayaks or strap them on the top of your car and off you go. You can go on guided tours, or we can arrange to have your rental waiting at the water for you. Ocean kayaking is definitely an once-in-a-lifetime adventure and only for those with some kayaking experience.
The Na Pali Coast Sea Kayak Tour
Enjoy a 16 mile tour by kayak of one of the most beautiful and remote of the world's shorelines. You'll meet early, in Poipu, and ride together in a 15-pax van to the launch site in Haena. After about an hour's paddle you'll come upon the famed sea caves of Na Pali, entering, if sea conditions permit. You'll raft up your kayak for juice and snacks at mid-morning.
You will paddle a total of 11 miles in the morning to your first landing, which is at Milolii, the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing community, where you'll have lunch. Typically you arrive at Milolii between 1 and 2 pm, so the morning is long! After lunch, there is a 4- mile paddle in typically calm water to Polihale, where your van will be waiting. When you return to Poipu, you will have circumnavigated the entire island!
This is a very long, somewhat strenuous paddle in typically heavy seas. Don't sign up unless you are up for a good workout and maybe a challenge. While this tour is best enjoyed by people who are physically fit and have some basic paddling experience, you may join us as a first time kayaker if you consider yourself to be athletically inclined and quick to learn new sports. Of course, this trip is not for non-swimmers.
If you are prone to severe seasickness this trip is not for you. If you feel that you may get nauseous, but not severely so, we recommend motion sickness medicine such as Bonine, Dramamine, or Triptone (over the counter).
Tandem, open-cockpit, or, sit-on-top type, self-bailing kayaks are used, with foot pedal controlled rudders to facilitate safety and ease of operation. You'll be given a lightweight fiberglass paddle with a tether, life vest, and dry bag as well.
Lunch and refreshments include spring water, juice, snack bars, deli sandwiches and sodas. A vegetarian option is available on request. There's lot's of room in the kayak, so feel free to bring along additional drinks and snacks- no alcoholic beverages, please.
South Shore Sea Kayak Tour
Offered mid-September thru mid-May, this tour is 8 miles long, in what typically become somewhat rough seas by late morning. This segment of the coastline holds some of Kauai's most secluded bays and beaches, and you'll make surf landings on three different seldom-seen beaches during your day.
After launching from Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor you'll pass the famous Spouting Horn, a remarkable salt-water blowhole. After about 45 minutes, you'll surf your kayak up on the beach at Lawa'i Kai, the exquisitely beautiful site of Queen Emma's Summer Home. As you have gotten an early start and you may be ready for a pick-me-up, your guide will bust out a jug of hot coffee and bag of muffins for you to enjoy as you stroll the beach in the golden morning light.
Continuing downwind, you've passed the white sand beaches barrier reefs, and volcanic craters of Palama's Point. As you paddle downwind, you may see interesting marine life, such as Spinner Dolphin and Honu, (sea turtles), both common in this area. During the months of November through April, you also run the chance of getting a glimpse of migratory Humpback whales.
After 7 miles of paddling, you're ready for lunch. You'll land at a special place to relax, eat, and play: a big protected bay known as Wahi'awa, where you can comb the _ mile crescent-shaped sandy paradise, play in the water, and snorkel the fringes of the bay. Meanwhile, your guide will lay out a tasty picnic lunch with a scrumptious brownie that may inspire a nap, which is fully endorsed.
Around mid-afternoon after another brief paddle, your driver will arrive to whisk you away on our return to the Poipu resort area.
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