Kauai Multisport Family Adventure
Looking for that great island vacation your family has long dreamed about? Welcome to the easy-going pace of Kauai, Hawaii's "Garden Isle." The majesty of Kauai's extraordinary natural heritage defines this verdant island as an ultimate paradise playground for the tropical adventurer. Since nearly ninety percent of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking, kayaking and biking are great ways of discovering its hidden corners … and we do it all! For spectacular views of the north shore we hike through the lush Halele's Forest Reserve on the Okolehao Ridge trail. Then it's a day of kayaking through the jungle on the Wailua River past ancient sacred sites and sacrificial shrines to a gorgeous hidden waterfall. Jump on your bike and cycle along the secluded roads and private trails of an old sugar cane plantation. Over to the west side, strap on your boots for an eye-popping hike along the ridges of the famed Waimea Canyon to Waipo'o Falls. Throughout the week there's plenty of time for swimming, surfing (kayak and board) and snorkeling. Enjoy three nights in lovely condos on the north shore overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay followed by two nights at well-appointed oceanfront plantation cottages with all the amenities on the west side of the island. Your guides prepare sumptuous meals throughout. Discover the legendary "aloha" spirit—join us in paradise.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Lihue, Hawaii (on the island of Kauai). Arrive at Kauai's Lihue Airport by 3:30 p.m. A shuttle will meet you and transfer you to the north shore where we settle into our condos suites for the next three nights. Located on a bluff surrounded by palm trees and with easy access to a "kid friendly" beach with great snorkeling, enjoy the huge views of Hanalei Bay and the lush tropical setting while you unwind, sip a cold tropical drink and meet your guides and the other members of your group. There's time for some beachcombing, tide pool exploration or swimming. Then settle in as your guides prepare a delicious welcome dinner of Hawaiian specialties. Dinner included.
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Day 2
Arise to your first Kauai sunrise and a full day of exploration and hiking. Following breakfast we set out for Kilauea Lighthouse which is the northernmost point in the Hawaiian island chain and is a designated National Historical Landmark. Although no longer a working lighthouse, Kilauea Point offers spectacular views and remains an important wildlife refuge with more than 200 acres of lands protecting a huge variety of nesting and migratory birds. Binoculars handy? Then it's off to the short but steep Okolehao ridge trail. Following a trail in the Halele'a Forest Reserve we climb roughly 1200' in two and a half miles to a plateau offering sweeping views of the dramatic north shore and the Hanalei valley below. This trail follows a ridge route that was established in the days of prohibition when Hawaiian liquor (named "Okolehao") was being distilled from the roots of the Ki plants that grow in this area. Late afternoon we may have time for some surfing instruction (kayak, body and board surfing). All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles with 1200' elevation gain / loss. -
Day 3
After another scrumptious breakfast we enjoy a morning of biking primarily on private grounds and on dirt roads or trails that pass through old sugar cane plantations. In addition, we may have the opportunity to visit a taro patch and learn about its historical significance as one of the earliest cultivated plants. Take time this afternoon to explore tide pools, snorkel and relax on the beach in front of our lodging. All meals included.
Biking: 3+ hours. -
Day 4
We are up early this morning before heading out for a day of kayak paddling on Kauai’s most historical river, Wailua. This scenic, jungle river is lined with sacred sites including royal birthing rocks, sacrificial shrines, ancient villages and temples and places of refuge during times of war. The ancients called Wailua "the river of the great sacred spirit." The whole setting may seem familiar to you as several famous films have been set here including Indiana Jones and portions of South Pacific. We paddle upriver roughly two miles to a beach and trailhead where we leave our kayaks for a short hike through the jungle to Ulu’Wehi Falls. Standing at 120’ high, the falls are lovely and inviting – cool off, take a dip! Return to our vehicle by kayak and then transfer to the west side of the island for the next two nights. Here you enjoy the ambience of old Hawaii and the serenity of an historic Kauai sugar plantation in an oceanfront resort setting. All meals included.
Paddling: 5 miles. -
Day 5
One of the most unexpected and dramatic natural wonders in tropical Hawaii is Waimea Canyon. Similar in appearance to the Grand Canyon, this rugged region of deep river gorges and multihued cliffs is more than 10 miles long and more than 3,500 feet deep. Our hike today is considered one of the premiere hikes in Koke’e State Park – a rigorous four mile roundtrip hike to Waipo’o Falls. While the hike is to the top of the Falls, the views are not so much of the Falls as they are of the Canyon itself – utterly spectacular. The hike in is down through the high forest and then out to a ridge that opens up to 360° views of Waimea. Depending on the recent rain fall the Falls may be in full force or may be a mere trickle and there may (or may not) be refreshing pools to cool off in. We return late afternoon to our comfortable cottages to enjoy a dip in the pool and a delicious “aloha” dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 4-5 miles rugged terrain. -
Day 6
You have a well-earned relaxing morning to sleep in late, enjoy the beach, relax on the oceanfront grounds of the cottages, or snorkel at Mahalapu Beach … your guides will share various activity options for the morning with you. Pack up and transfer to the airport mid-afternoon. Optional activities. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Single accommodations may or may not be available upon request. This is entirely dependent upon the configuration of your particular group.
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6; 3 nights shared condo suites; 2 nights ocean resort cottages; expert leadership; group airport transfers; all equipment for various activities (sit-upon kayaks, PFDs, bikes, helmets); permits and entrance fees; private transportation throughout.
Airfare to Lihue, Hawaii; additional hotel nights; cost of medical immunizations as needed; snorkel equipment (can be rented); insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; optional tips to guides and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be in good physical condition and comfortable in the outdoors. It is not necessary to have some previous kayaking or canoeing experience although each person should be a swimmer and comfortable in moving water. The biking is not particularly technical but it is on trails and dirt roads and you should know how to bike. Basic surf instruction will be given (depending upon weather conditions) for both kayak surfing and board, body surfing. We ask that you come equipped with a spirit of adventure.
Kauai's weather varies more by location than by season. Average coastal daytime temperatures are in the 70s year-round. Nights cool off a bit but are still very mild in the summer months. Kauai's average annual rainfall is about 40 inches; this is what keeps the garden isle so lush and beautiful. During the summer months the trade winds blow and keep the humidity from becoming oppressive. Warm afternoon showers are not uncommon, please bring adequate raingear.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Kauai Multisport Family Adventure
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Kauai's weather varies more by location than by season. Average coastal temperatures are in the 70s year round. Nights are cooler typically but still comfortably warm. Kauai's average rainfall is about 40 inches; this is what keeps the Garden Isle so lush and beautiful. During the summer months, the trade winds blow and keep the humidity from becoming oppressive. This is a lovely time to be in Hawaii.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Kayaks, life jacket and spray skirt
- Group first aid kit
- Camp cooking gear & supplies
- 18 or 21-speed Hybrid bikes/helmets
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Medium size duffel bag, sturdy
- Large plastic bags to line duffel
- Daypack or fanny pack (to carry water bottles, camera, lunch & rain jacket)
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag: summer weight, compressible w/ stuff sack
- Sleeping pad, closed cell foam or Therm-a-rest
- Rain/wind jacket and pants, waterproof and breathable
- Rain hat, large-brimmed
- T-shirts, synthetic and cotton
- Tank tops
- Hiking/paddling shorts (2-3 pair), quick-dry material
- Long sleeve, lightweight shirt
- Pants, quick-dry material
- Underwear
- UnderwearHiking & Casual socks
- Liner socks
- Swimsuits
- Lightweight fleece jacket / sweater for evenings
- Sun hat w/visor or broad brim
- Clean clothes for the flight home
- Light-weight hiking boots (broken-in) or sturdy trail shoes
- Two pairs of shoes (walking shoes and a pair you can get wet while paddling or beachcombing)
- Snorkel gear (or rent on island)
- Mesh bag to carry snorkel gear
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries/bulb
- 2 water bottles, 1-quart size
- Small beach towel and wash cloth
- Sunglasses and strap
- Sun block and lip balm (SPF 15+)
- Insect repellent (necessary)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel, moist towelettes
- Sea sickness remedies (for kayaking days if your prone to motion sickness)
- Several Ziploc plastic bags for wet items
- Bandana
- Gloves for kayaking (protect hands from blisters; bike gloves will work)
- Camera, film/memory cards, spare camera battery
- Waterproof disposable camera
- Hiking poles (recommended)
- Travel pillow
- Reading and writing materials
- Small binoculars, waterproof
- Field guides (birds, plants, etc.)
- Camp chair kit (converts self-inflating sleeping pad into a chair)
- ½ roll toilet paper
- Travel games
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Use sunscreen liberally, especially while kayaking. Clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeve shirt also provide protection from the sun. Bring clothing that is light in weight and color and ventilates (breaths) to provide comfort and protection.
- Van space is limited. Pack light, fitting all clothing, sleeping bag and pad into one medium duffel bag. Please line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large plastic trash bag, to help keep your sleeping bag clean and dry.
- Attire for many days is a bathing suit, T-shirt and shorts. People typically pack a spare set of shorts and T-shirt in their daypack, as well as sunscreen, a towel, water bottle(s) and their camera. Bring some Ziploc bags for wet items, to keep them separate from your dry clothes.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents.
- A pack rain cover or large garbage bag provides protection for your daypack if it rains.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses as a backup.
Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
