Hawaii: Kauai Multisport
Looking for that long overdue respite from a hectic everyday life? Welcome to the easy-going pace of Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle.” The quiet majesty of Kauai’s extraordinary natural heritage defines this verdant island as an ultimate paradise 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! Hike along the dramatically sculpted Na Pali Coast and up a jungle trail to a sparkling 400’ high waterfall. On summer trips, paddle your sea kayak under the vertical ramparts of the Na Pali sea cliffs; winter trips paddle in the Wailua River or the moon-shaped Hanalei Bay. Pedal your bike along the secluded roads of an old sugar cane plantation, stopping to enjoy a dip in the ocean en-route. Over to the west side, strap on your boots for an eye-popping, beautiful hike along the ridges of the famed Waimea Canyon. Enjoy three nights camping at a private site on the north shore (free from crowds on our private beach) followed by two nights at oceanfront plantation cottages with all the amenities. 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.
Kauai Multisport Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Lihue, Hawaii. Arrive at Kauai’s Lihue Airport by 3:00 p.m. A shuttle will meet you and transfer you to a private north shore campsite at Kilauea. Located on a grassy bluff surrounded by palm trees, and with easy access to a private beach, you enjoy the quiet 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 are no crowds here; it is truly a little slice of paradise! 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. Following breakfast we set out for a knock-your-socks-off beautiful hike to Hanakapiai Falls on the famed Na Pali Coast. Before turning up-valley, our hike winds along the coast itself with eye-popping views of 3000' high, sheer sea-cliffs. Into a jungle fragrant with fruit trees we head upstream passing by ancient rock wall terracing (called Loi'i), evidence of Hanakapiai's first inhabitants. Our ultimate destination is the 400' waterfall where we enjoy our lunch and cool off in the misty plunge pool. This is a full day of hiking along coastal and jungle trails. Sections of the trail can be slippery, wet, or muddy, and careful footing is required. Return to our lovely campsite. All meals included.
Hiking: 8 miles. -
Day 3
Your trip leaders will present you with a variety of options today. We may shift gears (literally!), grab a bike, and head down Kauai's secluded east coast to cycle on the quiet roads of an old sugar cane plantation or out to Hanalei Bay. The scenery is gorgeous with tropical fields back-dropped by jagged, spire-like peaks. An alternative option might include another lovely hike through the surrounding countryside. We enjoy one last night at our campsite. Take time this afternoon to swim, snorkel, and stroll the beach – it's all yours! All meals included.
Biking: 6-12 miles; Optional activities. -
Day 4
We are up early this morning to pack our camp before heading out to engage in one of the best adventures in the world - a day of sea kayaking along the famed Napali Coast. Imagine paddling below verdant 3,000' high sea cliffs dotted with dark sea caves and passing by secluded beaches- it's a day of kayaking to remember! We stop at picturesque Milolii Beach for lunch. This is one of the most beautiful and remote shorelines in the world! It is also a challenging paddle with virtually no "turn-around" options. Ideally, you should prepare for this paddle in advance by kayaking and developing your upper body strength. You should feel comfortable on the water and be a good swimmer. After this full day of paddling we land on the westernmost beach where our shuttle meets us, and we make our way to our beachfront cottages. Here you enjoy the ambience of old Hawaii and the serenity of an historic Kauai sugar plantation in an oceanfront resort setting. (Note: Kayaking the Napali coast is seasonal and weather dependent. Winter departures will paddle either the jungle Wailua River or the tropical and protected Hanalei Bay. All meals included.
Paddling: 8 (winter) -16 (summer) miles. -
Day 5
One of the most unexpected and dramatic natural wonders in tropical Hawaii is Waimea Canyon. This rugged region of deep river gorges and multi-hued cliffs is more than 10 miles long and more than 3,500 feet deep. Our ten-mile loop hike takes us through the fragrant under story of the canyon and up onto its fluted ridges that offer incredible views of the wild Napali Coast. Conjure up Jurassic Park and you've pretty much got the picture. Late afternoon we return to our comfortable cottages to enjoy a dip in the pool and a delicious "aloha" dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 10 miles rugged terrain with good elevation gain. -
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. Breakfast and lunch included.
Optional activities.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
While camping you can choose to have a single tent (all our tents are roomy two person domed tents) or choose to share a tent with another group member. Single accommodations may or may not be available upon request for the two nights at the oceanfront cottages. This is entirely dependent upon the configuration of your particular group.
Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 3 nights camping on private grounds; 2 nights ocean resort cottages; expert leadership; group airport transfers; all equipment for various activities (2-person tents; sit-upon kayaks, PFDs, bikes, helmets); permits and entrance fees; private transportation throughout.
Airfare to Lihue, Hawaii; additional hotel nights; cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind; snorkel gear (purchase or rent on island); 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 experienced campers in good physical condition. It is not necessary to be an expert kayaker but we recommend that you have some previous kayaking or canoeing experience. Kayaking the Na Pali coast is a long paddle and requires that you have good arm and upper-body strength. The stretch of the Na Pali Coast we paddle on summer departures is remote with no easy turn-around point. You should be at ease in a small boat, be a good swimmer and be comfortable in deep water. Due to weather conditions, the hiking trails may be muddy with many stream crossings and can be slippery. We ask that you come equipped with a spirit of adventure and willingness to pitch in and help with camp chores.
Kauai's weather varies more by location than by season. Average coastal daytime temperatures are in the 70s year-round. Nights in winter can drop to the 50s, so please come prepared for all extremes. 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. Winter weather is far less predictable and can vary from hard rain to warm days and blue skies. 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.
Hawaii: Kauai Multisport
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. 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 in winter can drop to the 50s, so please come prepared for all extremes. 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. Winter weather is far less predictable and can vary from steady rain to warm days with blue skies.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Kayaks, life jacket and spray skirt
- Group first aid kit
- Camp cooking gear and supplies
- 18 or 21 speed hybrid bikes
- Bike helmets
- Photo identification
- Airline tickets
- Medium size, sturdy duffel bag
- Daypack or fanny pack(to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and rain jacket)
- Large plastic bags to line duffel
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Light-weight hiking boots (broken in) or sturdy trail shoes
- Two pair of shoes (walking shoes and a pair you can get wet while paddling)
- Sleeping bag, summer weight that compresses to a small size
- Sleeping pad,closed cell foam or Therm-a-Rest
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants, waterproof and breathable
- Rain hat, large brimmed
- Swimsuit(s)
- Shorts (2-3 pairs), we recommend fast-drying material like Supplex nylon
- T-shirts -- synthetic and cotton
- Long-sleeve shirt, lightweight for sun protection
- Fleece jacket or lightweight sweater
- Sun hat with visor or broad rim
- Pants—quick dry material
- Underwear
- Change of clean clothes for the trip home
- Socks - casual and hiking
- Liner socks
- Tank tops
- Mask, snorkel and fins (snorkel gear is available for rent $20/week)
- Mesh bag to carry the gear
- Toiletry kit
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (necessary)
- Sunglasses and strap
- Sunscreen and lip balm SPF 15 or higher
- Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Bandana
- Small beach towel and washcloth
- 2 water bottles (1-quart minimum)
- Hand sanitizer gel, moist towlettes
- Sea sickness medication for kayaking and snorkeling
- Several Ziploc bags
- Gloves for kayaking (protect hands from blisters; bike gloves work well)
- Camera and film, spare camera battery
- Waterproof, disposable camera for kayaking and snorkeling
- Binoculars (waterproof is best)
- Reading and writing materials
- Field guides on birds, etc.
- Travel pillow
- Camp chair kit
- 1/2 roll of toilet paper
- Travel games
- Windproof jacket (to wear over sweater or pile jacket)
- Long-sleeve shirt for warmth
- Synthetic long underwear—top and bottom
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. 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 (breathes) to provide comfort and protection.
- Van space is limited. Pack light, fitting all clothing, sleeping bag and pad into one medium duffel bag. Lining the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large plastic trash bag will help keep your sleeping bag clean and dry.
- Attire for many days is a swimsuit, 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. Liner socks should be synthetic or silk- 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.
