Sports Events in Kauai

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On our most recent trip to Kauai, unfortunately Marc was recovering from surgery so we couldn’t be as active as we had planned. We were never more disappointed in this situation as we were the day we made it to Ke’e Beach. Of course we didn’t have our hiking shoes with us as we faced the Kalalau Trailhead so we decided to try a bit in our flip flops any way to see how far we could get. Due to our poor footwear, the steep and often slippery conditions on the trail and Marc’s poor health we didn’t make it very far but in the short distance we did travel we got a taste of just how spectacular this trail could be. This is the trailhead anyone wishing to visit the Na Pali coast must trek, as there are no roads that lead there. To get to the Na Pali coast you must go my foot or by boat. The Kalalau Trail from start to finish runs 12 miles one way, but the trail meets the beach at 2 miles (Hanakapi’ai Beach) and 6 miles (Hanakoa) along. Most day hikers will only ever reach Hanakapi’ai but many of the hikers along the Kalalau Trail camp overnight along the way. Camping is restricted to 5 consecutive nights and you must purchase permits from the State Parks Office in Lihue. Camping permits are $10 US per person per night. There are no facilities along the trail so you must pack in your own food and water. We plan to do this hike on our next trip to Kauai so stay tuned! Someday I’ll have more details!

Also, everything I have read warns against swimming at Hanakapi’ai and Hanakoa beaches as the current is swift and strong and there is a nasty undertow. Many drownings have occurred at these beaches.

Equipment: Hiking shoes or shoes with good traction. If you're hiking past Hanakapi’ai Beach or camping anywhere along the trail you will need permits available from the State Parks Office in Lihue (or Honolulu). Campers will also need to pack in all their gear, food AND water as there are no facilities along the trail past Ke'e Beach. Bring your tent, camp stove, matches, propane, sleeping bag or sleep sack, etc. And please if you pack it in, pack it out. Respect the trail, respect the beach, leave only footprints.

This goes without saying, but surfing in Kauai is on the menu if you are so inclined. The tides are still quite strong, but the waves in Kauai are much smaller than the famous ones on the north shore of Kauai. Novice surfers will find this destination more conducive to catching some waves without killing yourself or competing with others for a wave.

Fishing from the pier near the airport. We caught several Bone Fish here. Talk to the locals, they will teach you how to set up your rig.

Equipment: Bring your rods, they have plenty of cheap fishing tackle in all the grocery stores.

Scuba diving! I always wanted to try it, but my husband was chicken. So my dad went with me.

I was a bit surprised to find out that there are a lot of people whole really do have a fear of breathing under water---with an air tank , of course! My husband refuses to even use a snorkel. But we did get him to do the free resort course and he seemed to have gotten the hang of it. But he still elected not to go out into the ocean. The company had a money back gaurantee---if you went out and didn't love it, they would bring you back in and not charge you for it.

I was also very surprised how easy it is to breathe with scuba gear. The pressurized air really flows into your lungs freely. Scuba diving is actually easier than snorkeling in that the surf didn't toss us around.

It is expensive---about $110 each. We got a 2 for 1 discount by listening to a timeshare presentation.

Getting up close and personal to the fish was fascinating to me. I found it exhilerating!

Equipment: I forget the name of the company we went with, but there are a lot of them. I would expect they all have excellent equipment. But don't think you'll save money and get something cheaper. Make sure the mask fits properly so water stays out. Do use a wet suit---even in Hawaii the water can be chilling.

Don't forget to take a camera!

Unfortunetly, we don't golf, but we heard many good things about the golf course at Hyatt Regency. The hotel guide boasts that the world's greatest golfers have played here - like Tiger Woods. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

The golf course has spectaular views, as does the entire property. If you are a golfer this hotel will be a dream come true!

kauai is the perfect destination for today'saventure traveler.
for leisurely river kayak rides ,
scuba diding and ocean sailing,
to horseback riding,
hiking or biking