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 Local guide, local flavor |
3416 Rice Street (Mailing: P.O. Box 471) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 800 222 6989 http://www.ohana-helicopters.com |
Many Hawaiian companies are owned by mainlanders or foreigners who fell in love with the islands and decided to stay. That is not the case for this tour company. Owner (and president) Bogart Kealoha was born in Hawai'i and has spent his whole life exploring his birthplace, Kauai. The name of his company means "family," and each of his employees aim to provide the kind of tour that could normally only be experienced if a Kauai local was a close friend or family member. Tours visit swamps, valleys, hidden beaches and waterfalls. The price starts at $150 per person for a 50-minute tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: delaina ruddell |
 Photo: agross |
 Photo: erik |
 Photo: erik |
 Photo: Bob Davidson |
 Photo: Kymberlee della Luce |
 Photo: agross |
 Photo: Matt Pagel  |
 Photo: Kymberlee della Luce |
 Photo: Bob Davidson |
 Photo: James B. Doss |
 Photo: Matt Gibbons |
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Favorite way to sightsee |
Lihue Airport, across from Heliport (Mailing: 3651 Ahukini Road) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 4666 http://www.airkauai.com |
Among the spectacular sights you'll see on this tour are Manaowaipuna Falls (the falls seen in Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park), Mount Wai'ale'ale (if you are lucky, you will get to 'copter inside the crater) and, of course, the epic Na Pali cliffs. The combined narrative and background music adds to the stunning visual effects. Craft are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal viewing. Owner and pilot Chuck DiPiazza has been in the business on Kauai for more than 10 years. Call for prices and more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Pagel |
 Photo: Alex Rainert |
 Photo: Cathy |
 Photo: Peter Leonhardt |
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Fun, exciting nature tours |
Kalapaki Marketplace, Suite 106 Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 6804 / +1 808 473 5446 http://www.hawaiikayaks.com |
Paddle the river through the rain forest, snorkel a hidden beach, or hike the path of the Hulei'a River. This Hawaiian-owned eco-tour company allows guests to participate in any of the above activities. The ultimate tour is the Helicopter-Kayak Adventure Tour; it combines all activities, starting with a helicopter ride above Na Pali and Waimea Canyon. While some tours are not appropriate for youngsters or persons with disabilities, some tours are appropriate for ages three on up to 80-something. Call for daily schedule and prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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By land or by sea |
1702 Haleukana Street Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 6400 / +1 808 452 1113 http://www.alohakauaitours.com/ |
The three specialized sections of this company provide visitors with a complete look around the island of Kauai. Kauai Mountain Tours offers four-wheel-drive tours and hiking excursions around Palii-Kona Forest Reserve and Koke'e Park. Kauai Backroads goes where no tour company has gone before, trekking around private property and bumpy back roads. SeaFun Kauai provides tourists with the opportunity to snorkel the top spots off the Kauai coast. Take one tour or all three. The photo ops are endless. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: PatrickO'Shaughnessey |
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Capture the perfect picture |
4231 Ahukini Road (Mailing: PO Box 306) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 3774 / +1 808 245 2001 http://www.helicopters-kauai.com |
Distinguished by their rainbow-striped hulls, these helicopters are special for another reason: A section of the unique "Scenic View" windows open, allowing passengers to avoid the glare factor that ruins many-a-picture. The helicopters tour the Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon and other stunning landmarks. Navigated and narrated by experts, the tours have earned rave reviews from such expert guides as Conde Nast. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eNil - Is on holiday |
 Photo: eNil - Is on holiday |
 Photo: Marc Levin |
 Photo: Jonathan Miller |
 Surf, ski, snorkel |
P. O. Box 1722 Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 9661 |
Located on beachfront territory in front of the Kauai Marriott, this outdoor activities company can outfit tourist for any adventure. From kayak rental to snorkel excursions to sailing, the company has it all covered. Windsurfing, diving and other activities can also be arranged. Of course, surfing is one of the most popular activities, and the Beach Boys offer group classes or private instruction daily. This is the premier east side surf school. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amy Klimt |
 Photo: Joseph Bettencourt |
 Photo: Joseph Bettencourt |
 Photo: Bob Cronin |
 Photo: seannarae |
 Photo: Angela Kneece |
 Photo: Chris Larkin |
 Photo: seannarae |
 Photo: Angela Kneece |
 Photo: Bruce Evans |
 Photo: Amy Klimt |
 Keep the kids happy all day |
3610 Rice Street (Marriott Kauai Beach Club) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 5050 |
The Kauai Marriott gets all kinds of praise from travel publications, travel agents and travelers themselves for its children's program. The experienced staff members who head up the program keep the kids busy all day long with a variety of island-related activities. All kinds of things might be included on the daily schedule: lei making lessons, hula classes, beach walks, athletic competitions and so forth. The club is open to ages 5-12. Open to hotelguests and no-guests the cost per day includes lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Active, high-impact touring |
Kilohana Plantation (Mailing: P.O. Box 3121) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 3440 / +1 808 635 8735 http://www.kauaiadventuretrek.... |
This is a far cry from bus or helicopter touring. It takes place on a private plantation on the south shore of Kauai. Participants bike down a cane road through a sugar plantation and then hike a coastline trail to a patch of rainforest. Lunchtime is enjoyed at an isolated beach on the Mahaulepu coast. The tour company, Aloha Kauai Tours, bills its adventures as "the essence of eco-tourism," and indeed, these tours are about as back-to-basics as could be imagined. They are appropriate for novice and intermediate hikers from ages 8 and up. Also available are snorkeling and 4x4 tours throughout the island. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sally Clark |
 Photo: susan hoang |
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Fun in the air and in the water too! |
Hanama‘ulu Junction, off Highway 56 Kauai, HI 96715 United States +1 808 245 2506 / +1 888 270 0555 (Toll free) http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/ |
Make your way to this establishment located off Highway 56 in Hanama'ulu. Choose between Backcountry Zipline and Mountain Tubing tours—the first has you dressed up in a swimsuit, sitting in a tube (you read that right!) making your way through streams and canals. The second option will make you feel the wind beneath your wings! You harness yourself with a rope that extends from a mountain to a valley across water bodies and trees. Then you simply descend at the most rapid speed possible, aided by gravity! The tours are offered in an area of 17,000 acres, formerly occupied by plantations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jack Ballenger |
 Photo: Jennifer Kijek |
 Photo: Michael Fedor |
 Unusual quarry |
3088-B Aukele Street Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 7358 |
Any anglers who thought deep-sea fishing was the only variety of the sport offered in Hawaii are bound to be pleasantly surprised by Kauai. The waters of Kauais Waita Reservoir are teeming with one of the most unusual fishes in the world: the peacock bass. Until recently, the bass was only found in South America, but it thrives in the warm Hawaiian waters. Interestingly, this organization is both the protector and the hunter of the bass. It ensures that they are well-fed and flourishing. Although it operates fishing charters, it has a strict tag-and-release policy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The Right Way to the Fairway! |
3351 Hoolaulea Way Kauai, HI 96766 United States 800 634 6400 http://www.teebone.com/coursep... |
It's said that when Jack Nicklaus created the Kiele Course, the terrain lent itself so well to his vision that he made but a single change to his original design. So it's no surprise that this incredible 7,070-yard resort course is hailed as one of the finest golf gems in the Pacific. The Kiele has a sense of style uniquely its own. Fairways weave along imposing ocean cliffs, over promontories high above Nawiliwili Harbor, and among some 40-acres of fresh water lagoons. Lush groves of exotic foliage thrive amongst the holes. A solitary rotunda sits on the water off the 17th tee: an exquisite wedding chapel. Every hole is marked by a white marble statue of an animal or mystical being: Happy Buddha, Elephant, Swan, Dragon, and of course, The Golden Bear, in tribute to the master golfer who master-minded the course. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dale Federighi |
 Photo: archibaldb |
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The Right Way to the Fairway! |
3351 Hoolaulea Way Kauai, HI 96766 United States http://www.teebone.com/coursep... |
This resort, which was named to "GOLF Magazine's" 1998 list of "Gold Medal Resorts," features two regulation eighteen hole courses. The Kiele Course is very demanding and requires several shots over ravines. "Golf Digest" rated it the 6th "Best in State" course in 1995-96, and 7th in 1997-98. In addition, "GOLF Magazine" nominated it 64th among the "Top 100 Course You Can Play In The U.S." in 1998. The Lagoons Course is a bit easier and much more forgiving off the tee. Carts are mandatory on the Kiele Course, while golfers may walk the Lagoon Course at designated times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Refined facilities, challenging course |
3551 Ho'olaulea Way Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 241 6000 / +1 800 634 6400 http://www.golfbc.com |
Golfers who play for relaxation as well as challenge might want to consider this course. While it is far from easy, it is definitely not as difficult as some of the courses designed by celebrated course creator Jack Nicklaus. Characterized by its ocean holes and harbor views, the course was given "Gold Medal" ranking by Golf Magazine and was rated among the top 75 "upscale courses" by Golf Digest.The elegant clubhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or light lunch after play.As with all popular Hawaii courses, it is recommended that you reserve a tee time as far in advance as possible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fred Hall |
 Tour Kilohana in style |
3-2087 Kaumualii Highway Kilohana Plantation Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 9529 www.theweddingcarriage.com |
Some people might consider it romantic, while others would say it is a novelty. Either way, the horse-and-carriage tour of the historic Kilohana Plantation is an interesting way to spend an hour. Informative coachmen/guides regale the passengers with anecdotes and tidbits of information about Kauai's sugary past. Passengers stop to view the harvesters in action and nibble stalks of fresh cane. There is a one-hour tour and a 20-minute tour. Reservations are suggested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Adventure rides over private property |
off Highway 50, Eastern Shore (at Kipu Ranch) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 9288 http://www.kiputours.com/ |
This rough-and-tumble experience is like a cross between a motorcycle ride and a back-road trek. Tours take place on a working cattle ranch that covers 3,000 acres. Participants travel through forests, fields, up inclines and down riverbeds. Along the way there are plenty of sights to see; the Menehune Fish Pond and the Haupu Mountains are two of the main ones. This is the only way to gain access to Kipu Ranch. Participants ride sturdy Honda 300cc ATVs. Plenty of rules apply; call in advance for more information or to make reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alexis Landry |
 Photo: Garth A. |
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Trusted tour company |
3113B Oihana St Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 0122 http://www.polyad.com |
Improbable as it seems, this company's large white vans seem to get to every valley, vista, waterfall and lookout point in Kauai. Tours visit such landmarks as Waimea Canyon in Kokee State Park, the Menehune Fishpond, Spouting Horn and Hanapepe Towne. Tours range from two hours to a full day. Schedules are available on its Web site or at any activity desk. Polynesian Adventure Tours also operates on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Right Way to the Fairway! |
4315 Kalepa St. Kauai, HI 96766 United States 808 245 8756 http://www.teebone.com/coursep... |
Robin Nelson, Hawaii's most prolific golf course architect, designed the course to play around deep ravines and streams fed by fresh mountain rain water. With the inspirational terrain and calming mountain range backdrop, you'll find Puakea Golf Course to play differently under a variety of weather conditions of wind and water. Nelson's masterful architecture clearly conveys the routes one should take to achieve textbook pars. He hints enticingly at ways to achieve challenging birdies, but that gamble can quickly turn into bogey or worse. For nearly 7 years, Puakea was a glorious oddity - a 10-hole truncation thanks to Hurricane Iniki. She halted course development in mid-stream and wreaked havoc on the local economy, which forced the golf course to change hands before completion. In 2003, the new ownership chose to complete this unfinished diamond and gave acclaimed golf course architect Robin Nelson a mulligan for the remaining eight holes. That was the best news imaginable because, even in its incompleteness, Sports Illustrated thought enough of Puakea to name it one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the United States. When all 18 holes were opened in July 2003, Nelson was finally able to realize his vision for Puakea. The result is Hawaii's newest, 18-hole championship course - a gorgeous and gratifying golf layout for which the delay was well worth the wait. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nisei@HI |
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Over Kauai |
3225 Akahi Street Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 246 0136 http://www.safariair.com |
This air tour company is based out of Hilo and Kauai, and is owned by a retired Naval Reserves officer. With a small staff and state-of-the-art helicopters, the company aims to offer a truly unforgettable tour experience. Heli-tours visit the many waterfalls, jungles and isolated beaches of Kauai. Inter-island flights are also available. The Kaua'i tour is for 55-minute in the off-season, Internet discounts are sometimes available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Favorite for fishing charters |
Port Allen Kauai, HI 96716 United States +1 808 639 0013 http://www.fishing-kauai-hawai... |
Sport fishing is one of the favorite sports for visitors to Hawaii. This company is very popular with experienced fishermen, thanks to its skillful, experienced crew, its state-of-the-art craft and its excellent track record. Giants of the sea, weighing in at well more than 100 pounds, have been caught several times. Tuna, spearfish, wahoo and many other kinds of fish flourish in the waters off Kauai. Half-day rates start at $95 per person or $475 to charter the boat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Willie Stark |
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Idyllic fishing experience |
Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor P. O. Box 1722 Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 6333 / +1 888 245 1707 |
Cast away in style aboard this charter company's tricked-out 55-foot fishing boat. Named the Konane Star, it is one of the best-known charter vessels on the island. Passengers regularly catch ahi, marlin and mahi mahi. The boat is outfitted with all manner of luxuries, from hot showers to a microwave to a television and VCR. Prices start at $99 per person for a half-day shared excursion. As with the vast majority of local fishing charters, it is customary for the crew on this boat to keep the catch. Reservation is essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Must-see Kaua'i |
Lihue Airport Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 8881 / +1 808 245 7541 / +1 888 245 4354 (toll free) http://www.helicopters-hawaii.com |
This tour company aims to not only visit the top tourist attractions, but also to show tourists parts of the island that are only known to locals. Common tour highlights include Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls and Mount Waialeale (famous for getting the highest rainfall in the world.) The knowledgeable pilots know how to display Kauai's breathtaking natural beauty to the fullest. The charges are $209 per person. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary & Sarah Robinett |