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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 |
 Sugar cane days |
4050 Nawiliwili Road (at Kuhio Highway) Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 3202 |
If you want to get an idea of what the island looked like when sugar cane was the main industry, visit this restored historic property. Its many exhibits and displays give hints of what life was like on the sugar plantations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tour the grounds, which at one point spanned 80 acres, or read up on literature. This is, understandably, a very popular destination for people on school field trips, cultural seminars and other educational excursions. Call in advance and reserve a time to tour the grounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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White sand, tropical lagoon |
off of Highway 50 (about two miles from Lihue) Kauai, HI 96766 United States |
Aside from the usual (stunning) stretch of white sand and blue water, this beach also offers something special: proximity to the Kauai Lagoons. These freshwater lagoons stretch over a distance of 40 acres and are the home to a variety of exotic wildlife. This is also an historic surfing beach. Swimming conditions are usually calm, but visitors are encouraged to check the surf forecast before diving in. Overall, this is one of the island's most popular beaches. It offers restroom and shower facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Springmeyer |
 Photo: Chris Springmeyer |
 Photo: Bill Lindsay |
 Photo: milamber8305 |
 Photo: Vishesh and Victoria |
 Photo: Frank DiBona |
 Photo: W. Chien |
 Photo: Jason McCartney |
 Photo: mbschieffer |
 Photo: Bob Russell |
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Kauai's history showcased |
4428 Rice St Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 6931 http://www.kauaimuseum.org/visit/ |
There are two parts of this museum. Every aspect of the island's history, starting at its formation and winding up at the present, is covered in the permanent exhibit in the Rice Building. Historic displays include ancient artifacts, scientific diagrams and turn-of-the-century photographs. The Wilcox Building houses the Mezzanine Gallery, which features an ever-changing display of works by professional and amateur local artists, as well as other exhibits and the gift shop. The museum-sponsored events are geared toward the local community and tourists. Admission: $7 Adults; $5 Seniors; $3 Students (13-17); $1 Children over 6. Free for members and children under 6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J. Stephen Conn |
 Another bit of Eden |
Highway 580; two miles past UH Wailua Experiment Station Mt. Waialeale Kauai, HI 96756 United States |
A favorite of hikers, lovebirds and picnicking parties, this place is one of the loveliest gardens on the island nicknamed "The Garden Isle." The 30-acre property is a veritable fairyland covered in lush foliage and sprinkled with swimming holes and grassy knolls. Mango and monkeypod trees are just a few of the many exotic plant species that flourish here. One easy hiking trail is in the arboretum, and a more difficult four-mile trail is just outside it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Chenoweth |
 Photo: Aaron Chenoweth |
 Photo: Tasia Markoff Aaron |
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Sweet plantation recreation |
3-2087 Kaumualii Highway Kauai, HI 96766 United States +1 808 245 5608 |
Almost anyone can find something to do at this restored sugar plantation. The home is a perfectly recreated version of a 1930s mansion. The exquisitely manicured grounds can be toured by carriage or on foot. For people who enjoy more material diversions, the plantation offers luaus twice weekly, shopping and fine dining. A host of famous artists are represented in the art galleries on the grounds, and Gaylord's Restaurant offers fine dining morning, noon and night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christina Powers |
 Photo: Christina Powers |
 Photo: Yaki Tsaig |
 Photo: Steve Oberg |
 Photo: Jamie Phillips |
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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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A small memento from Russia |
Highway 50 at Waimea River Mouth Kauai, HI 96747 United States |
This structure may not be a treat for the eye, but it has a long and colorful past. Built by Georg Anton Schaeffer in the early part of the 19th century, it was the symbol of an iffy alliance between the Russian diplomat and Kauai's King Kaumualii. Kaumalii and the formidable Kamehameha, king of the other islands, united in 1816 and sent the Russians packing. The Hawaiians then proceeded to complete construction. The fort was used as a military facility for years, and in 1966 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Whitman |
 Photo: Jason Watts |
 Photo: Donna Dicksson |
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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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Kauai's largest venue |
Hoolako Street Kauai, HI 96766 United States |
Any major events from high school soccer games to summertime festivals happen at this large venue in downtown Lihue. It also is the site of high school graduation ceremonies and fairs. The Kauai Farmer's Market sets up shop in the parking lot every Friday in the afternoon. This is the only venue in Kauai that can hold several thousand people. It is a public facility, and is managed by the Kauai County Parks and Recreation Department. Hours and credit card acceptance policies will vary according to event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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As viewed on Fantasy Island |
Off Highway 580 in Kapaia Valley (North of Hanamaulu) Kauai, HI 96766 United States |
The backdrop of the famed Fantasy Island television show, this stunning waterfall is located directly off the road, just past the town of Lihue on the southern coast of Kaua'i. It is just a short ride down a rough road in Kapaia Valley. The falls can be viewed from the side of the road, but there is a trail for experienced hikers. It is steep and challenging, and local tour guides recommend that only the hardiest adventurers try to make the descent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: discardme |
 Photo: Willie Stark |
 Photo: Aaron Roberts |
 Photo: Jennifer Etling Gann |
 Photo: Jim Toth |
 Photo: A. McDaniel |
 Photo: Andrew Virnuls |
 Photo: Brandon & Jess Allen |
 Photo: jbsruggie |
 Photo: Jerry Boal |
 Photo: Jerry Boal |
 Photo: Jayul Bhatt |
 Photo: Sarah Bresee |
 Photo: Tim Poundstone |
 Photo: Michael Sprague |
 Photo: Michael Kovacs |
 Photo: Catherine Bogin |
 Photo: Brian Ogston |
 Photo: Vicki Hatfield |
 Photo: Doug Falconieri |
 Photo: RTB Photography |
 Photo: kalove |
 Photo: Mark Bailey |
 Photo: Kathy Shute |
 Photo: Lindsie Cooper |
 Photo: John Logue |
 Photo: Julia |
 Photo: Greg Roach |
 Photo: Joyce Ehrlinger |
 Photo: Rebecca Flynn |
 Photo: Natasha Christie |
 Photo: Kelli Canady |
 Photo: Bob Taormina Jr. |
 Photo: Art Kho |
 Photo: Benjamin Halley |
 Photo: sage's people |
 Photo: sarah ross |
 Photo: Alicia Irlandez |
 Photo: washuugenius |
 Photo: clark and harry |
 Photo: karlthevegi |
 Photo: F.Santos |
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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 |