After we dined at all those great Kauai restaurants on this recent trip, we really needed to burn off some of the calories. Fortunately, Kauai is loaded with excellent activities that were fun, educational, relaxing, and adventurous. Here are the activities that tried and enjoyed on this trip.

Na Pali Coast Sail Tour – We took Captain Andy’s Na Pali Snorkel Adventure which was excellent despite the fact that the conditions didn’t allow us to snorkel. The scenery of this coast line is simply amazing. Our boat captain was Captain Trent and he was hilarious and entertaining. We’ve taken a lot of boating tours in Hawaii and Captain Trent was the best. So, if you go, ask for him. Watch for a full review of this tour.

Hiking – We decided to hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali coast. This was our second time attempting it. Oh boy, it is a challenge! We were there on a particularly muddy day which made it much more difficult. Unlike the last time, we were a little more prepared by eating a nutritious breakfast and we brought a picnic.

Biking – We rented bikes from Kauai Outfitters and biked along part of the Koloa Heritage Trail. You can drive to the trail points if biking the entire 10 miles seems a bit too daunting. Order a free Koloa Heritage Trail map.

Kayaking – We kayaked the Wailua River, took a hike to the base of an 100-ish foot tall waterfall for a swim in the waterfall-fed pool. We took this tour with Kayak Kauai and they were excellent. See my review of Kayaking the Wailua to Secret/Sacred Falls.

Kayaking the Wailua River

Garden Touring – We visited the National Tropical Botanical Garden on the South Shore for a tour of the Allerton Gardens. We were there for a day tour, but I’d love to go back for their Allerton Sunset Tour. See my review of Allerton Garden tours.

Air Touring – All in the name of research, I took two helicopter tours. See what lengths of heartache and effort I go through just so I can keep you informed?   Actually both tours were truly fantastic. Watch for upcoming reviews of each.

• We took a unique eco-tour with Safari Helicopters of Kauai that included a landing at a secluded botanical preserve nurtured by Mr. Keith Robinson of the famed ranching Robinson Family. See my review of this Safari Helicopter tour.
• After my friend Shane reviewed his helicopter tour on Blue Hawaiian, I had an opportunity to try their tour, too. I agree with Shane that the tour is simply amazing.

A Bird's Eye View of the Na Pali Coast

Spa’ing – Again, all in the name of research, I once again made the sacrifice to gather information to help you. So, I checked out two Kauai spas – the brand new Halele’a Spa at the St Regis Princeville and the multi-award winning Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. Gosh, you just can’t get spa experiences like that at home. Watch for upcoming reviews of both. See my review of Grand Hyatt Kauai’s ANARA Spa.

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This post concludes the three part series of impressions from my recent trip to Kauai. I’ve previously discussed overall impressions and accommodations and where we dined.