ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN KILAUEA,
KAUAI, HAWAII

Let some surf lessons bring out your inner child. Photo: Kenny Gibbs/ happyhourdesign.com

If you came to Kauai, you’re probably not the type to spend an entire vacation at the poolside. You're more interested in exploring, doing, and experiencing everything the island has to offer. That said, Kilauea is the town for you. Fill up with a Tropical Danish at Kilauea Bakery and stock up on energy bars at K-Town Market, because you're only a few minutes away from some serious fun. You just need to decide what you want to do:

Ocean Kayaking is a fantastic way to get some exercise and see the coast from a new perspective. Photo: Kenny Gibbs/ happyhourdesign.com

Kayaking: Like to Kayak a jungle river? How about paddling the ocean? Why not just do both? The area has a few easy river waterways that meander from the lush, tropical inland through brackish estuaries and into the Pacific Ocean. From there, you can put down the paddles, grab your snorkel gear, and cool off while interacting with Hawaii’s colorful family of reef fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. There are plenty of shops on Kauai’s north side that rent kayaks. So call around, and ask a lot of questions about where to find your perfect trek–from lazy downstream drifting to pulling up to a quiet beach for a picnic.

Surfing and Kilauea have a long history. In the photo is Kong Lung Historic Market Center's owner Patty Ewing's father Cliff Tucker in a Doc Ball photo from the 1940s. Today Kilauea is the home to many of the world's best and bravest professional surfers. Photo courtesy of Patty Ewing.

Surfing: Hawaii is known for having some of the best waves in the world, and Kauai has a long tradition of surfing. During the winter, swells can easily reach over 20 feet tall near Kilauea. It’s an amazing sight, but you’ll probably want to leave that to the experts. During the rest of the year, the North Coast enjoys smaller waves that are ideal for beginners. You'd be surprised how easy it is to learn how to surf if you’ve got the right equipment and the right people to teach you.

Kauai's own tandem surfing champs, Kalani and Eliza Vierra travel the world spreading the word about surfing and Hawaiian Heritage. Photo: Kenny Gibbs/ happyhourdesign.com

Hiking and Zip-Lining: If you experience firsthand the tropical habitat, Kauai is one of the most lush and vibrant islands in Hawaii. For easy access, try some of the gentler hikes around the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking for a guided tour with a few more diversions, you might want to book an excursion with nearby Princeville Ranch. They combine hiking with plenty of information on Kauai's flora and fauna. And if you haven’t seen enough of the forests from the ground, you might want to experience the exhilaration of a zip-line ride over the tree canopy.

Horseback Riding: The volcanic island of Kauai is a magnificent place to explore. And there’s no better way to connect with your surroundings than while riding one of Mother Nature's own all-terrain vehicles. Check out nearby Silver Falls Ranch for a variety of tours that will take you deep into the backcountry (and even let you dismount for a quick swim or slide down the falls.)