Kayaking the waters of the North Shore of Kauai


Kayaking in Kauai
This information is compiled to assist guests who rent our Condo at the Cliffs Resort. If you've arrived at this page as a result of a web search on Kauai Kayaking, we hope you benefit from the information. And if you need lodging, thank you for considering us.
INTRODUCTION Kauai is the perfect place for kayaking whether you prefer the excitement of an ocean adventure or the calm of inland waterways. River kayaking takes place in selected locations in Kauai where rivers and outfitters combine to offer tourists the opportunity. Due to good equipment and to the character of Kauai rivers, kayaking is a very safe sport. All tours start near the coast and head upstream. One cannot get into a situation with rapids or dangerous water when heading upstream in this way. Perhaps the greatest challenge are headwinds which might arise on a return part of the journey. Ocean kayaking can be a totally different story altogether. Seasonal swells on the North, South, and East shores can make kayaking dangerous. Be sure to check local conditions before setting out. All outfitters provide life preservers and dry bags with the equipment. There is an age restriction -- generally 5 years. There is also a weight restriction -- generally 245 lb per individual or 450 lb per couple.
RIVER KAYAKING ON NORTH SHORE The North Shore Kayakable rivers are: The Hanalei River, the Kilauea River from Rock Quarry Beach to Kilauea Falls, and the Kalihiwai River. The private landowner of the waterfall on the tributary to the Kalihiwai River has recently started charging people with trespassing and they have been fined. If you want to see the falls, take the Princeville Ranch tour -- they have a license; if you object to this owners practice, then boycott the tour. Princeville Ranch Hike & Kayak 808-826-7669 or 888 955-7669 www.kauai-hiking.com Discover Hidden Kauai. Princeville Ranch Hike & Kayak offers exclusive kayaking and hiking tours on 2500 acres of private lands. The guides are entertaining and well educated on Hawaii history, flora, and fauna. Groups are small for everyone's enjoyment. The kayaking takes place on the Kalihiwai River -- the beautiful area between milepost 24 and 25 on Highway 56. You can see the waterfalls that are visited from the highway bridge. Kayak Hanalei 808-826-1881 www.kayakhanalei.com Located by the pier as the Hanalei River empties into Hanalei Bay. Two tours available: --- The Bay Explorer is a guided tour of the river and ocean. Snorkel, eat lunch, relax. All of yoru gear is provided. --- The Wildlife River Cruise is a complete dnarrated tour of the Hanalei River. Kayak Kauai 808-826-9844 or 800-437-3507 -- *Webmaster's Pick* www.kayakkauai.com The shop is in down town Hanalei. Convenient car-topping is available for kayakers who wish to visit another river such as the Kilauea River for the Kalihiwai River The Hanalei River tour is the main event. ---A three-hour guided tour along the scenic Hanalei River and Bay Reef Lagoon accompanied by charming water-borne natural historians. Safe family enjoyment with the land, water, fauna and flora genuinely interpreted.
RIVER KAYAKING ON EAST SHORE The Wailua River is a popular Kayaking site. The river is navigable for about 3 miles before becoming too shallow and too full of rocks [at which point you are still over a mile from beautiful Wailua falls]. Just before the end of the navigable portion, a tributary to the right takes the kayaker to a place to land the kayak and hike a few miles to wonderful 90 foot Uluwehi waterfall. On the way back you once could stop at Fern Grotto; you must tie you kayak to a fairly steep river bank and make their way to the Fern Grotto path. The guided tours are suitable for those with any level of kayaking experience -- including none. If self guided, some kayaking and Kauai hiking experience is recommended. You can rent kayaks Monday through Saturday only; Sunday is reserved for locals!!! Wailua Kayak & Canoe 808-821-1188 Tours or Self Rental available. Located right on the river -- no need to transport on your car. Most convenient. Often sold out by 10AM, so book ahead or arrive early. You have to overlook the gruff personalities of the staff. Kayak Wailua 808-822-3388 www.kayakwailua.com Conveniently located near the river in Wailua. Reservations required for tours -- from 2 persons to 24 . Kayaks for rent -- without guide -- if you are willing to put on your vehicle. Wailua Kayak Adventures 808-822-5795 www.kauaiwailuakayak.com Kayaks delivered right to the river. Possibly the Wailua river area's lowest prices. Tours and self guided. Paradise Outdoor Adventures 808-822-1112 or 877-422-6287 www.kayakers.com AM and PM guided tours. Paradise also offers a Boston Whaler for rent. Duke's Kayak Adventures 808-822-4000 or 800-688-0580 www.travelhawaii.com Enjoy the scenic beauty of tropical jungle rivers. Experienced guides share knowledge of local history and natural surroundings. Check in at the Activity Warehouse in Kapaa. Water Sport Activities and Rentals 808-822-3574 or 800-344-7915 Self guided tours up the Wailua river. Kayaks are delivered and set up at the rivers edge. Activity Warehouse 808-822-4000 Probably the least expensive place to rent Kayaks. Activity Warehouse is a general activity rental store including kayaks. You must car-top them and cart to the destination of your choice.
KAYAKING IN SOUTH EAST KAUAI Another popular Kauai River to kayak is the Hule'ia River. This tour starts from Narwiliwili Harbor and paddles upstream into the heart of a wildlife refuge. You will see jumping fish, rare birds, ancient taro fields, and the legendary Menehune Fishpond. You will then land on privately owned Kipu Ranch and Hike through a tropical forest that has a towering canopy of exotic trees, fruit trees and a profusion and explosion of tropical flowers. The return trip can be made the same way, or -- since mid-day winds make paddling difficult -- many outfitters help you downriver using motor boats or shuttle vans. Aloha Canoes & Kayaks 808-246-6804 or 877-473-5446 www.hawaiikayaks.com This tour group uses motorized equipment to tow back to the beginning. Aloha Kayaks also has a unique paddle trip in a Hawaiian Double Hull Canoe. Kayak Kauai 808-826-9844 or 800-437-3507 www.kayakkauai.com The shop is in down town Hanalei. Convenient car-topping is available for kayakers who wish to visit another river such as the Hule'ia River. Outfitters Kauai 808-742-9667 This group offers a variety of tours; Kayaking is one of the more popular. This tour includes Kipu Falls. The return uses a motor canoe to pull kayakers back downstream. Island Adventures 808-245-9662 www.kauaifun.com Kauai's Original Kayak company. Kayaking is done on the Hule'ia River. But instead of using smallish Kipu Falls, Island Adventures takes you by van to trailhead for a 15 minute walk to 50 ft. Papakolea Falls. Here you can swim beneath the cascading falls, take pictures, and enjoy your surroundings. The best part, it is your own private paradise!
OCEAN KAYAKING ON NORTH SHORE Kayak Kauai 808-826-9844 or 800-437-3507 -- *Webmaster's Pick* www.kayakkauai.com The shop is in down town Hanalei. Rent a Kayak in Hanalei and paddle down the Hanalei river into Hanalei Bay. If the surf is low, you can stay behind the reef all the way to Anini Beach and possibly even to the Kalihiwai River. Be sure to discuss your route with the shop people. Pedal 'N Paddle 808-826-9069 General activity rental store including a few low end kayaks. You must car-top them and cart to the destination of your choice.
PADDLE THE NAPALI COAST WITH AN OUTFITTER Additional Info on NaPali Coast Kayaking and Landings Paddling the NaPali Coast is one of the top must do adventures for very active people on Kauai. The day begins at 6AM and you wont return to the Cliffs Resort until 8PM. If you are the least bit prone to sea-sickness or are fearful of being on the water or are not in good shape, then this trip is not for you. Otherwise, enjoy sea caves, waterfalls, secluded beaches, paddling, sea swells, snorkeling, getting wet, and some of the prettiest scenery anywhere on earth. Kayak Kauai 808-826-9844 or 800-437-3507 -- *Webmaster's Pick* www.kayakkauai.com The shop is in down town Hanalei. Meet there at 6AM. One guide per 6 paddlers. One person and two person advanced sea kayaks. The season lasts from May to September. Advanced reservations are absolutely required. Kayak Adventures 808-826-9340 Custom Kayak Adventures, including guided tours of the NaPali between May and September. NaPali Kayak Tours 808-826-8968 Kayak the fabulous NaPali Coast with this smaller outfitter. The shop is in downtown Hanalei on the inland side of the street. Outfitters Kauai 808-742-9667 This group offers a variety of tours, including NaPali.
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