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More Information about Kayaking |
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 Kayaking
Kauai
On Kauai we offer kayaking trips on three rivers (Wailua, Huleia,
and Hanalei).
All of the rivers are usually slow moving and good for Kayaking. At
times of flood the rivers become dangerous. Kayak companies should
be canceling the trips at those times. Dangerous conditions can develop
unexpectedly and quickly. The river guide can make a big difference
if the conditions become dangerous.
The Wailua river is located on the East side of the island. It is
the largest river on the island. There is more paddling to do and
more hiking too. There are no rest rooms beyond the starting point.
This is a big concern for some people. You will hike to waterfalls
and can swim in the pool below Uluwehi Falls. The trips are about
5 hours long and come with a lunch. Alii now is doing a 4 hour trip
with no lunch for $50.00.
The Huleia River next to Lihue on the East side of the island. This
is an easier paddle up the river with the wind. The hike is shorter
than the Wailua River. Hiking is to Kipu Falls which is a very nice
waterfall with a large pool and rope swing. The trip back down the
river you get a ride in a motorized catamaran.
The Hanalei River on the North Shore. The waterfalls are in the mountains
here. Paddling on the river into the ocean. Snorkeling and a beach
landing. This is a shorter trip and easier. I think that it is much
better in the summer. In the winter the ocean is often to rough for
kayaking on the North Shore.
Ocean Kayaking along the Na Pali Coast. This is a summer only activity
for the very fit. It is a 17 mile all day paddle. The ocean can get
very rough along the Na Pali Coast. This is for experienced paddlers
in good condition. |
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Uluwehi
Waterfall on the Wailua river.
Uluwehi Falls is the destination on the Wailua River trip. Getting
there is fun too, but you need some sort of goal.
Uluwehi is a side stream coming over the cliff into the Wailua river
Valley. It drops over 100' into a large pool. it is often called secret
falls but the secret is out. It is a very popular stop for the kayak
tours. This is usually the best spot for the lunch break.
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Wailua
River Valley
This small water fall just down stream from Uluwehi is usually more
quiet. Most people take a few pictures here and move along.
The hiking through the jungle is part of the fun that most people
don't think about on a kayaking trip. It can be very muddy and slippery
at times and dry at others. There are many interesting tropical plants
to learn about along the way.
To me it is a bit like walking through a ghost town. The Valleys of
Hawaii were once inhabited and extensively used for agriculture. Taro
loi used to line the valleys. Today they are overgrown. Rock walls
are constant reminders of past uses of the valleys. |
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What to bring? |
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Swimsuit and clothes that can get wet
and muddy. You will get wet.
Sun protection. Hats and sunscreen are very useful. You will be sitting
in a position that you are not normally in and the sun will be burning
parts of your body that even if you are used to the sun will burn.
Insect repellant. It is a jungle out there. Mosquitoes are not native
to Hawaii and in my opinion are the worst of all introductions.
Foot wear something that can get wet and give good traction. You will
be walking through water on mud and on dry land.
A towel. You will have a dry bag and a towel will be nice to have.
You might want to bring something dry for the way home. |
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Caution |
| Kayaking requires physical effort.
Ability to sit in a kayak and paddle are required in addition most
trips require hiking over often muddy slippery trails in remote areas.
Most trips involve paddling double kayaks if there is and odd number
in your group you may be put with another person this could be good
or bad depending who they put you with. Good luck. |
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Wailua River ? |
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 The Wailua River is
the largest navigable river on Kauai. The kayakers will share the
river with the Fern Grotto boats and water skiers. This trip has the
most paddling of the river trips
There is a large waterfall at the end and a smaller one nearby. This
is a 5 to 6 Hr. trip. |
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Huleia River ? |
 The
Huleia River is less crowded with less paddling. The trip back you
are given a ride back down the river in a motorized catamaran.
The hiking is less than the Wailua. There is a waterfall on these
trips. |
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Activities
Top
Blue Dolphin
Related Pages 
Kayaking
is very popular in Kauai now. There are several rivers good
for kayaking and the ocean.
Prices