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Water World: "
Two of Lexus Magazine’s contributors travel to Hawaii to explore Kauai’s water-based adventures, from secluded swimming holes to waterfall fly-bys.

By Steve Basilone and Drew Limsky

There’s a reason people call Kauai the Garden Isle: it’s arguably the most lush, unspoiled island in the Hawaiian archipelago. But there’s another side to this escape-worthy getaway: water. And it doesn’t just surround Kauai. Water cascades off it, flows through it, and sits tucked away, almost secretly, beneath its canopies. Read on for six aquatic experiences to try out the next time, or first time, you make it out to paradise.

Manawaiopuna Falls Helicopter Tour

With only three percent of Kauai developed for commercial or residential use, this island is an authentic natural wonder. But perhaps the most intriguing way to relish the abundant beauty is to take to the air: Island Helicopters, located in Lihue, offers an exclusive new tour of Manawaiopuna Falls, popularized by the 1993 Spielberg hit, Jurassic Park.

The 85-minute tour drops passengers at the base of the 400-foot waterfall, allowing visitors to venture close enough to bask in the mist and explore the verdant majesty of this private site. The tour also offers unparalleled views of the Napali coast, many of the island’s beaches, and the Mount Waialeale crater — the wettest place on earth.

Wailua River Kayaking

Paddling down the Wailua River is like stepping back in time. Famous for its gorgeous scenery, diverse fauna, and rich history, the Wailua is one of Kauai’s largest rivers and the heart of the Garden Isle. Known as one of Hawaii’s most sacred places, the river path is so striking it was once forbidden to everyone but royalty.

The remains of ancient Hawaiian homes dot the rainforest path as you paddle to your journey’s second highlight: a hike to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. During the hike, your Outfitters Kauai guides will regale you with tales of the historical and botanical wonders of the river. After you reach the secluded falls, you can reward yourself with a dip in the cool streams or a rest on the sun-baked lava rocks.

Mountain Tubing

After the Lihue plantation’s sugarcane production was shut down about 10 years ago, its vast irrigation system sat dormant for years. But in 2003, the Garden Isle’s Kauai Backcountry Adventures obtained exclusive access to the network of water routes. Now eager inner tubers can float down the hand-dug waterways and tunnels, then enjoy lunch by a lovely swimming hole.

After journeying over the rocky terrain in one of Backcountry Adventure’s four-wheel drive vehicles, you’ll grab a tube, don a headlamp, and plop down into the gentle, brisk waters of the plantation’s canals. From there, you’ll float down miles of water paths, tunnels, and gentle flumes, all the while getting a first-hand look at the majestic inland vistas of the island.

Snorkeling on Ke’e Beach

The north shore of Kauai is fringed by a string of stunning, golden-sand beaches connected by charming one-lane bridges. Perhaps the most beautiful of them all — and certainly the most swimmable, is Ke’e (pronounced kay-ay) Beach Park. It’s the last and most westerly beach you can drive to, and the spot that marks the beginning of the famed Napali Coast.

Protected by a coral reef, this shallow, usually calm cove is utterly aquarium-like, teeming with colorful parrot fish and butterfly fish. The setting is one of the island’s most exotic and scenic, as the beach is backed by sheer limestone cliffs. Tucked inside those cliffs is Kalalau Trail, the entrance to the Napali Coast. Parking, showers, and restroom facilities are available.

Zip N’ Dip

During Princeville Ranch Adventures’ Zip N’ Dip Expedition you can soar over Kauai with the ease of a bird — that is, a bird harnessed to a steel cable. Strung over 2,500 acres, the course boasts the most zip lines on the island and is the perfect way to take in the tangled beauty of the North Shore’s rainforests.

But where’s the water you say? After a thrilling combination of nine zip lines and a trek over a suspension bridge, you end up at a lush tropical swimming hole, where you can leap from a mini waterfall or merely drift peacefully on an inner tube. The expedition culminates with a trip across the “King Kong”: a 1,200-foot-long zip that traverses a massive rainforest ravine.

Catamaran Tour

The expansive Napali Coast is arguably the most beautiful site in all of Hawaii. Any traveler would be remiss not to make the astounding trip up this craggy coastline. And there’s no better way to take in the awe-inspiring cliffs then to sail aboard one of Capt. Andy’s tricked-out, 55-foot sailing catamarans.

Upon leaving the dock, you’ll pass miles of white-sand beaches before reaching the 3,000-foot cliffs of the Napali Coast. After taking in the aesthetic beauty, don’t miss the opportunity to take the plunge into the clear blue water. Outfitted with snorkel and fins, you’ll have the chance to explore sea caves, swim with the fishes, and perhaps even make friends with a dolphin or two.

Where To Stay

Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, shown here, is located on Kauai’s sunny, manicured south coast. The 121 rooms are sleekly decorated in modern Polynesian style, and they surround a free-form pool.

St. Regis Princeville occupies a breathtaking position on Kauai’s north shore. The lounge views are panoramic, and guest rooms are arranged so the showers boast vistas of multiple waterfalls.

This guest post was orignally published in Lexus Magazine.

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