Aloha,

On the Island of Kauai, "The Garden Isle" there's just too much to do in one short visit. So we'll mention some of our personal favorites. For starters Kauai offers world class hiking in dramatic settings. Deep canyons, sheer "Pali's" (see hawaiian dictionary) and lush rainforests.

On the North side our absolute favorite hike is to "Hanakapi'ai Falls". (see Kauai Maps Page). This hike takes you along the nicest part of the "Na Pali" coast the first two miles. Across "Hanakapi'ai Stream" to "Hanakapi'ai Beach" then two more miles through lush rainforest following the stream, crossing a few times. Back into spectacular "Hanakapi'ai Falls" you arrive.. A 400 foot waterfall that pours into a beautiful but "very cold" pool. To swim across and under the water fall is an attraction worth the cold of the water. (Don't linger directly under the falls because of the possibility of falling rocks). However behind the falls there's a shelf "out of harms way" where you can enjoy the mystic beauty of the crashing water. This hike takes about 6 hours (taking your time) and is 8 miles round trip.(there and back). Things to bring! A couple of liters of water, food (lunch for the beach) "I like to bring a pineapple to eat after swimming at the falls". (take all your trash, fruit peelings, ect. DONT LITTER). Also take a good look at your shoes before you go. ("They will never look the same") Bring shoes you don't mind destroying, getting muddy and walking in and out of the stream. A local reef shoe called "Tabis" is preferred for this hike though they could take a little getting use to. Basically a reef sock with a "bore bristle sole" good for sticking to wet mossey rocks.

On the South side our favorite hike is the Maha'ulepu beach cliff trail.(see Kauai Maps Page). This is a short but satisfying hike to "Kawailoa Bay". Starting from the end of the south sides longest white sandy beaches, Gillin's Beach and Maha'ulepu. Look for a rope swing on the small beach end at Maha'ulepu. A short 30 minute trail starts on the cliff side and takes you along the sea cliffs to Kawailoa Bay and the "Sea Crack". An ancient ocean crack formed by millions of years of ocean battering and activity.

On the east side there's the "Blue Hole".(see Kauai Maps Page) For the strong and very lucky, strong mentally and physically and lucky enough to catch it not raining. If its been raining or is raining its impossible. But if you catch the hike just right weather there's no finer spot or sense of accomplishment that anyone has ever felt, ever! An extremely difficult hike through thick rainforest, swimming and walking up stream, climbing over boulders and negotiate steep and always muddy inclines that leeds you to the center of Kauai and the wettest spot on earth,"Wai'aleale". Several towering waterfalls all simultaneously pour into a pool of infinite "Blue". You may not want to leave but you'd better cause it doesn't stay dry long in the wettest spot on earth. 450+ inches per year.

Finally, on the west side our favorite hike uses three trails. Its called the Awaawapuhi-Nualolo connecting trails. Which consists of the "Awaawapuhi Trail", the "Nualolo Cliff" Trail, and the "Nualolo" Trail. (see Maps Page) Wow! Would be the best way to describe this one is........ Imagine strolling at 3400 ft. Peering straight down into heaven on earth, Awaawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys. Sheer Pali's line the interior hike while the start is a gradual descent through an ancient Kauaiian rainforest. So many of your Kauai "Post Card Photos" have been taken from this hike that takes about 6 and 1/2 hours (taking your time). Same as other hikes bring food and water. A sturdy sneaker or hiking shoe are fine for walking. However, take care "Not" to attempt this trail in heavy rains or strong winds. Danger!

Surfing, "The Sport of Hawaiian Kings"! (and today also Queens) And learning to surf is Hawaiian tradition. On Kauai were fortunate to have some of the best surf for both surfing world class waves and learning the basics. For people who want to learn to Surf "Kauaiian Style" we have a long time friend and native "Kauaiian" (Big) Mitchell Alapa and the amazing corp of qualified men and women surfers who instruct at "Hawaiian Surfing Adventures". http://www.hawaiiansurfingadventures.com. Give Mitchell or his lovely wife Lynn a call at (808) 482-0749 to make a reservation. They'll be happy to help you along with your "Hawaiian Surfing Adventure". Guaranteed! Say you found them on the Kauai International Hostel.com web site. Tell'em we said, "Aloha"!

Beyond this, Kauai and soon the Kauai International Hostel also offers:

A.T.V. Off Road Tours...Bike Rentals...Dinner and Sunset Cruises..Scuba...Dolphin Excursions...Fishing Charters... Helicopters...Kayaks...Luau's...Movie Tours...Sailing...Snorkeling...Whale Watching...Ziplines...and much much more.

Come...See...Feel...Embrace the Aloha Spirit! ........................The Kauai International Hostel. Aloha!