Hawaii: Nature and Adventure in Kauai

Begin your evening with a guided open-air tram tour of the 30-acre Smith’s Tropical Paradise. The botanical garden contains tropical fruit orchards and replicas of native Polynesian dwellings. Alternatively, you can wander the area at your own pace. See more than 20 types of fruits including breadfruit, jackfruit and soursop. You’ll come across a Japanese-themed garden with peacocks roaming around. Then, attend the imu ceremony, where the emcee explains the history of this cooking style. An imu is a traditional underground oven where pigs are cooked. Watch the gravel being raked off the top and the cooked pig being pulled out. Enjoy a sumptuous luau feast comprising traditional and regional delicacies accompanied by flavorful beverages and live entertainment. Proceed to the torch lit amphitheater for the ‘The Golden People of Hawaii’, a multicultural musical extravaganza showcasing the Pacific Rim civilization. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: Feb-May & Sep-Oct (Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri); Jun-Aug (weekdays); Nov-Jan (Mon, Wed & Fri); Shared activity; No guide; No transfers; Starting point: Smith’s Tropical Paradise at Wailua Museum; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the following places in Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park. Set your own pace as you head out to explore Waimea Canyon, popularly called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. Begin with an easy 15-minute hike on the Iliau Nature Loop Trail and enjoy the landscapes of the Waimea and Waialae canyons. Then, take a scenic drive along the Waimea Canyon Road and stop at lookouts along the way. From Waimea Canyon Lookout, soak in panoramic views of the crested buttes, rugged crags, waterfalls and deep valley gorges. A few miles ahead is the Puu Hinahina Lookout, from where you can get a bird’s eye-view of the Waimea River winding its way through the gorge. Drive onward and reach the Kalalau Lookout that offers a view of the Na Pali Coast. Continue down the road that leads into Koke’e State Park, which boasts myriad hiking trails amid thousands of acres of rainforest. Visit the Kokee Natural History Museum and view interpretive exhibits of flora and fauna, historic photographs and large scale topographical maps. (Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Go on a kayaking and hiking adventure over varied terrain that includes rainforests and valleys, gigantic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Hop aboard tandem kayaks and paddle two miles down the Huleia Stream, a major waterway of the Nawiliwili Bay Watershed. Cruise through the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge that lies adjacent to the historic Menehune Fish Pond. It offers refuge to endangered water birds like the Hawaiian ducks, coots, moorhens and stilts. This area has been featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Lost World’, the sequel to ‘Jurassic Park’. Navigate your way around the base of Haupu Mountain Range and proceed on a jungle trek into Hidden Valley. Your guide will explain the area’s ecology and biodiversity to you. Along the way, stop at waterfalls and swimming holes with rope swings. Return to the dock by a twin-hulled motorized Hawaiian canoe. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Time: 0930 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 17 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: Outfitters Kauai Kayak Shack, 2494 Niumalu Rd., Lihue, HI 96766; Meals included: snacks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Check-in 15 mins prior to departure; Available only on Tue, Thu & Sat)

Grab the chance to learn how to surf or paddle-board in beautiful Hanalei Bay on Kauai. Head to 5-5134 Kuhio Highway and look for the red surf shop sign above the window. Meet your expert instructor, who will make sure you get the most out of your time. The first step is learning about ocean safety. Then your instructor will show you the basics of surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. Once you have the basics down, it’s time to pick up the skills that will help you improve and progress at the sport. Your instructor will lead you into the water and will soon have you riding your first wave while also ensuring that you have fun doing it. After, make your way back to your hotel having enjoyed the surf and sand. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Time: 0800, 0900, 1000, 1200 & 1300 hrs (surfing), 1200 hrs (stand-up paddle boarding); Private activity; No transfers; Starting point: 5-5134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei (look for the red surf shop sign above the window); Meals are not included; All equipment is provided; Fitness level: moderate, please note people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please note you must be able to swim, float, and feel comfortable in the ocean; Please bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen; Min age: 13, children under 13 can book private lessons or join group lessons only with family; Depending on the weather condition, the timing and date of this activity may change at a very short notice)