Sports and Outdoor Activities
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Tennis
The Kiahuna Tennis club is on the way to the Poipu Shopping Village. Public courts are in Koloa next to the ball park.
Golf
All the courses on the island are available for play by visitors. The Hyatt course (to the east), The Kiahuna Golf course has had lots of money poured into it in the past couple of years. Greens are updated and the course is beautiful. Turn into the Poipu Shopping Village and follow the road around to the course. Also the home of Joe’s on the Green, a great restaurant for before or after your round. Our personal favorite, being duffers, is the Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kalaheo. Only 9 holes, the fairways are as wide as they are long, but the cost is all of about $7! Incredible ocean vistas as well. Obviously the Princeville course is pretty famous as well. Lots to offer the golfer in your group. Always be prepared for rain on Kauai!
We are members of The Club at Kukui’ula which is the most gorgeous course in Poipu, maybe the island. It is private and evry exclusive. If you are avid golfers, speak to us about the possibility of getting on there.
Snorkeling
There is a great beginners area at Poipu Beach Park. Just go to the west of the little sand peninsula (called Nukumoi). Also the most popular spot is on either side of the Kuhio Shores condo complex, on the way to the Spouting Horn. If you see the Beach House restaurant, you are there. It’s a bit rocky getting in, but worth the effort. All the way to the end of the road on the north shore is Ke’e Beach. Spectacular snorkeling with amazing views at the beach. Be careful of leaving valuables in your car at any time.
Scuba Diving
If you want to dive, Sea Sport Divers at the original Kukuiula Shopping area has tours, equipment and clothing. They have been there for decades.
Hiking
There are books galore on hiking on Kauai and so many wonderful hikes that we really can’t list them all here. Our favorite one is to Hanakapiai Beach, at the end of the road to the north shore. (Ke’e Beach) It’s a two mile hike and considered strenuous. Don’t bring those lily white shoes, they will never be the same! The views from the half mile point are some of our personal favorite views in the entire world. Our suggestion is that if you are into hiking and want to do several hikes, it’s worth it to buy the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook prior to your arrival and do your homework. Always know that the weather can change your plans, the north shore can get pretty wet and treacherous. In 2006 two women were killed when they hiked a “hidden and secret trail” on Kauai. The trail is really no more than a wild boar path, and had been touted by several hiking books and websites. These trails are not maintained and can be extremely dangerous. Please use marked and maintained trails for your safety.
Horseback Riding
We haven’t used any of the stables on the north shore, but have ridden with CJM stables on the south shore. Great ride into areas on the south shore that you wouldn’t normally see. Good guide with information on the area as well. Part of this area is owned by Steve Case of AOL, unfortunately he is doing some wrangling of his own to develop this area, which is very significant archeologically, environmentally and has some ancient Hawaiian significance.
Fishing and Boat Excursions
We haven’t done any fishing on charter boats here, just with friends with boats, so we can’t recommend any specific charter. As far as snorkeling tours up to the north shore, we love Liko Kauai. Try to get a charter out of the Kikaola Harbor on the west side. Summer is the best time to go, they may not even go very often in the fall, winter and spring due to the surf swells, which can be pretty large. The tours will take you along the Na Pali coast, which is unaccessable by car or hiking. The views are so dramatic, you will be so happy that you took the tour.
Helicopter Tours
WE HEARTILY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO A HELICOPTER TOUR IF IT IS IN ANY WAY FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE. It’s expensive, but so worth the money. Best money we ever spent on the island (next to real estate of course!). So much of the island cannot be seen any other way and the sights you will see will stay with you forever. Waterfalls and dramatic vistas that confirm that God saved his best work for Kauai! We used to recommend Will Squires, but have gotten some mixed reviews about the service. It is still accident free, thank goodness! Jack Harter is another one that we hear good things about.
Zip Line Tours
This is new on the island and we haven’t done it yet, but have heard wonderful things about it. Being afraid of heights doesn’t help, but we have heard that it is very peaceful and they work you up to the long line after getting used to the program. A good company is located in the Kukuiula Shopping Center and there is one in Koloa a bit behind the ice cream store. They also have ATV excuroions which are really a good time.
Tube Rides on the Irrigation Ditches
We did try this one and it is very peaceful and fun! Nice lunch to go with it and fun guides to give you the local information.
