Three Favorite Experiences in Kauai

Sunset Dinner Cruise

My absolute favorite experience in Kauai was the Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise with Blue Dolphin Charters. They offer numerous charter trips such as snorkeling and whale watching. At first the price seemed a little expensive, but for everything it included, I felt it was a great value. I was able to combine several of my to do list items with this trip: sailing the Napali Coast, local dinner, Mai Tai at sunset. Researching things to do on Kauai, I found so many recommendations for viewing the Napali Coast from a boat. It did not disappoint, listed as the most photographed area, the views were gorgeous. My husband and I have a very specific diet due to medical conditions. We were able to enjoy the food on this trip while meeting our dietary needs. Not often are we able to find accommodations in a group setting. I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. The food was great, the crew did a fantastic job, and the sunset was fabulous. We even saw dolphins on the trip back to the marina. I would highly recommend the dinner cruise, one of my all-time favorite experiences. The cruise left from the harbor at Port Allen. This is a cool area to walk around if you have time before or after your boating trip. You will find Kauai Island Brewing, Kauai Chocolate, restaurants and gift shops.

Kayak Journey

Another great experience in Kauai was a kayak tour to the Secret Falls that we booked with Wailua Kayak and Canoe. The trip was about five hours. We paddled down the picturesque Wailua River. It was exceptionally smooth and easy to navigate. We parked our kayaks and hiked through the tropical forest. This is a very wet area; therefore, I highly recommend a shoe with good tread that you don’t mind getting dirty. At one point you will cross the river by foot. The trees and small falls are beautiful along the way. Once we reached Uluwehi Falls, also known as the Secret Falls, we had a picnic lunch. We had free time for a dip in the pool of water and to take pictures. We watched a native ceremony and then headed to the kayaks to paddle home. Viewing the fabulous falls after kayaking and hiking gave me a sense of achievement. It was a great trip. I wore a bathing suit under shorts and a tank, so I could swim and dry quickly. I definitely needed sunscreen and took bug spray but did not use it. Pay attention to the weather as our first trip was canceled due to the rising river. Keep in mind that the river is closed on Sunday when planning your excursion.

Helicopter Journey

There are many places on Kauai that are unreachable by car and difficult by foot. Taking a helicopter ride is a great way to see these beautiful spots. I recommend a helicopter tour, especially, if you have a limited time on the Island. It is a great way to see all of Kauai in a short time. We booked our tour with Island Helicopters. This was my first ride in a helicopter, so I was a little nervous. Their rig is fully enclosed with large windows for viewing the sights. Knowing that I was totally inside, made me feel more comfortable. We also encountered a little rain on our trip which caused no problems because we were enclosed. The pilot gave information throughout the tour. The trip was very smooth and offered views that I would not have otherwise been able to see. A few of the sights we saw included the Jurassic Falls, the Napali Coast, and the Waimea Canyon. The views were great. I tried to take photos with my camera, but the angles just did not work. I decided to just sit back, enjoy the ride, and snap shots with my phone. What a great experience in Kauai.