Kauai – Exploring the Island (Awesome Hike Edition)
It’s been a couple of weeks, so I guess we have to say that we’re officially settled in here on Kauai. Since we’re on the island for several weeks, there’s lots of amazing stuff yet to discover, but we’ve made friends with some nice routines and are no longer feeling like we have to be running around to “get a feel” for everything.
Last week we talked about the fantastic beaches here on Kauai and our experience finding a particularly awesome one. Today, we’re gonna take you away from the foamy ocean waves and golden sand. We’re going hiking.
You don’t need a Kauai hippie to tell you that the hiking opportunities on Kauai are vast. Although we have had a few tell us that, and they know of some pretty great paths (and a few other things – but I digress). People in the know, know that a smart visitor takes in some trails while on Kauai.
Free (really) is better.
The other day we struck up a great “what should we do while we’re here” conversation with some locals. After oohing and awing over activities such as the $200+ Jurassic Park themed helicopter rides, golfing, zip-lining and extravagant boat tours, one person said:
Be sure to get out for some hiking. It’s probably the best way to see Kauai, and it’s free.
That wasn’t news to us. You probably know that we’re big hikers, and that we try to make it a part of any adventure. At the time of the conversation with these particular locals, we had already been on a couple. The conversation struck us, though, because we were reminded that most visitors don’t think that way. These locals were sort of begging us to hike.
Visitors shouldn’t have to be urged to do something that 1) shows the bones of a location 2) keeps you fit 3) is free!
Two sides of Kauai.
We’ve added some pictures to our Kauai album. They show some of the shots taken from a couple of the hikes that we’ve been on.
First off, we were on the Na Pali coast on the Kalalau Trail. We wanted to get a taste of it before tackling the entire 11 miles (and camping?). You ‘ll see from the pictures that it’s a gorgeous trail that offers views of the ocean far below. It was a bit tricky, too, with slippery rocks, mud and ants everywhere. (Sidenote: We have ant issues. After standing still for too long on a hike in Costa Rica, we – our bodies – unknowingly became part of the “trail” for an army of ants. Horrifying. Still in therapy.) The 4+ mile trek was well worth it. The payoff was a stunning and relaxing beach.
The other pictures you’ll see are from a hike that exposed us to a completely different part of the island – the much more arid western side. Our drive to the trailhead took us around the island through Waimea and into the wondrous Waimea Canyon. It looked like a miniature version of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The colorful layers that we saw on the canyon walls represent the lava flow from different volcanic eruptions. A feast for the eyes.
Both of these hikes would be totally free if it weren’t for the gas we’re plowing through to keep our beast of a rental mini-van in service and carting us around the island. Even so, not a bad deal.
Some tips for hiking.
For us, exploring and hiking provide a great opportunity to help keep up the fitness regimen while on the road. Here on Kauai, it also helps us to justify keeping the shave ice stands in business.
If you’ve not hiked before, try it out on your next journey. Here are some basic tips to get you started.
- Dress appropriately. Many people fail to realize that you often heat up quickly on a hike. Wear clothes that breath and layer if necessary.
- Wear the right shoes. Hiking boots or trail running shoes work great. On the hike to the beach, a woman with heals (no joke!) was struggling and kept asking “how much further.” What the what.
- Start out nourished and bring liquids and snacks. Embark on a hike after a hearty meal. More importantly, stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- Match the hike to your ability. If it’s tough for you to walk a mile, a four mile hike is a bad idea.
In future posts we’ll get into the other things that have been keeping us occupied, including food. For now, head over to check out our latest pics!
We’ve talked about beaches and hikes – both free. What are your favorite low-cost / no-cost activities while on the road?
What awesome scenery for hikes! Sorry to say I’ve driven the Na Pali Coast and seen Waimea Canyon, but didn’t take the time to hike (I didn’t actually think about it at the time!) Hopefully, I’ll get there again and will put on hiking shoes this time.
Enjoying your photos!
Thanks, Cathy. We have to admit, it’s all pretty spectacular from a car as well. But what you can see once on a trail is mind bending to us.
It sounds like you guys are having a great time! What a beautiful description of Waimea Canyon. I haven’t been to Kauai (or any of the Hawaiian islands) in many years. I need to go back soon!
Yes, Kauai is calling out to you, Michael. Lots of adventure. Lots of shave ice. Lots of pina coladas.
The Waimea Canyon blew us away. Felt like we had been transported off the island. We plan to return for more hiking.
I like finding a park and laying on the grass to take a nap. It’s so peaceful and calm to say I slept on the lawn under the Eiffel Tower.
We’ve done that very thing ourselves. Post Paris Marathon. Great minds…
Awww thats what I plan on doing one of the days I am in Paris too. Ahh I love how we all think alike…lol~
UM, don’t get the wrong idea Jaime. I think we were passed out after the marathon. Remember, projectile vomiting was involved.
Great photos, I’m no hiker but even I’d head out for a few hours with this scenery.
Excellent hiking and the price is right. It’s all such a picture of perfection…except for the minivan, that is.
Jason
I love to hike and do outdoor things (when I am on vacation/traveling). I looked through all the pictures I saw the red dirt…be sure to NOT get that on your clothes it does not come off. Trust me I know…
Good call, Jaime. The red dirt is a big bother. I can’t believe that someone has even made a business out of selling “red dirt” clothing.
You’re gonna have to start doing practice hikes all around Houston with your new backpack loaded up. Good prep for RTW.
Scott has been to Kauai, and he has lots of great stories about hiking and camping there. I’ve only been to Maui, and I get the feeling that Kauai is more jungle-like. I think I would enjoy it as much as you guys are! That’s awesome you are staying for several weeks!
Good way to put it, Christy – “jungle like” is a phrase we’ve used as well. Honestly, I am sure you would enjoy it as much as we are. Yesterday, we were talking to a woman from Oahu. Even SHE was amazed by Kauai’s beauty.
Hiking is one of the best things to do on Kauai. This post made me go back and look at some of my pictures from hiking. What a beautiful island and it’s a great place for the outdoors.
Jeremy – We feel especially lucky to be hiking now that we know it has been snowing back at home base. We keep thinking “we better take FULL advantage of this!” It won’t be long until we’re skiing.
Everywhere I go, if I have the chance, I go hiking. For me is a liberating exercise and experience, and a great way to see a new place. Kauai seems to be a pretty spectacular place to hike.
It is! And… hikes keep coming out of nowhere. We just discovered another pocket of the island that apparently has all sorts of hikes. We don’t know how people choose when they only have a week
It’s a great reminder that one of the most enjoyable activities in a new country or place is actually free to do. And don’t forget, where you find that perfectly peaceful grassy glade, pick out the nicest tree….and go hug it. Whisper nice things to the Nature gods and the spirits. Very good for the soul.
Note to selves – hug trees.
Great post. Hiking is such a great way to appreciate the beauty of an area.
Thanks, Nancie! Have you been to Kauai?
Great photo! Thank you for sharing this. I remembered I was asking you about the picture on twitter
. There’s not many place to hike in New York City that has that kind of view but if I get a chance I would love to go.
NYC involves a different kind of “hiking” around. Still great exercise.
hee hee yes. I agreed!
Love hiking! We aim to hike in every new country we go. I will be definitely doing some hiking when we get to Kauai
Oh this sounds WONDERFUL! And great tips for being prepared. Hope to make it there at some point, but so happy to hear your stories in the mean time
How awesome! I’ve always heard really good things about Kauai and we’re always really bummed that we spent all our Hawaii time in Maui (which is nice, but there wasn’t nearly enough hiking and outdoors stuff for us there.
I hear you, Andrea. We really enjoyed Maui – but not nearly as much as we are enjoying Kauai. For starters… Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve confirmed that it’s just not nearly as busy here. For the most part, traffic moves around the island nicely. Plus, the hiking/exploring opportunities really are incredible here. When we leave in a couple of weeks, we will have only scratched the surface (and we’ve been packing a lot in).
We’re heading to Kauai in February so I’m excited to stumble across your blog and these posts. Can’t wait to do some hiking. Looks amazing.
You will really enjoy it! What part of the island are you staying on?
Love the photo album! I’m a sucker for stunning beach shots, especially since I’m stuck in the cold this winter. Wah!
So…we just got back from Kauai and we did hike all the way to Kalalau beach – will be writing a post about it!
It was AMAZING…far better views the further you go – campsites on the beach were incredible. The only issue was that 1 or 2 nights is just not enough to see all of the other trails that veer off up the various valleys. So that’ll be tackled the next trip.
If you wanna see our pics, they are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/anitalgray/Fall2011?authuser=0&feat=directlink