Any vacation to Kauai is guaranteed to provide you with epic experiences. From days spent soaking up the sun on the gorgeous beaches to exploring the vibrant community and culture, there are tons of ways to fill your day. If you’re planning your visit and want to add an element of excitement to your trip, Kauai’s incredible outdoor adventures and tours are the perfect thing. From the soaring heights of ziplines and helicopter rides to the deepest reaches of fishing and snorkeling excursions and everything in between, we’re giving you all the details so you can plan your adventure-packed Kauai vacation. Check out these must-do Kauai outdoor activities, and when you’re ready, book your trip directly with Suite Paradise for the best vacation rentals on the island.
Off-Road Adventures
Established in 1999, Kipu Ranch Adventures is your home for high-octane off-road excursions through the wild landscapes of Kauai. Choose from their two 3.5-hour tours and set out with your guide as you explore the Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition or the Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch Tour. While you cut through dirt road trails and lush rainforest overgrowth, you’ll learn all about the island’s history, ecology, and legends that make the area so unique.
Each tour offers the chance to get out and explore, providing you with tons of opportunities to get incredible photos of areas most visitors don’t get to see. Get behind the wheel of their top-of-the-line ATVs and discover why Kipu Ranch Adventures has been voted one of the “Top Eco-Tours in Hawaii” when you book this incredible Kauai outdoor activity.
Soar Above the South Shore Jungle
Featuring the longest zipline tour in Kauai, if you want to take your vacation to new heights, Koloa Zipline is the only choice. Perfect for adults and kids aged 7 and up, you’ll enjoy an incredible 3.5-hour adventure as you race over the stunning South Shore jungle, Hoary Head Mountain Range, Waita Reservoir, and Koloa Sugar Mill.
Whether you fly upside down, hands-free, backward, side-by-side, or imitating your favorite superhero, you’re guaranteed spectacular views and memories that will last long after you return home. New to ziplining? Don’t worry. Koloa Zipline offers Ground School for beginners and even provides refreshments and snacks to keep your energy up during your tour. Don’t miss your chance to experience this top-rated outdoor activity in Kauai. Check out their tours and reserve your spot before they’re all filled up!
Garden Isle Helicopter Tours
If ziplines don’t go high enough, check out Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours on Kauai and get a true bird’s-eye view of the Garden Isle. Choose from their basic tour, photography flight, or private tour and enjoy unparalleled views of cascading waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale, and the Na Pali Coast.
When you’re booking your helicopter tour, be sure to ask important questions like which side gets the best views, how low or close you’ll fly, and if there are any hover moments during your flight. You may also want to opt for afternoon or sunset flights so the morning sun won’t be in your eyes. At Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, you’ll be treated to a doors-off experience, so ensuring you have a tethering device for your cell phone is also very important. With tours available 7 days a week, this is an outdoor activity you can easily add to your adventure-packed Kauai vacation.
Explore Kauai’s Waterfalls
Not every adventure needs to come with a rush of adrenaline. Sometimes, just getting out in nature and exploring the trails and landscapes of a new place can provide exactly what you need. With lush forests and tropical trails winding throughout the island, if you want to immerse yourself in Kauai’s natural wonders, hiking their popular waterfall trials is the perfect outdoor activity.
Explore these three trails on your next Kauai vacation:
- Hoopii Falls – This east-side trail is about 2.4 miles round trip and experiences a decent incline. The trail is popular, so it can be crowded, and good shoes are needed to navigate the slippery and sometimes muddy terrain. In the end, you’ll be met with two falls that offer great photo ops.
- Uluwehi Falls- Known as “Secret Falls,” this hike combines both walking and a brief stint in a kayak or canoe. Because of this, it’s best to book with a guide. Located roughly 45 minutes from the Wailua River trailhead, this is definitely one of the most unique hikes in Kauai.
- Waipoo Falls – In the heart of Waimea Canyon, this 800-foot waterfall thunders through the lush Kauai forests. Enjoy the 3-mile out-and-back easy hike for epic views, or if you want to skip the hike, you can still see the falls from lookout points along Highway 550.
Whether you add one or all three of these incredible hikes to your must-do list, getting out and exploring the trails of Kauai is an excellent addition to your adventurous itinerary.
See Below the Surface with Snorkeling Adventures
There’s beach snorkeling, and then there’s Holo-Holo Charters Napali snorkeling tour. If you want to experience a whole new world of marine life during your adventure-packed Kauai vacation, you have to book this excursion and let the talented crew introduce you to the wonders that lie beneath the surface.
Board their 50-foot motorized catamaran, Leila, and enjoy epic sightseeing, wildlife viewing, sailing, swimming, and snorkeling. Breakfast and lunch, as well as refreshments, are provided, and the crew also has you covered on all the necessary gear, from goggles to flippers, so all you need to do is show up. See majestic green sea turtles, playful dolphins, bright tropical fish, and depending on the season, you may even catch a glimpse of the gentle humpback whales as they make their annual migration from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters to mate and birth their calves. From your narrated voyage to the incredible sights, this Kauai outdoor adventure delivers every step of the way.
Hook the Prized Catch
With some of the most fertile waters in Hawaii, if you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Kauai that combines adrenaline, skill, and sport, Ohana Fishing Charters’ Kauai adventure is the way to go. Cast a line with the guidance of their skilled captains and try your luck at hooking everything from Blue and Stripe Marlin to Ahi, Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo.
Rated the best charter on Kauai, they have everything from private tours to group outings and also have a reputation for being the most generous with their take-home portions of the daily catch, offering one to two meals worth of fish for each passenger. For the best deep-sea fishing in Kauai, book this incredible outdoor adventure for your next vacation.
Book Your Adventure-Packed Kauai Vacation Today!
At Suite Paradise, we have the perfect vacation rental for your family’s next Kauai getaway. Whether you’re looking for an oceanfront condo or a large private home, you’ll find your ideal spot when you book directly with us. In addition to our large inventory, you’ll also unlock the lowest rates on the island thanks to our transparent pricing and zero hidden fees. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our available vacation rentals and book your adventure-packed Kauai vacation today!
