Ocean kayaking is also possible on both ends of the island defined by seasonal ocean conditions.

You may rent a variety of craft but the most common used by our visitors and locals are the rigid single or double self bailing kayaks. A few vendors rent aluminum type canoes but they are not as stable and fill with water if tipped. There are multitudes of rental outfits, as well as a full range of prices. Your choice will be dependent on whether you want the ease of not having to haul it to your destination and haul it back after a long fun day! See below almost to the end of this page if your interest is for renting Kayaks only.

The Wailua River is the most popular river due to its central location. It is an adventure well suited for the entire family, as well as a single visitor. The scenery is magnificent; there is a waterfall that you can hike to if you wish, and a rope swing along the way. Most rentals will provide you a cooler and a good map, but you must provide the ice, drink, and sandwiches. It can be a relaxing way to spend a day on your vacation. The Wailua River is 5 miles round trip and will take you about 2.5 hours even adding a few stops for hiking.

The Hanalei River on the north shore is the longest river. Recently named an American Heritage River is a bit quieter. It will take you about 3 to 3.5 hours and is 7.5 miles round trip. The waterfalls are spectacular after a heavy rain.

TheHuleia River in Lihue is 5 miles round trip and will take you about 2 hours to paddle. The water flow is not great and you will find the water to be more swamp like. The vegetation is quite thick. You will pass the Menehune Fishpond. It is on this river that a scene from Raider's of the Lost Ark was filmed. The river does travel through a wildlife refuge. The paddle back will be against the wind. This is probably why there is a guided tour up the river that picks you up by van, so you don't have to paddle back.

The Kalihiwai River is the shortest adventure and for many visitors just perfect. You can paddle this one in just one hour. If you decide to hike to the Kalihiwai Falls, it will take a bit longer. Be aware that the falls is located on leased land and this may or may not be a problem.  Best recommendation here is to book a Jungle Valley Adventure.

Kipu Falls Zipline Safari with Hike & Kayak

The Kipu Falls Zipline Safari … A KAYAK TREK AND PANIOLO WAGON RIDE
2009 Rates: $178 pp plus 4.167% tax for adults
$138 plus tax for kids ages 3-14 year old
• Must be able to walk 2 miles & kayak 60 - 90 minutes
• Min zipline age is 7 yrs.
• Max zipline weight is 275 lbs

Take a fun downwind kayak trip on a beautiful jungle stream. After an easy 2-mile paddle, they'll tie your kayaks to a tree and you'll take a short walk to a gorgeous area of waterfalls and swimming holes. Next, you'll jump onto their covered wagon for a fabulous trip across Kipu Ranch - you'll be pulled by their big 4WD tractor to Kamapua'a Falls trailhead- you'll take a short stroll down to our incredible Swiss Family Robinson-style tree house, which is built around a huge Banyan tree. You'll be overlooking the middle pitch of the 120' bridal veil Kamapua'a Falls from their picnic benches, while enjoying a delicious catered luncheon. Following lunch, guests will have the option of taking a wild ride on our 275' zipline over a waterfall and river, returning on foot via an 80' suspension bridge. State-of-the-art equipment and procedures make for a 100% safe and exhilarating “extreme” experience. From there you'll be continuing along our forest trail through the exotic foliage to Kipu Falls for swimming. The more adventurous types will be jumping into swimming holes at the base of waterfalls cascading over black lava rock cliffs, and swinging on ropes tied to tree branches high above mountain pools. Others will simply relax and enjoy the quiet beauty! From there, you'll be cruising by covered wagon to a jungle trail, where you'll walk to their river landing. Kick back on their exotic and unique twin-hulled powered Hawaiian canoe for a delightful cruise back down river: a fun ending to a fun day.

The Zip Line: Soar on a zipline through the forest canopy high above rivers and waterfalls at speeds up to 35mph. The Zipline is designed, built, and operated according to the highest safety standards as set by the ACCT (the Association for Challenge Course Technology). The setting is magnificent: a ¼ mile foot trail through the jungle leads to a steep valley at the confluence of two streams, with a 150 ft waterfall tumbling over fern-covered black basalt boulders on one side and a lazy 80ft wide tropical stream on the other. The steep terrain allows for a ground-level launching platform that wraps a huge Banyan tree with a 30 ft diameter trunk. Participants (Zippers) are outfitted with mountain climbing harnesses and helmets and walk through a labyrinth of aerial Banyan roots to arrive at the gated take-off area. A protocol is followed in which your guide runs through an equipment checklist and attaches a tether from the Zipper's harness to a two-wheeled trolley that rides on the zip cable. The gate opens, the Zipper takes a giant step and zooooom; forget about all your earthly limitations. You are sailing 50 ft above ground, over rivers and waterfalls, and through the treetops at a speed of about 35mph. Hooting, hollering, and ear-to-ear grins seem to be standard operating procedure! Working your way back to the starting point is half the fun! You'll cross streams and waterfalls on a foot trail that leads to a Swiss Family Robinson-style system of aerial platforms and stairs that take you back to the launching pad to watch your friends have the big fun like you just did!!

The Kayaking: It's a delightful downwind paddle, about two miles in length. They use two-person, open-cockpit type kayaks-stable, comfortable, easy to get in and out of. You'll go through the Hule'ia Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, a place for the preservation of endangered Hawaiian water birds. You'll paddle passed the Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond, a living archaeological site- it's an example of the ancient's fishing and aquiculture methods that's still utilized today. Your backdrop is the magnificent Haupu Mountain Range, a dramatic 2000' shield volcano that looms over the river. The area is steeped in legend, and your guides will tell you exciting stories about the supernatural inhabitants of the valley in days gone by. Interestingly, Hule'ia has been the site of filming many major motion pictures, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and it's sequel Lost World.

The Wagon Ride: You'll be riding on benches in their custom covered farm wagon, pulled by their big, quiet John Deere 4wd tractor. It's an adventure that takes you back in time on a unique narrated hayride across Kipu Ranch, a 4000-acre working cattle ranch. It's home to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) descendants of William Hyde Rice, the first missionary to come to Kauai, and, incidentally, 2000 head of cattle. Bound for Kipu Falls, you'll be spotting wild boar, peacocks and pheasant as you traverse the expansive Ranch. 

The Trekking: You'll be leaving your kayaks behind to hike on three different jungle trails, leading to hidden waterfalls and swimming holes. Each of your treks are conducted as a nature walks, through pristine tropical rain forests containing many different interesting communities of plants, birds, and aquatic life, both native and introduced. You'll be stopping for dives into beautiful pool-drop waterfalls cascading over black lava rock cliffs, and exciting swings on ropes tied to tree branches high over mountain pools, while trekking through fern forests and flowering gingers. Snacks and cold drinks, a great picnic lunch, exercise, fresh air, interesting discussion of natural history, folklore, culture and legends- a great day in a great place. 

The Canoe Ride: On the downriver return trip, rather than paddling your kayaks for two miles into headwinds, you'll be kicking back and soaking up the sun and scenery on our big, double-hulled Hawaiian Canoe. It's 32' long and 10' wide, with plenty of comfortable seating. Powered by a small, quiet 4-stroke outboard motor, they'll be taking a slow, relaxing ride down the river, towing our kayaks behind us empty while you enjoy the beautiful sights. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

What, Where, and When:
• Guests staying at Poipu area or Westside resorts check in is in Poipu. Check-in 7:30 am, return at 3:45 pm.
• Guests from Eastside or Northside Check in in Lihue. Check-in 8:15am, return at 3:30pm.

What's Included: Snacks, cold drinks, and a GREAT picnic lunch.

What to wear and bring: Swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, windbreaker or light rain coat, footwear with aggressive tread for muddy conditions (example: sport sandals with heel straps or aqua socks with tread), sunscreen, hat, bug spray, H2Oproof camera. You can buy these items at check-in, or rent sport sandals (as available). 

Zipper Weight Restriction:  Must be able to walk 2 miles & kayak 60-90 minutes. In order to participate in the zipline portion of the tour, passengers must weigh less than 275 lbs in order to fit into the safety harness, and the minimum age requirement is 7 years of age. Younger kids are welcome to take the tour, but will not be able to zip.

Cancellation policy: 24-hour notice is required for cancellation, 72 hours for groups of 6 or more passengers. 100% penalty charge strictly enforced. 

Wildlife Refuge Paddle & Waterfalls Hiking Tour

This activity is a delightful downwind Kauai kayak paddle, about two miles in length. You'll go through the Hule'ia Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, a place for the preservation of endangered Hawaiian water birds and paddle pass the Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond, a living archaeological site- it's an example of the ancient's fishing and aquaculture methods that's still utilized today. Your  backdrop is the magnificent Haupu Mountain Range, a dramatic and majestic 2000' shield volcano that looms over the river. The destination is a series of 3 pool-drop waterfalls with a swimming hole known as Hidden Falls. 

The area is steeped in legend, and your guides will tell you exciting stories about the supernatural inhabitants of the valley in days gone by. Interestingly, Hule'ia has been the site of filming for a wide range of major motion pictures, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and it's sequel Lost World. 

Then you will leave your kayaks behind, and set out on a 1.5 mile round trip guided nature walk through a pristine tropical rain forest containing many different communities of plants, birds, and aquatic life, both native and introduced. You'll along the way at swimming holes with rope swings and finally reach your destination; Hidden Valley Falls, a captivating series of pool-drop waterfalls cascading over black lava rock. You'll have some snacks and cold drinks, enjoy the scenery for a while, and then head back down to the river for a fun trip back in our double-hulled powered canoe .. no more paddling :).

 3-hour Blue Lagoon Tour on the Hanalei River

Departing from our dock on the Heritage river of Hanalei, we paddle down the calm idyllic and scenic Hanalei river out to Hanalei Bay with magnificent panoramic views to the west of Makana Peak (better known as Bali Hai) and to the south , views of the fluted ridges of Namolokama, Mamalahoa, and Hihimanu peak, which lie like silent sentinels whose waterfalls, drop gourds of water into the verdant valley of Wai'oli, which lies behind the town of Hanalei. As you paddle out the Hanalei river mouth you will pass the historic Hanalei Pier, so important to the early agricultural economy of the North Shore.

You can paddle west along the perimeter of the sandy shores of Hanalei Bay or across the bay and explore the sea stack and little known sea caves between Wai'Koko and the beautiful cove of Lumahai. If sea conditions allow, a little further around the corner, we can land at the classic beach/cove of Lumahai made famous in the movie, South Pacific.

Given time or inclination, we can also/instead venture to the East and paddle towards Ani'ni and land at the picturesque sandy beach of Hideaways, for some great snorkeling or surf kayaking off shore. 

You often see sea turtles and dolphins accompanied often by the avian antics of such birds as the Boobie and Layson Albatrosses. Shore birds and river birds such as the Wandering Tattler, Gallinule and Black Capped night heron are often seen. 

With lunch included you have time to do it all: from blue water paddling to snorkeling, bird watching, beach combing, exploring some tide pools and caves, ...all during a memorable day of sea kayaking. 

There are many kayak rental vendors scattered all over the island with varying cost but if you don't want to haul the kayaks around and want to kayak up the Wailua River to the big waterfall, call Wailua Kayak & Canoe above.

Please Note:  The Kalihiwai Falls is on Private Property. There is no public hiking to the falls allowed :(. You are welcome to kayak the river but you are tresspassing if you step on the land and you will be asked to leave. Sorry.

You will find some information on Sea Kayak Rentals Below but keep in mind that rates are subject to change.

Sea Kayak Poipu ~ Winter Event

When and Where:  October through April - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - Check in at 8:00 am.  Because weather can cause postponements we recommend reserving up to a week in advance.

Hotel Pick-Up:  Hotel pick-ups can be arranged for any hotel SOUTH of our Kapa'a location all the way to our launching point in Po'ipu.

Included:  "Simpatico", knowledgeable and experienced guides. Two person  sea kayaks.  Vendor will provide snorkel gear, water resistant bags, lunch and refreshments. 

What To Bring:  Sun protection, water bottle, light shirt, wind breaker, bathing suit, footwear (tabis, aqua socks or tennis shoes), towel and a change of clothes. 

Physical Requirements:  This Tour can be a Workout - Participants should be comfortable in the water, in good physical condition, and not prone to sea-sickness.  About three to four hours of intermittent paddling.

Na Pali Sea Kayak Adventures

When And Where:  May through September is considered the "season".  We schedule tours for every day of the week from May 15th to mid-September.   Check in at 6:00am at our Hanalei headquarters on Kuhio Hwy. 560, in Hanalei Town.  One mile west past Hanalei Bridge.  Reservations recommended at least three weeks in advance. 

Included:  Two-person fiberglass Sea Kayak with rudder.  We provide water resistant bags, lunch and refreshments.

What To Bring:  Sun protection, water, a snack, light shirt, wind breaker, bathing suit, footwear (tabis, aqua socks or tennis shoes), towel and a change of clothes.

Physical Requirements:  Participants should be comfortable in the water, in good physical condition and not prone to sea-sickness.  About five to six hours of intermittent paddling. 

Ocean Kayak Rental Packages
Summer on the Na Pali Coast
During the summer it is getting light by 5:30 am.
The following detail information is provided to your for your safety.
You maximize your fun if you are aware of the requirements.

Who should go:  Paddling the Na Pali coastline is not for everyone.  Good upper body strength is essential.  It is a misnomer to call the body of water that surrounds Kaua'i the Pacific.  While the paddling season is agreed to be from May through September, chances are you will not find the seas to be "pacific".  We believe the Na Pali coast to be one of the premier rough water paddling areas on the planet and, for the ill prepared, it can be a nightmare!  Only those participants that are at home in the water, and who like white water should go.  This is not a journey to talk someone into.  Pick your ship mates carefully.  We often have experienced paddlers suffering from sea-sickness, and some have to be rescued by motor boat.  When a kayak is left abandoned on a remote beach you are charged per day for the kayak rental, the cost of personnel it takes to retrieve your abandoned kayak and/or the cost of any motor boat rescue which is more or less $350 for a half day charter.

Guide Fees:  In order to rent any sea kayaks, "first time" organizers of their own expedition are REQUIRED to hire a guide for the first portion of the Na Pali coast from Haena County Beach Park to the valley of Kalalau. Given the experience level of the group or weather, the hiring of a guide may be obligatory or recommended for the second segment from Kalalau to Milolii and/ or Polihale. Guides can be hired for different segments of the voyage.

Guide to Client Ratio is a maximum of six clients per guide.

Maverick Prices ~ Rental & Transport