Kauai Shore Excursions - Holland America
Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Experience one of Kauai's most popular attractions, Waimea Canyon --the " Grand Canyon of the Pacific." From the lookout at 3,400 feet, you'll enjoy an unsurpassed view of the 2,857-foot deep canyon and the surrounding countryside. The canyon's dramatic size combined with the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock and the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation truly create a magnificent sight. A stop will be made at Kauai 's Spouting Horn blowhole before your return to your ship.
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After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Hidden Valley Falls Kayaking
Take a fun, downwind kayak trip (1 hour; 2 miles) up the Huleia jungle stream. Paddle through the mangroves of Huleia National Wildlife Refuge. Pass a series of gates built by the Menehune people around the Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond--a living archeological site. In the shallows, tie your kayak to a tree and take a 1/2-mile hike up the valley to Hidden Valley Falls and a swimming hole. Spend an hour enjoying swimming, snacks and cold drinks, then hike the 1/2-mile back to the river to board a double-hull, motorized canoe for your return ride to the van.
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Wear your swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt and a light rain jacket and water socks with tread. Bring sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.
This tour includes a small snack or tasting of local specialties. The snack is not a meal.
Kauai 's Grand Helicopter Tour
Kauai's aerial flightseeing tour lifts off with a view of Nawiliwili Harbor and the Menehune Fish Pond. The Hanapepe Valley opens up with its many waterfalls and dense tropical forests. Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Wailea Falls and Alakai Swamp are on the way to the isolated Na Pali Coast's beautiful valleys and beaches used as backdrops in Raiders of the Lost Ark . Ahead is the majestic Waialeale Crater, the wettest spot on earth. Bring plenty of flim for this spectacular adventure.
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Both Waialeale Crater and Wailua Falls can only be viewed weather permitting. Guests weighing more than 250 lbs will pay an additional surcharge of 50% over the published fare. Parties of two travelling together with a combined weight of over 445lbs will be required to pay one 50% surcharge. All passengers will be weighed in at the heliport, in accordance with new FAA regulations.
Kipu Falls Zipline Trek
Soar on a Zipline through the forest canopy high above rivers and waterfalls at speeds up to 35mph in a magnificent natural setting. Participants (called Zippers) are outfitted with mountain climbing harnesses and helmets and walk through a labyrinth of aerial Banyan roots to arrive at the takeoff area. Your guide runs through an equipment checklist and attaches a tether from your harness to a two-wheeled trolley that rides on the zip cable. The gate opens, and you take a giant step forward and forget about all your earthly limitations. You are sailing along, 50 feet above ground, over rivers and waterfalls, and through the treetops. 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 do it again! A short jungle hike to the beautiful Kipu Falls for swimming and rope swings rounds out this exciting tour.
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Minimum wiehgt 85 lbs; maximum 275 lbs. Must be in good physical condition; no pregnant women or guests with back/neck problems. Minimum age is 10 years. Bring a windbreaker or raincoat, swimwear, sunscreen, aqua shoes or sport sandals, insect repellent and camera. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
This tour includes a small snack or tasting of local specialties. The snack is not a meal.
Off the Beaten Track: Rain Forest 4x4 Adventure Hike
Mt Waialeale, at the center of Kauai , is the wettest place on earth. This adventure combines four-wheel-drive access and a three-mile (round trip) nature walk with an expert guide. Drive into the heart of Kauai, heading inland from the Coconut Coast , past sacred cultural sites, Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua Reservoir to the Keahua Arboretum, to the rain forest and the gate used in Jurassic Park . A 45-minute stroll leads you past wild flowers and gorgeous vistas to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii in a breathtaking natural environment. Umbrellas, ponchos and walking sticks are provided, as well as snacks and water.
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Minimum age is 5 years. This tour does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays. After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Scenic Kauai Backroads Adventure by 4-Wheel-Drive
Traveling former cane roads and riding in comfortable 4x4 air-conditioned vans, meander along scenic back roads of Kauai , past reservoirs and crop fields. Learn from your local guide about the history of Kauai as you travel winding byways to the top of Kilohana Crater. From this exclusive vantage point you will have a breathtaking 360° view--a photographer's dream. Pass through Old Koloa Town , Hawaii 's first plantation settlement, past the rugged coastline of Maha'ulepu to Nawiliwili Harbor .
NOTES:
Bring a camera and jacket. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to bumpy roads, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those prone to motion sickness, or guests with back problems. According to Hawaii state law, children under 4 years of age must be restrained in a child car seat. Guests traveling with young children must advise the Shore Excursion Office on board so arrangements can be made, with advance notice, at no additional charge.
Scenic Nawiliwili to Hanalei Lookout
Enjoy a narrated, air-conditioned coach ride to the Hanalei Lookout--"a postcard waiting to happen"--with a stop at the Kai Guava Plantation Visitor's Center & Gift Shop to learn about this important crop. Fifty percent of the taro produced in Hawaii is grown on the island of Kauai . From the lookout, view acres of taro used to make the Hawaiian staple, poi .
NOTES:
After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping.
Seafun Kauai Shore Snorkel
Drive to one of Kauai 's breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Led by a Marine Biologist you will don a wetsuit and snorkel at sites chosen based on ocean conditions, inside protective reefs. Beginners will receive instruction and supervision; experienced snorkelers will benefit from information about Kauai 's unique environment. You'll see a bevy of beautifully colored fish and maybe green sea turtles. Your guide will videotape your adventure. Drinks and snacks provided.
NOTES:
Wear your swimsuit; bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Minimum age is 5 years.
This tour includes a small snack or tasting of local specialties. The snack is not a meal.
The Best of Kauai : Heaven & Earth
This truly memorable sightseeing experience of Kauai starts with a scenic drive along Kauai's coconut coastline with exotic beaches, lush vegetation and the site of numerous famous movies including Dragon Fly, South Pacific, Jurassic Park and Blue Hawaii. Upon arrival at the helicopter terminal, your air-conditioned A-star jet helicopter and pilot await you. Your spectacular flight includes music and narration on the culture, history, and myths that accompany this spectacular scenery. Soar through the heavens for a bird's-eye view of magnificent waterfalls, majestic canyons and inaccessible beaches including the 3,400-foot Mt. Namolokama waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, the famous Makana (Bali Hai) and, weather permitting, Mt. Wai'ale'ale. Back on earth, you will visit North Shore beaches and caves and stop at the picturesque Kilauea Lighthouse built in 1913--home to the largest clam-shaped lens ever made. Stroll along the Hanalei Pier for an unforgettable view of the spectacular and serene Hanalei Bay and beaches made famous by the film South Pacific. Relax during lunch at Anini Beach Park adjacent to the property used for the movie Honeymoon in Las Vegas or at the famous Hanalei Bay .
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Picnic lunch includes sandwich, chips and drink. Guests weighing more than 250 lbs will pay an additional surcharge of 50% over the published fare. All passengers will be weighed in at the heliport, in accordance with new FAA regulations. Minimum weight is 35 lbs. All seats in the helicopter are forward facing with large custom windows for optimum viewing. Bring plenty of film and batteries for your video camcorders and camera.
Tubing the Ditch
A unique tubing adventure that takes you back in time to the sugar plantation era, this exclusive tubing experience takes place on private lands that have never before been open to the public. A short drive takes you to the headwaters of the four-mile-long Hanamaulu Ditch system, where you will begin your two-mile tubing expedition. Grab a tube, don a headlamp, and jump in for a leisurely cruise. Witness Kauai 's spectacular engineering feats as you float down the tropical waterway consisting of open ditches, tunnels and flumes, all of which were engineered and hand-dug circa 1912. At the end of your tubing adventure, you will be whisked away to enjoy your delicious snack at an enchanted picnic area complete with a pristine swimming hole. After swimming and picnicking, you'll be returned to the cruise ship pier.
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Wear your swimsuit or quick drying shorts and shirt. Bring a towel, change of dry clothing, waterproof sunscreen, hat and mosquito repellent. Water shoes, headlamps, a snack and beverages are included.
Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto
The Wailua River is known for its tropical beauty. Embarking a river boat, you'll enjoy a narrated cruise up the peaceful river. Then, take a short walk along a paved path to the Fern Grotto, which forms a natural amphitheater providing excellent acoustics for the small Hawaiian chorus to serenade you. Cruise back downriver, passing Opaekaa Falls , Holo-Holo-Ku Heiau and the Coco Palms Hotel on your way back to the ship.
NOTES:
After the tour, there is an optional drop-off at Hilo Hattie's for shopping. |
