Waimea Canyon Explorer. A Kauai Hike you will never forget. Behold what the first people to these islands saw in the upland forests of Kokee - tall Ohia trees twisting through mists into the sky, adorned with their scarlet lehua blossoms - scores of koa trees, with their sickle-shaped phyllodes dangling from branch tips. Emerge at Waimea Canyon’s rim to stunning iron-rich, red cliffs that plunge 2,500 feet to where the Waimea River winds its way to the sea along a 12-mile long chasm. Your naturalist guide explains it all to you - the geology of Kauai, the plate tectonic history of the entire Hawaiian archipelago, botanical history, cultural sites, Hawaiian myths and more. Dine al fresco in a secluded spot with a panorama on one hand of the Alakai Swamp - a flat, mountain-top bog - and on the other, a postcard-picture-perfect Waimea Canyon view.
Sleeping Giant Mountain Excursion. This diverse 4.5 mile point-to-point traverse over Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Mountain is a surprisingly rich learning adventure. Trek through dense forests of native and exotic plants to a grassy picnic site near the 1,250-ft summit for panoramic views of the entire eastern half of the island. Focusing on Mt. Waialeale - one of the planet's rainiest places - learn how Kauai's geologic history controls its climate and its unique ecosystems. Once, the Wailua River region was the home of Kauai’s ruling chiefs. Now, archaeological remains of the Wailua Heiau Complex (shrines and ceremonial sites) provide an excellent site to discuss the island’s ancient history.
Napali Hiking Adventure. Prepare for a visual feast of soaring, jungly-green pinnacles rising from black lava cliffs, all backdropped by sapphire, teal or turquoise seas, depending on the mood of the Pacific. This is Napali, the crowning coast of Kauai. Cliffs composed of thousands of ancient lava flows rise up over 2,500 feet and extend along 13 miles of some of the most rugged coastline in the world. As your knowledgeable guide leads you safely along the historic Kalalau Trail, you will learn about Napali’s geologic origin, the stories of Kauai’s native plants and animals, and of its cultural past. Coastal valleys, such as Hanakapiai, were settled by some of the island’s early human occupants over 700 years ago. As you hike up valley to its 300-ft waterfall, you will pass archaeological remains of their settlements. Prepare yourself for a paradise of discovery - visual treats, geological catastrophe, botanical struggles, and human exploitation.
The tours offer the opportunity to get intimate with the amazing environments on this isolated mountain island and are led by knowledgeable guides with outdoor experience in the Hawaiian Islands and your specific hiking location. Hikers journey to the trail-head by 12-passenger van, receive a delicious lunch, snacks, refreshments, bottled water and additional hiking gear like a backpack. The hikes emphasize safety and education; however, the trips always turn out to be adventures in nature as well.
The guides are naturalists, scientists (Geologists and Botanists) with extensive background studying the Hawaiian Archipelago. They share their knowledge generously, ensuring that your trip is an extraordinary adventure. Visit their web site to learn more: www.kauainaturetours.com.