Gems of Kauai: Rainforests, Canyons, and Deep Blue Sea, Hawaii

Day 1: Our trip will begin with a group pickup at the Lihu'e airport and shuttle to our first location on the north shore of Kauai.  Our first five nights' accommodations will be camping in tents at an idyllic beachside campground located in an authentic Hawaiian Ahupua‘a. Our beachside campsite provides sparkling ocean views and refreshing sea breezes. If you enjoy watching the sunset glimmer on the ocean, listening to the waves while you sleep, and waking up next to a sandy beach, you’ll enjoy our stay at this unique beachside location.

Day 2: On our first full day, we'll start with a morning hike that will lead us through an arboretum. This is an easy hike that will pass though eucalyptus forests, native shrubs, and swinging vines and give you a spectacular view of Kauai’s rain forests. Enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling at a popular snorkel spot followed by pupus (appetizers) at our beachside location.

Day 3: Today we plan to hike a portion of the famed Kalalau Trail along the Napali coast. You can also spend the afternoon snorkeling at a popular beach near our trailhead. 

Day 4: This morning we head to a national bird refuge that borders an area devoted to native farming of taro plants. The hike will give us a view of the Hanalei Valley and the Princeville area. The afternoon will provide you time to explore your interests amongst the many activities available in the beach town of Hanalei.

Day 5: Today we will hike along a gorgeous and idyllic stretch of golden sand that feels truly remote near Poipu. The Sierra Club has been instrumental in saving this pristine, mile-long beach from commercial development.     

Day 6: Today we will fulfill the service component of our outing by helping native Hawaiians and other volunteers make poi, a Hawaiian staple since ancient times. We will assist by peeling taro roots that will be made into poi and distributed to families in the area. We will also be moving to a charming boutique hotel located next to one of Kauai’s beaches. After settling in, we will visit the Kauai Museum -- an exhibition about the formation of the Hawaiian Islands, early Native Hawaiian life, Captain Cook’s arrival, and the Hawaiian Monarchy.   

Day 7: This morning we will depart for a morning boat tour along Napali Coast, most of which is only accessible by the ocean. Conditions permitting, we will anchor off the coast of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village to snorkel at the base of the magnificent cliffs. 

Day 8: Today we will explore the ridgetops of the Waimea Canyon, enjoying spectacular views from the top of the canyon. The destination of our hike is the edge of the Alakai swamp, near one of the wettest mountain peaks on earth. Located at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, the area is home to rare, endemic birds and plants. In the evening we will celebrate our outing with a dinner together at a local beachside restaurant.

Day 9: After breakfast on the final day, you will be shuttled back to the airport to catch your flights at the Lihu’e airport.

Due to possible changes in weather and hiking conditions around Kauai, our specific itinerary of hikes and activities is subject to change.

Getting There

Air travel to and from the Lihu'e Airport on Kauai will be your responsibility. When you arrive, you will be picked up directly from the airport and transported to our accommodations.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

For the first five nights of our trip, we will be camping in tents at a beachside location. Tents are not provided by Sierra Club. The final three nights will be in a hotel near the beach in shared hotel rooms.

We plan to "eat local" foods that are fresh and healthy. Participants should come prepared to experience the eclectic cuisine of a tropical island prepared in the style of the different cultures, including the original Polynesian peoples who migrated east. In typical Sierra Club fashion, participants will take turns assisting our cook in meal prep and clean-up. This trip can provide carnivore and vegetarian meal options only.

Trip Difficulty

Our day hikes are approximately three to seven miles in length, with a maximum elevation gain/loss up to 1,100 feet. The trails should be considered moderate to challenging, with various trail surfaces (including slippery sections and stream crossings) and some scrambling required. Trekking poles are required. Because of these trail conditions, a five-mile hike would be the equivalent of an eight-mile hike at home. Swimming and snorkeling will be determined by each person’s desires.

Equipment and Clothing

Dress on Kauai is casual at all times -- pack lightly! A swimsuit, comfortable clothing, and a towel are essential. Participants will need to provide their own lightweight sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad (if desired), and camp eating utensils. Rentals are available near our campsite if needed. A day pack with water supply and trekking poles are required due to the slippery conditions on some trails. A detailed list will be sent upon signup and acceptance.

References

• Joesting, Edward, Kauai: The Separate Kingdom.
• Morey, Kathy, Kauai Trails.
• Fleeson, Lucinda, Waking Up in Eden: In Pursuit of an Impassioned Life on an Imperiled Island.
• Daws, Gavin, Shoal in Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands.
• MacDonald, Gordon, Volcanoes in the Sea.
• Sohmer, S.H. and R. Gustafson, Plants and Flowers of Hawaii.

Conservation

Sierra Club sponsors outings so members may experience new places, people, and activities. Specifically, we aim to heighten awareness of the global environment and encourage participants to take action to protect our shrinking world and its inhabitants -- human and otherwise. On this trip, we will concentrate on Kauai and its local issues, which we can often translate into our own community's issues.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.