|
|
| Tips and Terms:
PAX means passengers.
Most CHILD discounts end between ages 11-14 depending on the tour company. Our policy is to book the reservation way you tell us to book it. Ask us about discounted fares for children
Always do a weather/tour status check the night before or morning of any tour before leaving the condo. |
| Tours By
AIR |
A large portion of the Garden Isle is inaccessible by car, so air is the only way to get the full experience of the island. Kauai is covered with beautiful mountains, valleys, and waterfalls that can only be seen by air. There are a couple ways you can do this; Helicopter and a relatively new way (with an old feel) to take in the sights is with a tropical biplane. Some of the more famous locations covered are Waimea Canyon also known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Mount Wai’ale’ale (the wettest spot on earth), and Na Pali Coast. Other sites include Hanapepe Valley (including the famous Manawaiopuna Falls), Hanalei Valley (including Lumahai Beach), and Kalalau Valley. All the tour companies travel in a clockwise direction and cover the same locations so it’s not the places you visit that make a difference but the time spent at each location. Tours can range from forty-five minutes to two hours, but we recommend at least 55 minutes because it allows the helicopter to explore the valleys and allows everyone an opportunity to see the sights.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Specific sights seen depend on the weather conditions on the day or time of the flight. Many folks are concerned with the weather conditions on a particular day. The companies we book will generally fly if two of the three main points of interest are clear, otherwise they generally will cancel the flight at no cost to the passengers. Ultimately the tour company is the judge of all flight cancellations.
|
|
 |
HELICOPTERS: The most popular method of touring the island by air is in a helicopter. Enjoy the breathtaking sights from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin or the excitement of the open door style as you listen to the stories of the locations’ histories. Most of the helicopter tour companies have two-way communication through an intercom system so that the passengers are able to ask questions about what they see.
What we need to know when you call to book a helicopter trip.
Is there anyone very afraid of flying?
What are the weights of everyone in your party?
What's more important, Comfort or thrill?
What is your budget?
How much hover time do you want?
RACKCARDS
|
|
 |
TROPICAL BIPLANE: Couples (or singles) are flown in a WACO YMF Super where they can get a great view with a nostalgic feel. Passengers ride in the front cockpit and are given a cloth helmet and goggles, reminiscent of the pilots in ages past. They are also provided with a headset for two-way communication. The front cockpit is located below the upper wing so couples are always in the shade, but it’s also ahead of the lower wing so the view is not blocked. Passengers have a choice of traveling either to the north side of the island, where they can see places like Hanalei Valley and hotels like the Princeville Resort, or the south side, including places like Poipu Beach and hotels like the Hyatt.
RACKCARDS
|
|
| Tours by
Ocean |
The number one activity on island is to see the majestic cliffs of the Na Pali coast. But the ocean has an amazing wealth of recreation that can have everyone participating. Swimming, seeing wildlife (dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and more), SCUBA diving and surfing to name a few. The fresh air and beautiful sights are unparalleled anywhere. Na Pali has more swells during the winter.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All trips to Na Pali and certain components such as snorkling, beach landings and seacave exploration are subject to weather conditions. A component may be cancelled at anytime by the captain. Cancellation of a component does not mean that the passengers are entitled to a refund, partial or in total. Please ask your CondoReady adviser regarding tour companies cancellation policies when booking your tour.
SCUBA from Na Pali boats: We do not recommend this activity at this time. If you are certifide, it is only a one tank dive and the experience will be better of a dive boat. For the novice, you do not get the kind of attention you need in an area with heavy traffic. We suggest that Snuba or an intro dive will be a better and safer experience. |
|
 |
RAFTS to NA PALI: Rafting to the Na Pali is an adventure to be sure. It can include snorkling at Nualolo Kai (only boats of 18 PAX or under may snorkel there), a beach landing, a visit to ancient ruins and seacave exploration that masted boats cannot enter. The rafts are very fast and bouncy and certainly not for everyone. The 18 PAX rafts do not have heads on board or cover so bring lots of sun screen. There are non-snorkling trips available in the afternoon but our suggestion is to go on a catamaran for sunset tours because of comfort.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
CATAMARANS to NA PALI: There are two flavors, snorkling included and no snorkling (sunset only). Morning is best for wildlife viewing because the spinner dolphins are active that time. All the morning tours will see spinners. The seas are calmer in the morni
10% Discount on all
Na Pali Cruises |
Offer is valid on adult fares when booked with CondoReady prior to arrival to Kauai.
For more details
call toll-free 866.977.3239
office hours for your timezone |
ng as well. Morning tours include a deli lunch and most have a continental breakfast. Afternoon is ok in the summer but the afternoon tours with snorkling run only in the summer and are really about overflow from booked out morning tours. Snorkling is done at locations that the captain decides. There are a couple of boats that are 17 PAX that are allowed in Nualolo Kai. Although we do book northshore catamarans we do not recommend for our guests because a number of considerations, the first being the 1.5 hour drive to and from your south shore accommodation.
The sunset without snorkling is a wonderful time to see the Na Pali at it's best with the late sun creating stark shadows. The tour ends up outside of harbor when the sun hits the water. Because there is no snorkeling, alcohol is served from the beginning. The meal is heavy pupu's (appetizers) of which there is plenty. An easy going, enjoyable way to see the Na Pali coast on a budget ($89/adult)
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
CATAMARANS to NI'IHAU & NA PALI: Taking the trip to Ni'ihau is well worth it if you are an ocean person. The boats cross the channel between Kauai and Ni'ihau which is where the roughest water is. If you are highly susceptable to seasickness, we do not reccommend this trip. What you get is very pristine snorkling waters.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
OCEAN KAYAKING A unque albeit strenuous way to view the Na Pali. You must be a good physical condition when participating in this activity. During the summer you paddle the entire length of the Na Pali. It will be an 8 hour day with the most awesome views and experiences as you take your double kayak into the seacaves and the nooks and crannies of the coastline. This is as up-close and personal as it gets. The whole day including driving is about 12 hours. You will be ready for a beer at the end of the day. During the winter months you paddle down the south shore, seeing a variety of wildlife including whales, turtles and monk seals.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
SNORKEL ONLY and SNUBA: We offer strictly snorkel tours and Snuba. For those who are beginners, lack confidence in the water or are non-swimmers, a snorkel lesson from Mike is just the answer. He provides our guests with private outings right from Poipu. Terrific for families. Want to swim with the turtles? We have a company that you are taken by raft to hard to reach locations. With the help of a guide who free dives to 40ft to bring up the creatures of the deep for you. Snuba is a perfect segue to SCUBA diving for those who would prefer a safe environment to see if SCUBA might be for them. On Kauai, this is a shore dive with the guest sharing a tank with one more person. RESTRICTIONS: No pregnancies, bad backs and 7 yrs or older.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
SCUBA: On the south shore, we have many excellent dive locations for both the certified and beginner diver. Our dive company never mixes certified with novice. They prefer the novice start with a shore dive. The boat dives are 6 PAX only. They can run all types of qualified dives from intro to rescue dive certification. Explore the depth of the ocean by SCUBA . RESTRICTIONs: Good health, 10 yrs or older. You must sign a medical clearance at the time you dive. Click to view the dive medical release form.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
SURF LESSONS: What is more hawaiian then learning to surf. Our instructor can put anyone who can stand on a board. Great family fun. Lessons run 1-1/2 or 2 hours long and offered throughout the day.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
SPORT FISHING: Fishing from the west side tends to be better than the south or east and the boat we book has a very good track record. Note: On Kauai, the captain owns the fish but he will be happy to send you on with some of the catch, cleaned and ready to eat. There are only six passengers allowed on a boat, no exceptions.
RACKCARDS |
|
| Tours by
Land |
Most of the land based tours follow a trail. You choose the mode
of transportation. Most are on private lands, so the sights you see are always special. Whether you hike to a beautiful waterfalls, view a secluded beach or jump off a cliff, there are land tours to suit everyone and all ages. Many land tours have a swimming component and a visit to a waterfalls. There are two tour companies with rope swings. 1/2 day is the norm. There are usually age limits but not always. There are restrictions on pregnant women and back problems so please inform us when corresponding or calling. |
|
 |
ATV (ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES): Simply put, horseback riding without a sore butt. ATV's are all four wheelers and follow a trail. You must be 16 and older to drive an ATV and have an ID to prove it. Please remember to bring it. We have four tour companies fromwhich to choose.
RACKCARDS
|
|
 |
KAYAK & HIKE: Typically in double kayaks, guides take you on a leisurely trip up one of four navigable rivers on Kauai. Wailua is most popular, Hule'ia is on to private land and Hanalei is very easy but no hiking. Small children (under 5) are allowed on the Hule'ia.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
ZIPLINE: Walk off a cliff and hang over 200 feet off the ground as you reach up to 30mph traversing valleys. There are three zipline tours. 80lbs and 10 years old are the minimums and 280lbs is max. Different rules pertain to different tours.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
MOUNTAIN TUBING: You float down the old irrigation canal and through the tunnels carved in the mountains. Fun for ages 5 and up. A very benign trip that is a good family activity. There are ample photo ops on the way up to the start point. ADVISARY: This tour books up to 3 weeks in advance during peak times and 1 week in slow.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
BIKE: There are two tours on Kauai. One is a downhill at dawn and the other is an easy pedal to the beach across private lands. Riders must be 15 or older for the downhill. All ages can be accomodated by the easy pedal with 3rd wheels and small mountain bikes.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
HORSEBACK: Your choice of scenery and ride. Something for the beginner to intermediate (no galloping) riders. View the beach or the backcountry. The County of Kauai does not allow horses to be ridden on the beach. We currently book 4 very different stables at locations around the island. RESTRICTIONS: 7 -10 yrs depending on tour company. If the rider has experience (as in lessons or own horses) please let us know how much when booking.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
LUAU: Luau means party and each of the 6 luaus on the island interprete that differently. Things to know: luaus are not allowed on the beach on Kauai. Most are in a covered environment (a pavillion, a plantation carriage house, etc.) Each includes food, beverage (including all alcohol) and a polynesian revue. Each luau's revue has a dfferent take on the concept. It's a fun way to spend an evening enjoying the charms of old Hawaii and Polynesia.
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
SUGAR PLANTATION: A morning or afternoon tour that will take you out to the fields to witness the harvesting of the cane, then back to the factory for a tour of the working facility. RESTRICTIONS: Guests must be 7 or older to enter the factory. |
|
|
VAN: Would you like to leave the driving to some else? Going to Kauai without a car? Want to take a tour of various movie sights all over the island? Go in comfort with one of our van tours. Visit Waimea Canyon to the North shore, go to the backcountry and take a leisurely nature walk or see where many movies are filmed. ALL AGES OK
RACKCARDS |
|
 |
GARDENS: There are 5 gardens spread around the island including 3 of 4 National Tropical Gardens. There are 3 estate gardens, one scientific and one native plants only.RESTRICTIONS: none |
|
|
|
|
