Hi all,

I will be in Kauai this September and plan to rent a kayak for a day. Besides the Wailua River, I think we will have time for a trip up another river. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm thinking the Hule'ia. I'm looking for a river that has nice jungle/forest scenery and hiking and waterfall possibilities. Lastly, I've been reading about lepto from the fresh water and I'm wondeirng if anyone knows if this is a significant problem in Kauai rivers.

Thanks!

To answer your last question -- yes, lepto is a serious problem in all rivers and streams in Hawai`i...especially immediately after a significant rain. Friends took 3 dogs to play in the Hanalei River earlier this year -- 2 of the 3 dogs were dead of lepto in less than a week. Last time we kayaked the Hanalei River I didn't realize I had a ingrown toenail -- and the resulting lepto invasion of my toe cost me two doctor visits and $200 worth of medication. The health officials here in Hawai`i are doing a lousy job of educating visitors _and_ locals about the dangers. The CDC website is extremely informative:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disea...spirosis_g.htm

For comparisons of river kayaking experiences here on Kaua`i:
http://kayakers.com/kauai_rivers.php

thanks for the info, auntie.
ttt for the honeymooners..
: O ) cousin

Hmmmm....lepto, never heard of it.

Anyway, we kayaked the Hanalei river and it was cool for what it was. We liked it because it was uncrowded and mellow. However, it wasn't especially scenic and we saw no waterfalls.

Auntie, after your post, I doubt they get near any river!!

But if you still have the guts, I like the Hanalei river for one reason, the bay. Of should I say the mouth of the bay. It is just so peaceful and beautiful. Mountains on one side, lush foliage on the other. Just gorgeous!!

Lepto has always been a problem here but not a serious one, ask any local when you arrive. To aunty maria, my guess is your friends in hanalei that lost their dogs were not residents here for very long and that's too bad you had to find out the hard way with your toenail. I've always gone in the Wailua river as a kid to this day, I'm 41. The only warning one will ever need is don't go in the river with an open sore or wound. Other than that, the river is safe. If you have open sores, go swim in the ocean first and clean it out, another local favorite.

Lepto is a serious problem on Kaua`i -- more so on the northshore (reportedly because of a combination of pesticides used in the taro patches, and all the animals who are upstream).

The friends who lost their dogs after a romp in the Hanalei River are long-time residents. After years and years of caring for the dogs, no one at the vet's office in Kapa`a had ever mentioned lepto dangers.

I'm on your side. i'm also an avid animal lover (except for those chickens). all i'm saying, it's unfortunate, however, not serious enough to issue a health warning over death of those poor animals. i made the comment about your friends because i usually don't see dogs "romping" in the river unless they're hunting with their master. to each his own, i guess. i personally wouldn't jump in any river here...fishing for talapia and picking taro barefoot on the northside was not my idea of fun...