Hi all, I was reading that kayak rentals in Kauai are quite expensive. Has anyone brought their own inflatble kayak ??? I am considering buying a cheapie $60 2 person kayak to use on the rivers, etc.... no heavy ocean stuff, I know that would be dangerous..
Thanks!!!!

For $60 it will probably be more like a toy raft, and not a very solid one. You would need to wear a swim suit, as you would get wet, unlike in a real kayak. Also, you wouldn't have nearly the control of a real kayak. I think you could do a fun float in it and go anywhere you would go in an inner tube or on a float. Just be careful not to have a false sense of security. It isn't a kayak.

Check the size to be sure you both fit in. Some of the inflatables are very narrow when blown up. Also, you will need to carry paddles. They break down but would still take up space in your luggage.

We have two inflatable kayaks that were much more expensive than the ones you are looking at. They are a lot of fun, but we don't have as much control as we do in a real kayak. I wouldn't go in any open water with a real current in them. They are for paddling in a placid area.

Real kayaks are way better, but, as you say, much more expensive and quite a bit harder to take in your suitcase! We still rent real kayaks on occasion, when we want to be in more exposed waters.

If I recall, you can rent a kayak for about the same price and then not have to worry about the logistics of toting your stuff

Oh good, we can now add expensive kayak rentals to our ever growing list of Why You Should Not Go To Kaua`i. Are you serious? In light of your previous posts, I think you ought to seriously reconsider your trip and go somewhere that you think is more of a value. You are dooming your trip as you plan it.
-Bill

get a wet suit and just swim with the sharks.... bout what a $60 kayak will get you.. its a beast out there!!!

If you're serious, then please think again. The rivers on Kauai aren't garden streams. That thing springs a leak, you will sink and die.

We paddle our kayaks on Kaua`i whenever weather permits, both in the rivers and in the bays (too cowardly for open ocean!).

Please do NOT plan on using an inflatable kayak -- unless you plan on swimming when the sharp lava rock or stiff bullrush which line our rivers, punches a hole in your craft.

Shop around once you arrive, and you'll find the rental prices vary widely, and the companies _will_ compete to get your business.

Thanks for the responses. I wasn't sure how rough the river waters are..... I just wanted to use it to paddle up the river and see the fern grotto etc..... not explore the napali coast.... we are quite experienced with kayak, we live on the ocean and have 4 of our own, but they are huge and I don't think I can transport them...
I guess I will just rent the real kayaks...
Ok, I am not a total cheapie... I am just trying to be smart. I am prepared to spend some money, its just been a while since I have traveled somewhere other than asia....I am getting over the sticker shock....