Has anyone ever done a Kayaking trip in Kauai? Would you reccomend going with a outfitter or is renting a kayak doable? We are going in August and need 2 kayaks for the 4 of us and would appreciate advice on witch way to go. Thanks in advance..Barb

Much depends on how experienced you are on a kayak...and also if you're comfortable on the ocean. August along the Na Pali of Kaua'i should be relatively calm, but, if an unseasonable swell hits, it can be scary to say the least! I would definitely recommend an outfitter. It's more expensive, but at least you'll know that you will be reasonably safe. I do a lot of kayaking off O'ahu and the strong winds have, on occasions, blown me off my kayak! I have no commercial interest, but, if you are interested in contacting someone who's done Na Pali then write to Roz c/o [email protected]/ No need to fear. She runs a travel agency but she's not the type to try to hard sell a product. She's a avid kayaker....

barb> you can also Kayak up several of the rivers. We went up the Wailua River and had a great time. Got into the fern grotto between tour boats, had the place all to ourselves..a trailhead leading to a nice waterfall is up river, also a rope swing and cliff for cliff diving...

Thanks for the info...Rick where did you get your kayaks and was it hard to get to the Fern Grotto between tour boats. Two of our party are in there 50's.
Thanks...Barb

Barb> We were lazy, we rented a 12 ft boat with motor, rented with a jeep to tow it at a little shop next to "Gaylords" Restaurant. This was a few years ago, so dont know if it is still there, but they also rented kayaks. They also rented kayaks right where we put the boat in the water at the mouth of the river.There was about a 15 min. window between the time one tour boat left, and another came in at the grotto.
Dont think that your party should have much trouble paddling up river,although we had motor, many people were kayaking with no trouble.

Barb, I agree with Rick. I rented a Kayak and traveled up the Wailua River to the 'Fern Grotto.' It was a blast! The river is wide enough to avoid the boats carrying the tourist up to the Grotto. There are plenty of places to rent a kayak on the island, they will help you tie it to your rental care and provide maps of the rivers. If you want to travel with a group, here are few suggestions - http://kayakwailua.com or http:///kauai-by-kayak.com