Hello, we are trying to finalize our plans for Kauai. Cannot decide which guided river kayak trip to do: the Wailau, Hule'ia, Hanelei, or the tour with Princeville Ranch Hike & Kayak. Anyone with experience, ideas, or information? Thanks for the help.

I just returned from Kauai on the 18th and had booked the Princeville tour which cancelled.

I had originally debated the Princeville tour or Hanalei. After visiting I would definitely want to do the Hanalei. That area was so gorgeous and the Hanalei was just a tranquil stream flowing thru the valley. The Wailua reminded me of the river where I live that I could Kayak anytime (although I never have).

So even though I didn't get to do either of them, the Hanalei would be my choice.

Maybe others who've done them can provide more input.

The only drawback with Hanalei River (even though it's closest to our home), is that the riverbank reeds and buffalo grass are so tall, you can only see distant views. Because the river transits through a Federal Wildlife Refuge, you cannot "beach" your vessel at any point along the river to see the taro patches, the birds, etc. Bummer.

This is not true of any of the other rivers, however. This site (if you can wade thru the ads!) gives accurate descriptions of each river, with pros & cons for paddlers:
http://kayakers.com/kauai_rivers.php

Thanks for the replies. I checked the site you gave auntiemaria, good info on the respective rivers. We're now thinking of possibly doing an ATV tour. My husband and I are 56 & 58 without back troubles. Is this suitable for us? Also am still interested in kayaking, any other suggestions out there. Thanks.

My husband and I enjoyed the Kipu Falls Ranch Tour. It's the site where many movies and TV shows have filmed. The highlight of the trip was the wild animals including wild pigs and peacocks.

They have rain gear you can wear for no extra charge.

We did the 2-seater Rhino and it was alot of fun.....muddy, but fun.

We did the 3 hour ranch tour. They have a longer 4 hour tour that includes a waterfall.

We kayaked the Hanalei river on our last trip. Very calm and relaxing trip and no experience neccesary. I just book us on a 17 mile Na Pali coast kayak trip for June which sounds like it may be an entirely different story. It's considered the "Everest" of sea kayaking. I'll post a trip report if I survive!

Good information! Was the 3 hour ATV tour very scenic? Also did you feel after effects from all the bouncing around? I don't want to sound too wussy, but the next day we want to be able to do something rather than complain about our aching backs. Will have to consider the Hanelei just to see the beautiful countryside even from distance. Does anyone have opinions on the Kipu Falls Safari from Outfitters Kauai. The UK sure praises it. Looking forward to responses.

Yes the scenery was beautiful. You get to see views of the island you can't get anywhere else. The first half of the trip is along a road. The last half is more off-road and a little bumpy. We didn't experience any soreness afterwards.

I was scheduled to do the Kipu Falls Zipline Trek and the Waimea Canyon downhill bike with Kauai Outfitters. We were there during the flooding and my zipline got cancelled, rebooked, then cancelled again. My bike ride was also cancelled as well. I have to say the people at Kauai outfitters were very nice and promptly called me each time to let me know the tours were cancelled b/c of the flooding. So while I can't speak for the actual tour, I can say their staff was really nice.

In addition the staff and guides with the Kipu Ranch tour were great too. One other thing, they will provide you with a duffel-type bag you can put your personal items such as a camera, etc. in so they don't get ruined on the ride. If I had known this up front I would have considered carrying my digital camera. Instead I used a disposable and the pics are ok but the clarity with the digital is so much sharper. Again since we were there during all the rain our ride was very muddy which may not be the case for you. The mud was fun but don't wear anything nice as it will be ruined.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and please let me know if you have anymore questions.

Jenny