ThomasSchwarzmann

Seeking advice on specific ocean-associated businesses (sailing, catamaran, zodiac, kayak, paddle board, surfing), beaches, snorkling areas on and around Kauai, Hawaii

Tomsd

Plenty of posts in here under Hawaii about all of that.

In general - it depends in part on the different beaches/places in the island.

The best boat cruise - IMO - is from Port Allen - at the southesst end - and the Catamarns offer the smoothest rides - such as Captain Andy's. Of course, if there is a storm blowing in - or big surf - they probably are not venturing out.

Snorkeling - wherever you kind find rocks - you can find fish. Always check the local conditions (don't want to be riding out to sea in an undertow) - and I/we like to go early - as that is usually the best visibility. The end of the road - Ke'e beach in the North Shore - is our favorite, and they also usually have a lifeguard.

Again, read the threads in here and google away under the types of activities you want to find on Kauai, our favorite place being the North Shore at Princeville/Hanalei.

jamie99

Depends on time of the year. Snorkeling is good on the North Shore, both at Ke'e and Tunnels (get there early, limited parking) in summer and part of spring and fall, winter is iffy as the North gets more rain and swells and rough surf. In the south, Poipu Beach Park and Lawai Beach (near Beach House restaurant) and Salt Pond State Beach has limited snorkeling. Always check conditions with the lifeguards, Ke'e, Poipu, and Salt Pond all have lifeguards.
For boat tours I love taking a Na Pali Coast boat tour, been out on both Captain Andy and Holo Holo, Liko also comes highly recommended. There are also several good companies leaving from the North Shore but not year around due to weather and sea conditions.
Kayaking you can go yourself most places or take a guided tour. Probably the two most popular are Wailua River and Hanalei River. Do not try the Na Pali coast kayak unless you are a very experienced kayaker, this is not possible year round. Have a great time.

ThomasSchwarzmann

thanks so much for the very informative suggestions - actually, I did read many Fodor threads relating to this question, but both of your replies gave me much more to contemplate - my wife and I and our 10 year old daughter will be there the first week of April, so I'm hoping the north shore conditions will allow some safe play time in the ocean - we are splitting our time between the north and south shores...thanks again

jennH28

when is your trip?

rncheryl

Another recommendation for Holo Holo out of Port Arthur. Friendly crew, very nice meal, and the scenery cannot be beat.

jennH28

nevermind... I missed that.. but I saw it