Wailua Municipal Golf Course is the first golf course that was built
on an outer island. The greens fees for non-residents are $32
weekdays, $44 weekends; and there is a driving range open daily.
Smith’s Motor Boat Services whisks visitors up the Wailua River to
the amphitheatre of Fern Grotto by means of daily barge tours. The
tours are enlivened with Hawaiian music and expert folklore of the
area by a company which has been running the ferry service since 1947.
For more adventurous types, the Wailua River is perfect for kayaking
and there are a number of shops that rent out boats, paddles and river
maps for reasonable prices. Rentals typically run $25-$30 for a
single and $50 for a double. The state park launch site is the third
driveway on the left off Rt. 580u from Kuhio Highway. The following
is a list of companies recommended for kayak rentals: Wailua Kayak
and Canoe, Kayak Co., Kayak Wailua, Duke’s Kayak Adventures, Wailua
River Kayak Adventures, Paradise Outdoor Adventures, Ali’I Kayaks, and
Outfitters Kauai.
Water skiing is also available on the Wailua River and packages that
include boat, gas, driver and all equipment can be purchases from
Kauai Waterski, Surf, and Kayak Co.
The mountains of East Kauai have a variety of hiking trails for
nature enthusiasts who want to experience the lush, tropical forests
of the island. Nounou Mountain Trail, East Side takes hikers up
across the mountain landmark known as Sleeping Giant. If you choose
Nounou Mountain Trail, West Side, you can experience a trek through a
forest of trees introduced to Kauai in the 1930s mixed with native
plants like guava and hala trees. The previous trail also leads into
the Kaumo’o Nounou Trail, which goes over the west side of the
mountains and through a bamboo forest. Two trails begin at the Keaha
Arboretum. The first, Powerline Trail, ends at the base of a
waterfall and pool below Mount Wai’ale’ale. The Kuilau Trail gives
hikers spectacular views of the Wai’ale’ale crater and Ha’upu Ridge.
Kuilau Trail also meets with Moalepe Trail, a popular site for
horseback riding.
Horseback riding is availale at Kahana II Trail Rides. The company
offers two, three, and four hour riding sessions up the Kuilau and
Moalepe trails.
