FORGET surfing, whale-watching, the great beaches, and the Hula dance – Hawaii has another thrilling experience to offer its visitors.
Adventure-seeking tourists can take a real-life lazy river ride through 150-year-old tunnels on the island of Kauai.
4
4
4
4
Located northwest of O'ahu, Kauai is known as the Garden Island for its lush landscape, rainforests, and beautiful waters.
Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and, as a result, has different offerings - including the lazy river - due to its rich history.
Here is everything you need to know about Kaua'i.
WHY KAUAI?
In addition to many of the traditional Hawaiian experiences, Kauai offers travelers unique opportunities to explore - including through the 150-year-old tunnels.
Read More on Hawaii
The network of tunnels was built in the 1800s by plantation workers, to irrigate the sugar cane crops.
In 2000, sugar stopped being grown on the Lihue Plantation though, so there was no longer any use for the system.
So Kauai Backcountry Adventures took over access to the system and turned it into a gigantic lazy river ride.
The waters, which start near the top of Mount Waialeale, are channeled through ditches and tunnels dug by hand in 1870.
Most read in Travel
Visitors can now float along the waterways in an inflatable tube, passing through several long tunnels illuminated solely by the light on their headlamps.
The water system runs through some of the most remote lands on the island, with views of the neighboring mountains and the Waialeale Crater.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures provides a variety of eco-friendly activities for tourists that have a minimal impact on the environment to help preserve the history and culture of the island.
WHAT ARE THE BEST KAUAI VACATION DEALS?
Kauai is about a six-hour flight from parts of the mainland U.S.
Los Angeles is one hub where travelers can fly to Kauai nonstop for under $400 round trip.
Many other major cities, including New York, offer roundtrip flights with one or two stops for under $600.
Accommodations on Kauai range from top-tier hotels to home rentals - all at various price points.
Many hotels and resorts are situated along the eastern coast of the island, though some are located up north near Princeville and in the south near Koloa.
WHAT MAKES KAUAI WORLD-CLASS?
Kauai is the fourth-largest Hawaiian island and has a premiere landscape.
Due to its history as the oldest and northernmost island in Hawaii, Kaua'i boasts cliffs and valleys that have stood the test of time as well as the elements.
The island is also home to rainforests and national parks, waterfalls, rivers, and so much more.
Many parts of the island aren't accessible by foot - only by sea and by air.
Opting to explore these areas provides travelers with world-class views that are rarely seen elsewhere.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN KAUAI?
Of course, there are plenty of traditional Hawaiian experiences to be had in Kauai.
Travelers can take surfing lessons, go ziplining, kayaking, snorkeling, or even charter a boat for a tour around the island.
There are various ATV tours and helicopter tours also available.
For animal lovers, the Kīlauea National Wildlife Refuge is an optimal bird-watching spot located on the north shore of the island.
Plus, the island has Sunshine Markets - or Farmer's Markets - at different locations around the island Monday through Saturday.
These are great opportunities to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, even if you're not doing your own cooking during your stay.
There are also ample hiking and camping opportunities.
However, in some cases, a permit is required and can be obtained by contacting the State Parks office.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KAUAI?
The nearest airport is Līhue Airport located on Kauai.
However, you can also choose to fly to Honolulu International Airport and travel on to Kauai.
The U.S. dollar is the accepted form of currency.
A valid passport is only required if visiting from outside the US, or if you're traveling to another country after your visit to Hawaii.
Read More on The US Sun
English and Hawaiian are the spoken languages across the islands.
Temperatures mostly remain in the 80s but can dip into the upper 60s.
