Hawaii’s Back Yard
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi
Kauai outfit opens the outdoors
Can't decide whether you want to hike, kayak, canoe or explore back roads in a four-wheel-drive vehicle when you visit Kauai?
Outfitters Kauai has the perfect solution: Do all four in one memorable excursion: the Kipu Falls Safari.
This daylong tour begins with a kayak trip that glides two miles downwind on the Huleia River through the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, home of endangered native water birds such as the alae keokeo (Hawaiian coot), aeo (Hawaiian stilt), alae ula (Hawaiian gallinule) and koloa (Hawaiian duck).
Hollywood discovered the beauty of this area decades ago and has filmed several blockbusters here, including "Jurassic Park," its sequel "Lost World" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." In fact, you'll get a chance to swing on the very same rope that Indiana Jones used to escape from spear-throwing natives in the thrilling beginning of "Raiders."
You'll also paddle past the base of the Haupu Mountain Range, a shield volcano that towers 2,000 feet above the Huleia River, and the Alekoko or Menehune Fishpond, supposedly built in one night by the mythical race of little people called the Menehune.
COURTESY OUTFITTERS KAUAI
Canoeing is just one of the many activites you can engage in through Outfitters Kauai.
Next up: hiking in secluded Hidden Valley, an Eden of fragrant rain forests, pretty swimming holes and silvery waterfalls, including Kukui Lau Hinahina, better known as Hidden Falls. Then it's time to jump into a covered farm wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor for a ride across Kipu Ranch, a gorgeous 4,000-acre spread where 2,000 head of cattle thrive, along with wild boars, peacocks and pheasants.
Kipu Ranch is owned by the descendants of William Hyde Rice, a former territorial governor of Hawaii and the author of the first collection of Hawaiian myths and legends published in the English language. The Rice family purchased the property in 1881 from Princess Ruth Keelikolani, half sister of Kamehameha V, and operated it as a sugar plantation before venturing into cattle.
The wagon stops at a trail head where you'll disembark for a walk to breathtaking Kamapuaa Falls. Here, even lunch winds up being an adventure. You'll enjoy a fresh turkey sandwich, pasta salad, a brownie and beverages in a Swiss Family Robinson-style treehouse built in a huge banyan -- all the while admiring the triple-tiered, 150-foot waterfall that's named for the powerful demigod who was part human and part wild hog.
Hawaiian lore is replete with tales of Kamapuaa. A story from Rice's book, "Hawaiian Legends," describes him as a handsome young man who had to wear a cape to conceal the bristles on his back. One day, Kamapuaa visited a village on the Huleia River, where he charmed the daughters of the chief. His table manners, however, were atrocious; he was a messy eater -- just like a hog.
The villagers were at war, and Kamapuaa decided to join their ranks. He was able to turn his body invisible, except for his hands, which he used to wield a huge club and strike down the enemy in battle. Victory was won due in large part to Kamapuaa's bravery and skill as a fighter, but his hoglike characteristics -- greed and selfishness -- got the better of him; he was banned from the village for hoarding the booty of feather capes and helmets obtained from fallen warriors all for himself.
From the picturesque picnic spot, you'll continue along the forest trail to nearby Kipu Falls for more swimming. During each of these nature walks (which total four miles), guides point out interesting plant, bird and aquatic life; share legends; and discuss Hawaiian history and culture.
After the visit to Kipu Falls, the wagon will transport you to one more trail head. This last hike ends on the banks of the Huleia River, where you'll board a motorized double-hulled canoe for the leisurely ride that concludes the tour.
"The Kipu Falls Safari has turned out to be the perfect excursion," says Rick Haviland, owner and general manager of Outfitters Kauai. "It's moderately strenuous and there are no age limitations. This trip is great for everybody -- athletes, couch potatoes, seniors, kids, honeymooners and even those who just want to feel like they're honeymooners! It has something for everyone and allows folks to do it in a style that suits them individually."
According to Haviland, this is the first time Kipu Ranch has ever been open to the public. It took about a year for him to finalize the concept for the Kipu Falls Safari and another year to acquire the equipment, blaze the trails and make the necessary road improvements. Outfitters Kauai has exclusive rights to all the areas of the ranch visited during this tour, including the trails and three waterfalls. The Kipu Falls Safari was launched in May of last year and has been booked solid ever since.
What's been the key to its success? "Although the scenery is magnificent and the modes of transportation fun, the guides really make the tour," asserts Haviland. "Their aloha is infectious; you can't help but have a good time when you're with someone who's having a ball themselves! The big joke among them is, 'Who's having more fun -- the guides or the guests?'"
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer and Society of American Travel Writers award winner.
Time: The tour is offered daily except Sunday. Guests staying at South or West side resorts check in at Outfitters Kauai's headquarters in Poipu, 2827-A Poipu Road, at 7:45 a.m. (return is 3:30 p.m.). Those staying on the East or North side check in at the Kayak Shack at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor at 8:30 a.m. (return is 3 p.m.). Reservations are necessary. Kipu Falls Safari
Phone: 742-9667 on Kauai; 888-742-9887 toll-free from the other islands
Email: info@outfitterskauai.com
Cost: $119 for adults, $90 for children age 3 through 14, including snacks, bottled water, juice and a picnic lunch. Kamaaina receive a 10 percent discount when booked directly.
Notes: Dress in swimwear and bring a windbreaker or light raincoat, footwear with tread geared for muddy conditions, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent and a waterproof camera.
Other Tours: Ask about Outfitters Kauai's other tours, including ocean and river kayaking; downhill biking down the slopes of Waimea Canyon; and the Hidden Falls Kayak Adventure, a half-day version of the Kipu Falls Safari, excluding the wagon ride and lunch at the treehouse.
Web site: www.outfitterskauai.com
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based free-lance writer
and Society of American Travel Writers award winner.
