SHORE EXCURSIONS

McBryde and Allerton Gardens are breathtaking wonders and part of the network of gardens and preserves that make up the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you’ll have an opportunity to explore both of these jewels on this tour.

Allerton Garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. Stroll through the expertly crafted, colorful garden rooms and marvel at the collection of exotic plants, towering Jurassic trees, sculptures and water features.

Further up the Lawai Valley in the McBryde Garden – the flagship garden of National Tropical Botanical Garden and home to the largest collection of native Hawaiian plants in existence. Discover spectacular displays of vivid tropical plants and visit a beautiful waterfall surrounded by the garden’s lush tropical flora.

A deli lunch is served stream side under a covered gazebo. After the tour you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the South Shore Visitors Center and a stop at Spouting Horn blowhole before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Pedal a beach cruiser along the incredibly picturesque Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path and stop at your pleasure at the eclectic shops and restaurants along the way. Although the paved coastal trail is about eight miles long, you can bike just a small segment of it or pedal much farther. Your beach cruiser has seven gears so you can easily negotiate the elevation changes. This being a self-guided adventure, you will be free to ride at your own speed and stay at the attractions until you are ready to go. A digital app will make navigation simple and clearly show the points of interest along the bike path. Or simply ask the local walkers, joggers and other bicyclists about their favorite places. Interpretive signs will describe the easy-to-access archaeological, cultural and historic sites nearby. The endless seascape may be best attraction of all, as it is spectacular the entire way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a beach cruiser along a scenic bike path that follows the sea.
• Pedal at your own pace, bike as far as you wish and stop whenever you please.
• Use the digital app that describes points of interest along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Hike through the rainforest in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge to two spectacular waterfalls, where you may swim in the refreshing pools below. The refuge is closed to the public to protect the endangered species, but you will enjoy special access to this natural wonderland. As you follow a descending trail, the guide will describe the lush flora, which may include wild coffee, lobster claw heliconia and hau trees, the branches of which Hawaiians once used to make outrigger floats. Named for its stand of graceful bamboo, Bamboo Falls is the smaller of the cascades, while Papakolea Falls plummets down more than 60 feet. Both are breathtaking. Feel free to swim, stand under the waterfalls for a natural massage or simply relax on the rocky shore and behold nature’s beauty. Later, you will gaze out over Menehune Fish Pond, home to dozens of avian species such as the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two little-known waterfalls in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge.
• Swim in the pools below the cascades or simply enjoy the beautiful peaceful settings.
• Learn about the surrounding flora and fauna, much of it indigenous and endangered.
• Admire nearby natural areas such as the Menehune Fish Pond.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Wear water shoes or walking shoes with good traction.

Hike a winding forest trail through some of the most spectacular countryside on Kauai, a natural wonderland that lives up to its nickname, the “Garden Island.”

After departing from the pier, you will learn about the history of Kauai from the local guide, who will regale you with stories of the “Garden Island.” The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is covered by tropical rainforest, emerald-green valleys and jagged mountains of volcanic origin. It is a gorgeous setting for hiking through the forest.

The trail that you will follow covers about five miles and is immensely picturesque the entire time. As you hike through the lush wilderness, you will gaze out over some of the most extraordinary terrain in Hawaii. You can expect to see thundering waterfalls, primeval mountains and deep valleys, all created by ancient volcanic activity.

Along the way, the guide will point out the most interesting flora and fauna, especially those endemic to Kauai. You may see indigenous white plumbago in bloom, unusual ferns on the forest floor, brightly colored bromeliads clinging to tree branches and native forest birds such as the Kauai Amakihi and the Anianiau, the smallest of Hawaii’s honeycreepers.