11 Unexpected Things to Do in Kauai

After an exhilarating day surfing or zip-lining, be sure to treat yourself to a lomi lomi massage at Anara Spa, located in the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. While I am no newbie to spa treatments, specifically massages, I'd have to say this lomi lomi massage was truly special.

Hyatt's open-air concept is adapted in the Anara spa, complete with hanging vines in their outdoor lava rock showers, hot tub, and sauna locations. Massage and facial rooms face the mountains and have spectacular views that immediately put you at ease, if the fresh eucalyptus doesn't do that for you first. Walk out of your massage session an entirely new person, prepared to tackle another day of waterfall hunting and cliff diving.

It's a bird, it's a plane . . . it's, YOU! Soar high above the treetops, touching the clouds in an incredibly exhilarating zip-line experience with Outfitters Kauai. During their Treehouse Plus tour, you will have a chance to glide on seven different zip lines over the lush valleys of Kipu Ranch, one of them being the longest in the state at 4,000 feet! Not only are there tandem lines, but you get to fly "Superman Style" without any restrictions while taking in the panoramic views. Raise you heart rate by jumping and soaring from tree house to tree house while soaking in those aerial secret forest trail views and suspension bridges.

Island life isn't just fun in the sun and SPF numbers. The Hindu Monastery in Kapaa is home to over two dozen monks and a pilgrimage to sincere Hindu devotees. The Kadavul Hindu Temple is a traditional Sri Lankan-style Siva temple and sits on 363 acres of lush land. The meditation area under the massive Banyan tree will be sure to immediately put you at peace. One of the most unique things is being able to partake in the Puja ceremonies between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., but be aware that the temple closes at noon. While not all travelers expect to visit a Hindu Monastery on a Hawaiian Island, this place is a sanctuary with a tranquil and calming energy.

Tip: Be sure to wear appropriate clothing as you will be asked to wear a sarong if you have shorts that are too short or shoulders that are bare.

The famous Na'Pali coast is something to write home about, but sailing it with Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures takes that to a whole other level. While catamaran rides can sometimes be a bore, Captain Andy's makes sure that you are engaged, having fun and taking in all aspects of the sail.

Expect to see schools of dolphins jumping alongside the catamaran, listen to underwater whale sounds and swim alongside sea turtles in this never forget adventure. If you're lucky, you will see a humpback whale breach not too far from the catamaran while you feast on a delicious BBQ lunch. Depending on water conditions, the captain is able to pull up directly to the entrance of secret caves and waterfalls along the Na'Pali. This unforgettable experience is truly one of a kind and not to be missed!

Sink directly into Mother Earth at the Makauwahi Sinkhole on the South side of the island down the two-mile Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, just a short walk further through a forest of trees and piled up rocks. Unseen to most tourists, keep continuing on, (probably on all fours to get through the tight spots), but you will end up on the other side of a magnificent garden of Eden, aka the Makauwahi Cave, a massive sinkhole considered to be one of the richest sites of fossils in the US and a treasure chest for history buffs. The sinkhole sits on 17 acres of land with fossils dating back over 10,000 years of Kauai history.

The layers in the walls of the limestone sinkhole have preserved histories of hurricanes, droughts, and floods, including tons of bones of extinct animals. I don't suggest driving here (simply because the hike in is so scenic and beautiful!), but near the parking lot, there are tons of tortoises that you can get up close and personal with.

Tip: Free guided tours are available from 10am-2pm on Wednesdays, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.

While I wouldn't call myself an expert hiker, I do love nature, and what's better than combining a decent hike with a seemingly natural obstacle course with sensational views, ending in a rope swing and rock diving? Ho'opi'i Falls is a wonderful hike to leisurely embark on with great rewards at the end, just be sure you have your swimsuit on you. The trail starts on Kapahi Road, where you will see cars parked and a power poll with a quiet sign. Don't be worried because it looks like a residential neighborhood: it actually is the start of the hike.

While the beginning of the hike can be quite muddy and slippery, get ready for plenty of twisted roots and hanging vines to cross your path as you continue toward the waterfalls. At one point you will need to climb under roots while also dodging hanging fruits and looking out for loose rocks on the ground. Two waterfalls await you, depending on how far you want to hike. At waterfall number one, you will find locals rock diving into the water and at waterfall number two, you will find a rope swing and swim hole area.