Hawaii-bound? A first-timer’s guide to thrills, chills on Kauai

I had never been to the so-called Garden Island, but I knew it by reputation

The Seattle Times

KAUAI, HAWAII — As I hurtled through the sky above a sprawling valley, in view of sapphire waves and verdant mountain slopes, the wind was whipping past me and my eyes were streaming tears.

My lips were peeled back, I was yelling incomprehensibly and my brain was blaring, “This could be the end.”

But let me begin at the beginning, before I zoomed down a zip line on Kauai, the westernmost of the well-populated Hawaiian Islands.

I had never been to the so-called Garden Island, but I knew it by reputation. Less built up than Maui and Oahu, Kauai is blessed with spectacular hiking trails, secluded beaches and dramatic vistas.

That made it an ideal warm-weather destination to rev up and unwind, while talking to residents opened my eyes to Kauai’s history and the consequences of more mainlanders visiting the island.

Through the air and up the coast

Were I to visit Kauai again, I might concentrate on a particular pastime. But on this trip with friends, I tried both exciting and relaxing activities.

Which brings me back to my mid-air moment, courtesy of the FlyLine, a special zip line operated by Outfitters Kauai, which also offers kayak, bike and standup paddleboard tours.

The company has several zip-line packages. Looking for thrills, we chose the so-called AdrenaLine excursion.

Not for the faint of heart, the Kalalau Trail has steep sections and stretches with thick, red mud. But the work pays off with incredible views of Kauai’s Napali Coast.

Fresh fruit makes Hanalei’s Saturday Farmers Market a visit worth savouring. Besides pineapples and coconuts, a local specialty is longan, a cousin of lychee fruit.