Fishing and Boating for Guests of Kauai Vacation Rentals

Kauai sport fishing is very popular with visitors who rent condos in Kauai. Due to the sharp fall-off just off the coast, Kauai deep sea fishing for mahi mahi, ono, and ahi can be found quite close to shore. Kauai fishing charters depart from Nawiliwili Harbor, near Lihue, as well as several other locations on the island.

In addition to great fishing, a Kauai fishing charter trip is a fabulous way to view the incredible coastline of Kauai. Guests of Kauai vacation home rentals can take a half-day shared fishing charter for about $125 to $160 per person. In addition to the great offshore fishing, great bass fishing in Kauai can be found in the island's reservoirs. Advance reservations for Kauai fishing charters are highly recommended.

North Shore Kauai fishing charter operators include Kai Bear Sportfishing (808-826-4556), Lucky Boy Charters (808-826-4474), Hanalei Sport Fishing and Tours (808-826-6114), McReynolds Fishing Charters (808-828-1379), and Anini Fishing Charters (808-828-1285).

Vacationers staying in an East Shore Kauai house rental can cast off with Action Plus Adventures (808-822-1976), Sea Lure Fishing Charters (808-822-5963), A.K.A. Sportfishing (808-651-8048), Fishing in Paradise (808-245-7358), Hana Pa'a Sport Fishing Charters (866-PRO-FISH), Hoku Ao Fishing Charter (808-332-7730), Captain Don's Sportfishing & Ocean Adventures (808-639-3012), and Lahela Ocean Adventures (808-635-4020).

On the South Shore, guests of Kauai vacation condos can fish with Cast & Catch Fresh Water Bass Guides (808-332-9707), J J's Bass Tours (808-332-9219), Kauai Freshwater Aquatics (808-245-7358), Sport Fishing Kauai (808-639-0013), and True Blue Charters (888-245-1707). Kauai fishing charters on the west side of the island include Kauai Fishing Company (808-335-5524) and Open Sea Charter Fishing (877-332-8213).

Numerous outfitters offer Kauai snorkel tours, diving trips, sightseeing tours, and sunset cruises. Seasport Divers (808-742-9303) offers diving trips from Poipu, while Catamaran Kahanu (808-645-6176) does Kauai snorkeling tours along the Na Pali Coast. Kauai Sea Tours (800-733-7997) offers a six-hour Na Pali snorkeling trip, with a beach landing at Nu'alolo Kai, for $145 for adults and $105 for children ages 5-12.

Kauai whale watching trips are popular from mid-December through mid-May as approximately 5,000 whales migrate to Hawaiian waters each year to reproduce. Kauai Sea Tours (800-733-7997) offers a three-hour whale watching raft tour for about $90 for adults and $69 for children ages 5-12.

Kauai sunset cruises are the perfect way to end another day in paradise. Captain Andy's two-hour Poipu Sunset Sail costs $69 per person and includes appetizers and drinks. Tom Barefoot's Cashback Tours (888-222-3601) offers a four-hour sunset dinner cruise along the spectacular Na Pali Coast for $99.

Kauai is home to the only navigable rivers on all of the Hawaiian Islands. On the North Shore, Kayak Kauai (808-826-1881) offers kayaking tours up the Hanalei River and in Hanalei Bay.

The larger Wailua River, on Kauai's eastern coast, is navigable by kayak and by motorized boat. Vacationers staying in a Kauai rental can cruise up the Wailua on a charter, complete with Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers, to the famous Kauai Fern Grotto. Smith's Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Tickets are approximately $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 2-12; call 808-821-6895 for reservations.