Your Kauai Connection – August 2025
Aloha Ohana!
Summer’s still going strong on Kauaʻi, and so are we—ziplining through the treetops, paddling sacred rivers, and chasing waterfalls like it’s our job (because, well… it is). August is packed with updates, insider tips, and a spotlight on one of our favorite guides.
We’re stoked to share it all with you. Let’s make these last weeks of summer unforgettable!
Tour Spotlight: Kipu Safari – Zip, Paddle & Explore!
Kayak. Hike. Zipline. Swim. Ride. Relax.
Experience the ultimate combo adventure on Kauaʻi’s scenic Huleʻia River. Kick off your day with a gentle two-mile paddle through tropical wetlands, followed by a jungle hike to hidden swimming holes with rope swings. Next, enjoy a laid-back ride across the iconic Kipu Ranch (a “Jurassic Park” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” filming location).
After lunch, soar through the treetops on three thrilling ziplines—including an 1,800-foot tandem flight with center‑dismount that delivers over 90 seconds of airtime through lush canyon scenery. Cool off with cliff jumps and the exhilarating Waterzip zipline into the crystal-clear Blue Pool. Finally, kick back and cruise home in a motorized Hawaiian canoe—no paddling required on the return.
It’s the only tour of its kind on Kauaʻi—perfect for adventurers who want it all in one epic day.
Guide Spotlight
If you’ve adventured with Eli, you already know—he’s one of the most unforgettable guides at Outfitters Kauai. Eli brings the energy, the local knowledge, and the aloha spirit to every Kauai zipline, kayaking, and waterfall hiking tour he leads. A passionate environmentalist and natural storyteller, he loves sharing the island’s plants, wildlife, and culture while making sure everyone has an amazing time.
He’s the guide who’ll spot a rare bird from the trail, point out native Hawaiian plants, and keep you laughing all the way to the waterfall.
Fun fact: he never misses Potato Thursday 🥔. Also, he really loves penguins. Like, really loves penguins. One day he hopes to kayak with one—dream big, Eli. 🐧
Join a tour with Eli for good vibes, muddy shoes, and stories you’ll remember long after your Outfitters Kauai adventure — whether you’re soaring on the AdrenaLine, exploring hidden valleys on the Zipline Safari, or hiking to waterfalls on our Hidden Valley Falls Tour.
‘Iki Nui: Stories from the Island
Kauaʻi’s cliffs and ridgelines don’t just shape the island—they hold its memories. Among the many Hawaiian legends tied to the Wailua River Valley, one of the oldest is the story of Hiʻilani, a gifted chanter whose voice was said to calm storms and call birds from the forest.
She lived near the upper stretches of the Wailua River, where mist moves through the trees like breath. Each sunrise, Hiʻilani greeted the valley with oli (chant), her voice rising from the water to the towering peaks of Waiʻaleʻale.
When chiefs clashed over the land, Hiʻilani disappeared—her home destroyed, her chants silenced. Yet many believe her spirit still lingers in this sacred valley.
Today, those who kayak the Wailua River, hike its jungle trails, or join guided Kauai adventure tours sometimes report soft melodies drifting through the breeze. A momentary note. A whisper in the trees. A chill in the stillness.
Maybe it’s wind. Maybe it’s memory. On Kauaʻi, the past speaks when the present listens.
So next time you paddle the Wailua or explore the valley on a Kauai tour, listen close. The river remembers.
Word on the Zipline
“This excursion is a must do. The views were incredible … The guide told us some great facts about the area … Highly recommend.”
— Families Sumsiontk