Day 1: Kayaks, Waterfalls, and Smiles

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Aloha from Kaua‘i!

We are happy to share that our HPA Outdoor Program group has arrived safe and sound on the beautiful island of Kaua‘i. Spirits were high as students stepped off the plane and took in their first glimpse of the lush mountains and ocean breezes that will surround us for the next few days. We truly hit the ground running. After picking up our rental vehicles, we headed straight to the Wailua River for our first adventure: kayaking! Students partnered up, grabbed paddles, and hopped into their boats, ready to explore this scenic waterway, which is also the only navigable river in Hawai‘i.

We paddled upriver for about 45 minutes before parking our kayaks on a sandy bank and beginning a short hike to “Secret Falls.” While commonly known by that name, its traditional name is Uluwehi Falls, meaning flourishing plants. Although the falls are no longer much of a secret, with plenty of fellow kayakers enjoying the 120-foot cascade, it remains a breathtaking spot. Jumping into the cool water beneath a jungle waterfall is one of my favorite ways to welcome students and kick off this trip.

By the end of our paddling adventure, our arms were sore and our stomachs were hungry. We stopped at a local favorite spot for BBQ chicken and nachos before finally arriving at Kumu Camp. After a long travel day paired with fast-paced activities, students were excited for showers and eager to settle into their yurts for the night.

Tonight’s blog is written by me, Lindsey, the Trip Leader, so students can enjoy some downtime before bed and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Speaking of tomorrow, we will be heading out at sunrise for our big hike along the iconic Nā Pali Coast. This challenging yet incredibly rewarding trail winds along the rugged cliffs of the coastline so often featured in photographs of Hawai‘i.

Thanks for following along on our adventures! We look forward to sharing more with you throughout the week. Stay tuned for the next blog-- written by the students from their perspectives.  

Here are photos from the day: 























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