Howstuffworks "Kauai Activities "

Although Kauai is a tropical paradise, you'll have a hard time lounging at the beach and working on your tan. There are just too many activities to do: The island's many beaches, parks, hiking trails and waterfalls beg to be explored. Take your pick from a slew of options.

You can do just about anything on the water in Kauai—scuba dive along the reefs, kayak in the turquoise sea, or experiment with the latest water-sports trend, kiteboarding. Learn to catch a wave with a surfing lesson at scenic Hanalei Bay, which is great for beginners since the curve of the bay has a calm shoreline. Or get schooled on how to hang ten at Poipu Beach, whose small waves make it another good setting for surf newbies. If you'd rather be snorkeling, head to Kee Beach, a crowded spot that teems with tropical fish in its sandy lagoon, or Haena Beach Park (a.k.a. Tunnels), where novices can easily navigate the shallow inner reef, while veteran snorkelers tour the outer reefs. You can rent gear for the day and take lessons at both places.

Meanwhile, there are so many scenic parks in Kauai, your legs will get sore just thinking of them. Head to Waimea Canyon State Park to see the enormous craggy natural wonder, which Mark Twain called "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific." But unlike the Grand Canyon, Waimea offers colorful peaks. From there, head northwest to the adjoining Koke'e State Park, where almost 50 miles of trails wait to be hiked, some of which are in a rain forest.

Winter is whale season, so catch a glimpse of the nearby humpbacks on a whale-watching tour. Or hit the trails on horseback with a guided ride; the hardest decision is whether you prefer oceans or waterfalls as your backdrop. Get another perspective on Kauai's abundant rain forests with a zipline tour. Outfitters Kauai brings zippers to Poipu, where you'll soar above treetops and along waterfalls (bring your bathing suit). It's an action-packed way to see the island's beauty from a different perspective. You'll get a much better view than from your beach chair.

If you'd rather exercise your credit card than your body, explore Kauai's diverse arts and crafts offerings at markets and boutiques for uniquely Hawaiian souvenirs. Or visit Hawaii's only soap and candle factory, Island Soap and Candle Works, and stock up on lotions and coconut oil soaps in tropical scents such as mango-coconut-guava and pikake, a sweet-smelling jasmine flower found in Hawaii. After all this, you'll need a day at the beach.

Your opinion matters – Complete our brief video survey