Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008 - (Page 38)

Cover Story FOR THE TRAVELER 2009, and will comprise both full and half marathons.The courses have been certified by the Association of Marathons and Distance Races and USA Track & Field, and Rich Hanna, co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Marathons, has dubbed them “the most visually stunning running courses in the world.” Along the route, runners will experience mountain backdrops, volcano views, rustic rural paved roadways and spectacular ocean vistas. The marathon course is considered a challenging one, since it gently climbs to provide views of the Pacific before finishing at Poipu Beach where post-race festivities will take place. Take a Hike Kauai offers hikes ranging from easygoing ambles to rugged treks. State parks across the island offer excellent hiking. The Na Pali Coast State Park on the north shore includes the eastern valleys of the Na Pali Coast. Kalalau, the best-known valley, can be reached by an 11-mile trail that begins at Kee Beach on the northwestern end of the main highway. The trail then winds its way up and down Na Pali’s steep cliffs. For most, the 11-mile hike is a three-day journey that requires camping along the way. Other prime sites for exploration include Waimea Canyon State Park and the 3,000-foot Waimea Canyon; Kokee State Park; and Alakai Wilderness Preserve. Other active travelers may want to navigate Kauai’s rivers by kayak on their own. Beginners can opt for a gentle float on the Wailua River to the island’s celebrated Fern Grotto. Other popular kayaking excursions include the Huleia River from Nawiliwili Harbor to the Menehune Fishpond, and the Hanalei River, which takes kayakers through the island’s plains country. Ocean kayaking is a little trickier and a guide is recommended, because the ocean currents can be difficult to read, esHB pecially along the Na Pali Coast. The Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club overlooks Kalapaki Beach and Bay Solo adventures on Hawaii’s Garden Isle BY MARK ROGERS KAUAI T 38 he concept of traveling alone recently came up in conversation. My dinner companion said she had a friend who had just booked a solo 10-day trip to Kauai in Hawaii, hoping to disconnect from the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature. I usually think of Kauai as a romantic destination for couples and honeymooners, but after mulling over my own experiences in Kauai, I came to the conclusion that the traveler had made an excellent choice. Kauai is one of the most natural and verdant spots on earth, with plenty of options for activities that can be enjoyed solo, such as hiking and kayaking. Of all the islands of Hawaii, Kauai is the number-one choice for nature lovers. The island’s landscape ranges from rugged sea cliffs and dramatic canyons to lush tropical foliage and more than 40 sandy beaches. The island recently announced plans for its first marathon, a challenge suited to solo travelers. The Kauai Marathon is scheduled for September 6, NOV EMBE R 2008 Home-BasedTravelAgent

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Publisher’s Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Cultural Tourism Luxury Hotels For the Traveler: Luxury For the Agent: Luxury For the Traveler: Latin America For the Agent: Latin America Hawaii For the Traveler: Provence For the Agent: Provence For the Traveler: Florida For the Agent: Florida Home-Based Agent Expo New Products

Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.