When we plan a vacation, we go places that provide value to us in some form. Whether we chose our destinations from a historical standpoint, seeing family in a far-flung land, or are escaping the weather – we want to go somewhere that will have many activities we can enjoy while we satisfy the reasons why we went on vacation in the first place. When we think about how we want to look and feel on vacation, it’s easy to pull out old habits and skip workouts. After all, we’ve got lots of time and it feels good to be in the sun! Are you wondering how to stay fit on vacation in Kauai? It can be a challenge with all the delicious food and amazing scenery to enjoy, but it’s definitely doable!
A Hawaiian vacation – for some – is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that can provide memories that will last forever. There are many beautiful beaches and coves to explore, and you have your choice of developed rustic beauty in the island chain, and if you choose rustic beauty, there is no better place than the island of Kauai.
Certainly, the Pacific Ocean is a playground all on its own, but you can only go to the beach so many times before you might want to discover what else the island has to offer. Kauai boasts many tourist attractions and outdoor activities for the active and not so active among us. We can help you plan the perfect Kauai itinerary for your vacation.
6 Simple Exercises You Can Do While on Vacation
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you’re getting enough exercise. But if you want to enjoy your time in Kauai and feel your best, it’s important to find ways to stay active! We’ll share some tips on how to stay fit on vacation in Kauai. Whether you’re looking for easy exercises to do at the hotel or ideas for exploring the island, we’ve got you covered!
1. Take a Morning Walk on the beach.
The fresh air and the sound of the waves will help you start your day. If you’re looking to relax on your vacation and not stress about working out, simply enjoy a morning walk on one of Kauai’s North Shore beaches and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You cannot leave Kauai’s south shore out of the equation because it also has some of the best beaches and hiking trails in all of Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous workout, try hiking one of Kauai’s many trails. Below are some of the best places to hike.
Waimea Canyon State Park
This is a great place to start. You can visit Waimea Canyon for awesome views on the south end of the island. The park is named after the Waimea River, which runs through its center. The canyon was formed by thousands of years of erosion and measures more than ten miles wide and nearly four thousand feet deep at its deepest point. The Waimea Canyon Lookout Trail is a great way to see the canyon without having to do any hiking. The trailhead is located at the end of Waimea Canyon Drive and the walk takes about fifteen minutes round-trip.
Kauapea Beach
It is also known as Secret beach. It will take some downhill hike to find it and once you get there you will be rewarded by very few crowds. It also has black lava rocks and crystal-blue water.
The Kalalau Trail
This trail is a challenging 11-mile hike that leads to some of the most beautiful views in all of Hawaii. It is the gateway to Na Pali Coast and is the only land access to that remote coast. If you’re not up for a hike, there are plenty of other trails to choose from.
2. Do Some Easy Yoga Poses
If you’re looking to relax and stretch your muscles, doing some simple yoga poses in your room is a great way to do that. Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, balance and strength. If you’re not familiar with yoga, it might be a good idea to try a few poses in your room before hitting the beach or trying them out in public. That way, you’ll know what to expect and you won’t feel self-conscious if you’re not quite flexible enough yet!
Some easy yoga poses to try are:
The downward dog
This is a yoga pose that is often used as a warm-up. It’s also great for strengthening your arms, legs, and back.
To do the downward dog:
Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower yourself down to the ground, so your head is touching the floor and your hips are in the air. Stretch your arms and legs out as far as you can. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the plank position. Repeat as many times as you’d like.
The downward dog is a great pose to do if you’re just starting out with yoga. It’s not too challenging, but it still provides a good workout. It’s so relaxing and invigorating at the same time!
The cat-cow pose
A great way to start your day. It’s a warm-up pose that helps you prepare for the rest of your practice.
To do the cat-cow pose:
To do the cat-cow pose, start on all fours with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Inhale as you move into cow pose by arching your spine and looking up. Exhale as you move into the cat pose by rounding your spine and tucking your chin. Hold each pose for five breaths before moving on to the next. Repeat as desired.
The cat-cow pose is also a great way to stretch your back and neck. It’s a very relaxing pose, and it can help relieve stress and tension. If you’re feeling stressed out, give the cat-cow pose a try!
The warrior II
This is a yoga pose that is great for strengthening the core.
To do the warrior II, start in mountain pose and step your right foot out to the side as you lower into a lunge. Make sure your front knee is bent at least 90 degrees and your back leg is straight. Reach your arms up over your head, palms facing each.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try a handstand or a headstand! Be sure to take it slow and easy if this is your first time trying yoga. You don’t want to overdo it and end up sore on your vacation.
3. Swimming
If you’re looking for an easier workout, try swimming in the ocean. The water is a great way to stay cool and get your exercise at the same time. Take advantage of the pool in the hotel. Koloa Landing Resort has the best pools in Hawaii that you and your family can enjoy. Swimming laps is a great way to get your cardio in without having to leave the comfort of your vacation spot.
These are just a few tips on how to stay fit while on vacation in Kauai. Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay are both great places to get in a good workout, and you’ll be able to enjoy all that Kauai has to offer at the same time!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go swimming or snorkeling in the ocean. Be sure to watch out for sea turtles; they are often spotted near the shoreline. Having the opportunity to swim with these beautiful creatures is a memorable experience. You can visit tunnels beach which is a great spot for snorkeling and turtle spotting.
4. Play with Friends.
Kauai is the perfect place to play some outdoor games with friends. Beach volleyball and frisbee are always a blast and a perfect beach time activity, and you can find plenty of people to join in on the fun. Just be careful not to get too competitive – no one wants a vacation ruined by an argument!
5. Go for a Light Jog
Kauai is home to incredible beaches, so take advantage of them and go for a jog. The sand will give your feet a good workout, and the incredible views will keep you motivated. Plus, it’s a great way to start or end your day on vacation.
6. Take a scenic bike ride through town
Another great way to stay active on vacation is by biking around town or on the beach path. Kauai is a great place to bike, as the town is small and there are plenty of scenic routes to explore. If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, venture out onto the Waimea Canyon Road – but be prepared for some steep hills!
If you’re not comfortable riding a bike, consider renting one – there are a number of shops in town that offer this service. And if you don’t feel like biking on your own, join up with one of the many guided tours that are available. Kauai is home to some beautiful scenery, so be sure to take advantage of the bike paths and enjoy a leisurely ride while on vacation.
Activities to Enjoy in Kauai
Aside from doing simple exercises, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy too. Kauai is a beautiful island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine beaches. There are so many things to do in Kauai! You could spend your whole vacation just exploring the island and never get bored. Here are some of our favorite activities.
Traditional Luau
They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do and this applies to a Kauai getaway and the traditional luau. Introduce yourself to Hawaiian cuisine and culture through a meal at Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau. The dinner begins with a tram ride through the Smith’s Gardens which are full of exotic animal life and beautiful scenery.
Sitting for a traditional Hawaiian dinner with some traditional dishes like Kalua pig, teriyaki beef, adobo chicken, sweet-sour mahimahi, garden isle greens, and poi will whet your appetite. After dinner, a traditional performance from Rhythm of Aloha – with authentic performances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Philippines, New Zealand, China, and Japan in the open-air, torch-lit Pele Amphitheater.
Helicopter Tours
Another extremely popular activity is helicopter tours of the island by Jack Harter. The helicopter tour company has two types of flyover tours, one with the doors on the helicopter and one with the doors off. This is a must-activity when visiting Kauai.
Horseback Riding
If seeing the island from the ground is more your speed, a horseback riding tour of the Princeville Ranch is a daylong trek that will take you around the 2500-acre ranch with a view of the ocean and vistas that will take your breath away.
Going Fishing
For the angler in the family, there is no need to despair as several fishing charter boats are operating in Kauai and the Pacific Ocean is home to many varieties of fighting fish for any angler’s enjoyment.
Eco-Adventures
If eco-adventure is what you crave, Kauai Island has trails that will lead you to some of the most impressive waterfalls in the Hawaiian Island chain. Kauai Island receives approximately 480 inches of rainfall a year, and all that water has to go somewhere, and that is down the side of Mount Waialeale.
While most waterfalls are visible from the road or a short hike into the bush, the best way to see the impressive waterfalls of Kauai is from the air via a helicopter tour.
Take Things Slow!
One of the best ways to stay fit on vacation is to take things slow. When you’re rushing around, it’s easy to get stressed out and not enjoy yourself. Instead, take your time and savor every moment. You’ll be more likely to stick to your fitness routine if you go at a slower pace.
In addition, try to get plenty of rest. When you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy and be less likely to indulge in unhealthy foods. Take a break from your phone and laptop, and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family.
Finally, make sure to schedule some downtime. Relax by the pool or go on a nature hike. Take a nap or read a book. There’s no need to feel guilty about taking it easy – you’re on vacation, after all!
So, whether you’re looking for a way to squeeze in a quick workout or an activity to keep you busy during your downtime, we hope these tips help you stay active and healthy on your vacation. If you’re looking for more ideas or want some help planning out your days, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’d be happy to help make sure your time in Kauai is enjoyable and energizing. To book an unforgettable vacation, contact us at Koloa Landing® Resort today!