Kauai has more opportunities for different kinds of water adventures than the other islands. The difference is the rivers flowing down the mountains that allow for freshwater kayaking, fishing, and even some waterskiing. All the usual water activities are quite well represented, including sailing, snorkeling, scuba, and fishing, as well as special trips along the Na Pali Coast.

Kayaking and Canoeing

• Wailua River Kayak Adventure: Kayak rentals, guided trips up the river, hikes to Wailua Falls, and a tour of sacred places. www.kauaiwailuakayak.com

• Aloha Canoes and Kayaks: Hawaiian-owned company that can show you some fun in kayaks and outrigger canoes and even offers a combination helicopter and kayak adventure. They are based in Lihu'e. www.hawaiikayaks.com

• Island Adventures: Trips featuring kayaking up the Hule'ia River, short hikes, and waterfalls. www.kauai-by-kayak.com

Scuba and Snorkeling

• Dive Kauai Scuba Center: Charters and instruction. www.divekauai.com

• Mana Divers: Teaches beginning classes at the Hyatt Regency Kauai and at the Kauai Marriott Resort, including special Bubblemakers programs for kids. www.manadivers.com

• Sunrise Scuba Adventures: Special programs to introduce you to scuba diving. www.sunrisescuba.com

• North Shore Divers: Specializes in adventure diving for the more experienced diver. This can involve cave, shark, and night dives. www.gardenisle.com/nsdivers

• Kauai Z-Tourz: Specializes in snorkeling tours on the island's south coast. Beginners are welcome! www.ztourz.com

• Snorkel Bob's: Can be found all over the island, including two locations on Kauai. Rents and sells snorkeling gear. www.snorkelbob.com

• Snuba Tours of Kauai: It's kind of like snorkeling and kind of like scuba. Enjoy the snuba experience off the South Shore at Po'ipu. www.snubakauai.com

Try Surfing

Kauai is not the surfing capital of the Hawaiian Islands, but there are some good spots. You might see wave-riders at such places as Kalapaki Beach in front of the Marriott hotel or at Kalihiwai on the North Shore. You can always give it a try or work on your skills at the following surfing schools:

• The Kalapaki Beach Boys can give you surfing lessons or hook you up with other fun water activities. www.kauaifun.com

• Kauai Surf School offers classes and clinics at Po'ipu Beach. www.kauaisurfschool.com

• Surfing champion and celebrity Margo Oberg operates her surfing school on Kauai. Give her a call at 742-8019.

Go Fishing

• Fishing in Paradise can take you freshwater fishing. peacockbass@usa.net

• Hawaii Fishing Adventures and Charters can arrange a fishing adventure for you on Kauai. www.sportfishhawaii.com

• Hana Pa'a Charters operates the Maka Hou II, with a captain and crew who know where to find the big ones. www.fishkauai.com

• Sport Fishing Kauai operates two boats and will take out both novices and the experienced. www.fishing-kauai-hawaii.com

• True Blue Fishing Charters lets you catch big fish aboard the Konane Star and the Kai Nui. www.kauai-fishing-charters.com