With the cool breeze off the sea, ancient sand dunes beneath your feet, and a fascinating archaeological site to explore, Mahaulepu is a treasure trove for outdoor adventurers. Set out for an easy hike along this undeveloped coastline, where you can get up close to land tortoises in the wild.

Get picked up from your hotel or meet your guide in Koloa and start your journey, tightening your shoelaces and setting off on an easy stroll over a rolling coastal trail. Climb along limestone cliffs above the sea, listening to the thundering of the surf below you as you reach a promontory that offers incredible views of Haupu Mountain, Kawelikoa Point, and even the distant hazy outline of Oahu across the Kauai Channel.

Listen to your guide describe the rich natural and cultural history of Mahaulepu, which was the site of an epic land and sea battle back in the 1300s, and admire the untouched beauty of this pristine stretch of the coast. Depending on the day and your group's level of interest, you can also venture to the Makauwahi Cave Reserve—the largest limestone cave in Hawaii. Hear about the incredible fossils of long-extinct and native birds and plants that have been found in the cave, and see the local land tortoises at work as they nibble on invasive weeds and do their part to protect Kauai's delicate ecosystem.