Hawaii-bound? A first-timer's guide to thrills, chills on Kauai

I hurtled through the sky above a sprawling valley, in view of sapphire waves and verdant mountain slopes.

The wind whipped past me, my eyes were streaming tears and my brain was blaring, "This could be the end."

But let me begin at the beginning, before I zoomed down a three-­quarter-mile zipline on Kauai, westernmost of the well-populated Hawaiian Islands.

I had never been to the so-called Garden Island, but I knew it by reputation. Less built up than Maui and Oahu, Kauai is blessed with spectacular hiking trails, secluded beaches and dramatic vistas.

That made it an ideal warm-weather destination to rev up and unwind, while talking to residents opened my eyes to Kauai's history and the consequences of more mainlanders visiting the island.

Were I to visit Kauai again, I might concentrate on a particular pastime. But on this trip with friends, I tried exciting and relaxing activities.

Which brings me back to my midair moment, courtesy of the FlyLine, a special zipline operated by Outfitters Kauai, which also offers kayak, bike and stand-up-paddleboard tours.

It began with a pair of conventional ziplines, which allowed us to soar over the trees.

Then some of us stripped into our swimsuits and jumped off a mini zipline into a water hole hidden in the muggy jungle, where we gaped at tropical plants with fronds longer than my arm.

The biggest thrill came last, however. The FlyLine starts atop a wooden tower several stories tall. Below is Kipu Ranch, where the movie "Jurassic Park" shot scenes.

Strapped into a hammock-like harness, I swung horizontal, then swooped across the valley in a Superman pose. Others in the group were less scared than I. They coasted down in serene style, extending their arms like birds.

Speaking of birds, chickens rule Kauai. Scientists believe their numbers surged in 1992, after a hurricane destroyed farms, setting birds free.

To get there, drive counterclockwise on the island's outer highway until you run out of road. We stayed in Kapa'a, on the east shore, and the drive took us about an hour.

Next to the trailhead is Ke'e Beach, where we watched an endangered Hawaiian monk seal enjoy a nap on the sand.

The sun was out for our hike, which made the coast's colors really pop. Rest breaks are the best part of the trek, thanks to the views: The ocean couldn't have been bluer and the hillside couldn't have been greener. Tropical flora — lauhala and banana trees, ohia lehua and ti plants — offer shade and wonder.

When hiking, you can expect to sweat. There are steep sections, and my boots grew heavy with squelchy, red mud.

Budget about an hour per mile, bring water bottles and take care not to slip when crossing Hanakapi'ai Stream.

That's easy on Kauai, because there are quiet beaches everywhere you go.

The strand we'll remember best is the crook of Lumahai Beach by Makahoa Point. Park your car in the unpaved area on the ocean side of Kuhio Highway just west of Hanalei, where the road takes a sharp twist.

Then look for a gap between the trees, where a path leads down to the beach.

You'll see smooth yellow sand, frothy surf and jet-black volcanic rocks being pummeled by waves. When we were there, waves washing over the rocks had created a sandy wading pool.

The beach appears wild and remote, and for about an hour, we were alone. Although the quiet stretch is no secret, it was easy to pretend that it was.

"Our currents are very strong," said Sabra Kauka, a Hawaiian studies educator and cultural practitioner who grew up on Kauai. "When we were children, our elders taught us to sit and observe the ocean for at least 20 minutes before we went in."

Rather than swim, we stood knee-deep in the sparkling tide, listened to the ocean and drank in the scenery.

The other end of Lumahai Beach, where a river meets the ocean, is also pretty. But a parking lot and easy access make it more crowded.

That's the overall trend on Kauai, where tourism has surged in recent years. Although the island relies on tourists, its residents are dealing with more traffic, more construction and more visitors who have a lot to learn about local history and culture.

"The taro patches were always here, but the rest was all bush," said Keola Yokotake, talking about development near Hanalei. He sings Hawaiian songs and plays ukulele at Hanalei's Saturday farmers market.

Kauka said tourists can show respect by adopting a patient, upbeat attitude on the road, in eateries and in stores. "Take a deep breath," she said. "Make the beauty last and just slow down."

Something that hasn't changed on the island is the weather. Rain showers are common on the north shore. If your No. 1 vacation goal is to dry out, you may want to head south. That's where the sun rarely disappears (and where most of Kauai's large resorts are located, around Poipu and vicinity).

Also on the south shore, in Hanapepe, is Talk Story Bookstore, billed as the westernmost independent bookstore in the United States.

"Talk story" is local lingo for "shooting the breeze," and Hanapepe is an old community with antique frontier storefronts and an easygoing vibe, although 20 people were killed when police attacked striking Filipino plantation workers there in 1924.

The store has rough wooden floors, a sleepy pet cat and rambling shelves. The selection will surprise you, and the owners have a great story to tell.

Sounds like a nice life, I said. "It could be worse, right?" Justus said with a laugh.

We were visiting quaint Hanapepe on our way to a much grander attraction.

The scale and power of Waimea Canyon make you catch your breath when you step onto the viewing deck at a lookout 3,600 feet and 25 minutes by car above Kauai's coastal highway.