Meet the Activity Adventures Crew

Our Timbers Kauaʻi Adventure Guides are ready and waiting to guide you on an adventure of your choice, with new offerings this fall!

We are proud to welcome James Duarte, our new Recreation Manager. James was born and raised on Kauaʻi before moving to the mainland to explore a career in retail with Quiksilver. 8 years ago, he returned home, drawn to a career in hospitality. “I really value developing a connection with people rather than trying to make a sale,” James explained about his career switch. “It’s important to me, being part Hawaiian, to implement cultural activities into our offerings at Timbers.”

Koa Cierras, the new Activities Coordinator, was also born and raised here on the island and is very excited to share his favorite spots on Kaua‘i. “I grew up on the ocean—I enjoy fishing, surfing, diving, and paddle boarding,” Koa said. “In my free time, I like to travel, take photos, and hang out with my friends.”

The 450 acres of Hōkūala is a natural playground. The activities team starts their day at what we lovingly refer to as the “toy box.” With kayaks, boogie boards, snorkel and beach gear, paddleboards, sand toys, and so much more, Owners and guests can choose their own adventure with the help of our guides. When we spoke to James, he had just returned from a surf outing at Kalapakī Bay with an Owner.

“I love those spontaneous trips off-property too,” James explained. “Basically, whatever the guest’s interest is, we have an activity for that.”

On-site there are 30 acres of lagoons and 16 miles of adventure trails adjacent to Kalapakī Bay, allowing guests to test out their paddleboarding, kayaking, and biking skills without ever technically leaving the resort. Here are some regular and popular offerings through our activities team:

• Kayaking Hōkūala lagoons
• Paddleboarding Hōkūala lagoons
• Bike cruise through property trails
• Surfing Kalapakī Bay
• Coconut Painting 
• Fishing Hōkūala lagoons

• Owner Beach Day – This is probably our most popular activity, and thanks to our team it has become more desirable recently. “I’ve enhanced the experience of Owner Beach Day by sharing the true experience of how locals enjoy the beach,” James explained. “We bring our grill down for delicious burgers and hot dogs. On some Owner’s Beach Days, we also support local businesses and provide sandwiches and bento boxes for lunch. It’s a great experience and the participation is through the roof now.”
• E-bike Excursion – Our brand new e-bike excursion offers all the beauty of exploring our bike trails with the choice of how rigorous you’d like the ride to be. Get your blood pumping on the hills or take it easy and let the motor take over as you soak in the views. The choice is yours!
• Sunset Sessions – On Tuesday afternoons, we invite all of our owners to gather with us for complimentary signature cocktails, light pupus, and talking story. Sunset over the lagoons with the backdrop of the Hāʻupu mountain range is breathtaking, and truly something that needs to be experienced first-hand.
• Lei-Making Workshop – A physical representation of aloha, and intended to evoke a feeling of welcoming, love, and appreciation, our popular lei-making workshop is one beloved by our Owners.