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Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii

star-4.5105 Reviews
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Kapaʻa, United States
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii
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Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii
Kayaking in Hanalei Bay
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From $139.00

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icon4 hours  (approx.)
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iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

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Overview

Explore the tropical waters of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay on this guided kayak and snorkeling tour. Paddle through the lush tropical surroundings as you make your way down the Hanalei River out into the open Hanalei Bay, where you can glimpse the famous cliffs of Makana Peak (also known as Bali Hai). Snorkel through the marvelous underwater world of the Bay Reef Lagoon, home to sea turtles and brightly colored tropical fish.
  • Guided kayak and snorkel tour of Hanalei River and Bay Reef Lagoon
  • Kayak down the Hanalei River surrounded by lush greenery
  • Snorkel in the pristine turquoise waters of Bay Reef Lagoon and see the tropical fish
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Makana Peak as you kayak in Hanalei Bay
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From $139.00

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Lunch
Tandem (double) kayak
Snorkel gear (please provide male/female shoe/fin sizes)
Water-resistant bag
Tropical juice - To reduce plastic waste we now have a Water Filtration Station.
Snacks
Hotel pick up and drop off
3-5971 Kuhio Hwy , 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
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Guest will meet at the Wailua River Marina store location at 8:00 am.

8:00 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Splash into the watery wonders of Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay as you explore some of Kauai’s most picturesque landscapes. Meet your local guide at the departure point near the Hanalei River, and then hop aboard a double kayak and begin your leisurely paddle downriver. Along the way, soak in the peaceful atmosphere and passing scenery of taro fields and tropical forests.

After approximately 45 minutes of kayaking, disembark on the shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay and recharge with a snack break. Admire spectacular views of the bay, made famous by the 1958 film South Pacific, and learn about ancient Hawaiian fire-throwing ceremonies conducted from the dramatic Makana Peak.

Slip on a snorkeling mask and fins, and then dive into the warm turquoise waters of Hanalei’s Bay Reef Lagoon. Explore underwater reef formations and be on the lookout for Hawaiian marine life such as brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles. You’ll also have a chance to ride the gentle waves of the bay on a sea kayak if you like. Finish your 5-hour tour with another short kayak ride and a drive back to the original departure point.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Please bring the following items: sun protection, light shirt, bathing suit, footwear for the beach (tabis, aqua socks or tennis shoes), towel and change of clothes
  • Please include your choice of lunch: Ham, Turkey, Veggie or Peanut butter jelly
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Guests much be comfortable in the ocean. Smaller waves during certain times of the year.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
  • OPERATED BY DBA: Kayak Kauai
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
See all safety measures taken by Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii.

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Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
105 Reviews
5 stars
82
4 stars
12
3 stars
4
2 stars
6
1 star
1

Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 105 reviews
star-5
Highly recommended
Benjamin_W
, Jun 2022
Our trip was canceled due to my negligence. Great company to deal with. The man gave me explicit instructions where to be picked up and I did not follow them. My apologies.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Aloha Benjamin, Sorry the "turnout" was not to be. But thanks for the nice review anyway. Here's to the next time. Stay well. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Professional, friendly, safe, and fun!
Patricia_D
, Mar 2022
We had a great time. Jay and Nick were excellent guides. Jay was very knowledgeable about the Hawaiian Islands and specifically, Kauai. We felt safe dispite a couple of us having little or no kayaking experience. Snorkeling was great with lots of colorful fish and a big green turtle to see. I would definitely recommend. Great family fun!
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Aloha Patricia, Always felt that our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel is the perfect tour for the more active family and couples. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to share with others this tour, which is beginning to rival our more popular Wailua paddle and hike to the falls. Stay active and keep enjoying the outdoors with your 'ohana. A hui hou, Micco
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star-2
Travel time exceeds activity time, better options available.
Colleen_G
, Mar 2022
Most of time spent traveling to and from Kapaa to Hanalei Bay. If you want to do this trip pick a company based in Hanalei. However, guide Pohakukauea was fantastic! Very professional and knowledgeable about Hawaiian and Kauaiian culture.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Aloha Colleen, Sorry you did not enjoy the drive up to our staging area in Hanalei, For most, the drive up from our shop at Wailua River Marina, is considered quite picturesque; many years ago there was even a movement to make Kaua'i in its entirety a National Park. But glad you enjoyed Pohaku and the tour. Stay well and thanks for the review. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Fun group of people our...
Roxanne_H
, Mar 2022
Fun group of people our tour guide, Hawaiin Brian, was so very knowledgeable and spirited. The hike was beautiful and the swim at the waterfalls was refreshing. A memorable experience of a lifetime
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Aloha Roxanne, We don't have a Brian in our employ, but that said, all the companies plying and sharing the Wailua River complex, all sport a real passion and knowledge of the terrain one traverses. Glad you enjoyed and here's to more lifetime experiences. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Great tour and guides!
Carol_J
, Mar 2022
Jay was incredibly informative in the drive up to the river and Steve and Jay were awesome tour guides during the paddle and snorkel!
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Aloha Carol, Actually overlooked, but the drive up from our Wailua River Marina location, where you checked in, to the staging are in Hanalei is "a tour in itself". Kaua'i is a scenic wonder and our panoramic Hanalei paddle and snorkel compliments the drive up. Glad you enjoyed. Stay paddling and snorkeling. Thanks for you kind review. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Fantastic kayaking experience!
Maureen_P
, Feb 2022
We had a fabulous trip kayaking in the Hanalei River and the bay and then snorkeling in Hanalei Bay. Our tour guide, Jay, was amazing! He had a great vibe, was a wealth of information about Kauai and made absolutely sure that we had a safe and very fun adventure. I would definitely book a trip with this vendor again! Five stars (and more) for Jay!!!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Mauree, Will have to lobby for more stars for these reviews! Jay is one of our top ocean guide. You should come back with Jay and paddle with him along the robust and challenging Na Pali Coast. Our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Tour is one of the lesser known gems and your kind words are helping others to enjoy it as well. Until our wakes cross again. Stay well and thanks. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Perfect couples activity
Lauren_R
, Feb 2022
We had a blast during this simple kayak and snorkel trip! The Kayak was simple enough for anyone who hasn’t kayaked before. It seemed like we spent most time snorkeling, which was incredible, since we were lucky enough to swim with turtles! Jay and Patrick as guides were very helpful and kept the trip open to the group dynamic based on everyone’s abilities. Meanwhile they both were full if information about the island and environment! I recommend trying to schedule this at the beginning of your trip so you can get ideas from the guides about great spots to visit later in the trip.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Lauren, Not only is our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel, a great activity for couples, but also for the more active family. On this tour we sea turtles all the time; especially meaningful because it is our logo at Kayak Kaua'i; we go slow and thoughtful. Glad you enjoyed the "pros", i.e., Jay and Patrick. Anyway...welcome to the beauty of Hanalei Ban and Rive and thanks for taking the time to share. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Kayaking in paradise
Carol_C
, Feb 2022
We had a great time with our small group! Our guides Pahatu and Jay were a perfect combination of guide, host, and a fun friend showing us an island they clearly love! It was a perfect way to see the coast and we are so happy to have been a part of this experience.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Carol, Pohaku and Jay are the dream team. Both your guides are excellent and with the Hanalei panorama and snorkeling, ….it does not get better. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to share. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Perfect Day
Alison_D
, Feb 2022
A wonderful kayak/snorkel trip with two great guides Jay & Patrick. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Kauai culture, marine life , plants and especially kayaking!! Positive instructions , super helpful. Kept us all safe, entertained, well fed and taken care of!!! Snorkeling was awesome too. They both clearly love what they do and it made the adventure one that I highly recommend. I would most definitely use Kauai Kayak tours again in the future. Mahalo!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Alison, Thanks for your very nice review. All our guides try combine and impart the beauty, knowledge of the area we traverse while keeping it safe and fun. Thanks for letting us know that Jay and Patrick are keeping true to their cool and sharing their particular brand of aloha. Keep paddling and snorkeling. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Beyond Breathtaking
Malorie_S
, Jan 2022
Jay was such an amazing tour guide! He was so knowledgeable about the island & culture, and truly made this experience one to remember. We were panicked about our Uber canceling last minute that morning, but he made sure we were still able to join! The kayaking was amazing, and the snorkeling was the icing on the cake! 15/10 would recommend to absolutely everyone.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2022
Aloha Malorie, Glad you enjoyed the paddle and sights surrounding beautiful Hanalei. Jay always does a great job guiding in the ocean and our rivers. You should come back and whalewatch with him. Stay well and thanks for the 5 stars. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Our guides were great on...
Emma_D
, Jan 2022
Our guides were great on our trip! There were a few people in our group that didn’t want to make the kayak trip back and one of the guides got them back, and then came back to help guide the rest of the group back. This was a really fun experience; you start out by kayaking on the Hanalei river and then kayak out a short distance to a beach to snorkel and eat lunch. You do kayak out into the ocean, but you are not far from the coast. I would not recommend this trip if you have never kayaked before, but you by no means need to be highly skilled kayaker for this.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Aloha Emma, Reviews like yours help match clients to the appropriate tour. Glad you enjoyed and hope to see you back on our whalewatching or Na Pali sea kayak tours. Thanks again. Micco
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star-2
Disappointed
Tina_M
, Jan 2022
Well, first off the guy who was our guide really smelled. Don't get me wrong. I know island life. I spent almost 20 years on Maui. It doesn't excuse being around visitors and smelling like that. Second, the visibly for snorkeling was horrible. Yeah we saw turtles but there was no way to take good pictures because the surf was really high and had turned up all of the stuff from the bottom. Visibility was maybe 3 to 4 feet and sometimes not even that. I would have rather had them cancel it and we could have spent that time doing something else. Like, snorkeling the south shore where waves were maybe a foot. It was overall disappointing. I am just being honest. I would have rather spent my money on something else.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Aloha Tina, Nothin worse than a “pilau” tour guide. Usually our guides smell like a freshly picked pua; never like a pua’a Seriously, thanks for bringing to my attention. Sorry conditions were not optimal for snorkeling but glad you at least enjoyed some of the classic green sea turtles that frequent the waters off Hanalei. Thanks for the 2 “star” review! If you ever want to give the tour another chance, know typically the snorkeling is much better; this I can not promise. If there is a next time, what I can promise, is that our guide(s) will be exuding the fragrance of a “beach bouquet”.
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star-5
Amazing !
Vidya_P
, Dec 2021
It was an unbelievable experience !!!!!!! Loved every minute of it . Jay and Patrick were simply amazing . It’s a complete family experience ! Worth every penny spent and a lifetime of memories created ! Thank you !!!!
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2021
Aloha Vidya, Our Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel tour, is one of the best kept secret; it is one of the classics with the beautiful panorama of Hanalei as the back drop. Thanks for your 5 stars and enthusiasm and glad Jay and Patrick were able to figure in your family experience. Stay well and paddling. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
More than we expected
Monica_B
, Nov 2021
Wasn’t quite sure what to expect as did the others in our group but I have to say we had an amazing time. We paddled down the river to get acquainted with the kayak then headed out to the bay. And that is where the adventure began. 😳 I was pretty nervous about the waves but we followed our guide, Jay’s lead and instructions. It wasn’t the easiest task but we all made it to Hideaway. Jay told us we all were a strong group and took us that far because he knew we could do it. My 17 year old son had a blast. We stopped to snorkel and have lunch for about an hour and a half then headed back. Jay told us it would be easier going back but we all disagreed. We laughed about it when we got back. I think it was windier so it made it a little more challenging. Jay thinks this is a beginner course but again we all disagreed and gave him a hard time about. Our group was great. Everyone was really nice and encouraging. I’d highly recommend this trip. I don’t know it if I’d take young once’s unless they are really experienced in kayaking. My son had only kayaked a handful of times but knew how to manipulate the paddles to help turn it stop. If you don’t have an experienced young one then expect to do all the work.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Aloha Monica, Glad Jay showed you a good and challenging time on our Hanalei Blue Lagoon paddle and snorkel. Winter we can play "cat and mouse with the surf" and if the surf is too high can compromise the snorkeling component of this tour. Even when we don't manage to snorkel, the Hanalei river and environs are quite striking and panoramic. Thanks for taking the time to give folks an idea of this tour. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Loved the stories about...
Rory_B
, Nov 2021
Loved the stories about living in Hawaii that our guide shared about the legends , the native species and different parts of island
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Aloha Rory, Yes…living in Hawaii/Kaua’i can be “picturesque” challenging and spiritually fulfilling. It is one of many requirements of all our guides to be well versed in both the cultural and natural history of all the areas we celebrate from the ocean to the mountains. Thanks for taking the time to share. A hui hou, Micco PS there are some great books our there on legends specific to Kaua’i: Frederick Wichman - Kaua’i Tales
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star-5
The Grand Experience
Myong_H
, Nov 2021
I would recommend Kauai Kayak. Our guide Hotu was amazing. The Hanalei tour was awesome! Hanalei Bay is the most incredible place on earth!
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Aloha Myong, Hotu’s other name is Pohaku and is one of the top body boarders on the island. We are so lucky to have him guide our Hanalei river and bay tours where he shares his aloha and keeps you all safe. Thanks for your kind words and will share with Pohaku. And yes Hanalei bay and river and panorama are unsurpassed. A hui hou, Micco
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star-4
Beautiful scenery, fun...
BeckiMark_H
, Oct 2021
Beautiful scenery, fun kayaking with a bit of a thrill doing it in the ocean. Great lunch and snorkeling too!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Aloha Becki, Glad you enjoyed Hanalei from both the river and ocean perspective. And yes the Hanalei panorama and back drop is unrivaled. Stay paddling and hold on to that thrill. Thanks for sharing. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Excellent way to experience Hanalei Bay
Max_L
, Oct 2021
Jay did an awesome job on the kayaking and snorkel tour. He gave a thorough explanation of how to handle the kayaks to start, especially in the ocean. We had a nice paddle up the river where he had great info to share about the surrounding mountains and wildlife. He then expertly navigated us through the ocean and reefs to a beautiful secluded beach for lunch and snorkeling where we saw plenty of fish and even a few sea turtles. Overall we had a blast!!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Aloha Max, Jay not only excels in the river but is the back bone of all our sea kayaking tours along Na Pali in the summer and whale watching in the winter. As we get into winter, the ocean prevents us from snorkeling off Hideaways, which is the beach Jay navigated you all to; we then snorkel at Pu’u Poa the beach before within the barrier reef. Thanks for taking the time to give Jay 5 stars. Will share with Jay your kind review. Stay paddling and snorkeling. A hui hou, Micco
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star-5
Great trip
Brieanna_V
, Nov 2020
We saw so many sea turtles on the snorkeling portion of our trip! The kayaking portion through the river offered a great view of mountains.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2020
Aloha Brieann..., Seeing turtles is a good omen; that is the company logo; we are slow but we safely get back. Glad you enjoyed the combo of ocean and the beautiful panorama that surrounds Hanalei. Take care...and keep looking for turtles. Micco
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star-5
Outstanding 10
Latisha_T
, Nov 2020
The guides we super funny and experienced. I would recommend this tour to all. We were very grateful to have this opportunity during our COVID vacation. Perfect 👌 tour with awesome guides!
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2020
Aloha Latisha, "Outstanding 10"...I guess we can't do better than that! I always thought our excellent guides as kind of "odd"...but funny I don't know. Seriously thanks for taking the time to share and letting us know we are doing a good job. One has to keep our sense of humor and perspective during these strange times and glad that our guides were able to bring in a little sunshine in the storm. Stay well, active and outdoors. A hui hou, Micco
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