Just when we thought our list of the best things to do in Kauai was complete, we stumbled upon another must-do activity – the Mountain Float Tubing experience offered by Kauai Backcountry Adventures! Nestled in the historic Lihue Plantation, this unique adventure is a total blast for families.
I highly recommend this experience for anyone eager to get outdoors and try something thrilling and unique. Here’s everything you need to know about our adventure and some handy tips to ensure your experience is just as fantastic!
All About the Mountain Tubing Adventure
On our latest trip to Kauai, we were on the hunt for an outdoor adventure that our older kids could enjoy together, and we quickly discovered Kauai Backcountry Adventures. Their Mountain Tubing Adventure immediately caught our eye as it looked incredibly fun! Before we knew it, we had booked the adventure, and Mike, our teens, and Olivia were all headed out for some fun.
The adventure began with a scenic journey in a rugged 4WD vehicle, transporting us to the heart of the Lihue Plantation. This historical plantation, once bustling with sugar cane production, now marks the start of an exhilarating tubing journey. The plantation’s irrigation system, an engineering marvel from the 1870s, has been transformed into a series of canals, tunnels, and flumes that form the pathway for this unique water adventure.
We grabbed our tubes and headlamps, and off we went! The moment you hop into the gently flowing waters, you’re transported into a world rich in history and natural beauty. Gliding through open landscapes, you get panoramic views of the island’s lush beauty.
You’ll float for about 2 miles along the open canals and navigate through 5 tunnels before reaching a picnic area and swimming hole for some relaxation.
Absolutely! The tour caters to both young adventurers and adults looking for a thrill, with a minimum age requirement of 5 years old.
Our youngest, Olivia, had a blast, finding it thrilling but not overwhelming. The teens were equally enthralled by both the adventure and the beauty of the surroundings. They all came back to the condo raving about how fun it was to be in the long tunnels and said the drops were awesome.
There is a part of the tour where you turn off your headlamps while in a tunnel creating a pitch-black environment that’s honestly super cool! It’s brief, but it might be a bit daunting for those uncomfortable with darkness or confined spaces. It’s definitely something to consider if you’re deciding whether this activity is suitable for your kids.
What really enriches this adventure are the stories and facts shared by the knowledgeable guides. As you float, they narrate the history of Kauai and the plantation. The best tours are those where you have a great time and also come away having learned something new, and that’s exactly what Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers.
3 Tips to Keep in Mind
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, here are a few practical tips!
Aim for a warm day, as the water can be cool.
Water shoes are a must, but don’t worry, you can rent them on-site.
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug repellent.
This adventure perfectly combines thrills, natural beauty, and historical significance all while being a safe, fun, and a very unique experience!
Whether you’re in search of adventure, a family bonding experience, or a unique way to experience Kauai, this tubing adventure offers all this and more. Ready to book your adventure? You can do that here!
Pin for Later – Mountain Float Tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures [Thrilling and Unique!]
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Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).
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The best time of day for the tubing adventure is in the morning. Not only will you enjoy cooler temperatures, but you'll also have the opportunity to soak in the beautiful scenery as the day begins. The Kauai Backcountry Adventures office is where you'll check-in and receive confirmation of your exact tour start time.
Enjoy this 3-hour Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure as you explore lush jungle scenery and float on innertubes down the historic waterways of the landmark plantation flumes and ditches.
When are the best weather months to visit Kauai? If you want the ultimate experience in terms of weather, pricing, and crowds—go in April or May, September or October. Surprisingly, these are also the seasons with the best weather for touring.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
Plan For At Least One Week On Kauai For The Best Experience
While you could probably see a lot of Kauai in just a few days, we would recommend staying for at least one week. That way, you'll have plenty of time to relax on the beach, explore the charming towns, and hike along the Na Pali Coast.
If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.
While our island is almost circular, (approximately 25 miles wide and 33 miles long) the Napali coastline prohibits construction of roads from the north shore to the west side, so driving times from one end of the island (Ke'e Beach on the northshore) to the west side (Polihale Beach) will take roughly 2 hours 50 ...
We don't have weight or height restrictions, but keep in mind that some places can be very shallow. Physical exertion may be required. Do I need to be physically fit to go tubing? Most people don't find tubing strenuous.
Ride the FlyLine Zipline – the biggest and longest zipline on the island of Kauai – and Hawaii! Fly over 3/4 of a mile and reach speeds of 60mph on this unique tour.
From Waimea Canyon to countless beaches, a drive around Kauai should be at the top of your travel list. A drive around the island will take you in a semicircle, not a loop, and take about three hours.
(Zuckerberg created a media and Facebook storm in 2016 when he built a rock-and-stone wall around his Kauai compound.) Over the years, celebrities of the ilk of Ben Stiller, Pierce Brosnan, Bette Midler, Julia Roberts and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have all had (or still have) hideaways here.
After the State of Hawaii, who owns over 155,000 acres on Kauai, the Robinson Family is the second-largest landowner at over 55,000 acres (excluding their Niihau acres), and then Grove Farm is the third-largest landowner at over 30,000 acres. Click here if you're interested in owning your piece of Kauai.
Most of Kauai's rain falls at night and when our tropical showers arrive during the day, they are usually short and create spectacular rainbows. Our biggest tip to visitors… when it's raining in one area, drive 10 minutes and you will most likely find sunshine.
While the entire island of Kauai has incredible waters, the North Shore takes the top prize. The famous Hanalei Bay is located here and draws tons of visitors to surf, swim, or snorkel in the turquoise waves. You can also take advantage of the incredible jungles and breathtaking waterfalls for a true trip to paradise.
When is Rainy Season in Kauai? Kauai enjoys a tropical climate marked by warm temperatures and an abundance of rain. The island has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet or rainy from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most rainfall.
This 2-mile stretch of beach is located on Kauai's north shore at Ha'ena Point. Also called Makua Beach, this golden beach is among the most popular spots on the north shore. To get to Tunnels Beach, make your way to Highway 560 until you reach the 8 mile marker for beach access with the best snorkeling opportunities.
Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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