What To Do In Kauai – Tubing – Kauai Backcountry Adventures
When you are looking for what to do in Kauai that is unique and fabulously fun, try tubing at Kauai Backcountry Adventures. Another entrepreneurial Carswell sister started this business in 2003 and continues to run it as one of the most unusual experiences on the island. This one-of-a-kind Kauai activity includes tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and several hand-dug tunnels circa 1870.
The mission of Kauai Backcountry Adventures is to provide eco-tourism activities that are accessible to a broad range of people. They have exclusive access to 17,000 acres of former plantation lands and to the historic irrigation system of the former Lihue Sugar Plantation. This ditch and tunnel system that once irrigated vast sugar crops had been unused since sugar was taken out of production in 2000. The tubing tours have minimal environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of Kauai’s history and culture. The company has helped to restore sections of the old plantation irrigation system, which are now used for the Mountain Tubing Adventure.
“We are pleased to be able to set a standard for balancing recreational activities and preservation of our amazing resources here on Kauai. We have opened up spectacular lands never before available to the public. Our exclusive access ensures careful stewardship of the land, total privacy and a genuinely unique experience”, says Kauai Backcountry Adventures owner Kelley Carswell Haneberg, member of a 5th generation Hawaii family.
Hop in one of the four-wheel-drive adventure vehicles and traverse former Lihue Plantation lands deep into Kauai’s pristine emerald green interior. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and spectacular scenery, while your guide shares information about the island. When you arrive at the launch site you’ll grab a tube, don a headlamp, and jump in the gently flowing waters. Witness Kauai’s spectacular, historical engineering feats as you float down the open canals, through several amazing tunnels and flumes engineered and hand dug in the late 1800s. Enjoy the wonder and magic of each tunnel, lit by headlamps. At the end of your adventure, you will be guided to an enchanted picnic area nearby, for a delicious lunch and a cool dip in a natural swimming hole.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures has an 83% Five Star review status on Trip Advisor. Here are two reviews posted within the last two days (June 2017):
Tubing with my two 11-year-old granddaughters was fun for all of us. The ride there is quite bumpy, but the guide passed the time with great information about the island (Hollywood is a terrific guide!). The tubing itself was great fun. Be sure to take the necessity of shoes or water socks seriously; you will need them to propel off of the walls. You also need to know that you travel through 5 tunnels, but they provide helmets with headlamps for each rider and tell you when to turn them on and off. I was glad that I wore a long-sleeved shirt with my shorts as the water is bracing (it is, after all, mountain run-off).
Tulsa, Oklahoma
And, another:
Our family (ages 9 – 70) had a blast on this adventure. The guides were funny, helpful and informative. This is a MUST-DO on a visit to Kauai, but book in advance – they fill up quickly!
Tucson, Arizona
Daily Tubing Tour Times – 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Cost:
$106 per person plus tax
Cancellation policy: 24 hour notice required and for groups 6 or more 72 hour notice required
Weather: Unless weather prohibits tours go out rain or shine.
What they Provide:
Gloves, Headlamps, Lunch and Tubes
What to Bring:
- Water Friendly Shoes (rental shoes available)
- Swimsuits or Clothing that can get wet
- Towels & Change of dry clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hat and Bug repellent
Restrictions:
Age: 5 and over. (Must be a minimum of 43 inches tall.)
Weight Limit: 300 pounds.
Not recommended for those with back, hip or knee problems.
Women in first trimester pregnancy may participate with written physician approval.
For more information or to book your adventure, go to http://kauaibackcountry.com/
or call:
1-888-270-0555
LOCAL (808) 245-2506
Kauai Backcountry Adventures is located in Hanama’ulu, a small town close to the Lihue Airport and about a 50 minute drive from Honu Point Vacation Rental. The address is 3-4131 Kuhio Highway
Lihue Hawaii, 96766. Enjoy!
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