What it is
Kauai Safaris operates the "Kauai Rum Safari," a guided two-hour tour of the historic 105-acre Kilohana Plantation in Līhuʻe. Guests ride in custom open-air safari trucks through fruit orchards and tropical foliage. The tour focuses on the history of the plantation and Hawaiian rum production, featuring stops for craft cocktails made with locally produced Kōloa Rum. The experience combines scenic sightseeing, storytelling, animal encounters, and spirits tasting.
Visitor experience
The tour is a social, leisurely, and guided experience. A guide narrates the history of the plantation and points out various fruit trees and agricultural projects. The safari truck makes several stops. One key stop is a "jungle bungalow," an open-air bar set in a secluded, lush part of the plantation, for a freshly made cocktail. Other parts of the tour include feeding wild pigs and goats from the truck and a short, optional walk on a boardwalk through a small rainforest area. The tour includes three full-strength Kōloa Rum cocktails and samples. Guides are consistently praised for being entertaining and knowledgeable. The overall tone is lively and convivial, not a quiet nature tour.
Logistics
- Location: The tour departs from the Kilohana Plantation, located at 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766. It is conveniently located just a few minutes' drive from the Līhuʻe airport and the Nawiliwili cruise ship harbor.
- Reservations: Reservations are required and should be made well in advance, as tours frequently sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons (November–April). Bookings are made online via the company website.
- Cost: The standard adult rate is $85 per person. A discounted rate for Hawaiʻi residents (Kamaʻāina) is available. All participants must be 21 or older.
- Schedule and Duration: The tour lasts approximately two hours. Tours typically run Monday through Saturday, with multiple departure times available. Visitors should check in 15 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available on the Kilohana Plantation grounds.
- Amenities: Restrooms are available at the start and end of the tour near the plantation shops. A water cooler is provided on the truck, and guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles.
- Itinerary Planning: This is best considered a half-day activity, easily paired with lunch at Gaylord's Restaurant, the free Kōloa Rum Company tasting room, or a ride on the separate Kauaʻi Plantation Railway, all located on the Kilohana Plantation property.
Safety and cautions
- Age Restriction: This is a strictly 21-and-over activity. A valid government-issued photo ID is required at check-in.
- Alcohol Consumption: The tour includes several full-strength alcoholic beverages. Visitors must arrange for a designated driver or use a taxi or rideshare service for transportation after the tour.
- Weather Exposure: The safari trucks are covered but open on the sides, exposing passengers to the elements. Sunscreen, hats, and rain jackets are recommended as the tour operates rain or shine.
- Accessibility: The activity is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to climb a few steps into the vehicle. The optional rainforest walk is on an unpaved path and a narrow boardwalk which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially if rain is expected, as paths can become muddy.
- Hearing the Guide: The vehicles are not equipped with microphones. On a full and lively tour, it can sometimes be difficult to hear the guide's narration.
Editorial take
- Who should prioritize it: This tour is an excellent fit for social adults, couples, and groups of friends looking for a unique, low-impact activity that combines sightseeing, local history, and craft cocktails. It's particularly convenient for cruise ship passengers or those staying near Līhuʻe.
- Who should skip it: Families with children or teenagers should skip this due to the strict 21+ age limit. It is also not suitable for those who do not drink alcohol, as the experience is centered around rum cocktails. Travelers seeking a strenuous physical adventure or a quiet, contemplative nature experience will find this tour too social and leisurely.
- Not to be confused with:
- Kauaʻi Plantation Railway: A separate, family-friendly 40-minute train tour that also operates on the Kilohana Plantation grounds.
- Kōloa Rum Company Tasting Room: A free, static tasting experience also located at Kilohana. The Kauai Rum Safari is a much more immersive, extended, and mobile experience.
Source notes
- Kauai Safaris (Official Site): Provides tour description, schedule, and official booking portal.
- Kauai Safaris FAQ: Details on what to bring, policies, and accessibility.
- Kilohana Plantation: Official site for the estate, showing Kauai Safaris as one of several on-site activities.
- TripAdvisor - Kauai Safaris: Offers recent visitor reviews and photos confirming the current experience.
