Kaua’i Backcountry Mountain Tubing Adventure

Float down historic plantation canals and through five hand-dug tunnels on Kaua’i’s only mountain tubing adventure, offering breathtaking scenery and family-friendly fun.

Last updated: Feb 2025
  • $156 per person (ages 5+)

Description

Experience the only mountain tubing adventure on Kaua’i, where you’ll float through miles of scenic backcountry, historic hand-dug tunnels, and gently flowing plantation canals. This three-hour guided tour takes you deep into the heart of Kaua’i’s lush interior, offering a fun and relaxing water adventure unlike any other on the island.

The adventure begins with a four-wheel-drive ride through 17,000 acres of private plantation lands, where you’ll enjoy incredible views of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. Along the way, you’ll pass hidden waterfalls, valleys, and towering mountains before arriving at the launch site.

Once in the water, you’ll float down 2.5 miles of historic irrigation canals, originally built in the 1870s to support sugar plantations. Equipped with a tube, helmet, gloves, and headlamp, you’ll drift through five hand-carved tunnels, some of which are completely dark and illuminated only by your headlamp. The gentle current makes this a relaxing, family-friendly adventure, perfect for kids and adults alike.

At the end of your tubing experience, you’ll arrive at a secluded picnic area, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and a refreshing dip in a natural swimming hole. This is the perfect way to cool off and take in the serene beauty of Kaua’i’s untouched wilderness.

What's included

  • Guided 3-hour tubing adventure through historic canals
  • Scenic 4x4 drive through Kaua’i’s backcountry
  • All necessary equipment, including helmets, headlamps, gloves, and tubes
  • Delicious lunch and cold water
  • Access to a private swimming hole

Perfect for

For two
For groups
For families with kids
For parents and grownups
Outdoorsy
Chill

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Itinerary

  1. Check in and gear up with a helmet, gloves, and headlamp
  2. Ride in a 4x4 vehicle through Kaua’i’s lush backcountry
  3. Arrive at the launch site and receive a safety briefing
  4. Float down 2.5 miles of historic irrigation canals
  5. Pass through five hand-dug tunnels from the 1870s
  6. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim in a natural pool
  7. Return to the starting point with unforgettable memories

Location

3-4131 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766

Show directions

Packing List

  • Secure water shoes (no flip-flops; rentals available)
  • Swimsuit or clothes that can get wet
  • Towel and a dry change of clothes
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • Hat (recommended but not required

 4.9  ● Google reviews

  • Taylor Hannam

    2 months ago

    Brought my whole family out to Kauai for our wedding! We all decided to go mountain tubing in a big group of 20, it was absolutely amazing we loved every second of it! From the drive, the tubing and the (delish) lunch we had after. Such a beautiful drive out, the caves and water were amazing. Kameron, Jaden and Damien (can’t remember our drivers name but he was hilarious) were all such a fun time and made it such a great experience! Absolute must do when in Kauai!
  • The Review Guy

    2 months ago

    I had an amazing time tubing here. The guide that we had was really good. The drive up to the start was also really nice and the stop that they take you on to see the video is beautiful. I recommend going in the morning because the sun will hit the mountains just right and pictures come out beautiful. Overall it was a very fun experience and Kam our guide was great.
  • Angelica Piantadosi

    7 months ago

    My best friend and I did the tubing river tour on our Kauai vacation and absolutely loved it! Jacob was our tour guide and he was so funny and knowledgeable on everything Kaua’i! He had so much interesting history to tell us about while also acting as a tour guide, letting us all know of local hot spots and go-to’s! The tour was the perfect amount of time and the tubing was so much fun! Expect chilly but refreshing with a cute picnic at the end! Definitely recommend bringing a waterproof phone sling and sunglasses holders if you plan on bringing yours. I would definitely do it again!
  • Kathleen Schroeder

    7 months ago

    My family (husband and two kids, age 9 and 12) and I enjoyed the tubing adventure so much! It was chill enough that we could enjoy the beautiful scenery and adventurous enough to make it super fun! I swear I smiled from start to finish. Our guide, Seth, and the 2 support guides were so incredible and made the adventure even better. I had read up on the experience and found that it met and exceeded my expectations. My husband on the other hand didn’t, and kind of only went because the kids wanted to go so much, but in the end he LOVED it! The kids of course loved it too. It’s truly a great experience for people of all ages, families, or couples. Even single travers would enjoy the company of the guides or other tubers. In the experience, it’s hard to stay with your group, so you get mixed in with others. It really added to the experience, as everyone is having so much fun, it kinda feels like tubing with long lost family members. 100% recommend. :)
  • Shane Edwards

    a month ago

    Enjoyed the mountain tubing. The five tunnels were interesting and fun to wade down. Learning about the history of the sugar cane plantations was educational. Our tour guide Lilly was very captivating and really made an effort to bond with everyone at their level. Case in point, Lilly and I discussed colonization, cultural ideology of Hawaiian people, and industries on the island. Lilly had a captivating conversation about Acrlyic nails and style with my daughter and her friend:)

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