During our last trip to Kauai, on our second to last day we were enjoying Aloha Hour and discussing what we should do during our last day. Our server at the Beach House suggested that we look into an ATV tour with Kauai ATV. We quickly looked into it and within 5 minutes the Kauai ATV’s 4 hour Waterfall Tour.
Kauai ATV asks that you stop by their office in Koloa 30 minutes before the start of the tour to pay and you will sign the necessary wavers. They will then give you directions to the old Koloa Sugar Mill where you will meet your tour guides. It’s a short 5 minute drive.
Once there, they will hand you a helmet, goggles and a change of clothing if you wish. Their slogan is “Do Something Dirty” and dirty you will be. The day we went the trails were fairly dry and we still got filthy. So, if you are wearing anything that you aren’t okay with getting dirty, take their clothing. You won’t be very stylish, but nobody else on the tour will be either. They have communal lockers there where you can leave your change of clothing and any other items that you don’t want to bring along. Probably wouldn’t recommend leaving anything too valuable there.
Next, they will go over some safety rules and how to operate the Ohana Bug. It’s a very safe and a fully automatic 4 seat dune buggy. And then, you will be on your way.
The Tour
The tour starts near the old Koloa Sugar Mill. The first stop is at the hidden tunnel where they will give you a bit of history about the area and the tunnel. There are several stops during the first half of the tour including some famous movie sites, a historic WWII bunker and then at the waterfall. Here you will be given plenty time to swim and enjoy refreshments and a snack. For those of you curious, the snack includes Anahola Granola bars, chips, Koloa Cookies, juice and water.
On the way back you won’t be stopping (you will finally get to ride fast) and at the end, you will have covered 23 miles of off-road trails.
This tour is a bit pricey but certainly worth it! The prices at the time we went were: Ohana Bug 2 person: $314.58, Ohana Bug 3 person: $459.37 and Ohana bug 4 person: $604.16 Prices do not include tax.
Before booking keep in mind that drivers must be at least 16 years old with valid picture ID. Passengers must 5 be years old or older. Within the same vehicle, valid drivers may take turns.
Don’t forget to wear something that you are comfortable swimming in, a towel, sunblock, water friendly closed toe shoes and of course, bug spray!
Wary Travelers Tip:
As we were heading out for the Kauai ATV, we really struggled with what to bring with us and what to leave behind. We opted to leave our phones behind and only bring our waterproof camera. Since doing the tour, we would probably choose to bring our phones in something like a ziploc bag. The Ohana Bug has a glove box where you can store some items, but there was a bit of water in ours. Don’t over think this. The guides take pictures along the way and will email them to you after.
Looking for something less adventurous? We also have a list of less adventurous activities on Kauai.