UPDATED MAR 2020. If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw that I visited Kauai last month and it was an absolute blast. It has been my favorite island to visit so far. Today I am sharing a guide on how to go tubing on Kauai because I think it’s one of the must-do things when you visit. It’s got a good mix of calm serenity and adventure, so it’s a great option for everyone. I hope this can help you plan your own tour.
Tubing On Kauai – An EPIC tour With Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for taking a tubing tour on Kauai
Which company to tour with?
Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
Where is it located?
Lihue, about 25 minutes from Poipu.
How much does it cost?
$116 per adult plus tax. Check for current prices.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
How do you book a tour?
Online using the Kauai Backcountry Adventures website.
What should you bring with you?
- Water shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
which are also my favorite hiking shoes) - Waterproof camera (I use the GoPro and this floaty selfie stick)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight towel
- Spare clothes to change into afterward if you want
which are also my favorite hiking shoes)
)
Tips: Make sure you book early to ensure you get a spot on the tour.
What to expect
In this adventure, you get to float down century-old channels in the gorgeous jungles of Kauai. The channels were dug out by hand to transport freshwater to the sugar crops in the area before the sugar production came to an end.
Instead of laying to waste, a section of these handmade channels are put to good use on these tours. which offers visitors a look at the history of the area and a glimpse at the beauty of the island.
You’ll float down the channels, go through some tunnels, see a lot of beautiful nature, and have a lot of fun.
Zipline tours on Kauai
With Kauai Backcountry Adventures you can go tubing on Kauai and/or Zip Lining.
You can fit both tours into one day, but you would need to book ahead to make sure you can get a spot.
Check in process and preparations
When you arrive at the office, you will check in and wait for the others to arrive.
Closer to the departure time, you’ll be geared up with all the equipment you need and packed into the vans for the scenic adventure.
The awesome tour guides
The drivers on my tour were Cameron and Hollywood. What more could I say about these two characters other than to mention that they were the cherry on top of an already cool experience.
They had me laughing the whole time with their witty humor. You know that feeling when your cheeks hurt from laughing too much? Well, be prepared for that because it’ll happen.
On the way to our destination, they explained the information that we needed to know about the tour and gave us insight into the island.
They also brought the group together with some introductions which gave the tour less of a touristy feel and broke the ice.
What it’s like to go tubing
When I got into the tube all I could think of was how beautiful the area was. It was so serene with just the sounds of nature filling the air. I loved it because I live downtown on Oahu and usually just hear sirens and traffic.
Between the birds singing, the leaves rustling, and the water flowing this was a magical place that I was happy to be spending time in.
There were the scenic open areas to float down, a few areas that were faster-paced areas, and a few Indiana Jones like tunnels to get through. We were all bumping into each other like dodgem cars along the way.
The finish of the tubing adventure was a ride in ‘the lazy river’. This was a slower section where you can meet up with your loved ones, and relax for the final stretch.
The guides keep an eye on everyone to ensure everyone is safe and help you out of the tube and back onto land when it’s all done.
Lunch and lookout points
We also got to visit a couple of quiet locations in the jungle to stop and take photos.
This was cool because you get to see nature from the perspective of the channels and then the lookout areas so you get a full look at the landscape.
Lunch is included on the tour and we got a picnic of sandwiches, chips, and cookies. The picnic area had a swimming hole for anyone wanting to take another dip as well as outdoor games giving it a really family BBQ feel.
To me this is what set the tour apart from other touristy activities – the vibe was all family.
Where to stay on Kauai
I stayed at the Sheraton Kauai in Poipu and it was an amazing place to stay. I highly recommend staying there! The staff, rooms, and food were amazing and the location right on the beach was perfection.
There was a lot to explore just by walking outside the hotel.
If you can’t stay there, I recommend somewhere else in the area because it had a lot going on for tourists. I recommend searching on Booking.com.
This is the website I use to book accommodation when I travel and I can always find a great deal through them.
I hope this can help you plan a tour to go tubing on Kauai. It’s an epic experience that I think it’s a must-do during your visit.
For more information:
Visit the Kauai Backcountry Adventures website
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We never did the tubing adventure, but we definitely want to go back. Kauai is my second favorite island, there’s just so much beauty there. We were a little bummed when we didn’t do a better job of doing our research. We hiked a little into Kalalau Valley, but we want to return and do a camping adventure out there.
Can’t wait to see more from your trip!
Oh yeah, I would love to go back too. It’s so beautiful and there is so much to do! Next time you’ll be tubing and camping 🙂
Just found your blog. Hope you continue it. Interesting topics not covered elsewhere.