kilohana plantation rum tour

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH DEPARTURES AT 11:00AM, 1:30PM, & 4:00PM (MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND)

KAUAI SAFARIS

Rum safari tour, kauai, hi, with kauai safaris,, time flies when you’re having rum….

Enjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari, you’ll be taken around our lush plantation where we’ll show you exotic plants, our fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good, all before your first rum tasting. Book your Kauai rum safari today!

KAUAI RUM SAFARI TOUR

Join us for a two-hour guided Kauai Rum Safari Tour of the beautiful 105-acre Kilohana Plantation! Here you will sip on Koloa Rum, enjoy our signature Mai Tais, meet and interact with our farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation. Book your rum tour online!

• Users Ages 21+
• Hour Glass 2 hours

LET’S HAVE RUM

Let's have rum, safari style, safari style, rum-spiked paradise, in the jungle bungalow.

You’ve experienced the abundant land of our Kilohana Plantation. The next part of the Kauai rum safari tour is where we head to the jungle bungalow to have the first rum tasting. You’ll learn what makes our Mai Tais the very best (hint — it’s premium local rum). Interact and get to know other guests on the tour and ask your guides any questions about rum and mixology, all while being surrounded by one of the serene tropical forests of Kauai. Join us on this rum safari in Kauai!

RUM SAFARI IS A KAUAI MUST-DO!

★★★★★ Add the Rum Safari NOW to your Kauai to-do list — especially if you love cocktails! Our hosts Tiny & Rex were hands-down two of the best tour guides of any adventure we have ever had. They were hilarious, welcoming, and so knowledgeable. Our family participated in the Rum Safari. We loved cruising through the plantation in a jeep-like truck with multiple rows (it was covered to shade from the sun), meeting the farm animals, learning about the history of hawaii & the plants, and of course, tasting Koloa rum and sipping hand-crafted farm-to-glass cocktails they whipped up in front of us using fruits from the plantation itself. We were taken to a beautiful jungle setting and also a gazebo on the plantation to sample, sip, and enjoy ourselves. We went with our adult family of 7. Buy tickets in advance in order to reserve the day & time you want. A MUST-DO!!! - Avery J. | Tripadvisor

KAUAI RUM TOUR!!

★★★★★ This tour was a great way not only to experience the plantation, but taste some incredible rum and have two cocktails to boot! This was a fun thing to do with our adult kids. The guides were funny and great at putting together great drinks. The two stops were beautiful places to sample rum and look around at the gorgeous area.. We loved seeing the pigs running towards us when they saw the tortillas coming at them, and the goats were so cute too. I think we will end up doing this tour again. It was a ton of fun! - Marla J. | Tripadvisor

RUM SAFARI - A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP

★★★★★ This was incredibly fun! It was really cool to get to see all the plants and animals (especially the pigs) at Kilohana Plantation, and I was impressed by how knowledgeable our guides, Tiny and Courtney, were (and also how friendly and hilarious). The farm-to-table cocktails were the best we had on the island, thanks to the super fresh ingredients and the Koloa Rum, which was really good. This ended up being the sleeper hit of activities we did on Kauai and definitely one of our favorite experiences for our whole HI trip. I highly recommend it! - Rebecca | Tripadvisor

AMAZING TIME AT KAUAI SAFARIS RUM TOUR

★★★★★ Had an amazing time on the Kauai Safaris Rum tour! Our tour was led by Fletchre and Tiny - they were super engaging, informative, and just made the tour an overall blast. We experienced a tour through a beautiful plantation and learned all about the crops being grown and interacted with farm animals as well. The best part of course was trying different rums, and our guides concocted what could have been the best cocktail I've ever had! This was one of our favorite tours throughout our entire stay in Hawaii and I highly recommend it as a must-do. Thank you Fletcher and Tiny!!! - Glen K. | Tripadvisor

KAUAI ISLAND'S ONLY

Rum safari tour.

We’ll continue the adventure by visiting new sites of the 105 acre plantation. Kilohana is home to over 70 wild pigs who you’ll be able to feed and interact with on the way to the next tasting. At the reflective pond, we’ll head into our Loi Lanai with a luscious backdrop to enjoy the next cocktail. For this tasting, we use local fruits and herbs directly from the plantation to mix a delicious farm to glass cocktail. Before we head back to the starting point, enjoy time with new friends over some of the freshest cocktails on the island with a rum safari in Kauai!

KAUAI RUM SAFARI | KAUAI SAFARIS

Quick Details

• Tags Category: Land
• Map Marker Island: Kauai
• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 Hours
• Tag Adventure Type: ATV/Offroad , Sightseeing
• Tag Tour Operator: Kauai Safaris

Join Kauai Safari for a 2-hour guided Rum Safari of the beautiful 105 acre Kilohana Plantation. Enjoy a Kauai signature Mai Tai, feed the plantation farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation.

• Tour Kilohana Plantation And A Boardwalk Stroll Through Tropical Forest
• Farm Animal Feeding
• Rum Tasting, Farm to Glass Cocktail

Kauaʻi Rum Safari Tour Description

Join them for a 2-hour guided Rum Safari of the beautiful 105 acer Kilohana Plantation. Here you will sip on Koloa Rum, enjoy their signature Mai Tai, meet and interact with their farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation. Step into their one of a kind open air Safari truck and head out back into the beautiful fruit orchards where you will see exotic fruits like lychee, longan, cashew, and mango growing on the trees.

Later in the tour you might even taste some of these fruits in your farm to glass cocktail. As you pass through Elmer’s farm you will get a first-hand look at the papaya and assortment of veggies growing in the fields before they are sold at the local farmer’s market. Hold on tight as you descend down into Kahuna Nui Valley. Here you will disembark the truck for a stroll on a boardwalk through a tropical rainforest to your private oasis to taste the award-winning Koloa Rum. After tasting some rum, you will also enjoy their signature Mai Tai. Relax and enjoy your Mai Tai as you hear the river flowing past our Jungle Bungalow.

Now it’s time for a little safari. Your guide will take you to meet our heard of wild pigs, goats, and sheep. For those feeling adventurous, your guide will give you some feed to interact with the friendly animals. Take a minute to look around and enjoy the scenery. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the past and present history of agriculture here on Kauai. I mean, they wouldn’t have Rum without sugarcane!

One of the longest cultivated crops grown in Hawaii is Taro. This was the main staple of the Hawaiian people. At their Loi Lanai, your mixologist will whip up a farm to glass cocktail that will knock your socks off. You are talking about a drink made entirely from fruits and herbs that are grown right on the plantation. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. This stop is defiantly a kodak moment! Take pictures, meet new friends and set your worries behind. They will leave you with their recipes so that you can go home and impress all your friends.

When the safari is over, take a minute to shop at Koloa Rum’s Company store and browse through the 16,000 square foot Kilohana Manor House that is home to 7 unique shops and galleries. If shopping’s not your thing, stop by for lunch or Dinner at The Plantation House Restaurant by Gaylords. They look forward to having you out on safari soon!!!

What to Bring

BRING YOUR ID!!! Guests should dress comfortable. Bring your hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, camera and reusable bottled water. No outside liquor permitted on tour.

• Chevron down Tour Policies, Restrictions and Recommendations
• Minimum age to participate is 21 years old.
• Age restrictions can be adjusted when buying out a full truck.
• This tour is an adventure tour and is not accessible with walkers or wheelchairs.
• Guests should be able to walk 200 yards without issue.
• Chevron down Food & Beverages

Rum Tasting consisting of four .25 oz. tastings, one Mai Tai, one Farm to Glass Cocktail, and Maui Onion Chips. Additional food and drinks can be added at an additional cost.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

PLEASE NOTIFY HAWAII ADVENTURE CENTER IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN ACTIVITY.

You can do so by calling (888) 207-0722 or  contact us online .

• No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of activity
• For groups of 6+ there are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of activity
• We will gladly reschedule your activity at no extra cost if changes are made prior to the 48 or 72 hour cancellation period
• Cancellations from date of booking to 48 hours before activity or for larger groups 72 hours before activity are subject to a 10% service charge
• If for some reason we are unable to confirm your reservation with the activity operator due to oversold seats or other unforeseen reasons, a full refund will be provided and you will be notified immediately to discuss alternative dates and activities

If a tour operator cancels any trip due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided.

*Subject to seasonal pricing.

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This Unique Adults-Only Kauai Rum Safari includes Cocktails in a Jungle Bungalow!

Hop in an open-air truck for a farm tour meets happy hour experience..

Last updated Sep 15, 2023

If you have already read through a few posts on this blog, you know I have a knack for finding unique outdoor activities. While we often focus on waterfall hikes and opportunities to see wildlife , I am also always on the lookout for a unique outdoor dining or sipping experience. That’s why there was no way I was missing out on the fantastic Kauai Rum Safari tour while we were visiting Lihue, Hawaii, on a day trip from Oahu.

Had I known how much of the delicious Hawaiian-made Koloa Rum we’d be drinking during the two-hour tour, I probably wouldn’t have planned it right after our exhausting half-day adventure to Secret Falls . I was definitely ready for a nap by the end, but it was such a wonderful and lively tour that I was able to stay fully engaged despite my sleepy, tipsy state.

Table of Contents

About the Kauai Rum Safari: Hawaii Farm Tour Meets Cocktail Class

The Kauai Rum Safari takes place on the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation. It is conveniently located in Lihue, just a short drive from the airport and other top attractions. The plantation property is also home to a great little sweet shop, a pottery studio (with classes also available), an all-ages train tour, a bar, and Gaylord’s Restaurant. Read more about the Kilohana Plantation and its various offerings.

When signing up for the Kauai Rum Safari Tour, you’ll have a variety of options for times depending on availability. Right now it looks like the tour time options are 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. The cost (in 2023) is $75 or $55 for Hawaii residents with an ID to show upon arrival. I’d book a week or more ahead of time for weekends and busy seasons.

Plan for about two hours at the tour and expect to be a little buzzed (depending on your tolerance) by the end of it. If you partake in the multiple Koloa Rum samples and the two cocktails, they estimate it is about three cocktails worth of liquor. I was pretty tipsy, but I’m a lightweight who spent five hours paddling and hiking to a waterfall earlier that day!

Luckily, with the restaurant, sweet shop, and other stores on the property, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy while you sober up. If you particularly like any of the Koloa Rums used in the drinks, there is a wide variety available in the dedicated store on-site. The chocolate-flavored one was our fave – so unique!

8 Things We Loved Most About the Rum Safari on Kauai

There is a lot to rave about on this well-crafted farm tour. Even if they hadn’t made amazing boozy drinks for us at each stop, the fun guides made this activity a great experience! Here are a few reasons we were especially impressed:

1. You Ride Around in a Cozy Covered Safari Truck

In the great little intro video on the Kaui Rum Safari website , it shows an open-air truck with no top. We lathered up with sunscreen for our mid-day tour thinking we’d get pretty toasted, but luckily they have upgraded to covered Safari Trucks since! This made the already comfortable ride even better due to having a refuge from the hot hot Hawaii sun. The open-air ride was lovely also.

2. Jungle. Bungalow. Bar.

I knew I’d love this tour when I saw the photos of the great little bar nestled in the rainforest. I’m such a sucker for a great vibe. And that jungle bungalow bar is a GREAT vibe. After an entertaining ride over (including laughing at getting roughed up by a few low-hanging banana tree leaves), we took a short walk along a lovely boardwalk trail to this divine location for a cocktail.

The other stop for our second cocktail was beautiful also and took place over a reflective pond. But, that first stop in the jungle just really couldn’t be beat and was the absolute highlight for me. So happy they offered to take a photo of each group there!

3. The Kauai Rum Safari is for 21+ Only

Okay, I’ll just say it: sometimes it is nice to have adults-only time. We are child-free by choice (DINKS, I think they are calling us these days haha). And, although we love the kiddos in our life, it’s nice to go to places where we can take off the mental filter that makes all our conversations PG. I know our parent friends feel the same way.

Plus, I’m one of those over-thinkers who would totally get worried and overly aware if a parent was getting tipsy and had a small child with them. I mean … we were on a semi-bumpy route in an open-air vehicle with a bunch of tipsy adults. Although they’d certainly love some aspects of the tour, it’s just safer that kids aren’t allowed on this one.

Wondering how to share this beautiful farm with your little ones? Don’t worry, the train tour is perfect for them!

4. It’s a GREAT Date Day Activity (Or Girl’s Day Out!)

Kid-free cocktails in a jungle paradise sounds like a pretty awesome date idea to me. Whether you are planning a Hawaii vacation or live locally, I’d highly recommend booking a tour! For those who like to dress up a bit for dates, I just wouldn’t recommend heels since you have to get in and out of the safari truck and walk on a variety of areas.

5. Local Ingredients in the Farm-to-Glass Cocktails

As we drove around Kilohana Plantation, our guides pointed out the wide variety of plants grown and used on the tour and at the on-site restaurant. From the well-known mango to the more exotic longan, we were impressed by the wide variety. At our two stops for cocktails, we watched our guides/bartenders cut up fresh citrus and pour juice made that morning into the cups.

I love knowing I’m not consuming a bunch of processed overly sweet syrups. Fresh and natural ingredients always taste best, in my opinion. And if you aren’t convinced, wait until you try their creations! Plus, there was plenty of rum added, too – no light pours on this tour!

6. Meeting the Resident Piggies

At one point in the tour, you get to go through an enclosure that is home to a whole bunch of little adorable wild pigs that have a home at the plantation. Our guide chucked tortillas out to them and we laughed as we watched one pig grab it and run off to greedily try to eat it alone. There were also itty bitty babies we all gushed over. So cute!

Note: They do use some of the pig population as a food source. This may be upsetting for vegans, vegetarians, and others opposed to eating animal meat.

7. The $20 Off Kama’aina Discount

Not only are our Hawaii IDs pretty (think McLovin’s in SuperBad ) they also get us some nice discounts at local tours and other activities. Usually, we see about 10-20% off, but the Kauai Rum Safari Kama’aina Discount takes more than 25% off their normal rate ($75 as of September 2023). Just select that option when booking online and have your ID ready upon check-in.

8. Funny Guides Who Kept Us Smiling

I must admit, the goofy jokes and antics did seem to get funnier after our first stop for cocktails. However, the kind, knowledgeable, and funny guides (Tanji & Fletcher) kept us entertained and smiling for the entire two hours. Plus, they are damn good mixologists! You can follow along with some of their creations on Instagram here . We really appreciated the tips they gave for making the cocktails at home as well. And they even kept the driving portion interesting!

Final Thoughts on this Unique Kauai Farm Tour with Cocktails

All in all, I can’t fault this tour. Honestly, I didn’t plan to write an entire blog post about it. We were just going to include it in a Kauai overview article, but it was just too good not to share a detailed recap about it!

The Kauai Rum Safari definitely exceeded expectations and we’ll be taking some friends along next time we have visitors. With drinks being around $15 for cocktails in most popular places in Hawaii, this could very well replace happy hour when we are on Kauai. What a genius idea for a tour!

Plus, there is just so much to do in Kauai , we’re eager to plan a lot more time there! A hui ho, Rum Safari friends!

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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KAUAI RUM JUNGLE SAFARI

• Information

Time Flies When You’re Having Rum! Enjoy an open air immersive experience

Enjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari you’ll be taken around a lush plantation with exotic plants, fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good.

You’ve now experienced the abundant land of Kilohana Plantation. In the next part of the safari you’ll head to the jungle bungalow to have your first rum tasting, where you’ll learn what makes the Rum Safari’s Mai Tai’s the very best (hint- it’s premium local rum). 

You will then continue on visiting many new sites of the 105 acre plantation. Kilohana is home to wild pigs who you’ll be able to feed and interact with on the way to the next tasting.  At your next stop, the reflective pond, you’ll head into the Loi Lanai (open air lounge) with a luscious backdrop to enjoy more cocktails.  This tasting includes local fruits and herbs directly from the plantation which makes for a delicious farm to glass cocktail.

• $75 per person (21+yrs)

Requirements:

• Must be 21+

Cancellation policy: 72 hours

4.7% Hawaii State sales tax applies to tour rates

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The Kauai Rum Safari offers immersive, open-air tour with multiple rum tastings

KAUAI, Hawaii (KGO) -- Time flies when you're having rum, feeding pigs, and relaxing amidst the abundant beauty of Kilohana Plantation. It's all possible through the one-of-a-kind Kauai Safari Rum Tour.

Buckle up for an immersive, open-air tour that takes visitors through the lush tropical plantation where the spirit is made with tastings along the way. You'll also learn about the history of rum in Hawaii and how Koloa Rum honors this rich legacy.

"We have 600 feet of boardwalk that takes you to what we call our Jungle Bungalow, and that's where we make you our version of the Mai Tai and we do a tasting of Koloa Rum," explained Nick Atkins of Kauai Safaris. "After that, we travel around the plantation a bit more. We visit our animal fields where we have pigs and horses and donkeys and cows, and we give you some feed to feed those guys."

He added, "And then we go to our second stop, where we do a farm-to-glass cocktail."

This special rum cocktail is infused with fruits and seasonal herbs that are grown on the plantation for a sip that embodies the whole tour.

"They're teaching us all about rum and it's so much fun," said visitors Alex & Taylor Hanna. "This is the best vacation we've ever been on together."

Don't miss your chance to interact with and get to know other guests on tour, as well as ask your guides any questions about rum and mixology in this once in a lifetime experience!

For more information about Kauai's Rum Safari Tour, visit here .

Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline, offering non-stop service to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland and international destinations. For more information, visit here .

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Kauai Rum Safari Tour

Are you looking for an interesting and unique adventure on your next trip to Kauai ? We got you covered! DanielsHawaii team has recently taken a Kauai trip and visited Rum Safari . This tour was such a fun and amazing experience where we learned about the history of rum in Hawaii and saw the process of rum-making first-hand. Moreover, Kauai Rum Safari Tour took us around lush plantations where we saw exotic plants, fruit and vegetable orchards, and farm animals. 

Tour’s Overview

On this tour, you will get to explore the abundant land of Kilohana Plantation which stretches for 105 acres. This tour is not only educational but fun and entertaining as well. You’ll learn what makes their Mai Tais very best and maybe get a little bit boozed by having a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right on the plantation! 

As we passed through Elmer’s farm , we got a first-hand look at the papayas and assortment of veggies growing in the fields before they are sold at the local farmer’s market!

The amazing thing is that we learned a lot of new information from our friendly guide about rum and mixology! We interacted with other guests and even made new friends!

Quick facts about the tour

The Kauai Rum Safari is an experience unlike any other. You will learn about the history, culture , and flavor of Kauai’s rum industry with the Kauai Rum Safari. Here is some important information for you.

• Duration: two hours
• Includes: farm animal feeding and signature Mai Tai tasting
• Cost: from $75
• Phone: 808-652-4707
• Adreess: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy. Lihue, HI 96766
• Book here : https://www.kauaisafaris.com/

What to Bring

Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Wear light clothing, as the heat and humidity can be extreme. Likewise, bring a few bottles of water to stay hydrated. And don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture all of the stunning scenery and unique sights that you’ll encounter during your tour.

Today, Kauai’s rum production is an important part of the community, creating jobs and boosting the economy. The Kauai Rum Safari perfectly combines the past, present, and future of rum in Hawai’i and gives you the opportunity to witness it first-hand.

Book your Kauai Rum Safari Tour today and get ready for a one-of-a-kind tropical taste adventure!

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• Most Popular
• Clock ~ 6-7 Hours
• Info Private Tour
• User All Ages
• Users Up to 39 guests

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Rum Tasting on Kauai at the Kōloa Rum Tasting Room

Located at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauaʻi, the Kōloa Rum Company Store creates the ambience of the bygone era of old plantation days, and offers our full range of our single-batch, premium Hawaiian rums, ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as tempting rum cakes, rum fudge sauce, Hawaiian Kukui Mai Tai Mix, logo wear and a unique array of specialty gifts.

The Tasting Room, adjacent to the Company Store, offers daily scheduled tastings of our award-winning premium rums every hour, and has welcomed nearly 1 million people since it opened its doors in 2009. We will allow approximately 20 guests in the tasting room.

The Kōloa Rum Tasting Room & Company Store celebrates our deep commitment to bring people together and expand our Kōloa Rum ohana, create great memories and share the Hawaiian way of life. We are located at Kilohana Plantation, 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, Kauaʻi. For more information, please call 808-246-8900.

All alcohol sales and tastings require a valid photo ID. Patrons must be 21 or older.

* TASTINGS ARE EVERY 60 MINUTES *  * ON-LINE BOOKINGS ONLY*

We offer complimentary rum tastings daily and have moved to a third-party online booking system for your convenience!

There is a third-party booking fee of $5 for parties of up to 6 guests.

Parties of 7 or more will require an additional booking and incur an additional booking fee.

Everyone in your party must be 21 or over to enter the tasting room and present their valid physical photo ID at least 15 minutes before tasting time.

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NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Is the Kauai Rum Safari Worth It?

Are you looking for a kid-free activity on kauai that involves booze keep scrolling for my honest kauai rum safari review..

I’ve been wanting to check out the Kauai Rum Safari pretty much since it opened a few years ago, but I’ve ALWAYS had at least one kid with me.

So, when I went for my first kid-free trip to Kauai recently, it was the first thing I booked.

After years of anticipation, I wanted to know if it was worth the hype. Keep scrolling to find out!

Where is the Kauai Rum Safari Tour?

The Kauai Rum Safari is located at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. The address is 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766 .

There is a ton of parking available. It’s right next to Luau Kalamaku, the Plantation House Restaurant, and Koloa Rum.

What is the Kauai Rum Safari?

This is a unique adventure at Kauai Safaris on the Kilohana Plantation, where you can enjoy a two-hour rum safari tour.

Start by boarding their open-air trucks to explore tropical orchards, tasting exotic fruits and viewing farm animals.

Experience rum tasting, enjoy signature Mai Tais, and savor farm-to-glass cocktails made with fresh plantation ingredients.

Conclude your visit with a relaxing stroll through a tropical rainforest and interact with their friendly farm animals.

This 21+ tour combines the excitement of a safari with the luxury of fine drinking and scenic beauty.

What Was Our Kauai Safari Like?

We were able to get a parking spot pretty easily, which was great. And then we headed into the Kauai Safaris shop to check in.

The lady there gave us each rubber wristbands to wear that showed that we had checked in, signed the waiver, and were ready to go!

Then, we waited with everyone else next to the boarding area.

Open-Air Vehicle

We hopped onto a one-of-a-kind open-air rum safari truck and met our tour guides/bartenders.

They were really funny and told a bunch of “dad jokes” as we cruised through the plantation.

We also got to see several tropical fruit plants, such as lychee, longan, cashew, and mango. We even stopped so one of our guides could hop out and pick an orange fresh off the tree to use in the first cocktail.

Kahuna Nui Valley

The first stop was Kahuna Nui Valley. We took the vehicle deep into the jungle and it felt like we were in a real-life Jurassic Park!

Then we hopped out and walked through the jungle on a really nice platform walkway. It’s sort of like a bougie jungle experience!

Our guides started working on the drinks. First, we tasted four different shots of rum. This was my least favorite part of the tour because I really like juice with my rum!

But, it was actually a great way to smell and taste the different types of Koloa Rum and it’s the only way that I figured out that I actually prefer the dark rum to the gold rum. And that the chocolate rum is divine!

After the tasting, we got to try their signature mai tai cocktail. It was SO yummy and you could really taste the fresh orange in it!

The ambiance of the whole Jungle Bungalow was really cool and I would have been happy hanging out there for awhile, but the tour continued!

Farm Animal Safari

We were told to grab our drinks and return to the vehicle for the ultimate drinking safari experience!

We got to see a bunch of farm animals like wild pigs, horses, goats, and donkeys. They passed out tortillas so we could feed them!

The final stop was at their gorgeous gazebo at the taro patch.

The mixologist created a special farm-to-glass cocktail that didn’t even have a name yet! It featured avocado and I swear it’s one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had!

One cool thing about the Kauai rum tour is that they actually have an Instagram that is specifically for sharing their special cocktail recipes, so I immediately followed them.

They came around and served us potato chips, which really hit the spot while we relaxed. And we had time to chat with the guides and learn a bit more about island life.

Once we thoroughly enjoyed our cocktails, it was time to get back on the vehicle and drive a few minutes to the parking lot.

What’s cool is that if you’re feeling a bit tipsy, you can always head straight for the restaurant there to eat something and sober up.

What to Know about this Kauai Rum Tour Before You Go

It’s not part of koloa rum.

Even though they use and highlight Koloa Rum (which has a shop and rum tastings at Kilohana Plantation), this company is separate.

But, if you want to buy bottles of Koloa Rum after your tour, it’s easy to walk there after the tour drops you off. It’s all at Kilohana Plantation.

They Can Make Mocktails

While it may seem strange to do a rum tour and ask for a non-alcoholic option, it’s actually such a smart idea.

Part of the fun is getting to go into the jungle and taste artisan drinks. They still taste great even without the rum.

Also, it gives you the option to switch partway through the tour if you’re feeling like you need to hydrate.

You Can Bring Food

They will give you some Maui onion potato chips at your final stop to help you soak up some of the alcohol.

But, I saw a group of people on our tour who brought spam musubi to eat after the first stop and I thought that was brilliant! I’m really kicking myself for not thinking of doing that.

What to Wear

I wore sandals, a t-shirt, and pants and I was quite comfortable. I also saw people wearing dresses. There’s no need for closed-toe shoes. I also wouldn’t wear heels, but that’s because it’s Kauai.

Bug Spray is Available

They do have containers of bug spray available at the first stop.

There’s a bunch right as you get out of the safari vehicle but they also have some in the Jungle Bungalow in case you regretted not applying some earlier.

It’s Mostly Shaded

I brought a sun hat but I really didn’t need it. The stops were all in covered areas and the safari vehicle was also covered.

How Much Does it Cost and Where is it Located?

The tour is 2 hours long and it costs $78 per person. There’s a discounted rate of $58.50 if you are a Hawaii resident with an I.D.

It’s located at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, which is centrally located on the East side of the island.

So, is the Kauai Rum Safari Tour Worth It?

I thought it was a BLAST! We got to taste yummy cocktails while exploring part of Kauai that you can only access on a tour like this.

Plus, I thought it was pretty affordable for such a unique experience. We’ll definitely be doing it again!

Looking for more Kauai experiences? Check out Best North Shore Kauai Food Tour You’ll Love , 8 Best Kauai Luau Options , Is a Helicopter Ride in Kauai Worth It? , and Affordable Kauai Photographers to Book for Family Photos !

The post Is the Kauai Rum Safari Worth It? appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

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Visiting Kauai's Kilohana Plantation and Luau Kalamaku

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

On Kauai , there's only one place where you can ride a historic train, hike through a rainforest and orchard, taste Kauai's only island-made rum, shop, dine at one of Kauai's top restaurants, and enjoy one of the island's best luaus. That place is ​ Kilohana Plantation , rooted in Kauai's long history of agriculture.​

Kilohana Plantation is located just one mile from the town of Lihue next to Kauai Community College on Highway 50 heading towards Po'ipu. The centerpiece of Kilohana Plantation is the historic Gaylord Wilcox mansion built in 1935 by Gaylord Parke Wilcox and his wife Ethel. Gaylord was the descendant of Abner Wilcox of Connecticut, one of Hawaii's first missionaries, and the manager of Grove Farm Plantation, one of Hawaii's long-time sugar plantations.

The 16,000-square-foot Tudor-style home, designed by Hawaii architect Mark Potter, is now home to Gaylord's Restaurant, as well as several shops offering fine art, crafts, and collectibles. The estate's 105 acres consist of formal grounds, flower and vegetable gardens, orchards, and pastures for livestock. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and named a State of Hawaii Historic Landmark in 1993.

Severely damaged by Hurricane Iwa in 1983, the Wilcox home has been completely restored, and the original public spaces are filled with notable Hawaiian antiques, paintings, and carpets that reflect the lifestyle of the Wilcox family.

Koloa Rum Company

The Koloa Rum Company was founded in 2001 to produce and market world-class, small-batch, micro-distilled, authentic Hawaiian ​rum. Principal production operations for the Koloa Rum Company are located in Kalaheo in southern Kauai not far from Koloa town, the site of Hawaii's oldest sugar plantation, founded in 1835. Rather than making rum from molasses, Koloa Rum is distilled from Hawaiian cane sugar and mountain rainwater in a vintage copper-pot still. The first batch of Hawaiian rum was distilled and bottled in 2009. It is the only licensed distillery on Kauai.

Koloa Rum Company Tasting Room and Company Store

Koloa Rum Company produces a number of products: Kaua`i White Rum, Kaua`i Gold Rum, Kaua`i Dark Rum, Kukui Brand Mai Tai Mix, Kukui Brand Jams, Jellies & Syrups, Koloa Rum Cakes, Koloa Rum Fudge Sauce and Koloa Rum Logo Wear, all of which and more are ​available in the company store at Kilohana Plantation. Koloa rums are also available for sale in some other states in the U.S.

Kauai Plantation Railway

The Kauai Plantation Railway recreates the sugar trains that once crisscrossed the island in the days of steam engines. The 2.5-mile train ride takes passengers through a 70-acre plantation to view exotic crops, enjoy views not seen from public highways, and learn about the history and future of tropical agriculture in Hawaii.

At one time there were nearly 200 miles of narrow gauge railway track on Kauai, serving the numerous sugar plantations on the island, but as the plantations closed and the remaining plantations modernized, the railways disappeared. When opened in 2007, the Kauai Plantation Railway was the first new railroad to be built on Kauai in nearly 100 years. 

Authentic locomotives were located and passenger cars were constructed to reflect the historic nature of the railway. The Kauai Plantation Railway also located and restored a 1939 Whitcomb diesel-mechanical of the same design as the early Kauai engines, thus enabling them to replicate a past era of Kauai railroading.

A Ride Through Kauai's History

A ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway is the perfect way to get an overview of the entire Kilohana Plantation as the train takes you past the historic Wilcox Home, alongside orchards of fruit trees, pineapple, sugar cane and taro fields, and tropical rainforest. In the middle of the ride, the train diverts to pasture land with horses grazing. The train makes a stop at the plantation's farmyard filled with herds of pigs, sheep, and goats. Visitors can exit the train and feed the animals. The mahogany passenger cars used on the Kauai Plantation Railway have been inspired by similar cars from Hawaii’s railroad history that was built during the era of King Kalakaua. Each 36-seat covered coach is designed to give passengers an open-air view during the 40-minute ride.

Along the way, the conductor talks about the history of the property and describes everything you're seeing. The Kauai Plantation Railway is open seven days a week and offers several different tours, including a four-hour train-walk-lunch tour on Mondays through Fridays that begins at 9:30 a.m.

Lu‘au Kalamaku

Hula dancers, fire knife dancing, torch lights, Tahitian music, and Hawaiian food and drink create an authentic luau experience . Through music and song, the story of the original voyage of the Tahitians to the Hawaiian Islands is told by a cast of performers and musicians, some of whom make their own traditional drums. The lu‘au evening starts with a torch lighting ceremony, followed by Hawaiian games, music, and dancing in tropical gardens.

Lu‘au Kalamaku Feast

The lu‘au features authentic Polynesian cuisine from Gaylord's Restaurant , including local favorites lomi lomi salmon, poi, mahi mahi, and kalua pork baked in the traditional imu, an underground oven. After dinner, guests choose from an array of desserts.

For a more gracious dining experience, Lu‘au Kalamaku offers an optional Plantation Owner's Evening. Instead of the traditional lu‘au feast, guests are treated to floral leis and Champagne in Gaylord's courtyard, followed by dinner from the restaurant's seasonal menu. After dessert, guests can wander through the Gaylord manor before taking a torch-lit walk to the Luau Pavillion.

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Kilohana Plantation - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Hawaiian Package
• Gold Package
• Manor House Experience
• Artisan Market
• Directions & Contact
• Plantation History
• History of Lūʻau
• The Musicians
• The Creative Team
• Private Events
• Additional Kauaʻi Experiences

Choose Your Luau Experience

Ready for the feast explore our luau buffet menu, experience a kauai luau like no other, "simply the best luau on kauai".

Gather for an authentic Kauai lu’au experience under an open-air pavilion and enjoy a breathtaking performance chronicling an epic sea voyage from Tahiti to Hawaii with graceful hula dancers, fire poi balls and stunning fire knife dancing.

The epic tale of “Kalamaku” is brought to life by talented local performers, live music and stunning costumery. Relax to live music while sipping a Mai Tai from the open bar under the canopy of a mango tree and witness the traditional imu ceremony where a roasted pig is unearthed from an underground oven.

Dine on delightful local dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from Kauai farms. Tuesday and Thursday evenings and select Mondays in summer and winter. Customize your adventure with three available packages

The Historic Kilohana Plantation

Historic Kilohana Plantation on a sprawling 104-acres in Lihue, Kauai is home to Luau Kalamaku and includes an agricultural park, railway, restaurant, shops, a rum company and more. Sugar baron Gaylord Wilcox built the estate in 1935 and today the manor is a beautiful example of plantation era architecture.

Guests who select the “Manor House Experience” dine in the impressive courtyard at Gaylord’s Restaurant at the manor house.

The Artisan Market

Before the show, explore the the Artisan Market held exclusively for guests of Luau Kalamaku. Items skillfully crafted by Kauai’s talented artisan community include local delicacies, sweet treats, clothing, and intricate jewelry made from local materials.

Estate Train

Climb aboard the plantation train and circle the heart of Kilohana Plantation. Experience the property’s lush beauty on a conductor-narrated tour.

Breeze past orchards of fruit trees, dense forests and sprawling picturesque pastures inhabited by resident wildlife including donkeys, horses, goats, geese, wild pigs and more.

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