A trip to enjoy Hawaii’s neighbor islands. For those who only have an image of Hawaii as a resort destination, as well as repeat visitors to Hawaii, I would like to recommend Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian Islands. This island has a look that is unique to this island, where the original Hawaiian landscape remains.
The Hawaiian Islands are riding the Pacific Plate, which moves about 6 to 8 cm every year toward the northwest (in the direction of Japan), and the northernmost island at the head of this movement is Kauai, which was formed by volcanic activity 5 to 6 million years ago. The amount of rain that falls on Mount Waialeale, which rises in the center of the island, is the most in the world, and this island with its lush greenery is called the “Garden Island.
The first installment of this fascinating island, less than 40 minutes by plane from Oahu, will introduce you to water tubing activities that you will never experience anywhere else.
The sugarcane industry was the center of Hawaii’s economy in the late 19th and 20th centuries. It began on the island of Kauai. This activity is an endless tube (float) ride down a canal and five tunnels that were built around 1870 to irrigate the Lihue Plantation, a sugar cane plantation.
The meeting place is about 6 minutes by car from Lihue Airport. After parking your car in the large parking lot and entering the building, you will find the registration counter in front of the building. Water shoes to secure your feet are required to participate, but if you do not have water shoes, you can rent them for $5. After completing the registration, relax at one of the tables in the back of the building. Changing rooms and restrooms are also available in the building.
While waiting, visitors may want to take a look at the display of photos from the sugarcane industry era. Next to it, you can also buy souvenir photos that will be taken during the activity ($19.99 per photo, $39.99 per album). Note that we were informed that it is not recommended to participate with a smartphone, as many people drop their phones into the waterways.
Shortly before the departure time, you will be called and there you will start to prepare. You will be given a helmet and gloves and given detailed instructions on how to put on the helmet.
Ready to go! Climb aboard a four-wheel drive trolley and depart for the 17,000-acre former Lihue Plantation property. Drive through the pristine wilderness that stretches deep into the island.
Our guide this time was Noah, a local boy. He is a caring and service-oriented man who shared the history of the area with the tour group in the car, while making them laugh. The canals and tunnels used for this activity were dug by hand by plantation workers more than 100 years ago, and had not been used since the end of sugarcane production in 2000, but in 2003, part of them were opened for tubing tours.
On the way, there is time for commemorative photos at spots with spectacular views. The divine mountain in front of us is Mt. Waialeale, and water is said to flow into the canal from this peak, which receives a lot of rainfall.
Arrive at the departure point after enjoying a 30-minute drive. Here you can leave your valuables, phone, etc. Ride the tube alone. It is safe to leave everything with them, including sunglasses, as it is difficult to find them if they fall into the waterways. The person in charge will take care of your luggage and carry it to the final destination.
The notes are as follows
- please leave all personal belongings such as watches, wallets, towels, etc.
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sit on the tube in a position similar to sitting in a recliner (knees slightly bent).
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remain seated on the tube until the end point.
Please familiarize yourself in advance with the following cues that will be used during the tour
a. Headlights on/off (with practice)
b. Signaling for right and left turns in the tunnel
c. In the tunnel, “elbows inside” and “ankles crossed.”
d. “Lift your butt (butts up!)” to avoid hitting rocks
- avoid hand-pedaling as much as possible, as it may cause abrasions on the arms.
Holding hands or connecting to other people’s tubes is prohibited.
- do not yell or bang on the tubes in the tunnel.
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even if you should fall out of the tube, please stand up on the spot since the depth of the water is about 90 cm at its deepest point.
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after passing through the second tunnel, you may leave during the tour if you wish. Please inform your guide.
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if you need help during the tour, do not hesitate to tell your guide.
The precautions might make you a little worried, but the level of difficulty is not too high, as it is basically open to participants aged 5 and older. The water is deep enough to stand up in, and conversely there are shallow areas, so “Lift your butt up! （Butts up! (Butts up!),” you should follow the instructions. There is no danger as long as you don’t act without permission, and there are several guides on hand, so if you have any problems, let them know.
They will put us on the tube in turn, and when we are all in place, we will start at once. The ride goes down a 4-km-long waterway, passing through five tunnels.
Each tunnel has its own characteristics and varies in length and width. There are also points where there is a drop-off to enjoy the thrill of the ride. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the waterways and mysterious tunnels were a quiet space that made me feel as if I was in another world. In one of the tunnels, Noah, our guide, asked us, “Do you guys like scary stories? Do you like scary stories? Turn off your headlights for a minute.” He also said, “The mud in the tunnel is good for your skin, so put some on your face! Your skin will be smooth tomorrow,” he told us, and everyone scooped out the mud with their fingers and applied it to their faces for a mud pack. …… It was a quick 4km.
After a long day of tubing adventure, the goal is a natural pool dammed by a natural waterway. You can get off the tube and have fun, or just float around and cool off.
Thus, by the time we finished playing in the water, we were hungry. Lunch was waiting for us at the picnic area. Needless to say, the taste of the sandwiches with the ingredients of my choice sandwiched between the croissants was exceptional.
A one-of-a-kind adventure to experience Kauai’s nature and history with all your senses as you float down a channel of rich water through the mountains. It was the highlight of my trip!” Some people return to Kauai saying, “This was the highlight of my trip! I’ll bring my family and friends next time! This three-hour adventure will give you a different perspective of Hawaii than the blue skies and ocean.
© Source travel watch
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