There’s something about riding an All-Terrain Vehicle that gets our blood pumping.
Maybe it’s the sheer thrill of climbing over rugged trails, grassy hills, and dirt roads. Perhaps it’s the promise of breathtaking coastal or mountain views, with visual delights revealing themselves at every turn.
Or maybe it’s just plain fun!
The island of Kauai, with thousands of acres of private trails, tropical forests and scenic roads, is fertile ground for ATV adventures. The Garden Isle is world-famous for its unspoiled natural beauty, from the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon (hailed as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain) to the island’s idyllic North Shore.
ATV Tours
There are a handful of companies that provide guided ATV tours on Kauai. One operator offers a three-hour excursion that includes stops at famous movie sites. Another tour includes a journey through thick vegetation and rugged terrain to the base of a private waterfall, where the group can enjoy a picnic lunch, nature hike, and even a refreshing swim.
Another ATV tour takes visitors to a working cattle ranch filled with tropical plants, diverse landscapes, and spectacular panoramic views. The ranch is well known as the setting for several Hollywood blockbusters, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Outbreak, Hook and Mighty Joe Young. And another tour operator offers a three-hour ATV adventure that takes riders to one of the island’s oldest cattle ranches overlooking scenic Hanapepe Valley.
There are different tours for ATV riders of different skill levels. All tours include a brief but thorough instruction period led by a certified guide. Lunch or snacks are usually included in the cost.
Need to Know
ATV rides are not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems. You must be at least 16 years old to operate an ATV. Younger guests (5 years and up), however, are able to enjoy ATV experiences via passenger dune buggies driven by trained guides or drivers aged 16 and older.