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Discover the Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour in Hawaii

Located in Lihue, Hawaii, on the historic Kilohana Plantation estate, the Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour offers a guided off-road adventure through tropical farmland paired with a premium rum tasting experience. Guests ride in open-air safari vehicles across orchards and fields before sampling handcrafted rum produced on-site at Kōloa Rum Company.

Set against the lush interior of Kauaʻi, this tour blends agricultural exploration with island distilling heritage.

Why it’s special: The Rum Safari combines a plantation-style farm tour with a curated tasting of locally crafted Kauaʻi rum, all within the historic Kilohana estate.

History & Story of Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana)

Kilohana Plantation dates back to the 1930s sugar era, when Kauaʻi’s agricultural economy centered on sugarcane production. As sugar declined, the estate transitioned into diversified agriculture and tourism.

Kōloa Rum Company, Kauaʻi’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, was later established on the property. The Rum Safari highlights this evolution—from sugarcane plantation roots to modern rum distilling—while preserving the island’s agricultural legacy.

What You’ll See & Do on the Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour

• Ride in open-air safari vehicles through working tropical farmland
• Learn about sugarcane cultivation and plantation history
• Explore orchards growing tropical fruits and crops
• Visit Kōloa Rum Company’s production area
• Participate in a guided tasting of multiple Kauaʻi rum varieties
• Enjoy scenic views of the plantation and surrounding mountains

Hands-On Elements: Guided rum tasting session featuring several Kōloa Rum varieties.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted throughout the safari ride and tasting areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled rum, branded merchandise, and plantation products available for purchase.

Pricing of the Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour

Adult price: $80 per adult

Must be 21 years or older to participate in rum tastings

Advance reservations are required.

Visiting information for Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours

Age limits: 21+ for tasting experience

Accessibility: Safari vehicles require climbing steps; advance notice recommended for mobility accommodations

Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (tours depart at scheduled times within these hours)

Advance booking is required due to limited group capacity.

Nearby attractions to Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour

• Kauaʻi Plantation Train Tour
• Kauaʻi Coffee Estate Free Walking Tour
• Kalapaki Beach

FAQs About Visiting the Kauaʻi Rum Safari (Kilohana) Tour

Is this tour only for adults?
Yes. Guests must be 21 years or older to participate due to the rum tasting component.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes. The Rum Safari operates with limited seating and requires advance reservations.

Will I see rum being made?
Guests learn about the distillation process and visit areas associated with Kōloa Rum production, though production visibility may vary.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation to Kilohana Plantation is not included; guests must arrange their own travel.

How far is Kilohana from Lihue Airport?
The plantation is approximately a 5–10 minute drive from Lihue Airport.