Waimea Canyon or Lihue Plantation tubing?

[cgattis]

We have a day and a half on Kauai on the POA cruise. Has anyone done either a drive through (stopping at waterfalls or whatever) or a river "cruise" in Waimea Canyon? Or the tubing in the irrigation canals at the old Lihue Plantation? Trying to decide between one and the other....or if I should cram in both!! LOL We really want to go tubing, but is the canyon a "must see?"

 

[alohamom]

I have only ever seen Waimea Canyon from above at lookout points but it is pretty spectacular. I didnt know there was a river cruise available there. I am wondering if you mean the Wailua river cruise that goes past Fern Grotto? If so, I have been down to Wailua river and it is very nice, lush and gorgeous but I have not done anything on the river, I know lots of people kayak it. It is beautiful but pretty sedate. Having said that, the irrigation canals there on Kauai and the ones on Big Island look like soooo much fun. I know the Aulani lazy river has some areas (bridges etc) that are inspired by "fluming" in the irrigation canals. I think it would come down to how active you and your group are, the river cruise is more passive, the tubing is (kind of) a more active adventure.

 

[cgattis]

I have only ever seen Waimea Canyon from above at lookout points but it is pretty spectacular. I didnt know there was a river cruise available there. I am wondering if you mean the Wailua river cruise that goes past Fern Grotto? If so, I have been down to Wailua river and it is very nice, lush and gorgeous but I have not done anything on the river, I know lots of people kayak it. It is beautiful but pretty sedate. Having said that, the irrigation canals there on Kauai and the ones on Big Island look like soooo much fun. I know the Aulani lazy river has some areas (bridges etc) that are inspired by "fluming" in the irrigation canals. I think it would come down to how active you and your group are, the river cruise is more passive, the tubing is (kind of) a more active adventure.

Well, you're right! I keep mixing up Waimea canyon with Wailua river! Yes, we're for sure doing the tubing--just thinking I'd like to see the other side of the island too. The tubing looks SO cool!

 

[alohamom]

Easy to do, LOL! I was watching some footage of the tubing on YouTube, it is so lush-I would bring bug spray for sure!

 

[cgattis]

Easy to do, LOL! I was watching some footage of the tubing on YouTube, it is so lush-I would bring bug spray for sure!

We've got about 100 gallons leftover that we didn't need in Alaska! LOL We only saw like 2 mosquitos in 10 days! I'll add that to my packing list right now--thanks!

 

[Drusilla99]

My family & I did the tubing a few years back and it was a blast! It doesn't take super long once you start, I could have gone a lot longer, but it was so much fun. Our group ranged in ages from 8-65, so you didn't gave to be super fit/active to do it. I'd suggest a water camera if you've got one, we got some great shots.

 

[sandkpendt]

My family has done the Tubing the Ditch and we also did the River Cruise to the Fern Grotto , years ago. Both of these are great tours. Also, if you have a car, which is what we did in November of last year, there are some wonderful car tours. The drive along the North shore, is absolutely beautiful. You can take the road all of the way to the end of the road, and there is a nice beach. IF you rent a car, you can find yourself at the same places as the tour buses, but only spending a fraction of the cost. There is a free shuttle from the cruise ship dock to the rental car lots at the airport. About a 5 or 10 minute ride.

 

[nkereina]

We've looked into doing the tubing before and I've read that you'll need water shoes, and also that the water is pretty cold so be prepared!

 

[Drusilla99]

We've looked into doing the tubing before and I've read that you'll need water shoes, and also that the water is pretty cold so be prepared!

They provided the water shoes when we did it in 2010, I don't know if it's still the same.

 

[anonymousegirl]

My non swimmer DH and I did the tubing a few years ago and loved it! Wish it could have been longer. So fun and refreshing.