Kipu Ranch Waterfall Trail UTV Expedition, Kauai

Overview

The Kipu Ranch UTV tour called the Waterfall Trail Expedition is a 3-hour guided drive in Kawasaki Teryx4 vehicles across a 3,000-acre cattle ranch near Lihue, ending at a private waterfall swim, from $190 per adult. It suits families with children 9 and up who want to drive themselves; the drawback is that rain or drought can cancel the swim.

Highlights

• About double the mileage of the operator's other tour, covering all three trail systems on the ranch, with stops at film locations including Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark sites
• $190 per adult driver or passenger, $128 for ages 9–17 and $377 for a solo driver in October 2026, before tax and fees; prices vary by season
• Departures at 8:00 am and 2:15 pm, Tuesday to Friday, per the kauai.com listing
• Helmets, goggles, bandanas, instruction and the short hike to the waterfall and bamboo grove are included; lunch is not
• Operator shows 4.9 from 7,009+ TripAdvisor reviews and 5.0 from 7,340+ Google reviews as of October 2026; 3 of the 15 VELTRA reviews we read say the waterfall swim was unsafe or unpleasant on their day

What to Expect

1. Check in at the Ranch Tour Office, 235 Kipu Road, about 7 miles or 20 minutes from Lihue Airport; drivers show a physical license and leave a credit card on file.
2. Sign the waiver, fit your helmet and goggles, and take the instruction and practice session before leaving the yard.
3. Drive your own Teryx4 in a guided convoy across pasture, into the Huleia Valley and through jungle trails, with photo stops at the film locations and talks on ranch history and Hawaiian legends.
4. Reach the private waterfall, park beside it and walk about 75 meters down uneven ground to the pool; closed-toe shoes stay on while swimming.
5. Swim if conditions allow; reviewers from June 2022 and November 2023 report slick rocks, cold water and one day when swimming was cancelled for safety.
6. Drive back to the office, where there is a rinse-off area, and return the vehicle about 3 hours after the start.

What to Bring

• Physical driver's license for each driver
• Credit card to hold on file
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet
• Swimsuit worn under dark riding clothes, plus a towel
• Water bottle
• Camera in a dust- and water-proof case (no drones)
• Reef-safe sunscreen and natural insect repellent

Restrictions and Requirements

• Drivers 18+ with a valid physical license; passengers 9+
• Weight limit 320 lbs per person (kauai.com listing)
• Not permitted: pregnancy, surgery in the last 3 months, serious health conditions, severe dust or pollen allergies; serious neck, back or knee problems not recommended
• No alcohol or drugs before or during the tour
• Maximum 4 adults per vehicle, minimum 2 per booking; up to 2 drivers may swap at designated stops; one vehicle per booking
• Tours run rain or shine except in severe weather; late arrivals cannot be accommodated and a rescheduling fee applies
• Drivers are financially responsible for damage they cause

Cancellation Policy

On VELTRA, parties of 5 or fewer are charged 100% for cancellations or changes made after 3:00 pm two business days before the tour; parties of 6 or more after 3:00 pm three business days before. The kauai.com listing states free cancellation up to 48 hours before and a 100% charge inside 48 hours. The operator's own page refers to a cancellation policy and a late-arrival rescheduling fee without stating amounts. Checked October 2026 on HawaiiActivities.com and kauai.com.

Location

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Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Kipu Ranch Adventures Tour Office, 235 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766

Check-In

Arrive before the 8:00 am or 2:15 pm departure; exact check-in lead time not published

Parking and Getting There

Complimentary on-site parking (per VELTRA listing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact