Kipu Ranch Adventures – See Kaua‘i by ATV

When you dream about a Kaua‘i getaway, you probably picture golden beaches, swaying palms, and perhaps a leisurely hike to a waterfall. But deep in the island’s lush interior lies a different kind of thrill — one that kicks up red dirt, crosses cattle pastures, and zooms past movie-worthy scenery. Welcome to Kīpu Ranch Adventures, where ATV tours offer a pulse-pounding way to connect with the wild heart of the Garden Isle.

You might not have planned for this kind of detour — but once you’re flying down jungle trails and soaking in the panoramic views, you’ll realize it just might be the adventure you didn’t know you needed.

Historic Kīpu Ranch Adventures

Kipu Ranch has seen many changes since its founding in 1907 as a cattle and horse ranch. In 1872, William Hyde Rice, a businessman, and Kaua‘i’s governor, bought the land from his neighbor, who just happened to be Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani, the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I who united the Hawaiian Islands.

Rice agreed never to develop or sell the 3,000 acres of privately owned land in exchange for the whopping sum of $3,000. For four generations, the Rice family has honored the agreement. Today, they’re still a working cattle ranch with about 1,500 head of cattle but have also opened their gates to adventure seekers.

Kipu Ranch Adventures offers guided ATV tours of the historic property. One of the leading eco-tours in Hawaii, knowledgeable and safety-conscious tour guides take you on the adventure of a lifetime to explore the island’s natural beauty, Hawaiian history, and legends. It’s even been named, “Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year” by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii (STAH).

And you might just recognize a view or two. Kipu Ranch is a popular backdrop for Hollywood and a favorite filming location for blockbusters like Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Outbreak, Mighty Joe Young, Six Days, Seven Nights, The Descendants, and Pirates of the Caribbean were all filmed on this storied land. It’s not every day you get to stand where movie magic was made.

The Kīpu Ranch Land: Lush, Green and Untamed

Before you push the pedal to the metal on your ATV, consider the special land you’ll be riding through.

Archaeologists have found evidence that ancient Hawaiians lived in the area beginning in about 1100 A.D. Legends of these ancients tell of the steep-sided valleys in the region being created by the digging of the pig-man demigod Kamapua‘a.

Kīpu Ranch extends from the Hule‘ia River to the top of Mount Hā‘upu. The lush green pastures offer a vibrant and diverse environment that visitors can explore while riding through changing terrains. The Hā‘upu Range runs for eight miles, and geologists have found these mountains to be the southern arc of the volcano that formed the island of Kaua‘i five million years ago. How cool is that? Millions of years of rain and erosion have etched the valley floor and created the streams that your ATV will traverse.

Kīpu Ranch ATV Tours

Ride through verdant pastures. Venture into the tropical Hule‘ia Valley and ascend under the heavy rainforest canopy. Continue on until you reach the breathtaking view of Mt. Hā‘upu, Kaua‘i’s untouched paradise. Explore iconic movie sets, dramatic waterfalls, and jungle wildlife that may be new to you.

Waterfall Tour Triple Trail Expedition

• Duration: 3 hours
• Age Restriction: Ages 9+
• Availability: Tuesday – Friday

Previously known as the VIP tour, Kīpu Ranch Adventures’ Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition is the ultimate off-road adventure — and they hold nothing back! You’ll ride top-of-the-line Kawasaki vehicles with ultra-smooth suspension that challenge both beginners and intermediate off-road fans.

This is a swimming and waterfall tour, so be sure to pack towels and wear a bathing suit under your riding gear. Please note: Waterfall and stream conditions are subject to weather. Heavy rains can make swimming unsafe, and droughts can reduce water flow considerably.

We had a blast on our ATV tour! The views were amazing, and our guides were so friendly and entertaining. The waterfall ending was insanely beautiful/fun. I would highly recommend this tour and company. – Jaye W. Tripadvisor

Tour Highlights:

• Extended Ride Times – Travel across all three trail systems on Kipu Ranch in this epic trek.
• Movie Locations – This tour highlights many famous movie sets for iconic photo opportunities.
• Waterfall Lookout – Drive right up to a private waterfall. There’s a moderate hike of less than 100 yards down and back on uneven ground. Another short hike is optional for those who want to view the waterfall from up top.

WOW! If I could give this experience 10 stars, I absolutely would! Ryan and Cousin Marlin were our incredible guides for the Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition, and they turned an already amazing ATV ride into an unforgettable adventure with their passion and charisma! A HUGE thank you to Cathy as well, who helped me organize the entire excursion for our group of 30. If you’re visiting Kauai, this is an absolute MUST! – Devin W. Tripadvisor

Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch Tour

• Duration: 3 hours
• Age Restriction: Ages 9+
• Availability: Tuesday – Friday

Kīpu Ranch’s most popular tour is a beautiful, breathtaking 3-hour off-road journey through Kīpu Ranch. It covers more ground with less downtime. You’ll share the trail with cattle, wild pigs, pheasants, peacocks, and wild chickens — and learn about Kīpu Ranch’s transformation from Hawaiian royalty to sugar plantation to the present day.

With diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and spectacular views, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kīpu Kai beach, a remote and breathtaking location known for its cinematic history — especially its appearance in The Descendants.

Tour Highlights:

• Diverse Landscape – Explore more challenging trails, get a 360° view of Kaua‘i, and enjoy movie backdrops.
• Huleia Jungle – Traverse through wild coffee, thick bamboo forests, and tropical ginger plants.
• Signature Tour – A classic Stop-N-Go tour with all the best photo ops.

“We were wait-listed and they called us 2 days later to say there was an opening 2 days after that. It was an easy check-in, easy education to drive the Teryx4 and then we were off with about 6 other ATVs. The guide and his ‘cousin’ were friendly, funny, helpful and very interesting guys. The land was amazing to see and the trail was fun as hell and cool to learn about the history of how the Rice family initially got the land. Would absolutely recommend anyone coming to Kauai to do it.” – Ben M. Tripadvisor

Everything You Need to Know About Kīpu Ranch Adventures:

• Getting There: Kīpu Ranch is conveniently located about seven miles (approximately 20 minutes) from Līhu‘e Airport. Check-in is at 235 Kīpu Road, Līhu‘e, HI 96766. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early for your safety briefing.
• Discounts: Discounts are available for military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. Hawaiian residents receive a local discount, with even deeper savings for Kaua‘i residents as a way to encourage local visitation and to thank first responders.
• Age Requirements: Participants must be at least 9 years old. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license, which must be shown at check-in. Each vehicle may have up to two designated drivers, who can alternate at scheduled stops. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and a legal guardian must sign a participation waiver.
• Kīpu Ranch Provides All Gear: Helmets, goggles, bandanas, light snacks, and premium off-road vehicles.
• Dress for the Elements: Wear dark, durable clothing to handle Kaua‘i’s famous red dirt and occasional mud. Closed-toe shoes are required — even for tours that include swimming portions.
• Be Sure to Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen and locally made, natural insect repellent — it’s hot and buggy.
• Transportation Services: Shuttle service is available from area hotels and resorts for an additional fee.
• Reserve Early – They Book Up Fast: Popular tours fill quickly, so plan ahead or join the waitlist to secure your spot.
• Private Tours Available for Up to 24 Guests: Ideal for family reunions, wedding parties, or corporate outings looking for an unforgettable Kaua‘i experience.