Excursion Grove farm & kauai plantation railway tour at Nawiliwili

Explore the impact of sugar cane plantations on the history and development of Kauai during this captivating, half-day plantation excursion.

Nawiliwili, Grove Farm, Plantation Homestead, Tropical Gardens, Orchards, Rolling Lawns

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Grove Farm. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this impeccably-preserved, approximately 80-acre (about 32-hectare) sugar plantation homestead, one of the earliest Hawaiian sugar plantations on Kauai. Unchanged since its heyday, Grove Farm is now a living museum. See the beautifully maintained main house, farm, office, workers homes, and private cottages nestled amidst tropical gardens, orchards, and rolling lawns. Visit the gracious old Wilcox home, with its large rooms cooled by breezes from shaded verandas and elegantly furnished with oriental carpets, magnificent native koa wood wainscoting, ohia wood flooring, and hand-crafted furniture of native woods.

Kilohana Plantation, Narrated Antique Train-Ride

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Kilohana Plantation, which began in 1864 and, at its peak, grew to over 22,000 acres (about 8,903 hectares) of sugar cane. Today, Kilohana spans over 40,000 acres (about 16,187 hectares), and your tour encompasses approximately 105 acres (about 42.5 hectares) of it. Upon arrival, your visit begins with a narrated, approximately 40-minute train-ride pulled by an authentic, 1939 Whitcomb diesel engine train.

Exotic Trees, Plants & Flowers, Orchards, Animal Pastures, Free Time, Shopping, Koloa Rum Co.

Whilst relaxing in one of two mahogany coaches, take in spectacular panoramic views and photo opportunities of Hawaiian hardwood trees, exotic tropical plants and flowers, fruit-tree orchards, fields, and ponds of over 50 fruit varieties, and animal pastures. Afterward, some free time is made available to browse the unique shoppes, galleries, and renowned Koloa Rum Company, with its gallery and destination tasting rooms. Your tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Nawiliwili, Grove Farm, Tropical Gardens, Orchards, Rolling Lawns, Kilohana Plantation, Narrated Train Tour, Hawaiian/Exotic Flora, Animal Viewing & Feeding

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 500 yards (about 457 metres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, grassy, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, five steps at the Kilohana Plantation's train depot, and four steps to board/de-board the train. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, umbrella, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests should wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put back on, in an attempt to preserve the wooden floors and carpets at Grove Farm. Guests should expect to take their shoes off upon entering the buildings, and wear shoes accordingly. Flash photography is not permitted at the Grove Farm. Commercial photography/videography is not permitted on this tour. The Grove Farm is closed on Sundays. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Only the train-ride is open at the Kilohana Plantation on Sundays, as all shops and the Plantation House by Gaylords are closed on Sundays. The tour sequence may vary.