Kilohana Plantation
Updated: Aug 27
A Different Side of Kauai: Rum Tasting at Kilohana Plantation
FOOD & TRAVEL
By Teresa Davis | Travel & Lifestyle Explorer
Caption: Kōloa Rum Company at Kilohana Plantation in Līhuʻe, Kauai.
Kauai may be known for its beaches, mountains and breathtaking scenery, but some of my favorite travel experiences are the ones I don’t necessarily expect.
During my visit to Līhuʻe, I spent part of the day exploring Kilohana Plantation, a beautiful tropical property offering a completely different way to experience the island.
With its historic plantation setting, lush grounds, railway, farm animals, shops and dining, there was plenty to explore. But the experience I chose was one that made this stop especially memorable — a rum tasting featuring Kōloa Rum.
Exploring Kilohana Plantation
Caption: The Kauai Plantation Railway and Kauai Safaris are among the experiences found on the plantation.
From the moment I arrived, Kilohana felt like more than a single attraction.
The property offered several experiences, including the Kauai Plantation Railway, which takes visitors around the plantation grounds. The tropical landscape and relaxed atmosphere made this an enjoyable change of pace from some of the more traditional sightseeing I had been doing around Kauai.
As I explored, I also got a glimpse of the farm side of the property.
Seeing animals along the way added another fun and unexpected element to the experience.
Tasting Kōloa Rum
Caption: Kōloa Rum tasting — one of the highlights of my afternoon at Kilohana Plantation.
Then came the highlight of my visit: the rum tasting.
The bottles lined up alongside the tasting glasses immediately caught my attention. Rather than simply walking into a bar and ordering a drink, this felt like an experience connected to the place I was visiting.
We made our way through the plantation, stopping at different locations along the tour and sampling rum while taking in the surroundings.
It was relaxed, fun and a great way to experience another side of Kauai.
More Than a Rum Tasting
One of the things I enjoyed most was that the visit wasn’t just about what was in the tasting glass.
The plantation itself was part of the experience.
Between the historic-style buildings, tropical vegetation, farm setting and different attractions throughout the property, there was always something else to see.
.Caption: Another unexpected encounter while exploring the plantation
Even encounters with some of the plantation’s four-legged residents became part of the day’s memories.
So Much in One Place
Kilohana Plantation is also home to other activities and experiences, making it the kind of place where you could easily spend more time than you originally planned.
For me, though, the combination of exploring the plantation and enjoying the Kōloa Rum tasting made this visit stand out.
It was something different — and exactly the kind of unexpected discovery I enjoy finding when I travel.
Teresa’s Take
My favorite part: The Kōloa Rum tasting.
What surprised me: How much there was to experience on the plantation beyond the tasting itself.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely — particularly if you’re looking for something different to add to your Kauai itinerary.
And if you’re already exploring Līhuʻe, it’s an experience worth putting on your list.
About Teresa
Hi, I’m Teresa Davis, a Florida travel and lifestyle writer sharing memorable destinations, food experiences and discoveries from my travels.
Every destination has a story. Thanks for exploring this one with me.
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