Rum Tasting in Kauai

From our archives. Prices, schedules and inclusions below reflect the original story; check the live tour calendar for current details.

If you're looking for a truly unique way to experience the spirit of Kauai—both literally and figuratively—there’s no better adventure than a rum tasting tour through the island's lush landscape. At the heart of it all is the iconic Kilohana Plantation, home to the renowned Koloa Rum Company and the unforgettable Rum Safari experience.

The Rum Safari is more than a tasting—it’s an island journey wrapped in storytelling, flavor, and fun. Hop aboard an open-air safari truck and set off across the sprawling 105-acre Kilohana Plantation, where tropical orchards and sugarcane fields stretch into the distance. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to local plants and fruits—everything from mango to cashew—and explain how this land ties into the rich agricultural and cultural history of Kauai.

The tour includes multiple stops, but the highlight is the Jungle Bungalow nestled near a peaceful stream. Here, you’ll sample handcrafted cocktails featuring Koloa Rum’s award-winning blends—think freshly mixed Mai Tais and rum punch crafted with plantation-grown ingredients. The setting is surreal, and the experience feels like stepping into a postcard.

There are also fun interactions with farm animals, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for both the land and the rum that flows from it.

• Tour Duration: Around 2 hours
   
• Daily Departures: 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
   
• Price: $80 per adult (21+ only)
   
• Booking: Reserve your Rum Safari here
   

Just steps from where the safari ends is another gem—the Koloa Rum Tasting Room, housed inside the historic Kilohana Plantation estate. If you're curious to explore the finer points of Kauai’s craft spirits, this is where you do it.

Tasting sessions take place throughout the day and are led by friendly, knowledgeable staff who guide you through Koloa Rum’s distinctive line-up. You’ll try their smooth white rum, rich dark rum, tropical coconut rum, and other seasonal or spiced varieties. Each pour comes with the story of how it was made—from island-grown ingredients to the final aging process.

The tasting room itself offers a cozy plantation-era vibe, making it feel both intimate and rooted in tradition. Whether you're new to rum or a seasoned enthusiast, this is a flavorful stop that adds depth to your understanding of Kauai’s culinary and cultural fabric.

• Open Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
   
• Tasting Sessions: Every hour, reservations recommended
   
• Fee: $5 per group (up to 6 people, 21+ only)
   
• Booking: Reserve your tasting here
   

Rum tasting in Kauai is more than sipping spirits—it's about embracing the island’s flavors, traditions, and stories. The Kilohana Plantation offers a setting that’s rich in both history and scenery, and the Koloa Rum team brings it all to life through hands-on experiences and bold, local flavors.

Whether you opt for the full Rum Safari or pop in for a tasting flight, you’ll walk away with more than just a buzz—you’ll carry a deeper connection to this beautiful island.

So go ahead: book your spot, take the ride, sip the rum, and toast to the adventure.