About Us

The historic Līhuʻe Plantation ditch and tunnel system, originally developed in the mid-1800’s, once irrigated vast sugarcane fields across more than 17,000 acres of Kauaʻi. After sugar production ended in 2000, much of the system sat unused until 2003, when sixth-generation Kamaʻāina siblings Kelley and David Carswell founded Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures and introduced exclusive tubing tours through this remarkable historic waterway.

Flowing through some of the island’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, the system offers spectacular views of the interior of the island, which is often hard to access. The waters, originating near Mount Waiʻaleʻale — one of the wettest places on earth — travel through hand-dug ditches and tunnels built by plantation workers more than a century ago.

Today, younger sister Karin Carswell Guest proudly continues the family tradition, keeping Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures locally owned, family operated, and rooted in the spirit of Aloha.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, this one-of-a-kind Kauaʻi adventure offers an unforgettable journey through the island’s natural beauty and rich history. From start to finish, guests experience a fun-filled adventure that many describe as the highlight of their vacation.