Kilohana Plantation
Historic Hawaiian plantation offering train rides, rum tasting, shopping, dining, and a traditional luau.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy rum tasting & shops
Kilohana Plantation
Best Time
Enjoy rum tasting & shops
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Hawaiian plantation offering train rides, rum tasting, shopping, dining, and a traditional luau.
"A wonderful place with much offered, from a scenic train ride to amazing food and service!"
🚂 Train Ride Fun
The plantation train tour is a hit with families! Feed pigs & horses. Affordable for groups.
🍹 Rum Safari Adventure
Don't miss the Kōloa Rum Safari for a fun, interactive experience with pigs!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,033 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kauai Plantation Railway
Kilohana Plantation Estate
A scenic 40-minute train ride through tropical orchards, with stops to feed pigs and horses. A family favorite!
Luau Kalamaku
Kilohana Plantation Estate
Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with hula dancing, fire knife performances, and a delicious feast.
Kōloa Rum Tasting
Kilohana Plantation Estate
Sample locally crafted rums and learn about the distillation process at this unique distillery.
Gaylord's Restaurant
Kilohana Plantation Estate
Dine in a historic plantation house, enjoying island-inspired cuisine with fresh, local ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Your Plantation Experience
Plan for a Half-Day Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Train Ride Fun
The plantation train tour is a hit with families! Feed pigs & horses. Affordable for groups.
🍹 Rum Safari Adventure
Don't miss the Kōloa Rum Safari for a fun, interactive experience with pigs!
🍽️ Delicious Dining
Gaylord's offers amazing food at reasonable prices. Best meal on the island for some!
🛍️ Boutique Shopping
Explore cute local shops for souvenirs and treats, like Kauai Sweet Shoppe. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Train Ride Fun
The plantation train tour is a hit with families! Feed pigs & horses. Affordable for groups.
🍹 Rum Safari Adventure
Don't miss the Kōloa Rum Safari for a fun, interactive experience with pigs!
🍽️ Delicious Dining
Gaylord's offers amazing food at reasonable prices. Best meal on the island for some!
🛍️ Boutique Shopping
Explore cute local shops for souvenirs and treats, like Kauai Sweet Shoppe.
🌺 Luau Kalamaku
Book the Luau Kalamaku in advance for a spectacular evening of culture and food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kilohana Plantation's diverse offerings, from the engaging train ride and animal feeding to the delicious dining at Gaylord's and the cultural spectacle of Luau Kalamaku. Many find the prices reasonable for the quality of experience, making it a highly recommended stop for families and couples alike.
"What a wonderful place to visit! There is much offered here. We took a 40 minute train ride and tour around the plantation which included a stop to feed wild pigs and some retired horses! After the train tour, we had a wonderful lunch at the beautiful plantation house in what used to be the owners home. The food, drinks and service were absolutely amazing!!! So worth the money!"
Val G
"Beautiful place! That meal was the best we had in the island. Great service. The prices are very reasonable not more than other places we visited. We were under the impression that it was too expensive and it was not. They have others activities around the plantation that you will need tickets like the train ride around the property or the Luau."
graciela albini
"This place is gorgeous and expansive! It’e home to the Kōloa Rum tasting, cute boutiques, a ceramics studio, toffee shop, restaurant, and lots of open space to explore the beautiful grounds. Really pretty and a nice half-day outing if you want to wander and explore 🌴"
Diana Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kilohana Plantation is located in Lihue, Kauai. It's easily accessible by car and has ample parking. Many visitors opt for rental cars to explore Kauai, and the plantation is a common stop on driving tours.
No, Kilohana Plantation is on the island of Kauai, while Waikiki is on Oahu. If you are visiting both islands, you will need to fly between them.
From Lihue Airport (LIH), head west on HI-50 W. Turn right onto Halewili Road, and Kilohana Plantation will be on your left. The drive is short and straightforward.
Public transportation options to Kilohana Plantation are limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is generally more convenient for reaching the plantation and exploring Kauai.
Yes, Kilohana Plantation offers ample free parking for visitors, making it easy to access all the attractions on the estate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds of Kilohana Plantation is generally free, allowing you to explore the shops and gardens. However, specific activities like the Kauai Plantation Railway, Luau Kalamaku, and Kōloa Rum tasting require separate tickets.
Ticket prices for the Kauai Plantation Railway can vary, but it's often considered an affordable event for families and groups. It's recommended to check the official website or book in advance for current pricing.
Tickets for Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation can be purchased online through their official website or through authorized tour operators. Booking in advance is highly recommended as it's a popular event.
Kilohana Plantation sometimes offers package deals that may include multiple activities, such as the train ride and lunch, or a combination of experiences. Inquire directly or check their website for current offers.
The operating hours for Kilohana Plantation and its various attractions can vary. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours for the railway, distillery, shops, and restaurant.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kilohana Plantation offers a range of activities including the Kauai Plantation Railway, Luau Kalamaku, Kōloa Rum tasting, exploring boutiques, and dining at Gaylord's restaurant.
Yes, the Kauai Plantation Railway is very family-friendly and a highlight for children. They get to see and feed animals like pigs and horses.
The Kōloa Rum Safari is a fun and interactive tour where you can sample rums and often see or interact with animals like pigs. It's a unique experience offered at the plantation.
Yes, Kilohana Plantation features several local shops and boutiques where you can purchase souvenirs, local crafts, and sweet treats.
Absolutely! The lush grounds, historic buildings, and scenic plantation landscapes make Kilohana Plantation a picturesque spot for photography. Look out for unique sights like rainbow trees!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gaylord's at Kilohana is the primary restaurant, located in the historic plantation house, offering island-inspired cuisine. There are also often food vendors or festival-specific offerings.
Reviews suggest that the prices at Gaylord's are very reasonable and comparable to other dining options on Kauai, offering great value for the quality of food and service.
The Luau Kalamaku typically features a traditional Hawaiian feast with kalua pig, poi, laulau, fresh fish, and tropical fruits, alongside cultural performances.
It's advisable to contact Gaylord's or the Luau Kalamaku directly in advance to inquire about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Yes, you can find coffee and snacks at various locations, including potentially at Gaylord's or specific vendors during events like the Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic plantation house, lush gardens, train tracks, and the diverse fruit orchards offer numerous beautiful photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for unique natural sights like rainbow trees!
Yes, you can take photos during the Kauai Plantation Railway tour. The open-air train allows for great views of the plantation scenery.
Generally, photography is allowed during the Luau Kalamaku, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of performers and other guests. Professional photography might have specific restrictions.
The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shaded areas of the plantation offer good opportunities.
Don't miss capturing the vibrant colors of the fruit trees, the charming architecture of the plantation house, and the lively atmosphere of the rum tasting or luau.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit