Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures, on March 1, will offer zipline adventures on what was once Lihue Plantation lands. The 17,000 acre property was formerly used for sugar cane production and has since been turned into large agricultural farms and ranches and
Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures, on March 1, will offer zipline adventures on what was once Lihue Plantation lands.
The 17,000 acre property was formerly used for sugar cane production and has since been turned into large agricultural farms and ranches and an adventurer’s playground.
“This new tour addition is fabulous,” said co-owner Kelley Carswell. “It is thrilling and allows people to experience the beauty of the area.
“The zipline has minimal impact and allows people to see and feel a part of the land that we would normally not be able to. It is like flying in a helicopter, but you are without a mechanical engine and noise and are flying like a bird above the trees.”
Within miles of Mount Waialelale, the zipline skips and weaves into and above beautiful valleys, streams and over tropical rainforests.
Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures brings Costa Rica’s most popular adventure activity to Kaua‘i. The business was started by Kelley and her brother David Carswell in January of 2000 and currently offers tubing and ATV tours.
“Our intention was to use agricultural lands for commercial recreational activities so that the land would be kept in as pristine as a condition as it was or is,” said Kelley Carswell.
“We also felt that we could provide wonderful adventures that would provide a positive and lasting memory for visitors and locals alike while at the same time, keeping the ag lands ag and not developing them.”
The zipline tour consists of a series of seven airline grade cables stretched between poles. Individuals are harnessed in and attached to the overhead cable system and “zip” from pole to pole.
Participants glide and soar over lush rainforests transcending the steep mountain side to the lush valley below.
The adventure ends with a picnic lunch and swim in a mountain stream.
“People that we have talked to or even shown the site to are blown away by it’s sheer beauty and magnificence..not to mention the zipping portion of it,” said Kelley Carswell.
No strangers to Kaua‘i adventure companies, Kelley and David are also involved in the operations of Princeville Ranch Stables, and Princeville Hike and Kayak.
Additionally, they operate the Princeville Ranch, a working cattle ranch, with other family members.
A “Kama‘aina” family dating back to the 1800’s, the Carswell’s have made Kaua‘i their home for generations.
According to David, one of the co-founders, “We’re excited about creating another adventure opportunity for people to enjoy the island as much as we do, whether it’s in a tube, an ATV, on a horse or on a zipline.”
