Traveling at 20 miles an hour never felt so exhilarating. Especially if you happen to get splattered by mud as your ATV drifts sideways into a puka, miles from civilization. Princeville Ranch Adventures, a family-run business on the North Shore,
Traveling at 20 miles an hour never felt so exhilarating.
Especially if you happen to get splattered by mud as your ATV drifts sideways into a puka, miles from civilization.
Princeville Ranch Adventures, a family-run business on the North Shore, is debuting a new expedition tour: Off-Road Adventures. The tour was born out of a need for new activities on the property.
“A lot of our guests are repeat guests,” says ranch owner Karin Carswell Guest, one of Curly and Gale Carswell’s four children.
The Carswell family began ranching on leased land in 1978 by opening Pooku Stables for horseback adventures. In time, the family’s love of horses led them to become involved in community events with 4-H and horsemanship education. In 1994, the family acquired the lease for the rest of Princeville Ranch, and took on cattle ranching.
Since then, the ranch has expanded to include zip line courses, kayak tours and even a Kid’s Adventure Center.
“We’re always looking for new activities, different opportunities to give people something to do.” Carswell Guest said.
Malama ‘aina was a big factor in determining new activities, as the family has continually sought to implement ways of being good stewards of the land.
“We were looking for a way to keep up with the ever-changing adventure business, and we came up with off-road tours as a way to enjoy the land, rather than tearing it up,” said Corinne Travillion, marketing manager.
The off-road trails were cut to utilize spots on the ranch that were otherwise impractical to access on horseback, like hidden waterfalls and a vantage point with a stunning panoramic view of the North Shore.
Carswell Guest reflects on how the idea of an off-road tour came about: “We started talking about getting people out there, out to the waterfalls. We use these vehicles to do work, what about as a tour?”
All-terrain vehicles such as the Polaris six-seater, previously used for maintenance purposes because of its ability to travel easily over rough terrain, became the transportation of choice.
However, as with any other tour, the guide is what makes the experience. The rich history and culture of Kauai is vital knowledge to pass on.
“It’s very important that people learn about the land when they come on these tours,” says Carswell Guest. “The guides are very knowledgeable and conscientious at reading a group, and know when to keep it fun and airy.”
Steven Parker says one of the highlights of being a guide is the opportunity to meet guests right where they are at.
“The company has so many opportunities. With off-road tours there is more freedom to cater to guests; we can take a detour and go pick some fruit, for example. It’s different from other tours,” he said.
Children as young as five are allowed.
Guide Nevin Smoker adds that driving an all-terrain vehicle with five passengers across untamed landscapes is not all fun and games.
“It’s a big responsibility, but also a privilege,” he said. “You get to control the fun level and give people an enjoyable experience.”
T
he four-hour adventure begins without delay as five guests and a guide take off in a Polaris across acres of untouched Kauai backcountry, trekking through pastureland or bouncing over tree roots in a forest with twists, turns and dips that visitor Stephanie Gofes describes as “a roller coaster with mud.”
Intermittently, guides will pause the ATV at picture-worthy spots such as at the sublime vantage point of Kalihiwai Ridge, or just to pick wild waiawi to sample. Next, guests strap on provided backpacks and a pair of Teva shoes for a quick, informative jungle hike with guides identifying useful Hawaiian plants before arriving at the twin zip lines. One of the highlights of the tour is a picnic lunch and time to explore a secluded pond under a waterfall. Guests then hike back through pristine mountain streams and foliage for one last ATV ride back to the ranch. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the natural beauty of Kauai.
The property spans over 2,500 acres and is home to feral animals besides the cattle raised by the ranch.
“When my parents started the business in 1978, in order to make it all work, you’ve got to think of different options to keep it running. Zip lines were very popular,” so platforms and lines were built, said Carswell Guest. “You’ve got to be able to lease, and run activities (on that land) that make income; it goes hand in hand, if we can continue to keep it open space.”
That’s the goal, keeping the land open.
It’s a fulfilling task for Carswell Guest, and one she is willing to undertake.
“Right now we will keep perfecting what we have, doing what we do and doing it well. Responding to the needs of the community and also what visitors want takes a lot of coordination and work,” she said.
Carswell Guest’s family has been on-island since the mid-1800s. With a longstanding relationship helping the community, they often step up to help, such as the purchase of an ATV for the Kauai Lifeguard Association.
With different ranch tours running from 7 a.m. into the late afternoon, it’s a fast-paced industry, with business doubling in the vacationing months of summer. They have 85 employees.
Besides providing island jobs, the Carswell family values the importance of preserving the ‘aina, and sharing it with the community and visitors.
“It’s definitely a special piece of land with a lot of special people working on it; it’s nice to be able to share that,” she said.
At the end of the day, guests are typically soaked, satisfied, and have new color in their cheeks, with a tale or two of their own adventures to share.
