333 square miles of beautiful, unspoiled landscape, the whole land mass of Kauai is predominantly a vast, uninhabited wilderness just begging to be explored. And what better way to explore it than from the seat of an ATV?

Kauai All Terrain Vehicles have the means and the know-how to get you anywhere you want to be in this gem of an island. If you want to get a glimpse of the road less traveled, there’s no better way to do it than on an ATV. Various ATV companies offer five daily off-road tours for the adventure in you, so what are you waiting for? Pack them bags and get on the road.

If it is your first time on an ATV, no need to worry. Companies usually provide you with instructors who will begin each ATV tour with a lesson on how to operate the easily-controlled, 4-wheeled, 250cc Yamaha ATVs.

There are various places you can explore. One of the most popular is the Koloa tour, which begins at the historic Koloa Sugar Mill on the island’s south side and weaves through 15 miles of former sugar cane plantation roads. Here, you will cut through the heart of the Ha’upu Mountain Range where you can see a half-mile tunnel. Travel through that until you find an opening that reveals to you a bewitching view of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, considered one of the wettest spots on earth.

As you go through the tour, you will experience all of this unique island’s variation – from different micro-climates and famous motion picture movie sites to rare island birds and wild pigs, and, of course, mud puddles too numerous to count.

If you want the ultimate in off-road expeditions, take the waterfall tour. Basically, the tour is a four-hour ride that takes you to the lush tropical terrain of the Kahlili Mountain Range. Here you will get to see two secluded cascades and have a refreshing time with a 30-minute dip at the base of a 15-foot waterfall. Most ATV tour companies provide lunch, but be sure to bring your own towels, sunblock, and water-friendly shoes.

ATVs are also fun for the whole family. Kauai ATVs dune buggy, appropriately called the Mud Hog, is fun and can seat up to six passengers. Kids ages 5 and up can get on one of these and have a grand time during the tour. And as an alternative, especially if the guests are aged 16 and older, there is also a fully automatic, two-seater dune buggy, this one called the Mud Bug.

Here’s a little insider TIP: You don’t have to bring your cameras with you. The Kauai ATV guides will be taking digital photos throughout the tour. You can purchase these photos after your ride.

Instructions for ATV Safety:

• Always read your Operator’s Guide, Safety Handbook and all labels carefully and follow the operating procedures prescribed by the tour.

• Always follow age and passenger recommendation for your ATV.

• Always wear protective gear including an approved helmet that fits properly. You will be provided with these by your tour company.

• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating an ATV.

• Inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

• Be alert to changing terrain conditions, check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Be cautious of excessive rough, slippery, or loose terrain. Never attempt to operate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees.

• Always follow proper procedures for climbing, descending, and crossing hills. Check terrain before you start. Don’t attempt a hill too steep for the ATV or your abilities.

• Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than that specified in the Operator’s Guide and the Safety Handbook. Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability.

• Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind you when you operate in reverse. When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.