Insider Tips & Planning

Kalani's Insider Tips for the Perfect Tubing Day

As a local who has seen countless visitors have the time of their lives on this adventure, I've picked up a few tips that can take your experience from great to absolutely perfect. Here's the inside scoop on how to prepare for your day floating through history.

What to Wear (The Pro Version)

Footwear is Non-Negotiable: You must wear secure, water-friendly shoes. This means no flip-flops or slides that can easily float away. Water shoes, strap-on sandals, or old sneakers are perfect. If you forget, they have Crocs and other shoes available for rent.

Dress for Wet and Dry: A swimsuit is the obvious base layer. Over that, wear quick-drying clothes like board shorts and a synthetic shirt. Here's the pro tip: wear a long-sleeve rash guard. It does double duty, protecting you from sun in open canals and providing surprising warmth in cool, shaded tunnels and on overcast days. Avoid cotton, which gets heavy and cold when wet.

What to Bring (and What to Leave)

The Essentials: Pack a towel and complete change of dry clothes for after the tour. You'll be glad you did. Also bring reef-safe sunscreen, as you'll get more sun than you think in open sections, and bug repellent, especially useful at the scenic overlook and picnic area.

Capturing the Moment: To take your own photos, a waterproof camera like a GoPro or smartphone in high-quality waterproof case with lanyard is a must.

Leave It or Store It: Don't bring valuables you aren't prepared to get wet. For your bags, towels, and change of clothes, the tour provides secure, dry storage boxes. You'll place your items in a box at the launch site. Guides will safely transport it to the exit point for you.

Show Your Aloha: The guides work incredibly hard to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable day. Bringing some cash for a tip is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for their efforts.

Best Time of Day to Float: The Great Debate

Visitors often ask whether a morning or afternoon tour is better. The truth is, there's no wrong answer, just different preferences.

The Verdict: Water temperature remains constant throughout the day. The experience inside tunnels—which is a majority of the float—is identical regardless of time, as it's always dark. The choice really comes down to whether you prefer cooler morning air or warmer afternoon sun.

Photo Strategy and Group Dynamics

Photos: While a professional photographer is on-site to capture moments (especially at one of the small waterfall drops), these photos are an additional purchase. For your own shots, the best lighting and scenery are at the Mt. Waiʻaleʻale overlook and in open canal sections.

Floating with Friends: During the main part of the float with faster currents and tunnels, resist the urge to hold onto your friends' or family's tubes. This can cause you to get stuck against walls or even flip. Guides are experts at wrangling the group and will help reunite you if you get separated. The final 15-20 minutes of the float are in a calmer, "lazy river" section where it's easy and encouraged to link up and float together to the end.

The Ultimate Mountain Tubing Checklist

What to Pack/Wear:

• • Secure Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)
• • Swimsuit & Quick-Dry Clothes
• • Long-Sleeve Rash Guard (Highly Recommended)
• • Towel
• • Full Change of Dry Clothes
• • Reef-Safe Sunscreen
• • Bug Repellent
• • Waterproof Camera/Phone Case
• • Cash for Tipping Guides

What's Provided by the Tour:

• • Inner Tube
• • Helmet with Headlamp
• • Gloves
• • Picnic Lunch & Bottled Water
• • Secure Dry Storage for Your Belongings
• • Expert Guides & Storytellers