While out riding, I really...
While out riding, I really enjoyed stopping to pick some fresh fruit to revive our energy levels.
Kipu Ranch is nestled deep inside a 3000-acre property that extends from the Huleia River to the top of Mount Haupu. One of the cool things to know about this property is that it's been home to many major movies due to its extremely unique beauty and vibrant vegetation- most notably films like Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. And after seeing this place for myself, it's totally understandable as to why they would choose this as a filming location. It's probably one of the most colorful, lush and unique places (while being accessible) on the planet. Kipu Ranch actually looks like a foreign land. You know, a world that you might only see in the movies. Go figure.
As we began gearing up and preparing for our ride, we got a big surprise. Paul Maderas, who just happens to be Hawaii's top ATV Motocross Champion, showed up and decided to ride with us for the day. What a great guy! After talking to him, we decided that we'd have to get back to Hawaii sometime in the near future to check out its fast-growing motocross scene. But until then, we'd be tackling the ranch with Paul on utility ATVs and side-by-sides. For people who are interested in touring the ranch, two types of vehicles are offered: you can ride a two-up Can-Am 400 or a Yamaha Rhino 660 that seats up to four. These machines are practically brand-new and are kept in mint condition by the ranch mechanics. Before they let you go, you'll also have to show off your skills to the staff so that they can judge your experience level as a rider. Any training that's needed will be performed just before you head out on the trails.
Antone gave us the quick rundown on the pretraining program, and then we set off for one of the most amazing rides ever. Right off the bat, the scenery left me speechless as it opened up into huge pastures with rolling hills surrounded by awesome mountain ranges. These mountains are so tall that their caps disappeared into the eerie, dark clouds above our heads. Unlike our first few days on the island, we were experiencing a good bit of rain this day. When most people think of Hawaii, they think of continuous sunshine. But the fact is, this kind of beauty and vibrant color is made possible by large amounts of rain. In fact, Kauai receives more than 400 inches of rain every year, which makes it one of the wettest places on earth. But it was no problem for us as we had the option of four-wheel-drive. And this is yet another great reason to explore this island aboard ATVs. There was only one negative about the whole experience. Where there is wet weather, there are mosquitoes-and lots of them. I've never had so many red bumps on my body in my life. So an important note to self, don't forget the insect repellent, or you'll surely regret it!
No matter where we were in...
No matter where we were in Kauai, wildlife walked freely and could be found around just about every corner.
All of a sudden, Antone makes a hard right off the main trail that we'd been on. As we all followed, we left the wide-open landscapes and began entering tight, winding trails that were canopied by strange but beautiful vegetation. It became fairly dark as all of the trees and vines began blocking off the sunlight. It was as if we were riding inside of a cave formed from a variety of colorful plants and trees. This place looked exactly like Jurassic Park, and it was almost creepy thinking that some raptor might leap from behind a tree and snatch us up. It also proved to be one of the more difficult trails that we'd seen on the ranch with slippery roots, nasty off-cambers and ledges that you'd never want to ride off of. The riding was just absolutely incredible! As we continued along, we came across wild boar, herds of cows and even a few little piglets. There was always something interesting to see around each corner.
 Antone Teves, owner of Kipu...  Antone Teves, owner of Kipu Ranch Tours, enjoys showing off the real Hawaii for us mainlanders. |  As you can see, people from...  As you can see, people from all over the country have traveled long distances to ride at Kipu Ranch. |  We were lucky enough to score...  We were lucky enough to score a tour of Princeville Ranch with Karin Guest aboard her trusty ole Kawasaki Mule. |