LIHUE TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Kilohana by Rail: A 40‑Minute Ride Through Kauai’s Orchard‑Filled Plantation
A 40-minute Signature Train Tour on restored 1948 General Electric diesel locomotives that winds through Kilohana’s gardens and fields and includes a farm stop where you can feed animals—this guide explains what to expect.
Kilohana by Rail: A 40‑Minute Ride Through Kauai’s Orchard‑Filled Plantation.
The Signature Train Tour at Kilohana begins at an authentic Hawaiian train depot and unfolds like a chapter from Kauai’s plantation past: diesel narrow‑gauge locomotives emerge from the jungle, wooden cars offer framed views of gardens in bloom, and the route threads through banana, papaya, pineapple and taro fields and an orchard of more than 25 fruit varieties.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Vintage 1948 General Electric Diesels
The railway runs two 1948, 25‑ton General Electric diesel‑electric locomotives—the same type once used in the island’s sugarcane fields—giving the ride an authentic, working‑rail feel.
A Passage Through Working Orchards and Tropical Plantings
The train rolls past gardens in bloom and through fields of banana, papaya, pineapple and taro, alongside native and exotic hardwoods and Kilohana’s fruit orchard boasting over 25 varieties.
Disembark to Meet Farm Animals
Well into the plantation the train pauses so passengers can disembark and spend time feeding pigs, goats, sheep and the friendly donkey Stiney—a hands‑on finish to a short, interpretive run.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
Check in at the stationmaster’s desk inside the Hawaiian train depot, linger in the depot gift shop, then step onto a wooden platform as the locomotive appears from the jungle. The ride—offered in enclosed, hand‑finished wood cars or an open‑sided excursion car—moves past fruit trees and working fields while a local conductor narrates plantation history, crop varieties and equipment before the train stops deeper on the farm for a supervised animal feeding.
THE ENGINE
Vintage 1948 General Electric Diesels
The railway runs two 1948, 25‑ton General Electric diesel‑electric locomotives—the same type once used in the island’s sugarcane fields—giving the ride an authentic, working‑rail feel.
THE ROUTE
A Passage Through Working Orchards and Tropical Plantings
The train rolls past gardens in bloom and through fields of banana, papaya, pineapple and taro, alongside native and exotic hardwoods and Kilohana’s fruit orchard boasting over 25 varieties.
THE FARM STOP
Disembark to Meet Farm Animals
Well into the plantation the train pauses so passengers can disembark and spend time feeding pigs, goats, sheep and the friendly donkey Stiney—a hands‑on finish to a short, interpretive run.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short historic rail outing suits best—and what to know about age and local rates.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
There’s no specialized equipment required. Enclosed, hand‑finished wood cars are available for sheltered viewing; an open‑sided excursion car is offered if you prefer an open‑air experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Signature Train Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Where do I check in for the train?
Check in with the stationmaster at the authentic Hawaiian train depot and you can browse the Train Depot Gift Shop before boarding.
Can I get out and feed the animals?
Yes—the train stops well into the plantation to allow passengers to disembark and feed pigs, goats, sheep and the donkey Stiney.
Are there different seating options?
Yes—rides are offered in enclosed, wood‑finished cars, and there is an open‑sided excursion car option for a more open‑air experience.
What are the ticket rates and are there discounts for locals?
Rates are tiered by age with senior, adult and child fares, and Kamaʻāina adult and child fares are offered; Kamaʻāina must present Hawaii ID to receive the reduced rate.
Are infants free?
Infants under 3 ride free.