hi again. apologies for popping up so frequently on the board but I'm trying to keep my questions specific so I hope you'll bear with me
so...my fella is interested in taking an atv tour, but he's an experienced rider and wants to make sure that we don't end up puttering along. (personally, I'm fine with puttering.) I read a post that recommended Kipu Adventure Tours over ATV Kauai because of the "attitude" at ATV Kauai. Were they unfriendly? Or did they set a too-fast pace (in which case they might be right for my fiance)?
Thanks, as always, for any tips.
LB

hedgey-wedgey, No need to apologize here. That's what the forum is for.

We did the ATVKauai 2 trips ago and had no problem with attitude.

Forrest and Lydia were excellent guides and the office help was a bit slow but still friendly. Hey. You're in Kauai.
Hang loose!
Mrs Kal and her Sis had no prob. operating or keeping up with the group.
My bro in law, OTOH. Long story...

We opened the bikes up a few times along the route. They did stop at steep up/down hill grades to warn and assist those who needed help in getting into a diff. gear.
We only talked to the people at Kipu and they were very friendly,too.

I'm a firm believer in "attitude karma" when it comes to traveling.
Ya get back what ya put out. o

We went with Kipu Ranch Adventures or whatever their name was and they were super also. This was just in March. Now your man is not gonna be able to hot rod it with either company, so if that is what he is looking for, it ain't gonna happen. We opened it up at the end of the ride. The scenery is so beautiful in Kauai you want to just putter along. Our tour guide was Frank (a fireman)and Puhono...who was also teriffic...Juliette drove the mule for those who didn't want to ride an ATV.
Just call them and talk to them before you go....they are more than happy to answer your questions....mainly because they want your money!
The only "attitude" I encountered on Kauai was the reservationists and money changers with Holoholo Charters. And, you know, we all have a bad day on occasion.....so just perhaps it was my attitude on that day....It was the day after my 50th birthday, so in fairness to the Holoholo people, maybe, just maybe, I could have had the attitude along with just a touch of the headache!!! .

iceeu2, ditto on the Holoholo people at check-in, pretty stony and I had to ask for the free T-shirts (we reserved online). What a marked contrast to the boat crew who were excellent without exception.

pspercy,
I also had to ask for the t-shirt and was given the what did I do to get a t-shirt(we booked online also)......Then, she would only give me 1 shirt for the 2 of us...Should have paid seperately. I didn't push it, but I do agree with you that the captain and crew were great. We did a sunset cruise on Maui once that was spectacular, not Napali, of course, but lots of good drinks and great pupus from start to finish(with a real stop to watch the sun set)....If you read my trip report you will see that Holoholo was my least favorite just because of the greeting (or lack of) from the beginning................The people at Kipu were just outstanding from the first call until we actually finished the tour........and then, I called back about 3 days later and Debbie went out of her way to get the name of a print that I had seen in their restroom.
.

I have to agree with the above posters, Kipu Ranch does a great job with the ATV tour. We did ours in Feb. 2002 and having never driven/ridden an ATV before they gave us a thorough safety course in operating the ATV. For those that did not feel up to operating the ATV they went on the tour chauffered in a Kawasaki Mule (suped up golf cart). A good time was had by all in a beautifull setting!

woohoo! Kal gave me a nickname! now I really feel like I'm going to kauai
I've forwarded my fella your posts so he can decide whether or not he wants to ATV. It sounds fun but, if I had to choose, I think I'd prefer horseback. Of course, he's never been on a horse so I guess it's all relative, eh?
Speaking of which, has anyone here ridden with Silver Falls Ranch? I believe they're based closer to the North Shore which might make them an easier option for us than those based out of the Poipu area.
Thanks to all!
Hedgey-wedgy

Hedgey-wedgie!
Reminded me of the 3 Stooges "Disorder in the Court". Couldn't resist! \/

The only time I tried an activity that required an "animal", other than Party Animal Mrs Kal, the gal on Molokai told me the mule can take me down the cliff but I gotta bring 'em back!

iceeu2, it's funny how a little and a little can adjust one's "atty-tood" while on vacation!
Mahalo,
Kal