Hawaii (Big Island) Sports & Outdoors Tips by M0B1US

Flumin Da Ditch!

'Flumin' da Ditch' was a local children's pastime of riding the sugar cane plantations irrigation channels for fun on the hot Hawai'ian days, with the added excitement of trying not to get caught by the plantation owners...

Situated in the lush Kohala peninsula at the north of the island, a company of the same name has brought this exciting adventure sport up to date for all the family by organising kayaking tours of a 3.5 mile stretch of the historic 22.5 mile Kohala Sugar Plantation irrigation system.

After all the amazing hospitality that Mike had shown us, we thought it was the least we could do to take him on this!

The trip starts with orientation and safety before a 4WD journey across country to the system during which we were regaled with tales of giant wild boars roaming the area!

I volunteered as 'captain' of our canoe, which meant doing most of the paddling (though aided by a slight downward gradient) and warning of low ceilings in the dark tunnels that we were about to enter...

Truly as you clamber into the canoes and set off, it feels as though you are embarking on an Indiana Jones style adventure as you are quickly immersed into a world of tunnels bored into the rock, wooden aqueducts across deep ravines against a backdrop of pristine rainforest - every so often another channel would dump a torrent of freezing water from above just to add to the adrenaline pumping through your veins! But hey it was a welcome relief from the humidity on an already very wet day!

What fantastic fun with a great bunch of guides and fellow passengers!

They also do Humvee cross country tours!

Equipment: You are supplied with a life vest, waterproof jacket, paddle and light - as well as a place in a canoe! ;-)

You should also get yourself some 'water socks' (little rubberised shoes) which are great for looking after your feet in water and keeping them out of harm's way!

Directions: Make your way to the Kohala Peninsula town of Hawi. MAP

Other Contact: TollFree (877) 449-6922

Phone: (808) 889-6922

Theme: Kayaking/Canoeing

Website: http://www.flumindaditch.com/flumin.html