Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Adventure with Guide

Summary

Kayak wailua river then hike to secret falls with local guide

You’ll paddle two miles up Kauai’s Wailua River by kayak with a local guide before hiking through rainforest trails (expect mud!) and crossing streams on foot. At Secret Falls, cool off beneath the spray and listen to island stories before heading back downstream—aching muscles but big smiles guaranteed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet the water felt, even though we’d barely left the dock on the Wailua River. Our guide, Malia, handed me a paddle that still smelled faintly of sunscreen and river mud — she grinned and said something about “earning our waterfall today.” The sun wasn’t harsh yet, just sort of soft around the edges, and there was this weird mix of plumeria and wet earth in the air. I remember thinking I’d never actually paddled anywhere for real before. My arms figured that out pretty quick.

We moved in this slow rhythm upstream, passing families fishing from half-sunk logs and one guy who waved at us with his paddle like he knew everyone on the river. The kayak part is no joke — it’s a couple miles each way — but Malia kept us distracted pointing out birds (she called one a ‘shama thrush’ but honestly it looked like a regular bird to me). When we finally pulled up to shore, my legs were kind of wobbly but I didn’t want to say anything. There’s this moment where you’re standing in thick mud trying not to lose your shoe, and you realize you’ve still got a hike ahead.

The trail was messier than I expected. It rained earlier that week so everything squished underfoot, and we had to cross streams that came up past my ankles — cold enough to wake you up if you weren’t already. Malia stopped every so often to point out wild ginger or some plant whose name I forgot as soon as she said it (sorry). She laughed when I tried to repeat “Uluwehi” — apparently my Hawaiian accent is hopeless. We passed another group heading back who looked tired but happy, shoes caked in red dirt.

Secret Falls isn’t really secret anymore but when you finally hear it crashing through all that green, it feels like you found something anyway. The spray hits your face before you see the whole thing — 120 feet high, just pouring down into this pool where people were already swimming or just staring up at it like they couldn’t believe they made it here either. I still think about how cold that water felt on my skin after all that heat and sweat. We sat there eating snacks from our packs while Malia told stories about old legends tied to the falls. Nobody wanted to leave right away. If I’m honest, my shoes never recovered from all that mud — but I’d do it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and hike to Secret Falls

• Arrive at exclusive kayak location
• Receive kayak equipment and guidance
• Paddle 2 miles upstream on Wailua River
• Secure kayaks on North Fork shore
• Begin 1.5 mile hike to waterfall
• Wade streams and traverse rainforest trails
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Reach 120-foot Uluwehi (Secret) Falls

Top questions

How long is the Secret Falls kayak and hike tour?

The tour includes a 4-mile round-trip paddle by kayak and a moderate 2-mile hike to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls.

Is equipment provided for the Kauai Secret Falls tour?

Yes, all kayaking equipment including kayaks, paddles, backrests, and personal flotation devices are provided.

How difficult is the Wailua River kayak & hike?

The adventure is moderate to strenuous; participants should be physically fit and comfortable paddling and hiking muddy trails.

Are guides included on this Secret Falls day trip?

Yes, knowledgeable local guides accompany you throughout both kayaking and hiking portions of the trip.

What should I wear for the Secret Falls hike?

Shoes with straps or secure fastenings are required; flip flops or crocs are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Can pregnant travelers join this Kauai waterfall tour?

No, pregnant individuals are advised not to participate due to health risks such as potential exposure to Leptospirosis.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; participants meet at an exclusive location by the river for equipment setup.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary kayaking gear—kayak, paddles, backrests, personal flotation devices—and a friendly local guide who’ll set everything up for you at their private riverside spot before leading both your paddle upstream and muddy rainforest trek to Secret Falls.