Kauai: Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike with Pickup

Paddle, hike, and find the waterfall locals know about

You paddle up the Wailua River with a local guide, pass through historic Hawaiian waters, then hike through rainforest to a 120-foot cascade. The tour includes kayak, life jacket, snacks, water, and shuttle pickup from Coconut Marketplace: no parking fees, no experience required. Plan for a moderate day: 4 miles of paddling and 2.5 miles of hiking on uneven, often muddy terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and hike to Secret Falls

• Check in at Coconut Marketplace kiosk
• Kayak two miles up Wailua River
• Pass through Kamokila Village
• Hike moderate trail to Uluwehi Falls
• Enjoy views of 120-foot waterfall
• Kayak back to starting point

The experience

Hands grip the paddle, feet settle into the kayak, and the river opens up ahead, but it's your guide who's already reading the current, pointing out the route that avoids the afternoon wind. The Wailua River kayak and hike adventure on Kauai starts at Coconut Marketplace, where you check in beneath the water tower and skip the whole parking scramble. A shuttle takes you to the marina, and from there the real day begins: a two-mile paddle up the only navigable river on the island, moving through water that's been traveled for over 1,500 years. Your guide shares stories of early Hawaiians as you pass Kamokila Village and head toward the north fork, and the whole thing feels less like a tour and more like someone who knows the river showing you around.

After you paddle back to solid ground, the hike starts: 2.5 miles round trip through rainforest on a trail that's mostly boardwalk but gets muddy depending on recent rain. The path winds through tropical foliage, crosses gentle streams, and climbs toward Uluwehi Falls, where 120 feet of water drops down a volcanic cliff. It's not a sprint. The pace is moderate, and your guide is state-certified with lifeguard and CPR training, so you're moving with someone who knows what they're doing. The hike takes you through uneven terrain, which is why they ask that you have at least moderate fitness and wear water shoes or hiking sandals. Your feet will get wet, and that's part of it.

Everything else is handled. Dry bags, coolers, snacks, water, granola bars, trail mix. It all comes with you. State park parking is included, so there's no fee at the gate. Morning departures are timed for the best river conditions, which means you avoid the wind and rain that roll in later. The whole experience runs from check-in to return, and the only thing you need to bring is the willingness to paddle 4 miles total and hike through a wet rainforest to see a waterfall most people never find.

What’s included

Double sit-on-top ocean kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (life jacket), water-resistant dry bag, cooler, bottled water, snacks (granola bars, chips, cookies, trail mix), state-certified guide with lifeguard and CPR training, shuttle transportation from Coconut Marketplace to the marina, and state park parking fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guided river tour at 7:45 amGuide in English · Available from 1 Oct 2027Six-hour guided tour of the Wailua River with a hike to Uluwehi (Secret) Waterfall

Guided river tour at 8:45 amGuide in English · Available from 1 Oct 2027Check-in at 8:45 am for the guided six-hour Wailua River kayak and hike to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Oct 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kayak Adventures, Inc.

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to paddle and hike without arranging parking or transport: the shuttle and included fees handle that. Expect a moderate day: 4 miles of paddling and 2.5 miles of hiking on uneven, often muddy terrain, which is what gets you to the waterfall most visitors miss.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need kayak experience?

No. The guide will help you find the best route and pace. You need moderate fitness and the ability to paddle 4 miles total and hike 2.5 miles through uneven terrain.

What's included in the tour?

Double kayak, life jacket, dry bag, paddle, cooler, water, snacks (granola bars, chips, cookies, trail mix), guide, and shuttle from Coconut Marketplace. State park parking is also included.

What should I wear?

Water shoes, hiking sandals like Tevas or Keens, or sneakers. Your feet will get wet and muddy on the trail. Bring a change of clothes or a towel for after.

Who shouldn't do this tour?

Not recommended for pregnant travelers (though those up to 20 weeks can call to discuss), people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, bad backs, knee issues, or recent surgeries.

Where do I check in?

At the kiosk located at Coconut Marketplace beneath the water tower. A shuttle will take you to the marina from there.