Kauai Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls: guided Wailua River tour
Paddle upriver and hike to a 100-foot waterfall, then swim in the pool beneath it.
This guided kayaking and hiking tour on Kauai takes you up the Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls), a 100-foot waterfall where you swim and rest. A professional guide leads the five-hour outing, sharing Hawaiian history and legends as you paddle sacred waterways and hike through forest terrain. The tour includes all gear, a dry bag for your phone, and snacks at the falls; you'll need moderate fitness and secure hiking shoes, and the tour departs immediately after check-in with no late arrivals allowed.
5h
Step-by-step itinerary
Kayak and hike to Secret Falls
- Check in at location
- Arrive at marina
- Kayak on Wailua River
- Hike through tropical forest
- Swim and relax at Secret Falls
The Experience
You start at the Wailua River marina and paddle a kayak upriver through some of Kauai's most sacred waterways. The guide shares myths, legends and Hawaiian history as you move through the valley, pointing out the landscape and the stories it holds. The paddling portion gets you to the trailhead where the hiking begins.
From there you hike approximately two miles through rocky, muddy and slippery forest terrain to reach Uluwehi Falls. The 100-foot waterfall drops into a pool where you can swim, take photos and rest with snacks the guide provides. This is where most of the five hours goes—the paddle, the hike, and the time at the falls itself.
The tour caps at a small group size due to state regulations, which is why it sells out frequently. You'll need to bring water, wear shoes that stay on your feet (no flip-flops), and pack a swimsuit, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A dry bag is provided for cameras or phones that aren't waterproof. Departures run at 7:00 AM or 12:45 PM, and the tour leaves right after check-in—arriving late means you won't go.
What’s included
- Professional guide sharing Hawaiian history and legends.
- all kayaking and hiking activities.
- backpack-style dry bag for phones and cameras.
- snacks at the waterfall.
- use of kayak and paddle.
Operated by Duke's Kayak Adventures
Is this one for you?Paddle through sacred waterways with a guide who shares the river's myths and legends—the smaller group means you'll experience the lush valley and falls without the crowds of larger tours.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
What's the hike like to Secret Falls on this Kauai tour?
The hike to Uluwehi Falls covers approximately two miles through rocky, muddy and slippery terrain. You'll need moderate physical fitness and secure hiking shoes; the terrain is uneven and wet, so flip-flops won't work. The hike is part of the five-hour tour, which also includes paddling time and time swimming at the waterfall pool.
Can I bring my phone or camera on the kayaking part of this tour?
Yes. The tour includes a backpack-style dry bag so you can protect a phone or camera that isn't waterproof during the paddle and hike. Waterproof bags or cases are recommended for any electronics you want to use at the waterfall.
What time does the Kauai kayak and hike tour depart?
Two departure times are available: 7:00 AM or 12:45 PM. The tour departs immediately after check-in, so no late arrivals are permitted—you must be there and ready to go at your chosen time.
Is lunch included on this Secret Falls tour?
Lunch is not included. The tour provides snacks at the waterfall, and you should bring plenty of water and any additional food you want for the five-hour outing. A Hawaii State Park fee of $5 per person plus $10 per car is also paid separately at the river.
What's included in the cost of this Kauai kayaking and hiking tour?
The tour includes a professional guide, all kayaking and hiking activities, use of a backpack-style dry bag, and snacks at the falls. All taxes and fees are covered in the price. You pay the Hawaii State Park fee separately ($5 per person, $10 per car).
Who can do this kayak and hike tour on Kauai?
Participants must be between 13 and 69 years old and in good physical condition with at least moderate fitness. The tour is not recommended for anyone with recent knee, ankle or back injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or open wounds. You'll be paddling and hiking two miles over uneven terrain, so fitness matters.
Kauai Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls: guided Wailua River tour
5h · EN
from US$ 150 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.841,485 reviews
