Kauai: Wailua River Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls Tour

Summary

Kayak wailua river hike secret falls with local stories

You’ll paddle along Kauai’s sacred Wailua River with a small group and local guide, then hike through rainforest trails (muddy but worth it) to reach Secret Falls for swimming or just soaking up the view. Expect friendly stories, real snacks, and those little moments—like slipping in red mud or hearing Hawaiian songs drift across the water—that make it stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

My arms were already feeling it by the time we rounded that first bend on the Wailua River — I guess I underestimated how much work tandem kayaking can be when you’re out of sync. Our guide, Keoki, just grinned and told us to “let the river set your pace.” I tried, but my paddle kept splashing more than it should’ve. The water smelled kind of earthy, and there was this low hum from somewhere in the trees. We floated past another group who were singing something in Hawaiian — sounded like a lullaby. It made me wish I knew the words.

After maybe an hour (I lost track), we pulled up to a muddy bank and stashed the kayaks. Keoki handed out these dry bags that actually fit my ridiculous sandwich lunch and phone. The trail started off easy but got squishier fast — red mud everywhere, and roots that seemed to grab at your shoes if you weren’t paying attention. Someone slipped (okay, it was me), and Keoki just laughed and said “that’s Kauai’s handshake.” There was this weirdly sweet smell from some white flowers hanging over the path; I still don’t know what they were called.

The sound of Secret Falls hit us before we saw it — not loud exactly, but steady, almost like static on an old radio. When we finally stepped into the clearing, sunlight bounced off everything green and wet. Some folks went straight for the pool under the falls; I sat on a rock for a minute just watching mist drift through sunbeams. My sandwich tasted better than usual after all that hiking (maybe mud is an appetite booster?). We had about half an hour there — not enough to get bored, just enough to feel like you’d earned it.

I left with mud caked up my calves and one sandal slightly chewed by rocks, but honestly? That view of Secret Falls sticks with me more than any photo could have. If you go, bring extra water and don’t wear anything you care about keeping clean. And try to paddle in sync — or just laugh when you can’t.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 100-foot waterfall
• Enjoy snacks and take pictures

Top questions

How long is the kayak & hike tour to Secret Falls?

The kayaking takes about an hour each way, plus a two-mile round-trip hike through muddy terrain.

Is lunch included on this Kauai kayak tour?

No lunch is provided—bring your own snacks or sandwiches for the break at Secret Falls.

What should I wear for kayaking & hiking Wailua River?

Wear secure shoes (no flip flops), comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and bring swimwear if you want to swim at Secret Falls.

Are there age or health restrictions for this tour?

Yes—participants must be between 13-69 years old and in good physical condition without recent knee, ankle or back injuries.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kauai adventure?

No hotel pickup—the tour starts at a marina check-in location near Wailua River.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered up front, use of backpack-style dry bags for your stuff during both kayaking and hiking portions, plus a professional local guide who shares stories along the way—you’ll need to bring your own snacks and plenty of water though!