Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic on Kauai

Paddle, hike and swim at a hidden waterfall without arranging the logistics

Kayak up Kauai's sacred Wailua River in a two-person tandem kayak with a guide, then hike through the rain forest to 100-foot Uluwehi Falls for a swim and picnic lunch. The outing runs 5.5 hours with groups capped at 12 people, and includes the kayak, paddles, dry bag, lunch, water and juice. Minimum age is 5; the hike is moderately strenuous and typically muddy, and the paddle covers roughly 2 miles each way.

The Experience

Five and a half hours starts with a paddle up the Wailua River in a premium tandem kayak—the kind with high-back seats and foot-controlled rudders so you steer without fighting the current. Your guide shares Hawaiian legends and cultural history as you pass jungle landscapes and move deeper into the valley. The paddle takes 60 to 90 minutes each way, and the river itself is the route: you're on water the whole time, not walking to a boat or waiting for a shuttle.

Once you beach the kayak, the hike begins—roughly a mile through muddy rain forest to Uluwehi Falls. The trail is moderately strenuous and wet underfoot, so bring footwear with aggressive tread that can handle water (Teva-type sandals or aqua socks work). When you reach the 100-foot waterfall, you swim in the pool beneath it, then eat lunch on the rocks: a turkey sandwich, carrots, a brownie, cold spring water and juice. The guide stays with the group throughout, and groups stay small—no more than 12 people, usually closer to 8.

The outfitter provides the kayak, paddles, dry bag to protect your belongings, and all the food and water. You bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and a waterproof camera if you want one. Children as young as 5 can go if a parent or guardian is with them. The minimum departure is 4 passengers; tours run most days, though the operator will confirm your date when you book.

What’s included

• Deluxe two-person tandem kayak with high-back seats and foot-controlled rudder.
• dry bag to protect your belongings.
• picnic lunch of turkey sandwich, carrots and brownie.
• cold spring water and juices.
• expert guide who shares Hawaiian legends and cultural insights.
• small group capped at 12 people.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Outfitters Kauai

Is this one for you?The tour launches from Wailua Marina, so you need your own transport there—no hotel pickup. If you're staying elsewhere on Kauai without a rental car, arrange a ride in advance or budget for a taxi; once you arrive at the marina, the guide handles the rest of the day, from the paddle route to the hike timing to the lunch setup, so the whole outing holds together without you building it.

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Top questions

What is the Wailua River like to paddle?

The Wailua River is a sacred waterway once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, and the paddle covers roughly 2 miles each way through jungle landscapes. The tandem kayaks have high-back seats and foot-controlled rudders, so steering is manageable even if you've never paddled before; the journey takes 60 to 90 minutes in each direction.

How difficult is the hike to Uluwehi Falls?

The hike to Uluwehi Falls is moderately strenuous, roughly a mile each way through muddy rain forest. Footwear with aggressive tread that can get wet—like Teva sandals or aqua socks—is essential, and the trail is typically slick underfoot.

What's included in the lunch at the waterfall?

Lunch at Uluwehi Falls includes a turkey sandwich, carrots, a brownie, cold spring water and juice. The menu is subject to change without notice, and you eat on the rocks beside the 100-foot waterfall after your swim.

Can children do this activity?

Children can join if they're at least 5 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the kayak, hike and swim. The guide stays with the group the whole time.

How many people go on each trip?

Groups are capped at 12 people maximum, with one guide for every 8 to 12 paddlers. A minimum of 4 passengers is required for the tour to depart.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the river?

Yes—you'll need to get yourself to Wailua Marina, where the kayaks launch. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport or arrange a rental car. Beginning February 15, 2026, non-residents pay a $5 per-person entrance fee and $10 per vehicle at the marina.