Kauai: Wailua River Kayak Rental & Secret Falls Hike

Paddle to Secret Falls: Kauai's Wailua River at Your Own Pace

You paddle Kauai's only navigable river on your own schedule, with equipment and loading help included; hike through jungle to Secret Falls and swim in the pool; transport the kayak on your car with assistance from the shop located just two minutes from the launch point; and spend four to five hours exploring at whatever pace suits you, with no guide or group to keep up with.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak Wailua River and visit Secret Falls

• Pick up kayak rental equipment
• Load kayak onto vehicle with assistance
• Drive 2 minutes to river launch point
• Receive quick orientation and safety tips
• Paddle along calm Wailua River
• Hike through jungle to Secret Falls
• Swim and relax at Secret Falls
• Return by paddling back to launch point

The experience

Picture this: a narrow kayak cutting through dark water, jungle walls rising on both sides, the sound of the paddle the only thing between you and the river. That's the Wailua River on Kauai, the only navigable river in Hawaii, and it's waiting for you to move through it at whatever speed feels right. The rental shop sits just two minutes from the launch point, which means you load your kayak, get a quick orientation, and you're on the water before the morning gets crowded. They handle the loading assistance, walk you through the basics, and then it's yours: four to five hours to paddle, explore, and find your rhythm.

The real draw is the hike to Secret Falls. After paddling the calm stretch of river, you beach the kayak and walk into the jungle, lush, green, dripping. The trail isn't long, but it's real jungle, and when you reach the falls, there's a pool deep enough to swim in. People sit under the spray, float on their backs, or just stand there letting the water run over them. It's the kind of moment that feels private even when you're not alone. You set the pace the whole way: no guide narrating, no group waiting for stragglers, no schedule except the one you make.

The logistics are straightforward because the outfit is local and licensed. You transport the kayak on your own car (they help you rig it, and it works with most vehicles), and they provide everything else: the kayak itself, life vest, dry bag, and the knowledge to feel confident before you push off. There's a small state park entrance fee for non-residents, but that's separate from the rental. If you're booking a double kayak, you buy two tickets, one per person. The age range is 12 to 70, and they're clear about what they need from you: moderate fitness, a willingness to paddle, and no serious spinal or cardiovascular concerns. It's self-guided, which means you're not following a guide's pace or listening to a script, but you're also not figuring it out alone: the staff sets you up to succeed.

Book early if you can, especially in high season. The shop fills up, and since you're controlling your own departure time, an early slot means you hit the river before the afternoon heat settles in. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera in that dry bag. The Wailua River doesn't require a tour operator's permission to move through it at your own pace: that freedom is the whole point.

What’s included

• Single or double kayak.
• life vest.
• dry bag.
• equipment to transport kayak on your car.
• loading assistance.
• expert instruction and orientation before launch.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kauai SUP

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to explore Kauai's river and waterfall without a guide dictating the pace. You control the timing and rhythm, and the shop handles the logistics so you don't have to arrange transport or worry about equipment.

Traveler reviews

4.33★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 my own car to rent a kayak on Wailua River?

Yes. You transport the kayak on your vehicle, but the rental shop assists with loading and the setup works with most cars, including convertibles.

What is included in the kayak rental?

The rental includes the kayak (single or double), life vest, dry bag, equipment to secure the kayak to your car, and a quick orientation before you launch.

How long does the full Wailua River and Secret Falls experience take?

Most guests spend 4–5 hours total, including paddling the river and hiking to Secret Falls.

Is there an entrance fee for Wailua River State Park?

Non-residents must pay a small entrance fee at the state park. Residents of Hawaii do not.

What age can kayak on Wailua River?

The age requirement is 12–70 years old for safety reasons.

Can I book a double kayak?

Yes. Double kayaks are available. You book two tickets (one per person) for a double kayak.

How far is the rental shop from the river launch point?

The shop is the closest rental location to Wailua River, just a 2-minute drive from the launch point.

Is the hike to Secret Falls difficult?

The hike is through jungle terrain but not long. Moderate physical fitness is recommended for the full kayak and hike experience.