Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike: Kauai

Paddle upriver, then walk to water you can swim in

Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike is a 5-hour activity on Kauai combining river paddling in a double kayak, a rainforest hike with stream crossings, and swimming at the base of a 120-foot waterfall, with lunch and all gear provided. The guide is state-certified in water safety. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the pace is unhurried. You set the paddle speed and the hike follows the trail at your own rhythm.

The experience

You start on the Wailua River, one of Hawaii's two most sacred places, paddling a sit-on-top kayak upstream at whatever pace suits you. The river is calm and the paddling is the kind that lets you look around: at the rainforest closing in on both sides, at the water itself. After the paddle, you beach the kayak and begin the hike to the waterfall. The trail is a greenhouse of flowers, ferns and brooks, but the ground is uneven and muddy in places, with stream crossings where the water moves. Walking sticks help with balance. The hike is not long, but it demands steady footing and a moderate level of fitness.

The waterfall appears as a bridal-veil drop of 120 feet into a pool deep enough to swim in. You get time in the water before heading back down the trail. The whole outing takes five hours from start to finish. Your guide is state-certified and trained in water safety. They carry a radio and know the river and trail by season and by weather. You wear a personal flotation device on the water. A water-resistant bag keeps your phone and keys dry.

Lunch is a fresh deli sandwich (turkey, ham, salami, veggie or peanut butter and jelly, chosen when you book) plus Hawaiian chips, a fresh-baked cookie and cut pineapple. Cold filtered water is available at the store before you depart, and you can bring your own bottle to refill. Bring sun protection, a light shirt, bathing suit, towel and a change of clothes. Footwear matters: aqua shoes, teva sandals or tennis shoes work. Flip-flops and crocs do not. The guide reserves the right to refuse service to anyone with obvious physical limitations that would make the paddle or hike unsafe.

What’s included

• Double sit-on-top kayak and paddle.
• personal flotation device.
• water-resistant bag for your gear.
• state-certified guide trained in water safety.
• walking sticks for the rainforest hike.
• fresh deli sandwich in your choice of turkey, ham, salami, veggie or PBJ.
• Hawaiian chips, fresh-baked cookie and cut pineapple.
• cold filtered water at the store location before departure.

Options for this experience

4 options

11:30 amGuide in English · 11:30

1:00 PMGuide in English · 12:45

7:45 AMGuide in English · 07:45

9:00AMGuide in English · 09:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 07:45, 09:00, 11:30 and 12:45

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by DBA: Kayak Kauai

Is this one for you?The 5-hour commitment and moderate physical demands (paddling, hiking on muddy uneven ground with stream crossings, and swimming) suit active travelers comfortable in water and on a trail. The fixed departure times mean you choose the morning or afternoon slot that works for your Kauai itinerary, and the guide handles the route and safety so you focus on paddling and hiking.

Traveler reviews

4.76★★★★★★★★★★

825 verified traveler reviews

5 ★720

4 ★55

3 ★23

2 ★9

1 ★18

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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.

What time does the Wailua River kayak and waterfall hike depart?

The activity offers four departure times: 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 11:30 AM. You choose the time that fits your day when you book.

Is the Wailua River paddle difficult if I've never kayaked before?

The Wailua River paddle is calm and you control the pace. It is not whitewater or a race. The river is the part most travelers find peaceful. The hike to the waterfall is what demands fitness: uneven ground, muddy patches, stream crossings and a moderate level of physical capability are required.

What's included in the lunch on this Kauai activity?

Lunch includes a fresh deli sandwich in your choice of turkey, ham, salami, veggie or peanut butter and jelly; Hawaiian assorted chips; a fresh-baked cookie; and cut pineapple. Vegan and gluten-free requests can be accommodated if you note them when you book. Cold filtered water is provided at the store before departure.

Do I need to bring my own kayak or gear for the Wailua River paddle?

No. The activity includes a double sit-on-top kayak, personal flotation device (life preserver), water-resistant bag for your belongings, walking sticks for the hike, and a state-certified guide trained in water safety. You bring sun protection, a bathing suit, towel, change of clothes and proper footwear: aqua shoes, tevas or tennis shoes. No flip-flops or crocs.

What should I know about the waterfall hike trail conditions?

The trail to the 120-foot waterfall is muddy in places, with uneven surfaces and moving stream crossings. The ground can be slippery. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and steady footing. Walking sticks are provided. The guide has the right to refuse service to anyone with knee, ankle, hip, shoulder or wrist injuries, or other physical limitations that would make the hike unsafe.