Waterfall Rappel in Lihue, Kauai: Two Falls, 4 Hours

Descend two waterfalls and fund their protection in one morning.

Rappel down two waterfalls—a 30-foot drop at Bamboo Falls and a 60-foot descent at Papakolea Falls—on Kauai's protected Hule'ia River, with certified instructors, safety briefing and practice wall included. The activity runs 4 hours and takes groups of fewer than a dozen. Part of every ticket supports conservation of the 241-acre National Wildlife Refuge where you rappel.

The Experience

The day starts with a safety briefing and a hands-on practice rappel on a dry wall, so you learn the technique before you're anywhere near moving water. Once you're ready, you hike under the canopy to reach Bamboo Falls—a 30-foot cascade where you clip in and descend past the water itself. The second waterfall, Papakolea Falls, runs 60 feet and comes next. Between rappels and after, you refuel at snack and water stations while taking in the views of the Hule'ia Watershed and Ha'upu Mountain range spreading out below.

All the gear comes with you: helmet, harness, and water shoes (tabis) that grip the wet rock. The guides are certified and stay with your group throughout. You'll need moderate fitness and a weight between 70 and 250 pounds; minimum age is 12. The whole outing is four hours from start to finish.

Every ticket includes a conservation fee that goes directly to habitat restoration and wildlife protection on the refuge. You're not just rappelling—you're funding the place you're rappelling in.

What’s included

• Guided rappel tour with certified instructors.
• helmets, harness and water shoes.
• safety briefing and practice rappel on a dry wall.
• snacks and water stations.
• juice and water throughout the day.
• conservation fee supporting the Hule'ia National Wildlife Refuge.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Da Life Outdoors

Is this one for you?You get two waterfall rappels and the knowledge that you're funding their protection—the small group size and certified guides make the adrenaline manageable, so the focus stays on the waterfalls and the watershed itself rather than the logistics of getting down them.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two waterfalls I'll rappel?

Bamboo Falls is a 30-foot drop where you descend past cascading water; Papakolea Falls is 60 feet and comes second, so you've already practiced on the smaller one before you tackle the taller descent.

Do I need rappelling experience to book this?

No experience is required. You get a full safety briefing and a practice session on a dry wall before you approach either waterfall, so the guides teach you everything on the day.

What happens if I'm not sure I can do the 60-foot waterfall?

You complete the 30-foot Bamboo Falls first, which gives you a real sense of the rappel and your own comfort level. The guides work with you and can adjust the experience based on how you feel after the first descent.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included with this activity. You'll meet the group at the tour location in Lihue.

What does the conservation fee support?

Part of every ticket funds ongoing habitat restoration and wildlife protection efforts in the 241-acre Hule'ia National Wildlife Refuge where you rappel.

How long is the whole activity?

The activity runs 4 hours total, including the safety briefing, practice wall, both waterfall rappels, and snack breaks between descents.