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Secret Falls Tour by Kayak Adventures Kauai, HI

Coconut Marketplace • Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746

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Guests are paddling in their bright yellow kayak in the majestic Wailua River.

A picturesque aerial view of the Wailua River.

Four kayaks and guests paddling on the water making their way to Wailua River.

The tour guide is briefing the guests before their Secret Falls Kayak Tour and Hiking Adventure begins.

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Overview

Enjoy three fun-filled experiences in one with Kayak Adventures of Wailua River in Kauai — a must-do while visiting Hawaii. Paddle the Wailua River, hike through a lush rainforest and get up close to a 125-foot waterfall, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and an official photographer.

up to 6 hrs

Good To Know

Paddle 2 miles each way along the serene Wailua River (4 miles roundtrip).
Hike 1 mile each way through lush rainforest to Secret Falls (2 miles roundtrip).
Swim in the refreshing pool beneath a 120-foot waterfall.
Learn about Hawaiian history, culture, flora, and fauna from expert guides.
Suitable for ages 5 and up; moderate physical fitness recommended.
Expect muddy, slippery trail conditions; secure, water-friendly footwear is essential.
Tour duration is approximately 6 hours.
Includes snacks, bottled water, and dry bags for personal items.

Description

Aloha! Welcome to the Wailua River’s most popular tour. Paddle the majestic Wailua River, which is the only navigable river in Hawaii. This peaceful river winds through a tropical garden paradise of abundant palms, ferns, flowers and wildlife.

Paddle past Kamokila Village, where the opening scene from the movie, “Outbreak,” was filmed. It is also a cultural village depicting the Hawaiian civilization back in the 17th century.

Soon you will come to the North Fork where you will paddle leisurely through the Garden Isle’s most beautiful jungle river until you come to the trail head for Secret Falls. Enjoy a moderate 1 mile hike through the Wailua rainforest, original home of the first Hawaiians, who paddled from the Marquesas Islands to Kauai almost 1500 years ago. Hear the legends and learn about the flora and fauna of Kauai’s most sacred area.

The final portion of your hike is to the enchanting Uluwehi Waterfall, which descends 125’ into a natural pool surrounded by rocks and vegetation. Take a refreshing dip and play in the pool which was once only reserved for a king!

This is the only tour company on the Wailua River that does not conduct afternoon tours! This enables us to take our time with you and truly enjoy the day without rushing back to conduct another tour.

History of the Wailua River
The sacred Wailua was the land of Ali’i (kings) and was the epicenter of royal power on the island. This region hosted the political, religious and social centers of Kauai’s chiefs. Therefore it was deemed kapu (forbidden) for anyone to enter if they were not of royal descent. The Wailua Complex of Heiaus is a National Historic Landmark, located on the hillside above the Wailua River.

Promotional Images (14)

After the kayak is done, guests will start their hike through the trail going to the secret waterfalls.

Guest is wearing her most comfortable footwear great for trail.

An aerial view of the kayaks making a mini stop to enjoy and getting soaked in the Wailua River.

Guests are hiking through the trail going to the secret waterfalls.

Kayak Adventures in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii

Secret Falls Kayak Tour and Hiking Adventure Reviews

Based on 1,086 reviews

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T2857JQjorgez

"First Time, But Certainly Not Last"

Reviewed July 11, 2025 NEW

This was an incredible first-time-kayak. As a Latinx man who is typically afraid of open-water, this was not as scary as your mind tells you it is going to be. The waters were calm despite the random rain, which added to the overall ambiance of the event. The instructions are pretty self-explanatory, but the instructor was very attentive in ensuring we all understood how to navigate this terrain. The end of the trail is worth the kayak; the hike feels a bit long, but it really isnt. Maybe 1.5 miles? COMPLETELY DOABLE! You see a Queens bath, as well as a Kings bath where you are able to stand under a HUGE waterfall and take photos if that's your thing. Overall, I would suggest this trip to anyone who is slightly interested. This experience made me fall in love with the hobby of kayaking and cant wait to do it again. Thank you to this team for being so cool.

Kortney83

Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

"Beautiful Morning Adventure"

Reviewed July 11, 2025 NEW

My husband and I had a fantastic time on this trip! Levi was our guide and we really enjoyed his energy, positivity, humor and knowledge. Not only did he play a ukele and sing on our hike, he also pointed out important plants and their uses while teaching us the Hawaiian names for the plants. We also really appreciated learning the cultural and historical information from Levi along the hike. My husband and I enjoy kayaking and hiking so we didn't find the trip too arduous. The hike to the falls was amazing: so much beauty to see along the way. We ate our lunch at the falls and then took a dip in the pool beneath the falls. It was a rejuvenating, memorable, and fun experience. Levi is an amazing guide! We are so glad we signed up for this trip!

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Secret Falls Kayak Tour and Hiking Adventure is located at Coconut Marketplace • Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746

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Frequently Asked Questions about Secret Falls Kayak Tour and Hiking Adventure

How long is this kayaking adventure in Kauai?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. However, snacks and bottled water are provided, along with a small day-use cooler for your family to carry your lunch in. Please bring a sandwich or light lunch and a refillable water bottle.

What should I wear?

Wear light, comfortable clothing with a swimsuit under your clothing. Comfortable shoes (hiking sandals –like Tevas or water shoes – sneakers are okay, but they will get wet and muddy). No flip flops.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bug repellant, your camera, and your sense of adventure. Each kayak has a watertight drybag.

Are there any physical requirements?

Participants should be comfortable in the water, enjoy hiking and be in good physical condition. Expect 4 miles of paddling and 2 miles of hiking. Trail conditions can be muddy and slippery at times. No bad knees or bad backs.