Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the hidden beauty of Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls), Kauai’s most sought-after waterfall destination. Skip the hassle of parking, equipment rentals, and crowded state park lots—simply arrive at our convenient riverside location and let the adventure begin. Guides handle all kayak setup and gear so you can focus on the journey.
Paddle up Hawaii’s legendary Wailua River through lush rainforest scenery, then trek, splash, and explore your way to a spectacular 120-foot waterfall. Adventurers should be comfortable in the water and ready for a physically rewarding outing—expect a 4-mile roundtrip paddle and a moderate 2-mile hike with stream crossings and muddy, uneven trails. This is the easiest way to unleash your inner explorer and experience Kauai’s most iconic waterfall, with all logistics handled for you.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Total distance is 4 miles by kayak and 2 miles hiking roundtrip
For health and safety reasons, pregnant individuals are advised not to participate in this tour due to the potential risk of exposure to Leptospirosis.
Participants that are physically not capable to paddle a kayak with proper coordination.
Participants who are not physically fit to walk moderate to strenuous trail with an elevation increase to 465 feet in under 2 miles.
Footwear that secures or straps to your feet are required (for safety crocs or flip flops are not allowed).
Participants should be comfortable in the water and capable of moderate physical activity
What To Expect
Challenge yourself with a Kauai adventure designed for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Start with a 2-mile guided paddle through the valley of the Wailua River, flanked by lush jungles and ancient Hawaiian landmarks. After beaching your kayak, lace up for a moderate-to-strenuous 1.5-mile hike deep into the rainforest, crossing streams and navigating muddy paths with help from expert guides. Along the way, discover local flora and fauna, learn about island legends, and connect with the beauty of Kauai. Your journey culminates at the awe-inspiring Uluwehi Falls, where you’ll have time to relax, take photos, and soak in the natural pools at the foot of the cascade. This immersive experience is best for adventurers in good physical condition who are ready to paddle, hike, and get a little muddy for the ultimate reward—one of Kauai’s best-kept natural wonders.
Options
Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike
What‘s Included
Guided group kayak tour on the Wailua River
Knowledgeable local guide
Use of kayak, backrests, personal flotation devices and paddles
Guided rainforest hike to Secret Falls
Meals, snacks or beverages are NOT provided on this tour.
Roundtrip Transportation
Proper footwear (guests must bring closed-toe shoes/sandals suitable for hiking and water)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,557 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best experience EVER!!!...
ChrisM,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best experience EVER!!! From check-in to the final shuttle back to our car!! The fun and adventure never stopped. K-Man our guide was absolutely phenomenal!!!! Very informative, very personable and extremely knowledgable,. K-Man was very energetic and chill at the same time. Our entire group had a wonderful time due mainly because of our FANTASTIC guide!! Ohh… the falls were gorgeous!!!
Just okay…
JennyJo T,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The experience itself was great. But the guide and the company fell short. We were told ahead of time to bring our own lunch- which was fine. However, a dry bag was not provided. We were not told to bring one. The guide was okay. He just led the group and did not check on those of us at the end of the line. He didn’t stay in the middle of the running river to guide us. He didn’t offer to take pictures for us - which he said he was going to do. He did stop and give us some information about the local flora. I think the best remedy would have been to have two guides - one leading and one bringing up the rear. Honestly- we would have been better off renting kayaks and doing the adventure ourselves.
Riverkauai
Kay W,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide k-man was great! Lots of fun and informative for our multigenerational family. He gave my granddaughter and I excellent instruction on paddling, and was very helpful getting my husband and I across the rocks in the river to begin the hike. A good time by all. Would definitely recommend.
ITs awesome! Definitely...
Kim K,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00ITs awesome! Definitely worth it! OUr guide Cory was great! Good for families we saw people of all ages doing it. Good workout too!
Bust your butt= Amazing experience
E8379ELmatthewg,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was awesome, Corey. He was encouraging and very knowledgeable of the surroundings. This is a physically demanding trip so be ready for a physically challenging trip, but well worth the effort.
Kayaking and hiking Kauai Hi.
Tsukimi A,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An awesome adventure from the beginning to end, the four (4) mile kayaking up the river and one and a half (1.5) mile hike great adventure, very beautiful and enjoyable, our guide “K” Man (rocks) “superstar” very professionally, informative, knowledgeable, intelligent beyond, impressive recall, engaging, interacting. Awesome experience. Larry & Tsukimi A. ( Washington State)
Must do!! (With caution)
H Joni,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went with our kids (11 &8) and it was such an incredible experience. The kayaking was a great workout especially fighting the wind a bit on the way back but the experience as a whole is a 5 star for sure! Make sure to wear water shoes that protect your feet in the forest and something that can get muddy. Grab a walking stick along the trail too. Our guide, Mana was so fun sharing the cultural significance of the route and stories of the gods and royal family- so fun!! The waterfall itself was unforgettable. I would not suggest this experience for individuals who struggle with movement or small children due to the uneven and muddy ground.
Highly recommended! A++++++
Rebecca E,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip! Caiman tour guide was really fun. Beutiful sights! A+. Love the waterfall at the top of hike.
Kayak, hike, water fall
Cruiser02709615516,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great value. Fun kayak, fun hike crossing streams, small water falls, guide gave a great background on island, plants, animals. Water fall was beautiful. Easy to find meet up. A walking stick and good water shoes or such with traction is recommended for hike because some areas are muddy and slip risk was happening (especially if it rains). Sections had a nice plank path which helps with hike. Hike is moderate level.
Great guide, awesome waterfall
386brianu,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide kheyman was the best! Energetic, fun, very knowledgeable about the river, the history or Kauai, the wildlife. Awesome experience for our whole family. Thanks K!
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Operated by Alii Kayaks, LLC