Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

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)

Options

Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

Reviews

4.78

1,393 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1217

It was a wonderful trip....
Kirk M,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful trip. Our tour guide K-man was very friendly and helpful and the falls were great
Active day. Kayaking a...
Tonya A,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Active day. Kayaking a beautiful river and excellent hike in the rainforest to a spectacular waterfall.
Great kayak/hike trip
Roam48302802704,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip! Our guide, Kaiman(?spelling) was very helpful, informative, and encouraging. Also, thanks to him for recommendations of things to do in the area. This was my second time doing the trip and this time was by far the best!
Worth the work.
Culture11105352663,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The overall trip was great and the falls and swim in the pool was well worth the effort. The tour company could do more to provide water proof bags for cameras, phones, etc.
Fun but muddy!
Sheila L,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a beautiful day kayaking but the hiking part was extremely muddy. We made it without falling and swam underneath the waterfall at the end. We were glad we did it even tho it was muddy
Novice
Jwhitede,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We were novice kayakers, this trip is more for people with kayaking experience. It was still an overall good experience. Room for improvement would be for guide to assure that seats are appropriately positioned on kayaks and spending more time with the novices to assure their safety
Gorgeous waterfall
Nicole F,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If it’s raining it is a muddy hike! But lucky for you there is a beautiful waterfall to clean off in. Loved that you could kayak and hike on this excursion. The guide was very helpful.
Not good for solo travelers
Mira M,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00
If you’re traveling solo this is not the excursion for you. There are no single person kayaks. I was a single girl and the double kayak was very hard to steer and nobody waited for me.
Incredible experience!!
DidaRDH,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cory, our guide, was incredible!! He was so knowledgeable and laid back. He was so patient with my partner and I as we haven’t kayaked in a while. The whole experience was amazing start to finish. It did rain off and on, but that only added to the charm of being in a tropical paradise. The waterfall at the end??!! BREATHTAKING!!! Make sure you go under. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Highly recommend!!!
Now that’s a waterfall.
Beau B,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a great kayak and hiking tour with a spectacular waterfall at the end. Our group did amazing and the guide was awesome. Even got to feed the little bird in the middle