Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure
Overview
Available languages
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Rainbow Kayak Tours has been providing guided tours of the Wailua River for 20 years. Our experienced guides are well versed in the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of this incredible place.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No Recent surgeries or bad knees/ankles/hips.
No pregnancies at this due to safety concerns.
Must be 5-70 years old to participate.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wailua River State Park
Paddle the majestic Wailua River for 2 miles each way (4 miles total round trip), original home of the first Hawaiians, who paddled 1500 miles from the Marquesas Islands to Kaua`i almost 1500 years ago. Hear the legends and learn about the flora and fauna of Kauai`s most sacred area.
Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
After hiking 1 1/2 miles through the rain forest our guides will take clients to Secret Falls also known as Uluwehi Falls. This beautiful waterfall cascades 110 feet into a refreshing swimming hole, where they can go for a dip and enjoy a terrific lunch! You will then hike 1 1/2 miles back to your kayak (3 miles of hiking round trip). TRAIL CONDITIONS CAN VARY DEPENDING ON WEATHER. THERE WILL BE 4 RIVER CROSSINGS WITH LOOSE ROCKS IN RIVER BED THAT YOU WILL NEED TO CROSS AND UNPAVED TRAIL ON YOUR TREK TO THE WATERFALL. AND KEEP IN MIND YOU WILL CROSS THEM ON THE TREK BACK AS WELL. FOOTWEAR IS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN WATER DURING YOUR ADVENTURE. Bring Closed Toed Shoes / Reef shoes / Teeva Style Sandals
What‘s Included
Tandem kayaks, paddles, back rests, dry bags
Fresh handmade turkey sandwich, fruit and water included. To request for gluten free options or vegetarian, please contact our office at least 48 hours prior your tour date.
Footwear - Bring Closed Toed Shoes / Reef shoes / Teeva Style Sandals. NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS
Options
Kayak & Waterfall Hike
Reviews
788 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A peaceful time kayaking, hiking and a swim in a waterfall
Carl C,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fun time kayaking, hiking and swimming in the waterfall. we wore our water shoes that have good traction for hiking. The trail can be slick and muddy, be prepared. We loved our tour guide, she was wonderful.
Must-See Experience
Christina O,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing views of the Wailua canyon and breathtaking experience of the waterfall. Be prepared for an adventurous hike! Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as the trail was very muddy. Such a fun experience and our tour guide, Sierra, was absolutely amazing!
Great excursion.
FarAway09421681454,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this kayak and hike to secret falls. Hike is mostly in the shade and flat. Can be muddy if there was rain. We lucked out and it wasn’t that bad. Tour provides walking sticks if needed. Totally worth it!
Fantastic outing to somewhere I’d never have gotten to on my own
FrequentFlier397711,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a banger of a trip with Sierra! The kayaking was fun, the hike felt like a true adventure, and the waterfall was magical. Learned a ton and had so much fun. The ground was very muddy/slippery and there were a few rocky scrambles so I do think it’s probably not for people who aren’t at least mostly fit or are mobility-challenged, but I’d do this again in a heartbeat.
Great nature kayak and easy hike.
angieaN2327RQ,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00K was a great guide and she made sure all of us were well taken care of. She stopped along the hike a few times to share information. The hike was easy (My husband and I are in our 50’s) but you do need some balance with a few spots of navigating hiking over rocks. But mostly a smooth level walk. Water shoes w a thicker sole w traction were perfect. The kayaking does take some shoulder muscle but all of us in our group had no issues. The waterfall was beautiful and the lunch was great! We are vegetarian and loved the veggie sandwich.
Great activity!
Laurie B,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome adventure. Definitely is a workout. Total of 4 miles kayaking and 2 miles hiking but so worth it!! Lunch and water included. Would absolutely do again!!
Incredible Views and Experience
Matt K,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a great time and Thomas did an incredible job! Highly recommend the early morning tour before the crowds. We’ll definitely be doing this again on our next trip.
Absolutely wonderful! Beauty and exercise combined.
Roni V,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience! Our guide, Thomas was very friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking and hiking were awesome…and the waterfall was incredible! You definitely need to go in the water to complete the trip - so refreshing!
Great experience. Wear...
Andrea B,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Wear shoes with traction! Hiking sandals are ideal. Smooth water shoes are hazardous. Rocky terrain, water and mud. Views are stunning.
Fabulous adventure!
ChrisS,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Active experience involving a couple hours' kayaking and then a beautiful walk to an enchanting waterfall.
From US$145.86
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Operated by Rainbow Kayak Tours