Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
As of February 15, 2026 The State of Hawaii will be charging $5 per person for non resident fee to enter The Wailua Marina. Please be advised guests are responsible for payment at entry by credit card
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
As of February 15, 2026 The State of Hawaii will be charging $5 per person for non resident fee to enter The Wailua Marina. Please be advised guests are responsible for payment at entry by credit card
Options
Kayak & Waterfall Hike
Reviews
793 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great outing!
M3273KNpamr,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Tour guide Thomas was wonderful! Kayaking was easy for all in group (6 of us). I was a little nervous about the hike as one of our group has issues with balance (and given many comments in other reviews). It was very muddy and have to walk through streams, but he had walking sticks which made it very doable. If balance is an issue, bring walking sticks. Also, Thomas had some wood walking sticks which were great for others who wanted to use them, and highly recommend. Just FYI - the first stream crossing is the hardest. After that, no problem. Also, the mud was the worst at the start. Then it gets much better, and there are wood walking paths for much of the way. So don't panic if you find the beginning tough to navigate. It was a great outing and we loved it!
Book it
Kathleen S,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Breathtaking, Guide was amazing and informative. Family of 7 ages 63-27 highly enjoyed and recommend this trip. 10/10
Great tour and tour guide!
Mariella K,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Wonderful your! Our guide, Trae, was a wealth of knowledge about the plants and land we were walking through, along with the work being done to save the native species. The waterfall was beautiful, but chilly in February. The kayak trip and the hike were all perfect lengths; not too short and not too long. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon on the island! And Trae said we were the fastest group back to the marina he’s ever had. That was thanks to the very strong headwind that made us all not want to “lose ground” so to speak. My only complaint was it was not very clear which business front we were to meet at. The address takes you to a hotel and then nothing said “Rainbow….Tours”. Thankfully we saw a sandwich board in front of a business in the strip mall next to the hotel that said “Kayak Tours”. It’s next to the Sleeping Giant Grill if that helps others find it.
Great experience Thomas...
BRENT S,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience Thomas was an excellent guide and knew everything about the local plant life you come in contact with on the trail
Great guide, gorgeous experience.
T3771WFmelissad,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful kayak and hike with our guide (Kaylee? Kylie? I'm so sorry! She was fantastic, though). The hike and paddle do take effort, so you need a decent base fitness level. If it has rained recently, it will be muddy and slick in spots. We had two in our group with some slower mobility and she was wonderful to work with us and get everyone up and down safely. The waterfall is beautiful and being in the river is a different perspective on the gorgeous Kauai valleys. Bring plenty of water - I was surprised how much the paddle had tired me out when I stood up for the hike. Our guide hiked barefoot, carried all our lunches like it was nothing, and had birds eating out of her hands. It was like hiking with a Disney princess (in the best possible way).
A fun adventure!
Erin E,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We enjoyed the beautiful kayak paddle down the Wailua River to get to this very neat trail- even had a wooden boardwalk for a good chunk which really helped. Otherwise it was moderately difficult with some navigation through lots of tree roots, a few crossings over a small river, and a few rock scrambles. It would be VERY muddy and slippery after a rain. The waterfall area is beautiful and great to sit and eat and relax before turning back. I’m proud and really glad we did this one, thank you to Sierra for guiding us!!
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.
From US$145.86
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Operated by Rainbow Kayak Tours