Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Use of kayak, backrests, personal flotation devices and paddles
- Guided rainforest hike to Secret Falls
- Guided group kayak tour on the Wailua River
- Lunch 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)
Meeting Location
180 Wailua Road
Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Total distance is 4 miles by kayak and 2 miles hiking roundtrip
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-46868P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 1,617 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Knowledgeable local guide.
- Use of kayak, backrests, personal flotation devices and paddles.
- Guided rainforest hike to Secret Falls.
- Guided group kayak tour on the Wailua River.
- Lunch. 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).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Use of kayak, backrests, personal flotation devices and paddles
- Guided rainforest hike to Secret Falls
- Guided group kayak tour on the Wailua River
- LunchMeals, 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)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Total distance is 4 miles by kayak and 2 miles hiking roundtrip
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
