Skip to content
Hawaii Vacation Guide Logo 6
  • Start Here
  • Island GuidesExpand
    • Maui Travel Guide
    • Hawai’i (Big Island) Travel Guide
    • Kauai Travel Guide
    • Oahu Travel Guide
  • Book Tours
  • Where to Stay
  • Planning ResourcesExpand
    • Free Island Cheat Sheets
    • How We Book Travel
    • Discount Car Rentals
    • Planning Your Trip
    • Top Travel Gear
Shop Itineraries
Hawaii Vacation Guide Logo 6
Home / Activities / Wailua River Kayak and Hike to Secret Falls
Hike Kauai Activities Kayaking Waterfall Swim

Wailua River Kayak and Hike to Secret Falls

Explore Wailua River on Kauai’s east coast with a 2-mile guided paddle up the scenic river valley and then embark on a 1.5-mile rainforest roundtrip hike to the 120-foot Uluwehi Falls, aka Secret Falls.

wailua river kayak tour kauai

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.

Activity Overview

  • Departs From: Kauai – Lihue and Kapa’a (East Coast)
  • Duration: 4.5 hours
  • Included in the price: Kayak and all equipment

Share with your friends!

  • Facebook

Wailua River Kayak Tour Highlights

  • Approximately 4-hour tour duration: 4-mile kayak and 1.5-mile hike roundtrip
  • Perfect for families, ages 5 and above
  • Learn about the royal Wailua Valley during the guided tour
  • 2-mile leisurely paddle up the Class 0 (calm) Wailua River
  • The 1.5-mile hike crosses streams, goes through the jungle, and ends at the 120-feet Secret Falls
  • Note: Tours are subject to cancellation if the minimum requirement of 4 guests is not met.
BOOK ONLINE
wailua river kayak tour kauai
Our family really enjoyed this tour. From the kayaking to the hike to the waterfall swim, it was non-stop fun for our 5-year old.

About Secret Falls Kayak and Hike Tour

Take an eco-adventure kayak and hiking tour with Alii Kayaks and see a secret waterfall! Your guided kayak adventure starts with a leisure 2-mile paddle upstream through the scenic valley of the Wailua River. After securing your kayaks on the shores of the North Fork, your moderate 1.5-mile hike begins. Wade through multiple streams, lush rainforest, and traverse over muddy trails all the while learning about local flora and fauna from a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Your hiking trek concludes with the beautiful 120-foot Uluwehi Falls, a.k.a. Secret Falls.

Alii Kayak’s Wailua kayak/hike tour is perfect for families and guests ages 5 and up. If you’ve never kayaked before, no worries. Each tour starts with basic technique and safety training to get you comfortable in your kayak. Their experienced guides set them apart from other tour companies. They are Water Safety Instructed, as well as CPR and First Aid certified, and will ensure you have a fun, informative, and memorable time exploring Kauai’s unforgettable Wailua river valley.

Wailea River Kayak Tour Video (our experience)

To learn more about this tour, see the river, and experience the hike, watch our video below! We were so impressed with our son hiking the trail. Between the informative tour guide, the boardwalks, and the rainforest experience, he was enthralled. Especially the part where the bird (manu in Hawaiian) ate a worm from his hand!

FAQ: Details to Know for Your Trip

When and where?

Daily, except Sundays. Check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time at the parking lot of Smith’s Tropical Paradise. Reservations are required. Details will be emailed to you upon booking.

What does the tour include?

Kayak and all equipment.

What should I bring?

  • Wear a swimsuit under light clothing
  • Footwear that straps securely to your feet, flip flops (slippers) and Crocs not allowed
  • Food and beverages
  • Towels
  • Camera
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats) and mosquito repellent

What should I expect on this tour?

Approximately 4 miles of kayaking, about 1.5 miles of moderate hiking (parts of the trail can be muddy at times). The tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours.

Restrictions:

No pregnancies, bad backs, bad knees, or recent surgeries. No children under 5 years of age. Tours are subject to cancellation if the minimum requirement of 4 guests is not met.

BOOK ONLINE
wailua-river-kayak-hike-tour-kauai
The hike to the waterfall crosses a large stream and multiple small streams. The guide will talk story about Kauai and the fauna as you go.

About Ali’i Kayaks

Alii Kayaks is a full-service guided kayak tour operator, conveniently located on the Wailua River on the island of Kauai.

In 1946, Walter Smith, Sr., and his wife Emily, started the Smith’s Motorboat Service on the Wailua River, pioneering the riverboat tours to the world-famous Fern Grotto. Four generations later, Kaleo Smith and his business partner Keone Garma, along with their wives continue the family tradition of sharing their love of Kauai and its rich cultural heritage.

BOOK ONLINE

We are affiliate partners with Alii Kayaks and Watersports which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

Aloha! We're Jordan and Erica.

We are Hawaii travelers who have lived on Maui and Oahu sharing our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii.

Read Our Story
Free Download!

Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets

Sign up & we'll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We'll share 4 can't-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

    By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

    More To Explore

    Best Pearl Harbor Tour
    Activities · Oahu · Things to Do

    The 8 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: from budget to luxury, we have you covered

    best maui sunset cruise
    Maui · Things to Do · Tours and activities

    7 Best Maui Sunset Cruises For a Great Night Out

    Booking a trip to Hawaii beach vacation
    Affordable Hawaii · Planning

    Here’s How We Book our Hawaii Travel (and beyond)

    Best big island resorts for families
    Big Island (Hawaii) · Where to Stay

    9 Best Big Island Resorts for Families (your kids will love these hotels!)

    Want to make your vacation planning a breeze? Get aN Itinerary!
    • Maui Itineraries

      $37.00
      Select optionsLoading Done
    • Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

      $37.00
      Add to cartLoading Done
    • Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

      $37.00
      Add to cartLoading Done
    • Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

      $37.00
      Add to cartLoading Done
    Hawaii Vacation Guide Logo 6

    This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    TOP RESOURCES
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Hawaii Itineraries
    • Tours & Activities
    • Top Travel Gear
    • Discount Car Rentals
    ISLAND GUIDES
    • Planning A Trip To Hawaii
    • Oahu Island Guide
    • Maui Island Guide
    • Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
    • Kauai Island Guide
    DISCLAIMER

    Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

    • About
    • How We Make Money
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions

    © 2023 The Hawaii Vacation Guide · All Rights Reserved · Site Credit

    Review Cart

    No products in the cart.

    Scroll to top
    • Start Here
    • Island Travel Guides
      • Maui Travel Guide
      • Hawai’i (Big Island) Travel Guide
      • Kauai Travel Guide
      • Oahu Travel Guide
    • Shop Hawaii Itineraries
    • Book Tours
    • Where to Stay
    • Planning Resources
      • Free Island Cheat Sheets
      • Discount Rental Cars
      • How We Book Travel
      • Planning Your Trip
      • Top Travel Gear
    Search