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

Secret Falls Kayak and Hike in Kauai

Reviews

4.78

1,391 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1215

Great start to our Kauai vist
shellit2026,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great views up the river and on the hike the falls. Our guide was wonderful and well informed. Falls are beautiful.
Very worthwhile activity.
Flyer227854,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great activity in Kauai. Highly recommend - Lono was a great guide.
Fun, beautiful, and informative trip to the secret falls!
629marciag,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lindsey gave us a great, informative, and fun river kayak and hike to the secret falls. We enjoyed the beautiful trail along the river and the sandwich, cookie, chips, and beverage lunch at the base of the falls. Thanks for an enjoyable adventure!
Fun kayak/hike/waterfall experience
Trek49073104243,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Calm river kayak experience up the river and short, relatively easy hike to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Our guide (Kman) was great about taking pictures of us at the various picturesque locations and providing all sorts of interesting trivia about Hawaiian culture and wildlife.
Kayak and hike to secret waterfall
jennifer t,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Kayak, jungle hike, secret waterfall—this tour was absolute Hawaii perfection and a must-do! Kaynan was funny and amazing.
Amazing adventure experience & tour guide!
adahb2026,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a fun adventure and great way to see Kauai! The kayak and hike were both quite manageable and totally worth it to swim at the base of the waterfall. Our tour guide Khayman was amazing!!! Super friendly, energetic, kind, and knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, culture, and nature. Loved all the learning stops and photo ops along the way too! Highly recommend!!
Would recommend
Nancy K,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
My husband and I really enjoyed this experience. Lono was our guide and he did a great job telling us about the river, trees etc. and what it was like to grow up on Kauai. Definitely bring water and a snack and shoes that can get wet. There are a few water crossings.
Fun, worth it
erikakY1930BV,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful scenery. Excellent guide very much enhanced the experience.
wet and adventurous !
Rachel S,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We started off with a kayak experience down the river followed by a hike. Be prepared to get wet! We walked through rivers and the best part was swimming at the falls at the end of the hike!! My husband 29M and I 29F packed a lot of food per the notes on what to bring, but only needed a granola bar each. Could help to lighten the pack. In short, good shoes to get wet and slip resistant are a must!
This was a great...
DonnaJean L,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great excursion! The kayaking was fun and beautiful!! The hike takes you through gorgeous jungle like paths. It can be very muddy and slick. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes! Our guide, Cory, did a wonderful job and made our trip a lot of fun!