Wailua River
Wailua River
Wailua River

Wailua River Tours and Tickets

4,640 reviews

Wailua River (Attraction - Kauai, USA)

Protected by Wailua River State Park, the Wailua is the largest navigable river in the Hawaiian archipelago (a feature found only on the island of Kauai). As the 20-mile (32-kilometer) river meanders through a lush valley, it passes through jungle landscapes and past two notable waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.

  • Wailua, Kauai, Hawaii, 96746

Tours and Tickets to Experience Wailua River

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What are people saying about Wailua River

Derricka_H, Oct 2023
Friendly host and...
Friendly host and excellent excursion. Boat was clean and the history of the island/river was explained.
Athena_L, Nov 2023
Great tour
Saw a lot on this tour. Long day but definitely worth it. Tour guide Sabrina was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Ariane_P, Nov 2023
Great tour
Zack was the best guide. He was super fun and tailored to all of our needs. We loved kayaking on the river and hiking to the falls was a great experience. Wear footwear that can get wet and dirty but that you can hike with.
Arman_Z, Nov 2023
Beautiful and enjoyable nature experience
It was such a fun experience, kayaking down the serene river with a tropical hike to reach an amazing waterfall. The water was so nice, but I'm good with the cold. Annie was a great guide and took care of us. We were lucky that everyone in our group was on time because we got to the waterfall before the crowds rolled in. Highly recommend!
People Also Ask
Q:How much is a Wailua River cruise?
A:That depends on the tour you pick. A range of Wailua River tours are available, from leisurely river cruises to active kayaking excursions; most last at least half a day or longer if paired with nearby attractions. Generally, prices begin around $100 per person for a shorter excursion and go up.
Q:How long is a Wailua River cruise?
A:At a minimum, you’ll spend more than 3 hours on a Wailua River cruise—and if you decide to explore by kayak or pair your boat tour with visits to area attractions, you could spend the whole day. The river itself is around 20 miles (32 kilometers) long.
Q:How long does it take to kayak the Wailua River?
A:If you plan to go on a kayaking tour of the Wailua River, set aside at least half a day—most tours begin at 5 hours and go up from there, depending on whether other nearby attractions (like the Secret Falls or the Fern Grotto) are visited.
Q:Can you swim in the Wailua River?
A:While it is possible to swim in sections of the Wailua River, generally, the best way to discover it is by boat or kayaking tour—and then be rewarded with perfect swimming conditions later. Many tours stop at the Secret Falls, where an idyllic swimming hole awaits visitors.
Q:How do I get to the Fern Grotto in Kauai?
A:The only way to reach the Fern Grotto—located at the beginning of the South Fork of the Wailua River—is by water. Many kayaking tours will stop at the site, and visitors can explore the area. Just don’t expect to enter the cave, which is sacred and off-limits.
Q:Is kayaking the Wailua River worth it?
A:Yes, kayaking the River Wailua is worth it. The largest navigable river in the Hawaiian Islands, the Wailua River has long been considered a sacred landmark by Native Hawaiians. It’s also famed for its slow-moving beauty and offers access to popular attractions like the Secret Falls and Fern Grotto.