Kauai

Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Fall Hike (Includes lunch)

Kauai, USA

From $145.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

5 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Kauai, Hawaii

Princeville - Snorkeling Shore Excursion

from $123.00

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai's Ultimate Private Surf Lesson

from $318.27

Kauai, Hawaii

Surf Lesson in Sunny Po'ipu

206

from $89.01

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Explore the natural beauty of Kauai with a combo hiking and kayaking adventure on the Wailua River. Enjoy a leisurely paddle down this sacred river surrounded by lush tropical scenery, and then disembark for a guided nature hike to a waterfall. Refuel with a picnic lunch, and then take a dip in the refreshing waters of the pool at the base of the falls. No kayaking experience is necessary — just bring your sense of adventure! Choose from a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

Paddle down Kauai's only navigable river and weave through the verdant greenery
Hike through the dense forest and arrive at a secluded waterfall
Swim in the cool, pristine waters at the base of the waterfall
The early Polynesian culture is represented here, steeped in a colorful past, rich with rock-wall terracing, legends and lore.

What's Included

Lunch
Snacks
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) i.e. life preservers.
Double sit on top kayaks
Water resistant bags
Walking sticks
Bring your own bottle or container. We provide cold filtered water at our store location.
Guide(s) State certified and trained in water safety.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
*Wailua River Marina - Kayak Kauai Store (MEET AT THE BUILDING - NOT LAUNCH AREA) Please check-in 15 minutes early NO TRANSPORATION

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The Wailua River is considered sacred by native Hawaiians and passes through the site of seven ancient temples along its Experience Kauai’s sacred Wailua River by land and by water on this combo hiking and kayaking tour that’s easy enough even for beginners. A state-certified guide shows you the best of both worlds, including a tandem kayak trip down the river and a hike through tropical forest to a waterfall. Learning about Wailua’s ancient history and legends along the way adds to the adventure. course. Experience the river’s beauty and serenity with this guided half-day tour. Hop into a double kayak with a partner, and then follow your guide as you paddle down the gentle river. Soak up the lush surrounding landscape as you learn about the native flora and fauna and sacred history of the river.

After about 45 minutes of paddling, disembark on the riverbank for a 1-mile (1.6-km) guided nature hike through the tropical forest. You’ll reach a waterfall where a 200-foot (60-meter) cascade empties into a natural pool below. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the clear waters, and soak up the lush island scenery. Enjoy a provided picnic lunch in the midst of these peaceful surroundings.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
WHAT TO BRING: Sun Protection, Light Shirt, Bathing Suit, Towel and a Change of clothes
Not wheelchair accessible
Footwear for a trail that can be muddy, uneven surfaces and trekking through water (aqua shoes, teevas, or tennis shoes)no flip flops or crocs
Place your lunch choice: (turkey, salami, ham, PBj or veggie). Vegan and/or gluten free requests can be accommodated. Please be sure to notate if you require a vegan or gluten free meal.
The guide has the right to refuse service to any guests who appear to have any physical/health limitations or issues that could prevent the guest from completing the paddle or hike to the falls safely. We have a strict 24-hour non-refundable cancellation policy (48 hours required for groups of 6 or more).

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommended for travelers with knee, ankle, hip, shoulder or wrist problems/injuries. There is no refund for having to refuse anyone with these obvious limitations or not being able to complete any portion of the tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience 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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Adriana_R

This was a fun adventure. I got to ride with our guide Logan. He did great at his job. Fun listening to all the history and asking him questions about what to do in Kaua'i too. Kayaking was my favorite part and I'd love to come again and do more kayaking. We got to walk through the river and next time I'd wear my bathingsuit the whole time or some type of swim shorts that dry faster. :)

Reviews

5.0

602 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 602 reviews

Beautiful kayaking experience

Heather_E, Mar 2024

Kayaking up the river and enjoying all the green around us was amazing! The river was going to fast so we were unable to go on our hike but they let us know that we would be getting a partial refund for not going on the hike.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Heather, Like mountain climbing, sometimes the weather conspires and denies us the peak, or in our case the waterfall. Nevertheless as you discovered it is a nice and scenic paddle. We try to take a curve and make it a plus on all our tours. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to having you back to "bag" that waterfall. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

Fun time!

Ari_B, Mar 2024

Such a great experience. Make sure you have the endurance for a 4 mile kayak and a 2 mile rugged hike. The waterfall was beautiful! Our guide was great. I wouldn’t recommend for young kiddos.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Ari, Thanks for the 5 dots and glad you enjoyed the fun, paddling and hiking to the falls. Know that your nameless guide who was your guide, shares those same qualities with all our guides. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

Wow! Trip is great and Izzy is an amazing guide!

Roger_W, Mar 2024

Izzy is an absolutely fantastic guide who made the kayak and sacred fall hike a wonderful experience. In addition to creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere, Izzy shared a lot of interesting history and stories of the valley and region. Izzy introduced us to her bird friend and timed our visit to have the waterfall experience with just our small tour group. The lunches were great as well as the pineapple Izzy cut for us at the end of the trip. Loved the scenery and the trip - would highly recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Roger, I hope all these great reviews, that I share with your guide Izzy, does not "go to her head"; I don't think so, she is not one to rest on her laurels. We call Izzy the "bird whisperer" and the birds love her guiding as well. It's all about having fun, coupled with safety and leaving you thoughtful with some cultural and natural history. Thanks for taking the time to share. A hui hou, Micco

Highly recommend!

Gesica_L, Mar 2024

Izzy our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the trip fun! Having lunch and drinks provided sets this tour apart from the rest.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Gesica, To put your "foot to the pedal" or should say paddle, we need to keep you "gassed up", i.e. fed. We are the only company on the river keeps you energized as you burn some calories during the paddle and/or hike. (our caterer is Passions Bakery Cafe) Izzy your guide, is just icing on the cake, i.e. a terrific guide and great to deal in the field or back at the Shop. Thanks for sharing. A hui hou, Micco

Great time

Andrew_H, Mar 2024

Great time. Worth spending half a day doing. Justice was an excellent guide. I would recommend this kayak/hike to anybody who enjoys being active on vacation.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Andre, Your paddle and hike is a nice mix and not too tiresome combo of upper body paddling and lower body hiking. Thanks for encouraging active folks to partake. Stay well and active and thanks for taking the time to share. A hui hou, Micco

Must do

Tara_C, Mar 2024

We had the best time... Our coaches were awesome! Very Knowledgeable and helpful when needed. I would highly recommend--Not Kid friendly though--Tough Trail

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Aloha Tara, Lunch is essential to keep you powered. I love the veggie sandwich. All our guides are great coaches who know how to combine, safety and fun…and leaving you thoughtful. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

Worth every penny

gail_t, Feb 2024

Izzy was an exceptional guide. She made everyone feel comfortable & made sure that no one was left behind. She shares her knowledge of the local area, lore & wildlife. The kids loved her. In fact my grandson said it was the best trip of his life. One of the reasons I chose this tour was because of the smaller groups (12) and that lunch was provided. Both of these options proved beneficial for us and were definitely worth the additional cost over the other tours I checked. The pineapple at the end was the cherry on top. Would have no problem doing this again.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Gail, Yes we are the only kayak tour company plying the Wailua River that provides lunch; we got to "fill up the tank". Your guide Izzy loves kids almost more than the birds that have become habituated to her presence. I will share this kind review with Izzy and hope it won't go to her head. (laughing face) Stay well and active and hope to see you all back. Thanks for making it possible. A hui hou, Micco

Kayak + hike + waterfall = awesome family adventure!

Aleen_A, Feb 2024

Beautiful place and fun combination of activity - a little hike and some river kayaking and then a refreshing dip under a gorgeous waterfall made for a perfect day! There are some river crossings and uneven rocky terrain so some balance and physical fitness is recommended. Our guide Justice was very patient and supportive.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Aleen, We do advertise you Wailua River tour to the falls as a fun family adventure for the "active family". Thanks for letting future patrons know that the trail to paradise can be rocky. Will share your kind words with Ace guide Justice; we know him to give 100% +. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

The beautiful scenery...

MICHAEL_D, Feb 2024

The beautiful scenery leading up to the walk through the trails to the waterfall. Our guide was phenomenal. Thanks G for making this such an incredible experience for my wife and me.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Michael, And when G, that is Garrick, is not sharing the beauty of Kaua'i, he is exploring and trekking with his wife other beautiful spots on the planet. Garrick is a true pro and we all are so lucky to cross paths with the gent. Stay active and well. A hui hou, Micco

Take a trip in the Jungle of Kauai

Scott_J, Feb 2024

beautiful area of Kauai and our guide Izzie made it fun for all and added personal recommendations for food and things to do while visiting the area

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Scott, It’s a jungle out there and your guide Izzy is jungle woman. Izzy wears many hats, that of being a guide and a movable activity desk, always there with suggestions of other neat things to do after the tour. Thanks for keeping us posted on Izzy and glad you enjoyed her show. A hui hou, Micco

Justice made the tour...

angela_k, Feb 2024

Justice made the tour unforgettable. Highly recommend this excursion. The waterfall is truly breathtaking.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Angela, Glad you enjoyed the paddle and hike to the Falls. Will share your kind words with Justice, which are always appreciated. Stay well and active A hui hou, Micco

Do it!

Jon_D, Feb 2024

First time to the islands and kaui was our second island. First thing we did was this tour and it was amazing. Our tour guide Izzy, was very informative and helpful. The trail was muddy but our group handled it no problem. Getting to the falls was very cool and when it reveals itself, it's magical. Got in the pool below the fall and that's pretty gnarly too!!! We had lunch right at the bottom of the falls and took pictures. It was a great time. Izzy is the Mary Poppins of the guided tour as she speaks to the birds. The way back was great too. Very easy paddle. At the end our group hung out eating pineapple as izzy have us some recommendations of good places to eat on the island and other things to do. Fun hike. Great pay off. Worth every penny!!! Do it!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Aloha Jon, I love it, your guide Izzy’s new moniker is Mary Poppins. Your review gives a nice idea of what’s involved in our Wailua river paddle and hike to the Sacred Falls also known as the Secret Falls. Thanks for the five dots and for your recommendation. You all make it possible. Aloha, Micco/head guide

Brilliant experience

lee_m, Jan 2024

Brilliant experience, very fun, great guide very knowledgeable. Will 100% do again when I come back :)

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Aloha Lee, Will share your review with our motley crew of guides All our guides, with all modesty, are excellent. Glad you enjoyed the “show” and the falls and we are getting your kayak ready for your return. A hui hou, Micco

Don’t miss this!

Jennifer_M, Jan 2024

It was great. The guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful about safety. The trail was muddy so don’t wear white! The falls were spectacular- once in a lifetime.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Aloha Jennifer, Thanks for the “5 dots”. All our guides are what you shared: “ knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful about safety.” We do tell folks to “embrace the mud”, and when you do you will find the falls gushing. Thanks for sharing. Stay active and well. Micc

Great adventure

Jasjit_D, Jan 2024

Justice was an incredible guide! Need more people like him around make the world better! Way to go and thank u 🙌🏽

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Aloha Jasjit, Glad you enjoyed not only the adventure of paddling and hiking to the falls on the Wailua, but that you enjoyed Justice as well. Thanks for confirming what we have known for a while, “that Justice rocks”. Will share your kind words with the man. Here’s to a good year. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

Lexi was great!! She was...

Cassie_L, Dec 2023

Lexi was great!! She was so full of life and energetic! She gave us great restaurants to try and local hot spots! Very knowledgeable also of the Hawaiian demographics!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Aloha Cassie, Could Lexi have been Izzy? Who you described could be Izzy. Regardless, glad you enjoyed the "show" and what a great way to end 2024. Your New Years Resolution is to come back and see Lexi and/or enjoy our other eclectic, fun, and safe guides. Here's to another year. Stay safe and well. Micco

Waterfall

Mandy_R, Dec 2023

It was an amazing river and hiking experience of a life time. Loved all the scenes, very breathtaking views.it was the first mountain hike we ever took and it was the most unexpected life changing experience totally was the adventure of a lifetime. I recommend it to anyone visiting the islands. Our tour guide was Harrison was amazing he got us through it.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Aloha Mandy, "Life changing" is really nice to stumble upon from time to time and enriches the fabric of life. Glad that your guide Harrison was able to guide you wisely and safely through your life changing epiphany. Will share your kind words with Harrison. Happy Holidays and thanks for sharing. A hui hou, Micco

Gorgeous experience!

DJJD_M, Dec 2023

The beauty of the nature and the tour guide's, Harrison, knowledge coupled with a very friendly manner.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Aloha DJJD, You will have to explain your name acronym one day. Your guide Harrison is very knowledgeable be it on the river or when he is conducting tours in the open ocean. Harrison is a master of juggling natural and social history coupled with fun and safety. Stay well and active. Happy Holidays. Micco

Super fun adventure

Christian_R, Nov 2023

Excellent adventure! Our guide Sara was top notch. The hike was fun and the waterfall was absolutely beautiful. Completely worth the trek.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Aloha Christian, Sarah is one of our top guides and we are all so lucky to have her share on the Wailua River complex her brand of aloha. Sarah knows how to juggle fun and safety while leaving you informed. Will share your kind words with Sarah. Happy Holidays. Micco

Great Experience worth every penny!

ky5rjykvqw, Nov 2023

Steven was great guide. Plant knowledge, island history and fun stories to share. It was a long afternoon but so worth it once you got to the falls. I would highly recommend going.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Aloha, A penny spent is a penny earned? At least compensated with memorable memories. Guide Steve make every tour he guides money well spent. + wee are the only tour company on the Wailua that provides lunch. Anyway, will let Steve know, yet once again, that his efforts are appreciated and lauded. Stay well and active. A hui hou, Micco

...