A closer look at this experience

Explore Kauai's beautiful Wailua River on a guided kayaking journey through a lush valley rich in Hawaiian history and legend. Paddle approximately 4 miles roundtrip while taking in the tropical scenery and learning about the area from your guide. The Secret Falls hike and waterfall swim part of the tour are temporarily unavailable.

Secret Falls Tour

Temporary Tour Update: Beginning October 1, 2026, the Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) trail will be temporarily closed due to hurricane-related damage. In the meantime, guests can still enjoy a beautiful guided paddle along the scenic Wailua River and through its lush tropical surroundings. This tour will operate as a kayak paddle experience only, without the rainforest hike or visit to Secret Falls. A special reduced tour rate is currently being offered during this temporary tour format.

The Secret Falls Tour is a guided Kauai kayak and hiking adventure on the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii. Paddle along the river and continue beyond the river's fork into the lush Wailua Valley. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the area's history, legends and natural setting.

Tour Highlights:

Enjoy a guided kayak tour on the Wailua River (about 4 miles roundtrip)
Hike through tropical rainforest to a waterfall (about 2 miles roundtrip) - this part of the tour is currently unavailable
See a beautiful 120-foot waterfall - this part of the tour is currently unavailable
Swim or relax at the waterfall pond - this part of the tour is currently unavailable
Learn about the history and legends of Wailua Valley from your guide

Tour Inclusions:

Kayak and paddles
Dry storage and dry bags on the kayak for cameras and personal items
Backpack use
Personal flotation device
Fruit, chips, and bottled water

Special Instructions

Before you go

Where & When

Morning tour: 7:00 am - 12:45 pm (check in at 6:45 am)
Afternoon tour: 12:45 pm - 6:15 pm (check in at 12:30 pm)

Check in at the Islander Shops Unit 3 at 440 Aleka Pl, Kapaa, HI 96746 View Map

Important Notice - Wailua River State Park Entry Fee: The state of Hawaii is charging a $5 per person (age 4 and up) fee for entrance to Wailua Marina (which is part of Wailua River State Park). Tour participants are responsible for this fee. This fee is collected by the state at the park entrance, is not included in tour pricing, and credit card payment is required (no cash accepted).

DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH: South on Highway 56 through Kapaa 1/2 mile past McDonalds in Foodland Center to Coconut Marketplace. Turn left just before the Marketplace at Aleka Loop. Go behind the Marketplace, following Aleka Loop to Rainbow Kayak at Islander Shops next to Islander on the Beach.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH: Take Highway 50 past Lihue to Hwy 56 North. Cross Wailua River (double bridge] one mile to Coconut Marketplace and turn right past the Marketplace on Aleka Loop. Turn behind the Marketplace following Aleka Loop to Rainbow Kayak at Islander Shops next to Islander on the Beach.

Restrictions

Age requirement: This adventure is for ages 5-70 years.
Pregnant women may not participate due to safety reasons.
Participants must not have bad knees/back/ankles/shoulders/hips, no recent surgeries and no balance issues. Participants must be able to climb roots and rocks, and they must be able to bend.
Expect about 4 miles of paddling (60-90 minutes) and 2 miles of hiking.
Trail conditions can be muddy and slippery at times.

Operation Days

Monday through Friday

Duration

4 hours

Capacity

12 guests per tour

Equipment

Kayak, paddles, dry bag and personal flotation device provided.

Vendor

This activity is operated by Rainbow Kayaks.

See the experience

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Contact Our Team 1-866-482-9775