A Safe and Tranquil Taste of the Wailua River
This three-hour guided tour is a wonderful paddling adventure for the whole family, idyllic paddling on the Wailua River Great panoramic scenery with the landscape and natural history genuinely and safely explained by your water borne guide.
The Wailua River became the center of activity for early Hawaiians and is known as one of Hawaii’s two most sacred places.
At night, it is said that one can still hear ancient drums thunder in concert with the nearby surf. This tour is perfect for those who want a “taste” of this wonderful river.
Tour Options
Wailua River Paddle
Highlights
Snacks and pineapple
Local guide
Tropical juice/sparkling flavored water. B.Y.O container and fill with cold filtered water.
Local taxes
What's included
Included
Snacks and pineapple
Local guide
Tropical juice/sparkling flavored water. B.Y.O container and fill with cold filtered water.
Local taxes
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
4.6
73 reviews
5
58
4
9
3
3
2
1
1
2
Important Information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 12 people per booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Tour is doable by most people in average shape. If for any reason the paddle is not accomplished by individuals,
there is no refund.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wailua River Paddle take?
Wailua River Paddle lasts about 3 hours.
How much does Wailua River Paddle cost?
Prices start at $121 per person for this Kauai experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Wailua River Paddle for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Wailua River Paddle offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Wailua River Paddle worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 73 verified reviews; it is run by DBA: Kayak Kauai. Most-mentioned highlights: Snacks and pineapple; Local guide; Tropical juice/sparkling flavored water. B.Y.O container and fill with cold filtered water..
Reviews(73)
K
Karen_P
January 28, 2026
Beautiful scenery and...
Beautiful scenery and friendly guide! Would be nice if they set up the kayaks on the launch ramp before the paddle. Lindsey was a great guide.
Operator response
Aloha Karen,
Lindsey just celebrated a birthday; thought I would share.
We can only hope that Lindsey continues to spend her birthday with all of us an continues gifting us with great guiding.
Will share your you kind words with Lindsey,
A hui hou,
Micco
Regarding setting up kayaks on ramp would be nice but we have to observe specific ramp times
R
Randy R
January 8, 2026
Relaxing and picturesque
A fun a relaxing paddle with Harrison who was a great host. Harrison sure knows Kauai and we enjoyed learning about the history and lore of Hawaii.
Operator response
Aloha Randy,
Your guide Harrison is a paddling/hiking encyclopedia and knows how to combine fun, safety and leaving you “thoughtful” with interesting information.
Keep learning. Thanks for the review.
A hui hou,
Micco
N
niklasf2026
January 8, 2026
Good!
very nice guide and a lot of fun! would recommend to go on sunny weather. Trip was a bit too short, we expected to see some waterfalls but all in very nice.
Operator response
Aloha Niklas,
On rainy days, out of safety when we are on a flood warning, the shorter Wailua River paddle as a consolation prize.
Hope to see you back on a sunny day and away we will go to the falls.
A hui hou,
Micco
L
Leonard_D
January 7, 2026
Amazing Kauai Kayak Adventure
Absolutely fun, beautiful and exciting way to explore the natural wonders of Kauai expertly guided by Jeffrey. This 4 mile light workout takes you along the Wailua River into areas of Kauai you would never see unless you were on this kayak adventure. Highly recommend this to anyone seeking a great way to add to their understanding and enjoyment of this unique place on earth.
Operator response
Aloha Leonar,
We offer the "River Only" option either when the rains puts us on flood warning and we cancel our falls tour, or as a tour in itself at the end of the day during our shorter winter days.
Glad you enjoyed Jeffrey and thanks for taking the time to share your experience with all of us.
Stay well and keep exploring those unique and beautiful place on this beautiful earth.
A hui hour
Micco
D
Debbie_R
January 3, 2026
Beautiful river scenery,...
Beautiful river scenery, though no bird, turtle or other wildlife sightings. Loved our guide, Jeffrey.
Operator response
Aloha Debbie,
Thanks for the 3 dots.
We see more turtles, i.e. green sea turtles on our Hanalei Blue Lagoon and/or summer Na Pali or winter Po'ipu tours.
Fresh water turtles are not native to Hawaii.
We do have birds such as the Cattle egret, coot, gallinules and a few others that are usually seeing us even when we don't.
Will let Jeffrey know that you enjoyed him in spite of your wildlife disappointment.
A hui hou,
Micco
R
RobinAlaska
January 3, 2026
Good, but could have been more adventurous
Our guide Annie was very personable and friendly. You can see that she loves her job! They do provide 2 soft drinks and 2 snacks per person. That was nice! Some of our tours provided no food! This kayak paddle is very chill and very easy. In fact, it is a bit boring. We hoped to see more animals or birds. You don’t see much though. This is a good kayak for beginners or people with young children. Experience kayakers might was something a bit more adventurous.
Operator response
Aloha Robin,
Sorry the river paddle was not as challenging and fulfilling as you wanted.
You will need to come back and patronize our more challenging Wailua River paddle and hike to the falls and/or our more ambitious Na Pali sea kayak or Po'ipu paddles.
Thanks for sharing and have a more adventurous but safe new year.
A hui hou,
Micco
S
Steven P
January 1, 2026
Great 2.5 hour Kayak trip - adds another dimension beyond the beach to your Kauai experience.
Your Kauai trip is incomplete if you haven't taken a kayak trip shepherded by the best guide on the island: Lindsey. It's fun to be on the water, but not drenched by it, the jungle is beautiful and Lindsey has all the tea on excursion itself as well as the rest of the island, super informative. It's about 2.5 hours round tip and just the right amount of work for this 60 something in marginal shape and also perfect for a young family. There's also an excursion that adds a hike if you want something more. 11 out 10 stars.
Operator response
Aloha Steven,
Stars are better than dots and thank you for giving us, if there were stars with Viator, 11 out of 10 stars.
And we could never reach for the stars if it were not for excellent guides such as Lindsey, who have helped us this new year, celebrate 42 years of sharing the beauty of Kaua'i.
Glad you enjoyed the river paddle and you will definitely will have to come back for the paddle and hike to the falls.
A hui hou,
Micco
C
Carol_W
December 31, 2025
Tandem kayaks up the...
Tandem kayaks up the river and back takes about 3 hours. Our guide was excellent. Had lots of great info to share. At the half way point we got out and walked around and he pointed out interesting plant life.
Operator response
Aloha Carol,
Thanks for the 5 "dots" and for taking the time to share.
Don't know who your guide was, but do know that all our guides are hand picked and trained to be exemplary in the field.
Thanks again…stay well and active in the new year.
A hui hou,
Micco
J
J304FFryanm
December 30, 2025
river and falls adventure
our family of 4 had a great time with Lindsey paddling up the river to the water falls. Such a perfect adventure for the day. Lindsey was knowledgeable and super friendly. Would definitely recommend this tour for anyone looking for a memorable day on Kauai.
Operator response
Aloha,
It's the family that has kept Kayak Kauai's head above water all these 42 years.
What helps as well, is great guiding as you observed with Lindsey.
Thanks for recommending us and with luck we hope to be around for another couple of decades.
Happy Holidays.
Micco
2
277nasime
December 25, 2025
loved it!
our tour guide lindsey was awesome! she made the tour accessible, enjoyable, and educational. i highly recommend this trek!
Operator response
Aloha,
We try to feed the mind and soul, and there is no one better on the Wailua River on the way to the falls, to do it than Lindsey.
Thanks for recommending us and it is only due to great guides like Lindsey…that folks after 42 years are still recommending us.
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou,
Micco
