Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure
Description
Rainbow Kayak Tours has been providing guided tours of the Wailua River for 20 years. Our experienced guides are well versed in the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of this incredible place.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Paddle the majestic Wailua River for 2 miles each way (4 miles total round trip), original home of the first Hawaiians, who paddled 1500 miles from the Marquesas Islands to Kaua`i almost 1500 years ago. Hear the legends and learn about the flora and fauna of Kauai`s most sacred area.
After hiking 1 1/2 miles through the rain forest our guides will take clients to Secret Falls also known as Uluwehi Falls. This beautiful waterfall cascades 110 feet into a refreshing swimming hole, where they can go for a dip and enjoy a terrific lunch! You will then hike 1 1/2 miles back to your kayak (3 miles of hiking round trip). TRAIL CONDITIONS CAN VARY DEPENDING ON WEATHER. THERE WILL BE 4 RIVER CROSSINGS WITH LOOSE ROCKS IN RIVER BED THAT YOU WILL NEED TO CROSS AND UNPAVED TRAIL ON YOUR TREK TO THE WATERFALL. AND KEEP IN MIND YOU WILL CROSS THEM ON THE TREK BACK AS WELL. THERE IS AN AREA WHERE YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CLIMB A 25FT EMBANKMENT OF ROOTS & ROCKS (WHICH ARE WET AND SLIPPERY) FOOTWEAR IS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN WATER DURING YOUR ADVENTURE. Bring Tennis Shoes or Hiking Sandals/Boots(NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS) Tours go out rain or shine, unless there is a weather advisory. In the event the tour is cancelled, you may reschedule depending on availability or fully refunded.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- No Recent surgeries or bad knees/ankles/hips. If you have any health conditions, recent surgeries, or physical limitations related to the knees, back, ankles, shoulders, or hips (including joint replacements) that would affect your ability to safely participate you will be responsible for full payment.
- No pregnancies at this due to safety concerns. If you are pregnant at the time of the activity, the company may refuse participation and full payment will still be required
- Must be 5-70 years old to participate. If you do not meet the age requirements at the time of the activity, you may be denied participation and will remain responsible for full payment
- As of February 15, 2026 The State of Hawaii will be charging $5 per person for non resident fee to enter The Wailua Marina. Please be advised guests are responsible for payment at entry by credit card
Reviews(839)
Thomas was the best and most knowledgeable guide. The experience was great and so was the weather. Would not hesitate to book with this company again.
We had the best time with Thomas. He was so knowledgeable and made the whole experience fun, especially for my kids.
Phenomenal from beginning to end. Most amazing scenery and Thomas was an absolute delight both as a guide and as a wonderful person. We just loved him, the process, the best of nature. So grateful!
I had very high expectations of this tour and can safely say it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Hawaii (on any island). I have pretty bad arthritis in my right knee and was really just taking the chance that my knee would hold up to the hike. It did, as the hike wasn’t too bad. It was pretty muddy in spots, but you just need to take your time and use the walking sticks they provide to help keep your balance. The kayak had comfortable seats and I was able to stretch my legs all the way out. The best part of it all was our tour guide. Kiele was terrific! No, but seriously, if you’re able to request your guide, I would strongly suggest taking the tour with her. We stopped for a special bird in the wild feeding. She pointed out so many cool plants from the path and even provided natural shampoo from one of the ginger flowers along the way, that we were able to use in the waterfall water.
What an absolutely Amazing Welcome to the Island. You cannot go wrong starting your vacation with the Wonderful, Kind and Full of the Island guides. Not only was the trip Educational and Beautiful, the Lunch was we'll prepared,delicious and Presented like no other group we saw at the Falls. I would recommend this Experience 100 times over to anyone. Mahalo for welcoming us and excepting us into your island 'Ohana.
Beautiful scenary, both kayaking and hiking. Great family experience. Great tour guide. Thanks Trey. For novices, like us, you will gain a greater appreciation for those who kayak and make it look easy.
Thomas was a great guide and we had an amazing time .
Outstanding trip. Four miles roundtrip kayak. Three miles roundtrip hike (per my Apple Watch). Hike was maybe 50% wooden boardwalk, 30% scramble on rocks, and 20% mud. Slick but manageable. Ages of family were 59, 58, 30, 27, 27, and 18. Tour guide was Thomas - professional, safety conscious, and very informative. Swimming under the waterfalls was amazing. One of the highlights of our trip. Book it.
Great day trip! There was plenty of kayaking, and the hike was beautiful. I loved being surrounded by nature, and the waterfall was absolutely stunning. Tom, our guide, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this trip to my family and friends.
Our tour guide was great! Taught us a lot about the plants and wildlife and why Kauai looks today. She made us feel safe, and was very attentive to everyone’s needs. I would definitely recommend using water shoes or teva like sandals for the hike. I would highly recommend this tour!
