Alii Kayaks Secret Falls

Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike runs through Alii Kayaks, LLC. Rated 4.8 across 1,660 reviews. Runs 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.). From $135.

Overview

Alii Kayaks runs a guided paddle up the Wailua River followed by a rainforest hike to Secret Falls. You check in at Wailua Road in Kapaʻa, then spend roughly four and a half hours on the combined outing. The group paddles about 4 miles roundtrip and hikes roughly 2 miles roundtrip, climbing around 465 feet along the trail before reaching the falls. Groups are capped at 12 travellers.

The tour includes everything needed for the paddle: kayak, backrests, paddles and personal flotation devices, plus a local guide for both the river and the trail. It does not include food, drink, footwear or any transport to the meeting point, so travellers arrive on their own and bring their own closed-toe shoes or secured sandals suitable for hiking and water. Reviews repeatedly describe the terrain as muddy, slippery in places, and a genuine workout on foot.

This outing suits people with strong fitness who are comfortable in the water. The listing advises against it for those with back problems, heart conditions or limited mobility, and pregnant travellers are asked not to join because of the risk of Leptospirosis exposure. Reviewers who came prepared for mud and effort generally described the day as a highlight of a Kauai trip, with the waterfall as the reward at the end of the trail.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Wailua RoadMeet at 180 Wailua Rd, Kapaʻa. Arrive 30 minutes before the start time to check in.
2. Kayak up the Wailua RiverPaddle the Wailua River with the group and guide, a roundtrip distance of about 4 miles by kayak.
3. Rainforest hike to Secret FallsHike roughly 2 miles roundtrip through rainforest with an elevation gain to 465 feet.
4. Time at the fallsRelax at the waterfall, with reviews mentioning time to enjoy the water before turning back.
5. Return paddle and finishHike back to the kayaks and paddle to the starting point. The activity ends at the same meeting location.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they shape how the day goes.

• Footwear matters. Closed-toe shoes or sandals that strap on are required, and crocs and flip flops are not allowed. Several reviewers reinforced this, describing mud and slippery trail conditions. Hiking sandals that drain easily were one traveller's specific recommendation.
• Bring your own food. No meals, snacks or beverages are provided on this tour, so pack whatever you want to eat and drink. The day runs about four and a half hours, so plan portions accordingly.
• Be honest about fitness. The listing asks for a strong physical fitness level and says the trail climbs to 465 feet in under 2 miles. Reviewers called it moderate to strenuous, and a few noted it was harder than expected, especially for older participants or those with balance concerns.
• Expect mud and weather shifts. Rain can turn the trail muddy and slippery, as multiple reviewers described. One reviewer said a guide offered the group options to reschedule, get a refund or continue when rain threatened the hike.
• Getting to the start. There is no hotel pickup or roundtrip transportation. Travellers make their own way to Wailua Road in Kapaʻa and check in 30 minutes before departure.
• A popular waterfall. Time at the waterfall itself can be short, with the same reviewer describing about 20 minutes there before turning back.

Common issues. The physical demands are the main complaint: the trail is muddy, slippery in rain, and harder than some expected, particularly for older travellers or those with balance issues. The listing itself excludes food, drink and transport, and it rules out the tour for wheelchair users, pregnant travellers and anyone with serious back or heart conditions. Weather can force changes, and a minimum number of travellers is required, with a different date, different experience or refund offered if it is not met. One reviewer described a serious incident involving loose kayaks on a trailer and a lack of safety briefing, which stands out against an otherwise positive run of reviews.

Which Tour Matches Your Plans