Wailua River Kayak And Hike

Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure runs through Rainbow Kayak Tours. Rated 4.8 across 846 reviews. Runs 5 to 6 hours (approx.). From $164.87.

Check park access before you go. Stops inside state parks (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e, Wailua River and Secret Falls) follow current DLNR notices and can be closed. Check the booking page for which stops are running on your date.

Overview

Rainbow Kayak Tours runs this guided paddle up the Wailua River from the marina at Kapaʻa, followed by a hike through the forest to Secret Falls, also called Uluwehi Falls. The whole outing runs roughly 5 to 6 hours. You paddle in tandem kayaks, land at a trailhead, and walk a route that reviewers describe as muddy and slippery, with several spots where you wade across the river.

At the falls there is time to relax and eat. Lunch is provided: a handmade turkey sandwich, fruit and water, with gluten free or vegetarian options available if you contact the office at least 48 hours before the tour. Dry bags, paddles and back rests come with the kayaks, so gear for the day itself is largely handled.

This suits reasonably fit travellers who want an active day rather than a boat ride. The listing sets an age range of 5 to 70 and asks for a strong fitness level, and it excludes anyone pregnant or with recent surgeries or problem knees, ankles, hips, back or shoulders. Groups run up to 24 people, and reviewers say a morning start beats the crowds.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at KapaʻaMeet behind Coconut Marketplace in the Aston Islander on the Beach Hotel parking area, next to Johnny'z Wingz N Tingz, and check in at Snorkel Depot at 440 Aleka Pl.
2. Paddle up the Wailua RiverSet off in tandem kayaks toward the trailhead. Reviewers put the paddle at about 2 miles each way and warn the return leg can feel like work against the breeze.
3. Hike the trailWalk roughly 1.5 miles each way through mud and river crossings to reach the falls.
4. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)Spend about 1 hour at the falls. Admission ticket is included.
5. Paddle backReturn along the river to the marina. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews.

• Footwear. Closed toed shoes, reef shoes or Teva style sandals are required. The listing bans flip flops and Crocs outright. Reviewers repeatedly said the trail is muddy and slick, with several recommending shoes you do not mind ruining.
• Fitness and pace. Expect a genuine workout. The hike involves slippery mud and river crossings, and reviewers say the kayak back into a headwind is tiring if you are not used to paddling. The listing asks for a strong physical fitness level.
• Clothing and gear. Reviewers recommend shorts and water shoes, since you walk through river crossings and mud. Dry bags are provided. One reviewer suggested grabbing a walking pole if the guide offers them, since the mud is slippery.
• Food and water. Lunch of a handmade turkey sandwich, fruit and water is included, served at the waterfall. Vegetarian and gluten free sandwiches need arranging with the office at least 48 hours ahead of your tour date.
• Timing. Multiple reviewers recommend the early morning departure to avoid crowds at the falls. They describe passing large groups heading in for the afternoon slot.
• Group feel. Reviewers say the guides keep track of everyone on both the water and the trail, and morning runs can feel close to private.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup; everyone makes their own way to the check in point at Snorkel Depot in Kapaʻa. The state charges a $5 per person non resident entry fee for the Wailua Marina, payable by credit card at entry, and footwear is not provided. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is off limits to pregnant travellers and anyone with recent surgeries or serious joint, back or heart problems, and full payment still applies if you are turned away for age or health reasons. Weather can cancel the day, in which case you get a different date or a full refund.

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