Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls With Expert Guide

Exploring the natural wonders of Kauai through a guided kayak and hike adventure sounds like an exhilarating way to experience the island’s beauty. We’ll paddle along the serene Wailua River, venture into the lush Wailua Valley, and discover the hidden gem of Secret Falls. With an expert guide leading the way, we can immerse ourselves in Kauai’s captivating landscapes and uncover the island’s rich cultural heritage. Shall we dive in and uncover the secrets this tour has to offer?

This experience made our article of 10 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Kauai (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• This 5-hour Kauai adventure tour combines kayaking on the Wailua River and hiking to the scenic Uluwehi (Secret) Falls.
• The moderately challenging tour is ideal for active travelers and includes a guided paddling lesson and 4-mile kayaking experience.
• The 2-mile hike through the Wailua Valley leads to a refreshing swim and picnic lunch at the cascading Secret Falls.
• Participants can enjoy spotting native Hawaiian wildlife and plants, as well as optional panoramic views from the falls’ viewpoint.
• The tour is priced from $125 per person, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and is limited to 12 travelers for an intimate experience.

Tour Overview

The 5-hour Kauai Adventure tour combines the thrill of kayaking down the Wailua River with the rewarding hike to the picturesque Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls.

This moderately challenging activity is perfect for active travelers seeking an immersive nature experience. With over 1,000 glowing reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, the tour earns a Badge of Excellence.

Priced from $125 per person, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Whether you’re admiring the lush valley or cooling off at the falls, this adventure is a must-do during your time on the Garden Isle.

Activity Details

As participants, we’ll begin our Kauai adventure with a guided paddling lesson on the serene Wailua River.

Over the next 4 miles, we’ll work as a team to navigate the tranquil waterway. Once we reach the trailhead, it’s time to hike through the lush Wailua Valley.

The 45-minute, 2-mile trek to Secret Falls covers rocky, muddy terrain, so we’ll need to stay focused.

At the stunning waterfall, we can take a refreshing swim before enjoying our packed picnic lunches.

This active, immersive experience offers the perfect blend of kayaking and hiking in Kauai’s untamed wilderness.

Destination Highlights

Once we reach the trailhead, our adventure takes us through the lush Wailua Valley, where we’ll hike for around 45 minutes to reach the stunning Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls.

This hidden gem features:

1. A cascading waterfall that plunges into a serene pool, perfect for a refreshing swim.
2. Towering tropical vegetation and ancient volcanic rock formations that provide a breathtaking backdrop.
3. Opportunities to spot native Hawaiian birds and plants while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
4. An optional challenge to climb up to the falls’ viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the valley.

Pricing and Fitness Requirements

How much does this Kauai adventure cost, and what level of fitness is required?

The 5-hour kayaking and hiking tour to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) starts at $125 per person.

To enjoy this experience, you’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour involves 4 miles of guided kayaking on the Wailua River and a 45-minute hike covering 2 miles of rocky, muddy terrain.

While there’s a chance to swim at the falls, the tour isn’t suitable for those with recent knee, ankle, or back injuries.

Groups are limited to 12 travelers for an intimate experience.

Kayaking and Hiking Itinerary

The tour begins with a guided paddling lesson on the Wailua River.

We’ll learn proper kayaking techniques as we paddle approximately 4 miles roundtrip along the tranquil waterway.

Next, we’ll embark on a 45-minute hike through rocky, muddy terrain to reach the stunning Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls.

The hike covers about 2 miles, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the lush Kauai landscape.

Once at the falls, we’ll have the opportunity to:

1. Swim in the natural pools
2. Enjoy a picnic lunch
3. Snap photos of the cascading waters
4. Gain insights about the local wildlife and Hawaiian history from our knowledgeable guide.

Meeting and Pickup Information

To begin the tour, we’ll meet at the designated meeting point located at 4-361 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA.

The tour will pick us up from our hotels and transport us to the starting point.

After our exciting kayaking and hiking adventure, we’ll return to the same meeting location.

The tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, so we don’t have to worry about transportation.

This makes it easy for us to simply show up, ready to embark on the Kauai excursion of a lifetime.

Essential Gear and Restrictions

Although we’ll be spending much of the tour outdoors, there are a few essential items we’ll want to bring to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

First and foremost, pack plenty of water and snacks to keep us hydrated and energized throughout the day.

Plus, we’ll want to wear proper footwear with good traction, as the hiking trail can be rocky and muddy.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are also must-haves to protect ourselves from the sun and mosquitoes.

Lastly, bringing a waterproof bag or case for our electronics will allow us to capture memories without worry.

Participant Feedback and Recommendations

Highly praised by past participants, the knowledgeable and engaging guides bring the Wailua River Valley to life with their insights on local wildlife, Hawaiian history, and legends.

They ensure the adventure is fun, beautiful, and active, creating the perfect blend of kayaking and hiking. Many described the tour as a highlight of their Kauai trip, with a 96% recommendation rate.

This unique experience isn’t to be missed, offering a chance to explore the stunning Secret Falls while learning about the island’s rich culture and natural wonders from expert local guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Number of People per Group?

The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers. We’ll enjoy a small-group experience and have plenty of opportunities to interact with our knowledgeable guide as we explore the beautiful Wailua River Valley.

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Kayaking Portion?

Yes, life jackets are provided for the kayaking portion of the tour. We’ll be outfitted with all the necessary safety gear before we set out on the Wailua River to paddle our way to the Secret Falls.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Is One Provided?

Kayaks are provided for this tour, so you don’t need to bring your own. The guides will provide a lesson and guide you through the river paddling. All the necessary equipment is included in the tour price.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

We can’t bring our own kayaks, but the tour provides them. As for extending the duration or adding activities, that may be possible – you’ll need to check with the tour operator directly to see what options are available.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the tour day, the guides will assess the conditions and make the best decision to ensure our safety. They’ll either modify the itinerary or reschedule the tour to when the weather is more suitable.

The Sum Up

Experience the natural wonders of Kauai on this thrilling kayak and hike adventure to Secret Falls. Paddle through the Wailua River, then embark on a moderate hike to witness the stunning cascading waterfall. Enjoy the lush tropical landscapes and keep an eye out for native wildlife. This guided tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Kauai’s hidden gems.