Wailua River Kayak & Waterfall Hike

Take on the Wailua River Kayak & Hike

This classic Wailua River kayak tour takes you deep into Kauaʻi’s interior along Hawaiʻi’s largest tropical river. Paddle through lush, history-rich scenery in tandem, ruddered kayaks, then hike inland to the iconic ʻUluwehi Falls, often called Secret Falls, where you’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by rainforest.

This tour is active, immersive, and incredibly rewarding, the kind of experience that leaves you feeling accomplished and connected to the landscape around you. With calm stretches of river, jungle trails, and a waterfall finish, it’s one of the most iconic ways to explore Kauaʻi from the water.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Outfitters Kauai has been guiding guests on the Wailua River for over 30 years, making us one of the most experienced companies offering guided kayak tours on this river today. That history matters. It means our routes are refined, our logistics are dialed in, and our guides know this river inside and out.

We use tandem, ruddered kayaks, which provide better control, smoother tracking, and a more enjoyable paddling experience compared to standard recreational kayaks.

Why it matters: You’ll spend less time correcting your course and more time moving efficiently, enjoying the scenery, and having fun on the water.

Our guides are well trained and certified in water safety, and every tour operates under state park permits and guidelines. This allows us to deliver an experience that feels adventurous and seamless, while still being professionally run, thoughtfully paced, and easy to enjoy.

The Experience

Expect a fun, engaging paddle, a scenic hike through rainforest terrain, and a well-earned lunch beside ʻUluwehi Falls. This is our most competitive kayak tour for a reason. It combines iconic scenery, quality equipment, expert guiding, and decades of experience into one unforgettable day on the river.