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

Name: Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide
Brand: Duke's Kayak Adventures
SKU: 24198P1
Price: 125 USD
Rating: 5 (1144 reviews)

Recommended by 95% of travelersBadge of ExcellenceKauai, USA

Wailua River and Secret Falls guided Kayak and Hiking Tour

Special Offer

From $125.00

per person

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

- Secure your spot while staying flexible

5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore the natural beauty of Kauai on a 5-hour tour that combines a lovely kayaking trip with an moderately easy hike to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. Your experienced guide provides a paddling lesson and guided kayak tour in the Wailua River Valley, following gorgeous waterways through the lush Kauai landscape. Then hop out of your kayaks and take a 45-minute hike to Secret Falls where you can cool off in the clear waters before returning to the Wailua marina the way you came.

5-hour kayaking and hiking tour in the Wailua River Valley, on Kauai
Learn about local wildlife, and Hawaiian history and legends from the guide
Park the kayaks for a hike to Secret Falls
Includes all needed equipment and instruction

What's Included

Professional guide
All activities
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Use of backpack style dry bag

Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Drinking water

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

4-361 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
Turn off KUHIO hwy into the shopping plaza with the green building which is across the street from the Shell gas station. Look for the STAND UP PADDLE shop and Dukes Kayak Adventures sandwich board next to it. Feel free to park nearby and your guide will meet you and take care of you from there.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your own way to the designated meeting point to begin your 5-hour active adventure kayaking and hiking along the Wailua River and swimming at hidden waterfalls.

Paddle a kayak along the beautiful river, looking out for birds and animals along the way. Head into the lush tropical rainforest on a moderate hike to the impressive Uluwehi Falls, often named Secret Falls because you’d have trouble finding them independently. Learn more about the nature and culture of this beautiful area from your guide, and avoid the risk of getting lost by going with someone who knows the way.

Take a refreshing swim in the falls and relax with a picnic (bring your own) before heading back to the starting point.

Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wailua River State Park

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Duke's Kayak Adventures

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
We depart immediately after check-in so no late arrivals will be permitted
Not recommended for participants with recent back, knee or ankle injuries
No open wounds
Participants must be in good physical condition and able to hike approximately two miles through rocky, muddy and slippery terrain

Must wear shoes that are secure to your feet. No flip flops.
Please bring plenty of water.
Other recommended items to bring: swimsuits, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, and a towel.
Ziploc bags should be used for cell phones or cameras that are not waterproof
No alcohol
Age restriction is 13-59
Not recommended for travelers with recent knee, ankle or back injuries
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Questions?

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 24198P1

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Matthew_L

Our guide Brian was fun and energetic. The kayaking was relatively easy as the water is very still. The hike was a challenge as the path is slippery after any rain. But still easy enough for someone used to light to moderate physical activity. Waterfall was breathtaking and worth the journey. Definitely recommend going behind the waterfall if you are able.

Reviews

4.8

1,144 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,144 reviews

Great trip w/Zach

Barbara_P, Dec 2024

Great trip with great guide. I was solo w/a couple, another solo, & party of 3 in our group. Zach was very safety conscious & helpful. The couple had a hard time w/the kayaking portion & Zach made sure they got there and back safely without compromising the trip for the rest of the group. I did the 7:00 a.m. trip which was great because we got to the falls before almost anyone else. It got busy and more crowded after We were there for a bit. Tips I wasn't aware of previously: dry bags that also function as backpacks will be provided. Bring a towel if you want to swim at the falls. Bring water and snacks. Hiking sandals or tennis shoes are a good idea as long as you don't mind them getting soaking wet. Sunscreen, especially for the way back is a good idea. Zack brought hiking sticks which were really helpful, especially for balance in the streams. Zack is also very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area. Great trip!

Kayak Zack is the best!

Nadia_M, Dec 2024

Zack is an amazing guide. He is helpful, kind and makes the experience memorable. It is a long 4 mile kayak trip as well as a 3 mile hike. The falls are splendid and the information that you learn from Zack along the way is second to none!

Intense paddle & hike

MaryM_J, Dec 2024

Fun experience, & physically strenuous. Must be physically fit to enjoy. Great 2 mile Kayak paddle. Loved the ~1 mile hiking in the jungle-- through deep plants/trees, through streams, up steep muddy hills, & climbing over big rocks. Loved the adventure. Our guide was great!

Quite an adventure!

Cathy_G, Nov 2024

We loved our guide, Annie! The trip was a great combination of kayaking and hiking. The waterfall was a lovely surprise!

Absolute worst and dangerous!!!!!!!

John_L, Nov 2024

This has been by far the absolute worst Viator tour we have ever taken. Where to begin? 1. Complete lack of safety - no instructions were given on how to row/manage the kayak, how to stop, what to do if the kayak tips over, life vests were not stressed as being important, etc. Annie, out guide was at least a block ahead of us at all times, our kayak collided with another and the other kayak tipped over. His tour guide was immediately there. Annie was far ahead and not once looked back. Our family age range was 11- 67. Once on land for the hike, when we finally arrived she had already left with those that were able to keep up. Mind you, the description states no experience required and kids as young as 8 could participate. I decided to sit out the hike due to slipping and sliding on the rocks, as I sat there waiting for the group to return I witnessed other guides providing their group with walking sticks. Annie did not provide anything, She simply led the way. My family reports that No details /information was shared as she was always way ahead of them. While on the hike tho, she did stop to talk with other guides as the group waited for her to begin again. Once the group returned, I told her I was having difficulty steering the kayak, she said she would provide help. She did briefly then left us behind. One side of the river has motorboats, she told us we would all meet at the " white house " to cross together as a group. When we finally arrived at the white house, Anne and those that kept up where already across the river, thus, my husband and I had to cross on our own. Fortunately for us, our group included our daughter and son in law and our grandkids who are boy scouts. They helped us in and out of the kayak, waited for us along the river and gave us much needed advise. When we finally returned to the starting point, Annie was already in her truck asking participants to load the kayaks into her trucks trailer. Annie did not help load the kayaks. Annie did make sure we all signed the liability release form but , in my opinion, that would not protect her against negligence. My advise: never. ever, even consider using this vendor. The Viator description is totally bogus and you are all on your own, shame on Viator. God help you!

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear you had a frustrating experience on your tour, but we appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention. Please know that your situation was an exception. As you can see on other reviews, we are known for providing one of the best experiences on Kauai for our customers. Our guides are professional, trained and well-experienced. Moreover, our guides love their job and what they do. We are investigating this particular issue and can assure you that if you choose to come back and go out with us again we will make sure you have a great time. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review and hope you enjoyed the rest of your vacation. Aloha

4 travelers found this review helpful

Very beautiful and serene...

Yuliya_n, Nov 2024

Very beautiful and serene kayak ride. We loved the whole experience- very fun guide- Hawaiian Bryan! The hike was pleasant and the water in the waterfall was refreshing but not too cold !

Fun tour with Zac, knew a...

Rhys_C, Nov 2024

Fun tour with Zac, knew a lot about the land and made for a great kayaking and hiking tour! Also had some good food recs for the island

1 traveler found this review helpful

Lisa Jonas RN from Cali.

Lisa_J, Nov 2024

It is an awesome experience. Annie, our guide was so cool to get to know. Highly recommend! Waterfall and jungle was amazing!!

Perfect thrilling fun hiking in the jungle !

Donna_T, Nov 2024

All of the hiking and swimming under the waterfall. As you know already ANNIE is amazing and made the trip over the top and more !!!

Amazing Adventure

Kristina_A, Nov 2024

We had a blast!!! Our guide was amazing and funny. We did lose a phone in the river:( but still the best not a bad hike and kayaking was great. So beautiful and this was the best time of year not to hot.. use a walking stick lol

Great Adventure!

West_G, Nov 2024

We enjoyed both the kayak and hike to the waterfalls portion of the adventure. The hike was pretty muddy and slippery. Recommend wearing hiking shoes with good treads. Our guide was entertaining, supportive, and fun.

Tiring and muddy but well worth it

Bethany_S, Nov 2024

Brian is a fantastic guide. He is very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. He told us what to expect so there were no surprises when we had to cross rivers or get very muddy. The views were beautiful and well worth the mud.

Our Guide was the GOAT (as in the greatest of all times)!

David_B, Nov 2024

We have always been DIY'ers when it came to touring vacations - not because we were cheap, but because we saw the extra logistics and physical work as part of the overall experience. That said, this tour provided a great example why we have been shifting our thinking and relying more on professionals to enhance the our travel experiences. Besides making all of the effort to get to the waterfalls fun and stress-free, our guide Brian will be a lasting, favorite memory of our Kauaʻi visit. He was fun, funny, kind, and relatable while being extremely knowledgeable about the sites and island history. Paddling 4 miles and hiking 2 miles into unknown territory could have been stressful. But we just simply had a great time. Oh and by the way... if you can't stand to get muddy and sweaty, you may want to try a different sticking to the bus tours.

Wonderful

AMY_W, Nov 2024

What a great adventure. Zach was the best. Loved how we left early enough to have the trails and waterfall to ourselves.

The Queen and her entourage are happy kayakers

Cheryl_K, Nov 2024

Kayak Zack was the very best guide! His instructions were clear and as a result I feel like I have learned a new life skill. Zack took great care of us. We were concerned about our sister even making the trip. From the beginning Zack made it Easy. He removed the fear and even kept us entertained with some fun and silly jokes. Zack was professional, courteous, kind, and I would even say Exceptional. He could not have done any more to make our trip fun and keep us safe. Thank you Zack!

The kayak and hike were...

Joshua_R, Nov 2024

The kayak and hike were enjoyable and not difficult. We went on a beautiful day after a couple days of rain so the falls were flowing heavy and very impressive. The hardest part was you had to cross a flowing river on semi-slippery rocks, almost waste deep, with a walking stick. My wife and I thought it was fun, but on the way back 2 ladies fell and got soaked. They were fine and laughed it off, but just FYI Our tour was scheduled for 12:45 which made us the last group of the day. When the other tour groups left the falls our small group had it all to ourselves which made for great pictures and memories. And Zach was a fantastic tour guide. He had a great attitude and explained a lot of the local flora and fauna (watch out for the wild hogs ;) ) @Zach, if you read this I talked to a couple people on the hike you recommended (Koke'e) and told them about the excursion and said to tell you "Josh from Boston" sent them. I hope they booked with you!

A unique experience

Thomas_B, Nov 2024

Our guide, Zack, was excellent; knowledgeable, humorous, and kept the group moving at a comfortable pace. The afternoon excursion allowed for some less crowded time at the falls and an amazing sunset on the return.

Uluwehi falls river/trail adventure

Lupe_G, Nov 2024

Our guide "Kayak Zack" was a wealth of information on the river and on the trail. Kept things loose with some very good jokes, and had us all working together as a team.

A beautiful afternoon spent on the River!

Jamie_F, Nov 2024

Amazing trip with kayak Zach!! An easy kayak up river, hike was about 45 minutes with one stream crossing that had some fast water but our guide handled this perfectly!! The waterfall is spectacular!! Kayak back even with a headwind was manageable. This was such a fun afternoon and our guide was super helpful!! Definitely book this tour you will not be disappointed!

Fun, dirt and wet

Michelle_S, Oct 2024

Our guide Anne was amazing!! Great tour! Be prepared to get get dirty!! It’s worth it! Super low key paddle and hike!

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