Kauai: Wailua Waterfall and River Kayak Adventure with Lunch

Kauai’s Wailua Waterfall and River Kayak Adventure with Lunch offers a full-day exploration of the island’s lush landscape, combining kayaking, hiking, and cultural discovery. This 6-hour tour departs from the Islander Shops in Wailua and includes approximately 4 miles of paddling, a moderate hike of just over 1 mile, and a chance to see the famous 120-foot Secret Falls. The experience features guides who share Hawaiian legends and local insights, making it both adventurous and educational.

While suitable for adventurers between ages 5 and 75, participants should enjoy being in the water, hiking, and be in good physical condition. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate a mix of outdoor activity and cultural storytelling, with lunch and refreshments included to keep energy levels high throughout the day. Expect muddy and slippery trail conditions at times, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure combining kayaking, hiking, and cultural exploration on Kauai
• Approximate 4 miles of paddling along the Wailua River, with guide-led instruction
• Moderate hike to a spectacular 120-foot Secret Falls
• Visit Kamokila Village, an authentic Hawaiian cultural site
• Includes lunch and refreshments, perfect for refueling during this active day
• Suitable for ages 5 to 75, with requirements for water comfort and good physical fitness

You can check availability for your dates here:

Wailua River Kayaking: Gliding Through Kauai’s Emerald Waters

Starting at the Rainbow Kayak in Wailua, this tour leads you into the serene Wailua River, known for its lush scenery and historical significance. The guides instruct on kayaking techniques and share stories about the Hawaiians who arrived 1500 years ago. As you paddle, you’ll take in stunning views of towering cliff lines and explore the flora and fauna native to the area.

The kayak trip covers around 4 miles and takes between 60 to 90 minutes. The guides’ explanations make this segment both scenic and informative, offering insights into the natural and cultural history of Kauai. The sacred nature of the river area adds a spiritual dimension to the experience, and paddling through the rainforest feels like entering a vibrant, living picture.

Kamokila Village: An Authentic Hawaiian Cultural Stop

After kayaking, the tour continues with a visit to Kamokila Village, a replica of an ancient Hawaiian village. Here, visitors learn about traditional Hawaiian life through preserved structures and cultural demonstrations. The village provides a glimpse into Kauai’s past, with opportunities to see how native Hawaiians lived, farmed, and crafted their tools.

This stop offers a break from water activity and a chance to connect more deeply with Hawaiian heritage. The guides often share stories and legends associated with the village, enriching the educational aspect of the trip. Visitors appreciate how this cultural insight complements the outdoor activities.

The Hike to Secret Falls: Discovering Kauai’s Enchanting Waterfall

The highlight of the tour is a moderate hike deep into the jungle, leading to the enchanting Secret Falls. This hidden waterfall drops 120 feet into a natural pool, creating a picture-perfect scene. The trail is just over 1 mile and can be muddy or slippery, so appropriate footwear such as hiking shoes or sandals with good grip is recommended.

The hike offers lush scenery, with dense trees and vibrant plant life around every turn. Once at the falls, visitors have time to enjoy the view, take photos, or simply relax in the tranquil setting. The waterfall’s size and beauty make it a memorable spot to pause and appreciate Kauai’s natural wonders.

Lunch and Refreshments: Resting and Refueling in Paradise

After the hike, the tour provides a delicious lunch and refreshments, allowing participants to relax and soak in the scenery. The meal is served in a scenic spot, offering a perfect break in an otherwise active day. The inclusion of food and drinks helps sustain energy for the remaining activities and keeps the experience well-balanced.

The guide typically joins the group, sharing stories and answering questions during this time. The combination of outdoor activity and a satisfying meal creates a well-rounded adventure that’s both invigorating and restorative.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Physical Requirements

This tour departs from Coconut Marketplace in Wailua, accessible from both the north and south sides of Kauai via Hwys 56 and 50. Participants should bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a camera, and rain gear. The tour runs rain or shine, with rescheduling possible only in cases of extreme weather.

Participants need to be comfortable in the water, enjoy hiking, and be in good physical condition. The tour does not accept those with bad backs, knees, ankles, or recent surgeries, and pregnant women are not permitted. Expect muddy trail conditions, so wear sturdy, non-slip shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking sandals. The overall activity involves walking 1.5 miles and kayaking for 60 to 90 minutes.

Meeting and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers a “Reserve now, pay later” option, allowing travelers to secure a spot without payment upfront. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing flexibility if plans change. This makes it easier to plan a Kauai adventure without committing immediately.

What Sets This Tour Apart on Kauai

This adventure combines active outdoor pursuits with cultural learning in a compact, 6-hour package. The guided kayak trip along the sacred Wailua River, the visit to Kamokila Village, and the hike to Secret Falls make for a diverse experience that showcases Kauai’s natural beauty and heritage.

The delicious included lunch is a bonus that helps balance the physical activity with rest. The guides’ storytelling and educational insights add depth to the trip, making it suitable for families, adventurers, and those interested in Hawaiian culture.

Final Thoughts on the Kauai Waterfall and River Kayak Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Kauai’s lush landscape, combining water-based activities, hiking, and cultural exploration. The focus on scenic views, a stunning waterfall, and local history makes it a memorable way to spend a day on the island.

While the physical demands may exclude some, the adventure’s overall balance makes it a great choice for active travelers aged 5 to 75** who enjoy nature and storytelling. The lunch and scenic stops ensure a relaxed pace between the more energetic parts of the day.

The Wailua Waterfall and River Kayak Adventure stands out as a rich and engaging way to see Kauai’s best natural and cultural sights in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children aged 5 and above, provided they are comfortable in the water and enjoy hiking.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a camera, and rain gear. Wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes is essential due to muddy and slippery trail conditions.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The activity involves about 4 miles of paddling and just over 1 mile of hiking, so good physical condition and enjoyment of outdoor activities are recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour does not accept those with bad backs, knees, ankles, recent surgeries, or pregnant women. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Can the tour be rescheduled in bad weather?
Yes, in cases of extreme inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled if availability allows. Otherwise, a full refund is issued.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at the Islander Shops in Coconut Marketplace, accessible from Hwys 56 and 50 in Wailua.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious lunch and refreshments are provided after the hike, giving a perfect break in the day’s activities.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of kayaking on a sacred river, visiting a Hawaiian cultural site, and hiking to a stunning waterfall creates a diverse, engaging, and scenic experience that captures the essence of Kauai.

How long does the tour last?
The entire adventure lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a thorough yet manageable day trip on Kauai.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby