
Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,491 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide worth booking?
Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide is a 5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $150 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,491 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,491)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Explore Kauai on a family-friendly guided kayaking and hiking tour of the Wailua river valley and Uluwehi falls a.k.a. Secret Falls. A professional tour guide will take you paddling through some of Kauai's most sacred waterways and hiking through some of the most beautiful lush tropical forest Kauai has to offer sharing myths, legends and some Hawaiian history all the way to Secret Falls. We do sell out frequently and due to state regulations cannot take more people on our tour. However, please check out our sister company which will provide you with an amazing adventure to the exact same river and waterfall on a paddle board or kayak, except without a guide. You can enjoy the day at your own leisure. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60616-d12124159-Reviews-Kauai_SUP-Kapaa_Kauai_Hawaii.html
What you get
About this experience
Explore Kauai on a family-friendly guided kayaking and hiking tour of the Wailua river valley and Uluwehi falls a.k.a. Secret Falls. A professional tour guide will take you paddling through some of Kauai's most sacred waterways and hiking through some of the most beautiful lush tropical forest Kauai has to offer sharing myths, legends and some Hawaiian history all the way to Secret Falls. We do sell out frequently and due to state regulations cannot take more people on our tour. However, please check out our sister company which will provide you with an amazing adventure to the exact same river and waterfall on a paddle board or kayak, except without a guide. You can enjoy the day at your own leisure. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60616-d12124159-Reviews-Kauai_SUP-Kapaa_Kauai_Hawaii.html
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Professional guide
- All activities
- Use of backpack style dry bag
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Drinking water
- Parking fees
What you'll see and do
Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
Beautiful 100 foot waterfall where you will swim, take pictures, enjoy snacks and relaxing time
30 minutes here
Wailua River State Park
Marina location
15 minutes here
Duke's Kayak Adventures
Check in location
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kauai
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
7:00 AM
Option 1: 4 - 5 hour GUIDED WAILUA RIVER KAYAK TOUR
12:45PM
12:45PM
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Duke's Kayak Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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 13-69
- Customer will pay Hawaii State fee of $5 per person and $10 per car
- Not recommended for travelers with recent knee, ankle or back injuries
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,488 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
1,488 verified traveler reviews for Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Epic Kayak Tour in Kauai
This was an epic adventure that we took. Our tour guide Zak was beyond amazing due to his knowledge of the history of the river and the island, but most especially his professional background dealing with kayaks. He gave us some pointers that will remain with me because he is a Kayak instructor and it was well worth the price that we paid.
via Viator
What a perfect afternoon hiking and on / in the water!
Our trip with Zach was awesome! He does a great job explaining the day, laying out expectations for the exertion required (nothing terrible - you will need to paddle for a couple of hours in total and the hiking is quite easy as long as you watch your footing), and providing history and nature facts along the trail. We saw several other groups on the water and trails, but honestly none of them seemed to be having as good of a time as we were with Zach. The Falls are amazing to experience and wade into. And there's an added highlight / interactive nature moment along the trail that you'll only experience with Zach (though we won't spoil the surprise). Definitely book this tour while you are on Kauai, and definitely book with this company!
via Viator
A tiring yet fun and stimulating day!
We met up and were given a short overview of what to expect and then we were off to our kayaks. Our guide was very knowledgeable, offering both factual and humorous insights during the first leg. We eventually beached our kayaks and began our hike. This was no hike for faint-hearted! It was at hilly with beautiful, dense vegetation; and sometimes we encountered mud into which we sunk into above our ankles! But when we reached the waterfall, every bit of grime was worth it. What a gorgeous spot to take in, rest, have a fortifying snack and take keepsake pics. Of course, after a reasonable amount of “free time,” we did have to turn around and go back the way we came. So we added a layer of mud socks, hiking back to our kayaks. While I could use words like serene and relaxing to describe the paddle in, I’d have to change those to inclement and challenging. A steady rain had begun and that, coupled with the wind and the current coming up the river from the sea made paddling back an intense workout. But we made it, safe and sound, just a little worn out and lot dirty! It was a highlight of our anniversary trip!
via Viator
Slippery & these guys planned for us to be safe (unlike every group we passed)
We had a great time on the kayak and waterfall hike, and our guide, Zach, was fantastic—happy, entertaining, knowledgeable, and clearly cared about the experience and safety of his guests. *****One thing that really stood out was that Zach provided walking sticks for everyone. We passed many other tour groups along the way, and he was the only guide who had cared to do this. The hike includes eight very slippery water crossings, and much of the rest of the trail is heavy mud. The walking sticks made a huge difference in stability and reducing the risk of a fall or injury. Slippery ya’ll and not one other company provided any safety measures for it. It’s such a simple thing to provide, but on this particular trail it feels necessary rather than optional. Seeing so many other groups navigating the same conditions without them made me nervous for them and appreciate the foresight and care Zach put into taking care of his guests. None of us were injured while other folks were falling and slipping and looked more anxious than joyful. The kayaking was fun, the hike was an adventure, and the waterfall was absolutely worth it. Great experience and an excellent guide!
via Viator
#1 Hawaiian Adventure
If you visit Kauai, this is a must book experience for anyone that enjoys water activities, adventure, and beauty. Oh! ...and if you are lucky enough to get Zack as your guide, it might be the best thing you do in the Hawaiian islands.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 522
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide cost?
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Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kauai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kauai is not rushed.
Is Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,491 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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Around 522 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kauai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kauai and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kauai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kauai?
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Kauai sells Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours, Waimea Canyon drives, tubing through old plantation ditches and Hanalei kayak trips. Ocean conditions shut down the north shore boat runs in winter, so cancellation terms matter. On Outty we rank every Kauai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K, Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kauai?
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April to June and September to October, with calmest seas in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kauai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; Professional guide; All activities; and Use of backpack style dry bag. Not included: Lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Gratuities; and Drinking water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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Across 1,491 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including 7:00 AM, 12:45PM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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