
Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 80 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided worth booking?
Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided is a 5.5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $145 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 80 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (80)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $145 per person
Outfitters Kauai delivers a more personal and enriching Wailua River experience. Paddle in comfort with premium tandem kayaks featuring high-back seats and foot-controlled rudders. Our passionate guides share Hawaiian legends and cultural insights along the journey. After a scenic jungle hike, enjoy a hearty lunch and a refreshing swim at the breathtaking 100-foot Uluwehi Falls—an unforgettable highlight that sets this tour apart in all the right ways.
What you get
About this experience
Outfitters Kauai delivers a more personal and enriching Wailua River experience. Paddle in comfort with premium tandem kayaks featuring high-back seats and foot-controlled rudders. Our passionate guides share Hawaiian legends and cultural insights along the journey. After a scenic jungle hike, enjoy a hearty lunch and a refreshing swim at the breathtaking 100-foot Uluwehi Falls—an unforgettable highlight that sets this tour apart in all the right ways.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Local Taxes
- Small Group Experience
- Cold spring water and juices
- Dry bag/day pack
- Deluxe two-person kayak
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
- Government fees
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kauai
Park at Wailua Marina at 3-5971 Kuhio Highway. As of 2/15/26, the State of Hawaii will be charging $10 per car to park and $5 per non-resident for entrance, and you are responsible for those fees. Credit card only. After parking, walk to the marina to meet your guide by the Outfitters Kauai van.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Park at Wailua Marina at 3-5971 Kuhio Highway. As of 2/15/26, the State of Hawaii will be charging $10 per car to park and $5 per non-resident for entrance, and you are responsible for those fees. Credit card only. After parking, walk to the marina to meet your guide by the Outfitters Kauai van.
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
- Tue, Wed, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Outfitters Kauai
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum of 4 passengers required for tour departure. Maximum of 12 passengers per tour
- One guide for approximately every 8 - 12 passengers
- Hike is moderately strenuous (approx. 1 mile each way, typically in muddy conditions)
- Kayaking is 60-90 minutes each way (approx. 2 miles each way)
- Items to bring: Swimwear, footwear with an aggressive tread pattern and that can get wet (i.e. Teva-type sandals or aqua socks), towel, sunscreen, insect repellant, waterproof camera
- Minors must be at least 5 years old and accompanied on tour by a parent or guardian.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 80 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
80 verified traveler reviews for Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun when there is good weather!
The weather really impacts this experience. It was a rainy day, so we had a challenging paddle up stream, then had to turn around in the middle of the hike, and then a challenging paddle back with the wind. We were issued a partial refund, so that was great. While the hike was too dangerous to continue, I never felt like I was in an unsafe position. Our guide was very knowledgeable and kind. We loved her!
via Viator
Fun and Challenging Day and so worth it!
This is about a 2 mile kayaking adventure on the way to a sometimes challenging trail--maybe a mile long, to the beautiful Secret Falls. Then taking the traik back abd getting in the Kayaks again for the 2 mile trip back to the starting point. We were all given dry bags for our things and a nice stay dry pouch for our lunch which was provided. I am 70 and it was difficult. Paddling is not so difficult and our guide, Eli, helped those falling behind by towing behind his Kayak. The trail is not steep but there a muddy portions and water crossings A rather long portion of the trail has Trex like bolted down planks, but other portions were full of large boulders abd huge tree roots. The tour and guide were exceptional. I would certainly go again but would not advise this for those not in good physical condition nor elderly with limitations. Was great for kids, adults and those in good physical condition ni matter what age.
via Viator
Amazing tour, but an even...
Amazing tour, but an even better tour guide. Eli was helpful, friendly, and genuinely fun to be around
via Viator
Super Fun
My family had a blast on the kayak and hike to the waterfall. Cannon was our guide and he was awesome. I highly recommend bringing water shoes because it can be a muddy hike.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for your review! Kannen is such a wonderful member of the team. We hope to see you and your family again soon.
via Tripadvisor
It rained during our...
It rained during our kayaking and hiking trip and it was an absolute blast! Eli was a cool guide, keeping us safe and up for the adventure!
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the great review! A little Kauai rain can make the adventure even more fun! We’re so glad you had a blast and that Eli took great care of you along the way. 🌿🤙
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Outfitters Kauai, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.0.
See everything Outfitters Kauai runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided cost?
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Prices start at $145 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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided take?
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Plan for about 5.5 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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 80 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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Around 28 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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided 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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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Included: Lunch; Local Taxes; Small Group Experience; Cold spring water and juices; and Dry bag/day pack. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop off; Gratuities; and Government fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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Park at Wailua Marina at 3-5971 Kuhio Highway. As of 2/15/26, the State of Hawaii will be charging $10 per car to park and $5 per non-resident for entrance, and you are responsible for those fees. Credit card only. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided 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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided 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 Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Picnic: Expert-Guided?
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Across 80 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.
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