Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai
Kauai, United States

Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

Outty Ranking 84 4.8 · 843 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $143

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$143
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Outty Ranking

84/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 843 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure worth booking?

Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure is a 5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $143 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 843 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
84 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (843)
Duration
5 hours
From
$143 per person

Rainbow Kayak Tours has been providing guided tours of the Wailua River for 20 years. Our experienced guides are well versed in the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of this incredible place.

What you get

    About this experience

    Rainbow Kayak Tours has been providing guided tours of the Wailua River for 20 years. Our experienced guides are well versed in the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of this incredible place.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tandem kayaks, paddles, back rests, dry bags
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Footwear - Bring Closed Toed Shoes / Reef shoes / Teeva Style Sandals. NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Wailua River State Park

      Paddle the majestic Wailua River for 2 miles each way (4 miles total round trip), original home of the first Hawaiians, who paddled 1500 miles from the Marquesas Islands to Kaua`i almost 1500 years ago. Hear the legends and learn about the flora and fauna of Kauai`s most sacred area.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)

      After hiking 1 1/2 miles through the rain forest our guides will take clients to Secret Falls also known as Uluwehi Falls. This beautiful waterfall cascades 110 feet into a refreshing swimming hole, where they can go for a dip and enjoy a terrific lunch! You will then hike 1 1/2 miles back to your kayak (3 miles of hiking round trip). TRAIL CONDITIONS CAN VARY DEPENDING ON WEATHER. THERE WILL BE 4 RIVER CROSSINGS WITH LOOSE ROCKS IN RIVER BED THAT YOU WILL NEED TO CROSS AND UNPAVED TRAIL ON YOUR TREK TO THE WATERFALL. AND KEEP IN MIND YOU WILL CROSS THEM ON THE TREK BACK AS WELL. THERE IS AN AREA WHERE YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CLIMB A 25FT EMBANKMENT OF ROOTS & ROCKS (WHICH ARE WET AND SLIPPERY) FOOTWEAR IS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN WATER DURING YOUR ADVENTURE. Bring Tennis Shoes or Hiking Sandals/Boots(NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS) Tours go out rain or shine, unless there is a weather advisory. In the event the tour is cancelled, you may reschedule depending on availability or fully refunded.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kauai

    440 Aleka Place, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746. We're located behind Coconut Marketplace in the Aston Islander on the Beach Hotel parking area next to Johnny'z Wingz N Tingz. You can check in at Snorkel Depot.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    440 Aleka Place, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746. We're located behind Coconut Marketplace in the Aston Islander on the Beach Hotel parking area next to Johnny'z Wingz N Tingz. You can check in at Snorkel Depot.

    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
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Rainbow Kayak Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • No Recent surgeries or bad knees/ankles/hips. If you have any health conditions, recent surgeries, or physical limitations related to the knees, back, ankles, shoulders, or hips (including joint replacements) that would affect your ability to safely participate you will be responsible for full payment.
    • No pregnancies at this due to safety concerns. If you are pregnant at the time of the activity, the company may refuse participation and full payment will still be required
    • Must be 5-70 years old to participate. If you do not meet the age requirements at the time of the activity, you may be denied participation and will remain responsible for full payment
    • As of February 15, 2026 The State of Hawaii will be charging $5 per person for non resident fee to enter The Wailua Marina. Please be advised guests are responsible for payment at entry by credit card

    Photos

    Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 2Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 3Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 4Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 5Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 6Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure in Kauai, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 840 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Good for families

    4 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    840 verified traveler reviews for Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    746
    4 star
    65
    3 star
    15
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    10
    Sort
    Kayla · August 2026

    A Magical Way To Spend Your Morning or Day

    Kayaking up the Wailua River was a magical experience. The river is so serene, and filled with beautiful hibiscus flowers. It’s like a scene from a dream. The hike to the waterfall is a bit intense (mud, slippery rocks, fallen trees) but with the right footwear (reef shoes are ideal) and some patience it is a very rewarding hike. The waterfall is beautiful! We jumped in and swam under the fall, very refreshing. The lunch was delicious, especially after all the activities. The sandwiches and fresh pineapple really hit the spot. Our guide, Thomas, was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, sharing with us secrets of the forest. I would suggest going with the earlier morning tours, as it begins to get very hot in the afternoon. An overall beautiful time, highly recommend!

    via Viator

    Natalie_H · August 2026

    Best Guide! Great Company

    Thomas was the best and most knowledgeable guide. The experience was great and so was the weather. Would not hesitate to book with this company again.

    via Viator

    Buffy_C · August 2026

    Great family fun!

    We had the best time with Thomas. He was so knowledgeable and made the whole experience fun, especially for my kids.

    via Viator

    929ryanr · August 2026

    Best of Kauai and best guide

    Phenomenal from beginning to end. Most amazing scenery and Thomas was an absolute delight both as a guide and as a wonderful person. We just loved him, the process, the best of nature. So grateful!

    via Tripadvisor

    lcdfan · July 2026

    Kayak and Waterfall Adventure like no other!

    I had very high expectations of this tour and can safely say it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in Hawaii (on any island). I have pretty bad arthritis in my right knee and was really just taking the chance that my knee would hold up to the hike. It did, as the hike wasn’t too bad. It was pretty muddy in spots, but you just need to take your time and use the walking sticks they provide to help keep your balance. The kayak had comfortable seats and I was able to stretch my legs all the way out. The best part of it all was our tour guide. Kiele was terrific! No, but seriously, if you’re able to request your guide, I would strongly suggest taking the tour with her. We stopped for a special bird in the wild feeding. She pointed out so many cool plants from the path and even provided natural shampoo from one of the ginger flowers along the way, that we were able to use in the waterfall water.

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    Price range
    $143 to $165
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    295
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 84

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)88
    Booking momentum (14% weight)86
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)61
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.

    How much does Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $143 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 & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure take?

    +

    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 Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 843 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 Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure?

    +

    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 & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure?

    +

    Around 295 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?

    +

    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 Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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