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Kauai Kayak Tour: Paddle Hule‘ia River Jungle
4.7
157 Ratings
Lihue
Kayak the Hule’ia River, hike to hidden waterfalls, and return by Hawaiian canoe. Experience Kauai’s jungle adventure!
Kayak the Hule’ia River, hike to hidden waterfalls, and return by Hawaiian canoe. Experience Kauai’s jungle adventure!
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Outfitters Kaua’i Kayak Shack - Begin your adventure with a leisurely paddle in a cozy tandem kayak, gliding beneath a canopy of native trees while enjoying the melodies of tropical birds. After reaching the shore, prepare for a picturesque 3/4-mile (1.2 km) hike into the jungle’s heart. During the journey, your guide will highlight rare plants…
- Outfitters Kaua’i Kayak Shack - Begin your adventure with a leisurely paddle in a cozy tandem kayak, gliding beneath a canopy of native trees while enjoying the melodies of tropical birds. After reaching the shore, prepare for a picturesque 3/4-mile (1.2 km) hike into the jungle’s heart. During the journey, your guide will highlight rare plants and share Hawaiian legends as you approach captivating waterfalls and natural swimming holes—ideal for a refreshing swim or an exciting rope swing. When it’s time to return, simply board a twin-hulled motorized Hawaiian canoe for a smooth, effortless ride, allowing you to relax and share the day’s memorable moments with fellow adventurers.
What's Included
- Deluxe two-person kayak
- Expert local guides
- Cold bottled water
- Local taxes
- Deluxe two-person kayak
- Expert local guides
- Cold bottled water
- Local taxes
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embark on a genuine Kauai adventure by paddling tandem kayaks along the tranquil Hule‘ia River, venturing deep into the island’s wild jungle. Surrounded by lush rainforests, striking cliffs, and exotic wildlife, this tour provides an immersive experience of Kauai’s natural beauty. With expert guides leading the journey, participants will uncover hidden…
Embark on a genuine Kauai adventure by paddling tandem kayaks along the tranquil Hule‘ia River, venturing deep into the island’s wild jungle. Surrounded by lush rainforests, striking cliffs, and exotic wildlife, this tour provides an immersive experience of Kauai’s natural beauty. With expert guides leading the journey, participants will uncover hidden treasures such as cascading waterfalls and swimming holes, ideal for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone eager to explore the wilder side of the Garden Isle. After the exploration, enjoy a peaceful return trip aboard a traditional twin-hulled motorized Hawaiian canoe, taking in stunning views throughout the journey.
- Minimum of 4 passengers required for tour departure.
- Approximately one guide for every 8 - 12 passengers
- 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 accompanied on tour by a parent or guardian.
Location
Outfitters Kaua'i Kayak Shack
Niumalu Road
Outfitters Kauai Kayak Shack at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(157 Ratings)
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Johlerfam
Jan 21, 2026
Relaxing, intimate, beautiful experience - We were fortunate to have Tony as our tour guide, whose quiet and friendly demeanor made the trip so enjoyable along with his stories of local legends. There were only four people on our tour so it was very intimate and peaceful with an easy kayak down the river to a nice little hike at the end up to some beautiful waterfalls where they did some filming of Pirates of the Caribbean four. We debated doing this one versus the Wailua river tour and heard that the other one is much more busy and crowded so we enjoyed The more quiet setting of this one. Definitely wear water friendly hiking sandals, and if you plan to jump into the pool near the waterfall or do the rope swing, wear your swimsuit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carla_s
Jan 15, 2026
Great fun, excellent... - Great fun, excellent guides. Enjoyed the experience. People of all ages and skill level enjoy this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Marion_l
Jan 10, 2026
Fun for family - Moderate hike and depending on wind and weather moderate kayak up lovely river. Fun guides and great scenery.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_u
Jan 5, 2026
Something for everyone! - This was good for our party of 9: family of 5 (kids 8, 10, 12), plus two grandparents in their 70's and an aunt and uncle in their 30's. You will ride in a tandem, so if your party size is odd, you'll buddy up with a stranger or guide.
My athletic (but minimal arm strength) 10 & 12 year old were paired up and ended up getting towed by the kayak one of our guides rowed (thanks). Sore arms, but nothing too much.
Muddy walk that a grandparent 3 months out from a hip replacement could do, albeit slower.
Rope swing into the muddy water was a hit with the kids. Little fish (minnows?) that nibbled on my toes were fun.
Capped it off with a small waterfall good for photo ops.
It was great for our mixed skill/fitness levels (kids and grandparents being the outliers there).
Review provided by Viator
John_m
Dec 23, 2025
Scenic kayak andnhike - Kayak up a beautiful river with dramatic mountains on one side. Kayaking was moderate level of activity. The hike was short but very muddy making it a bit more challenging knowledgeable and encouraging guide. Overall an exhilarating experience
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_b
Dec 4, 2025
GREAT EXPERIENCE and not too strenuous of an activity - Theo and Zeck were excellent tour guides. Between the two of them, they shared history, humor, and suggestions for local lunch spots afterwards. The only bummer was that due to the lack of rain over the last couple of weeks, the waterfalls were almost non-existent, but the swimming pools were still full. Overall, a great way to experience the river and the beauty of Kauai's land.
Review provided by Viator
Martha
Dec 1, 2025
A really fun morning - A great fun and easy row up river. A pretty spot with a few springs from the rocks that were very pretty and a swimming hole with a rope swing. And a bonus pedicure from the fish in another pond. Our guides were lovely- friendly, knowledgable and there to lend a hand if needed.
They provided waterproof bags for our clothes and towels. Water and some reward cookies for the way back in the boat.
It poured with rain on the way back
On the boat but it wasn’t cold and it was all part of the fun.
Hosed ourselves off back at base- prepare to be getting back into your car pretty wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kila_h
Sep 7, 2025
They say to bring a... - They say to bring a swimsuit, but there is no place to change there so you need to wear one when you arrive. The guide is wonderful and allows everyone including the inexperienced to work their way through learning to kayak. It is a very relaxing trip.
Review provided by Viator
Tomboy57
Nov 8, 2025
Nice but wet! - Good tour, great people, good equipment and not too strenuous. Waterfalls are a little underwhelming. The motorboat return ride was very welcome as we got very wet from a rainstorm, the trail was very muddy. Several people bailed on the trek due to hiking risk of falling. Nick was a great guide and made the most of a very wet situation. Caution: No refund policy cost our companions 100% as a previous injury kept them off the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan_h
Sep 7, 2025
Underwhelmed - Kayaking is fun but the hike was a let down. The “waterfall” was a small stream trickling down the rocks. The walk seemed manufactured to stretch out the experience. Would be better to call it a kayaking adventure.
Review provided by Viator
