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Wailua River Kayak Tour: Explore Nature and History
4.8
845 Ratings
Kapaʻa
For two decades, Rainbow Kayak Tours has been offering guided excursions on the Wailua River. Our seasoned guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and vegetation, as well as the rich history of this remarkable location.
For two decades, Rainbow Kayak Tours has been offering guided excursions on the Wailua River. Our seasoned guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and vegetation, as well as the rich history of this remarkable location.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Wailua River State Park - Embark on a scenic paddle along the stunning Wailua River, covering 2 miles each way (4 miles round trip). This area is the original settlement of the first Hawaiians, who journeyed 1500 miles from the Marquesas Islands to Kaua’i nearly 1500 years ago. Discover the legends and explore the diverse flora and fauna of…
- Wailua River State Park - Embark on a scenic paddle along the stunning Wailua River, covering 2 miles each way (4 miles round trip). This area is the original settlement of the first Hawaiians, who journeyed 1500 miles from the Marquesas Islands to Kaua’i nearly 1500 years ago. Discover the legends and explore the diverse flora and fauna of Kauai’s most revered region.
- Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) - After a 1 1/2 mile hike through the lush rainforest, guides will lead participants to Secret Falls, also known as Uluwehi Falls. This breathtaking waterfall plunges 110 feet into a refreshing pool, perfect for a swim and a delightful lunch! The return hike is 1 1/2 miles back to the kayak (3 miles of hiking round trip). TRAIL CONDITIONS MAY VARY WITH WEATHER. THERE ARE 4 RIVER CROSSINGS WITH LOOSE ROCKS IN THE RIVERBED TO NAVIGATE AND AN UNPAVED PATH TO THE WATERFALL. REMEMBER, THESE CROSSINGS MUST BE MADE ON THE RETURN JOURNEY AS WELL. THERE IS A SECTION WHERE CLIMBING A 25FT EMBANKMENT OF ROOTS & ROCKS (WHICH ARE WET AND SLIPPERY) IS REQUIRED. FOOTWEAR WILL BE COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN WATER DURING THE ADVENTURE.
Bring Tennis Shoes or Hiking Sandals/Boots (NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS)
Tours proceed rain or shine, unless a weather advisory is issued. If a tour is cancelled, rescheduling is possible based on availability or a full refund will be provided.
What's Included
- Tandem kayaks
- Paddles
- Back rests
- Dry bags
- Lunch
- Tandem kayaks
- Paddles
- Back rests
- Dry bags
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Footwear - Bring Closed Toed Shoes / Reef shoes / Teeva Style Sandals. NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS
- Entrance fees
- Footwear - Bring Closed Toed Shoes / Reef shoes / Teeva Style Sandals. NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
- 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….
- 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
Location
440 Aleka Pl
Aleka Place
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.
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
4.8
(845 Ratings)
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Kayla
Aug 25, 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!
Review provided by Viator
Natalie_h
Aug 6, 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.
Review provided by Viator
Buffy_c
Aug 6, 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.
Review provided by Viator
929ryanr
Aug 4, 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lcdfan
Jul 22, 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryan_w
Jul 18, 2026
Stop searching, This is it ! - What an absolutely Amazing Welcome to the Island. You cannot go wrong starting your vacation with the Wonderful, Kind and Full of the Island guides. Not only was the trip Educational and Beautiful, the Lunch was we'll prepared,delicious and Presented like no other group we saw at the Falls. I would recommend this Experience 100 times over to anyone. Mahalo for welcoming us and excepting us into your island 'Ohana.
Review provided by Viator
Richard_p
Jul 18, 2026
Rainbow Kayaking Tour in Kauai. - Beautiful scenary, both kayaking and hiking. Great family experience. Great tour guide. Thanks Trey. For novices, like us, you will gain a greater appreciation for those who kayak and make it look easy.
Review provided by Viator
Sunshine40793
Jul 15, 2026
Great times! - Thomas was a great guide and we had an amazing time .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
The_general
Jul 15, 2026
Highlight of Trip - Outstanding trip. Four miles roundtrip kayak. Three miles roundtrip hike (per my Apple Watch). Hike was maybe 50% wooden boardwalk, 30% scramble on rocks, and 20% mud. Slick but manageable. Ages of family were 59, 58, 30, 27, 27, and 18. Tour guide was Thomas - professional, safety conscious, and very informative. Swimming under the waterfalls was amazing. One of the highlights of our trip. Book it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maricella_i
Jul 15, 2026
A Perfect Day of Kayaking and Hiking - Great day trip! There was plenty of kayaking, and the hike was beautiful. I loved being surrounded by nature, and the waterfall was absolutely stunning. Tom, our guide, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this trip to my family and friends.
Review provided by Viator