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Wailua River Kayak Tour: Explore Nature and History
4.8
816 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
(816 Ratings)
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A9539jqjodib
May 30, 2026
Fun family excursion! - Thomas was a great guide! He knew many science facts that he shared along the hike, kept a great pace, and provided an exceptional family experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traci_y
May 29, 2026
Na - Good combination of adventure and beauty and education. The location was close. The morning tour felt private. There were so many people we passed on the way in for the afternoon tour. I reco in the morning tour.
Review provided by Viator
Rebekahg524
May 28, 2026
Fun kayaking despite excessive rain - We are moderately experienced river kayakers, so this trip was a leisurely one for us. Even up-river is not very difficult. We had a fantastic guide, Kay, who was very experienced and knowledgeable. She shared lots of information about plants and trees that was quite interesting. Unfortunately, when we got to the hiking portion of the trip, we found out the river crossing we would need to make was too high because of heavy rain in the mountains. So we were unable to complete the trip. We had our sandwiches at the place where we would have left our kayaks, took a short nature walk in the area, had some photo ops, and our guide served us fresh pineapple, which was lovely! They gave us a half refund since we missed the hiking portion of the trip, and we had a nice kayak back down the river. It was a pleasant, relaxing experience, and I was thankful for the guides who know how to read the river and kept us safe. We would not have known about the high water crossing until we hiked up to it if we had been on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rose_w
May 23, 2026
How fun! Really enjoyed. Lotsa mud! - How fun! Loved the hike to the waterfall. Kayak a bit tough heading home. bring non-slip shoes, close toes better unless you like mud between your toes. Shoes you want to toss, even better! Trae was a joy to be around and so funny.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_s
May 23, 2026
A must do - Trey is a great guide. Very knowledgeable and prepared. The kayaking is 2 miles each way and the hike 1.5 miles each way. We had a wonderful time. For 2 average females the kayaking was doable but we were tired. Secret Falls made it all worth it. Wow.
Review provided by Viator
Jdwirn
Apr 29, 2026
Book with Sierra! - If you’re even thinking about doing a kayak and waterfall hike, just book it. Such a fun experience today with Sierra as our guide.
She was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made everything feel easy and relaxed. We did the morning option and I would definitely recommend that. It felt less crowded and the conditions heading out were great.
Quick heads up, the paddle back can get pretty windy. It was strong for us but still totally manageable and kind of fun in a challenging way.
Pro tip, bring something waterproof for your phone because you will want pictures when you’re in the water at the waterfall. It’s too good not to capture.
Overall such a fun way to explore and be active. Highly recommend, especially if you get Sierra!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandamk5780vl
Apr 27, 2026
10/10 great experience - We had an amazing experience with K as our guide. She was amazing! She got stuck with our group as the last stragglers but was patient and kind with us.
The overall experience was 10/10. The river the hike the falls all of it just beautiful.
Highly recommend this company and tour and K as your guide.
Mandy, Tuck, Avery and Chandler from
CA and AK
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_l
Apr 18, 2026
Ginny grass go away - Trae was an amazing guide and put up with our groups crazy shenanigans! 🤣 the trip was a lot of fun and had breath taking views.
Review provided by Viator
James_o
Apr 15, 2026
Excellent water fall review - Trail can be very muddy and there are several areas where you wade through the river. The waterfall is worth the paddle and walk. Beautiful scenery along the river
Review provided by Viator
Fearless52862109390
Apr 6, 2026
Perfect weather, a fantastic guide, and the waterfall hike was worth it. - The weather was perfect, and our guide was fantastic. The hike and waterfall were absolutely worth it. I highly recommend the Rainbow Kayak waterfall tours, such a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor