5 Kauai Kayaking Tours Worth Booking

1.Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Our pick

Join Alii Kayaks for a roughly five-hour trip combining a four-mile Wailua River kayak outing with a 1.5-mile rainforest hike to Uluwehi Falls, also called Secret Falls. Guides such as Cory, K-man, Kai, and Lono share local stories and plant knowledge. Expect mud, river crossings, and a possible swim beneath the falls.

“Be prepared to get wet and walk in the mud! I would also recommend wearing a long-sleeve shirt during the walking portion because you will brush against a lot of different plants, and they said some of them can cause skin irritation (I didn't have any issues, just being cautious). Be prepared and pack everything they recommend! This includes good footwear, plenty of snacks, water, and a towel. I went in January, and while the water at the waterfall was cold, I still jumped in and had a great time! This was my most adventurous day and I'm so happy I went.”

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2.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Join Duke’s Kayak Adventures for a five-hour paddle and hike to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zack, Brian, and Makayla lead you up the Wailua River, across muddy trails and stream crossings, and into a 100-foot waterfall pool. Expect about four miles of kayaking and up to two miles of hiking, with equipment provided.

“Excellent experience. Beautiful scenery and great physical exercise. This is not for anyone that can’t maneuver slippery surfaces on a hike. My only suggestion would be to make the trip an hour longer so that there was more time to take in all the beautiful scenery. Excellent and knowledgeable guide.”

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3.Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 790 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

Paddle a tandem kayak two miles each way on Kauai’s Wailua River, then hike through rainforest, four stream crossings, mud, and loose rock to 110-foot Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local stories, plant knowledge, and practical trail help. Lunch, water, kayaks, paddles, back rests, and dry bags are included.

“Amazing views of the Wailua canyon and breathtaking experience of the waterfall. Be prepared for an adventurous hike! Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as the trail was very muddy. Such a fun experience and our tour guide, Sierra, was absolutely amazing!”

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4.Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $155

Pair a gentle tandem kayak trip on the Wailua River with a guided rainforest hike to a waterfall and natural pool. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay lead small groups of up to 12, provide walking sticks and dry bags, and serve lunch by the falls. Expect wet shoes, mud, rocks, and a moderate workout.

“My husband and I had a great time. Lindsey was an awesome tour guide. The trek was worth it, though I would say wear hiking sandles or some other sturdy shoe you can walk through water in. The tour company was great with the food and able to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs. Do bring a good size water container - you'll want it!”

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5.Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 567 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

Paddle from a private dock along the Hanalei River, then kayak into Hanalei Bay with guides such as Gabe and Kolo. Snorkel for 45 minutes among reef fish, turtles, and possible octopus sightings before a deli lunch on the beach. Gear, dry bags, water, and instruction are included.

“This was one of my favorite kayak trips ever! Gabe was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area. The area is beautiful and the snorkeling was fun. We were lucky to see a turtle! I would recommend this experience highly!”

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