Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour in Kauai: Is it worth it?
If you’re looking for one of the most cost-effective guided tours in Kauai, the Secret Falls Kayak and Hike tour is made for you! Waterfalls. Lush landscapes. Beautiful views. This has it all!
While other tours, like a doors-off helicopter flight or a Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruise (and/or snorkel), can cost hundreds, this one falls between $85 and $120. And it’s a family-friendly hike, giving people of all ages and skill levels a chance to reach Secret Falls (otherwise known as Uluwehi Falls to natives).
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A Guide to the Secret Falls Kayak and Hike
All you’ll need and want to know about the (Uluwehi Falls) Secret Falls tour. PS: I didn’t take my camera on this trip as it was raining. The pictures won’t be as nice as you have come to know and love.
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Is Secret Falls Worth It?
Kayaking and hiking to Secret Falls was an incredibly fun day in Kauai. We had almost the entire family with us, ranging in age from 62 to three. So, yes, the Secret Falls Kayak and hike is worth doing, as it showcases a beautiful part of the island and helps you learn more about traditional Hawaiian culture.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this is one of the most family-friendly activities and won’t break the bank.
Convinced? Book this trip now!
My Experience Kayaking and Hiking to Secret Falls in Kauai
I love doing unique things when I travel. And there’s something pretty unique about a kayaking-and-hiking combo tour to a waterfall that can’t be reached any other way.
The first part of the tour is a two-mile kayak paddle. Even though we were going upstream, it wasn’t too bad as we had the wind at our backs. For almost the entire 40 minutes on the water, it rained on us. But that’s Kauai!
Once we pulled our kayaks ashore, we grabbed our gear and began the two-ish-mile muddy hike. The rain still didn’t let up until later in the hike, so when I say muddy, I mean muddy.
Looking back at my video/photo times, we spent one hour walking. There were some slight ups and downs, but overall, it was pretty chill. Again, the mud made it 10x slower/harder.
Throughout the trip, our guide did a fantastic job educating us on the significance of the area and Hawaiian culture. I touch on it below, but because it was hard to reach, it was where royalty lived.
Once we arrived at Secret Falls, I think we were all a bit bummed about the lack of flow. But a waterfall is still a waterfall. My fiancée and I were the only ones from our group to go and stand underneath it. It was fun and not too chilly!
With a quick lunch under our belts, we began the trip back. It went quickly, and less than an hour later, the gang was loading up the kayaks and beginning the trek home.
Sadly, this was the most challenging part of the day. While the rain had stopped, the wind was blowing directly at us, slowing us down considerably. As one usually does in the wind, we zig-zaged on the river, ever so slowly making our way home.
What you need to know before visiting
Where do you start this tour?
All tours start from the mouth of the Wailua River. However, some tours put in from their company location next to the river. Others (the one we went with) drove us 5 minutes to the launch spot near the Wailua Bridge.
Do I have to book a tour to see this?
No, you do not have to book a tour to reach Secret Falls. However, the only way to reach the starting point of the hike is by a two-mile kayak or paddleboard. And most visitors don’t bring a kayak to Hawaii! So, a tour is the easiest way to get to the waterfalls.
I did see someone paddleboard down here, so it is possible. The way back would be really slow if it’s windy.
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Expect it to be muddy and slippery
It was one of the muddiest walks I’ve ever had. I even slipped on one slight decline. It was also the end of my sandals. Both of my rubber-grip bottoms came off, so I was walking on the foam of the sandals.
It was quite the experience!
Thankfully, they give people walking sticks if they want one. If you’re older or have less than ideal balance, I’d take one just to be safe and avoid injury.
How long was the tour?
In all, the Secret Falls tour lasted about 4.5 hours. I believe we arrived at 11am and wrapped up by 3:30. This gives you some time for a slower morning without eating into dinner or sunset plans.
Kayaking back can be against the wind
Even though you’re going against the current, the way in was far easier than the way back. With the wind blowing in from the ocean, we had it at our backs heading in and against us coming back.
I was pretty exhausted by the time we hit the shore and got out. I only say this to set expectations and keep in mind you will be working decently hard on the way back.
Young Kid Welcome
My niece and nephew, who are under seven, joined us on this and did fine. I mean, they didn’t really contribute much to the paddling. The trail is straightforward enough that they wouldn’t get hurt or have any issues. I don’t think I’d bring a kid younger than three, though.
The Secet Falls flow rate was underwhelming when we went
The waterfall seems to have a mind of its own. When I spent a week in Kauai in April, it rained on and off. Even still, the waterfall was pretty unimpressive. (And I’ve seen other people have it underwhelming, too.) But then other people have this great roaring waterfall to experience.
The best I can say is lower expectations, so you aren’t disappointed. Even though it wasn’t flowing as heavily, it’s still a beautiful place!
The native Hawaiian name is not Secret Falls
The traditional Hawaiian name for the falls is Uluwehi Falls.
Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls, sits deep within the Wailua River Basin on Kauai’s east side. Its nickname comes from its secluded access—there’s no road to the falls, so visitors must paddle up the Wailua River and hike through the forest to reach it.
The surrounding Wailua Valley is one of the most historically significant places in Hawaii. As the only navigable river in the state, the Wailua was once a major political and spiritual center for Kauai’s aliʻi (nobility). Along its banks are several ancient heiau—Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malae, and Poliahu—that make up the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, now a National Historic Landmark.
These temples were used for sunrise ceremonies, religious rituals, and even royal births; the famous birthstone near Holoholoku marked where high-ranking chiefs brought their children into the world. Considered a sacred valley, Wailua was both a spiritual hub and a seat of power in ancient Hawaii.
Today, Uluwehi Falls attracts visitors who kayak and hike in to experience its natural beauty, while Wailua River State Park helps preserve the area’s cultural sites. The falls remain a blend of adventure and heritage, sitting at the heart of a landscape rich with Hawaiian history.
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What else is there to do nearby?
There are a few cool things to do in the area!
- Lydgate Park for snorkeling
- Wailua Falls
- Fern Grotto (Full day tour that includes Fern Grotto)
- Opaeka‘a Falls
- Kuilau Ridge Trail
- Wailua Golf Course
- Moalepe Trail
- Doors-Off Helicopter Tour – (My Review + Photos) – Book Tour Here
My Top Tour Recommendations for Kauai
Final Thoughts on the Kayaking and Hiking Secret Falls Tour in Kauai
This was a fantastic tour and one of the highlights of the trip to Kauai. It’s 100% worth doing, and I hope you can find a way to fit it into your schedule.
The views were dramatic, the history fascinating, and it gave you time on the water and land. For people who enjoy being active on vacation, you’ll love this Secret Falls Kayaking and hiking guided tour!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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