About Ancient River Kayak - Secret Falls Tour
Paddle the Wailua River and hike through tropical Kauai scenery to Secret Falls on this guided kayak and waterfall adventure with Ancient River Kayak.
Paddle into one of Kauai's most storied landscapes on a guided journey along the Wailua River, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. The river winds through an area rich in Hawaiian history and legend, once home to the first Hawaiians who arrived from the Marquesas Islands nearly 1,500 years ago.
As you travel upstream, pass several heiau (sacred shrines) and the ancient Kamokila Village while your guide shares stories about the area's history, flora and fauna. From the north fork of the river, continue on foot along a tropical rainforest trail to Secret Falls, a 120-foot waterfall with a refreshing swimming hole at its base.
After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch and beverages beside the falls, with time for a cool swim before returning along the trail and paddling back down the river.
Tour Highlights
- Kayak tour on the Wailua River (about 4 miles roundtrip)
- Hike in tropical rainforest to beautiful Secret Falls (about 2 miles roundtrip)
Tour Inclusions
- Picnic lunch (see menu below)
- Beverages
- Kayak and paddles, all equipment and accessories
- Dry storage and dry bags on boat for cameras and personal things
- Backpack use
- Personal flotation devices
Menu
Choice of turkey, ham or vegetarian sandwich. Fresh pineapple, chips and bottled water.
Activity Notes
Where & When
Morning tour: 7:15 am - 1:15 pm (check in at 7:00 am)
Afternoon tour: 1:00 pm - 6:45 pm (check in at 12:45 pm)
Check in at the Islander Shops, Unit 3 at 440 Aleka Pl, Kapaa, HI 96746. View Map
Important Notice – Wailua River State Park Entry Fee: The state of Hawaii is charging a $5 per person (age 4 and up) fee for entrance to Wailua Marina (which is part of Wailua River State Park). Tour participants are responsible for this fee. This fee is collected by the state at the park entrance, is not included in tour pricing, and credit card payment is required (no cash accepted).
DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH: South on Highway 56 through Kapaa 1/2 mile past McDonalds in Foodland Center to Coconut Marketplace. Turn left just before the Marketplace at Aleka Loop. Go behind the Marketplace, following Aleka Loop to Rainbow Kayak at Islander Shops next to Islander on the Beach.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH: Take Highway 50 past Lihue to Hwy 56 North. Cross Wailua River (double bridge] one mile to Coconut Marketplace and turn right past the Marketplace on Aleka Loop. Turn behind the Marketplace following Aleka Loop to Rainbow Kayak at Islander Shops next to Islander on the Beach.
Restrictions
Age requirement: This adventure is for ages 5-70 years.
Pregnant women may not participate due to safety reasons.
Participants must not have bad knees/back/ankles/shoulders/hips, no recent surgeries and no balance issues. Participants must be able to climb roots and rocks, and they must be able to bend.
Expect about 4 miles of paddling (60-90 minutes) and about 2 miles of hiking.
Trail conditions can be muddy and slippery at times.
Special Notes
Tours go out rain or shine. In the event of extreme inclement weather tours will be rescheduled.
Operation Days
Monday through Friday
Duration
5 hours
Capacity
12 participants
Equipment
Kayak, paddles, dry bag and personal flotation device provided.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Ancient River Kayaks.
