Kauai, United States
Explore Hawaii's only navigable river. Paddle to rainforest waterfalls or take a motorized boat to ancient cultural sites.
4.6 from 592 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Guided kayaks, paddleboard rentals, and boat cruises.
Experience Kauai’s natural beauty and local culture in one day, with a local guide connecting the sights through island stories. Cruise the Wailua River to Fern Grotto,...
Most bookedDiscover the hidden beauty of Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls), Kauai’s most sought-after waterfall destination. Skip the hassle of parking, equipment rentals, and crowded...
Best valueExplore jungle forests and waterfalls while also connecting with the Hawaiian culture! This tour will take you on a trip back in time by visiting 3 ancient Hawaiian...
Explore
Waterfalls, caves, and ancient Hawaiian temples.
The Wailua River originates from one of the wettest spots on Earth.
Mount Waiʻaleʻale feeds this 20-mile waterway.
Plan your visit
A kayak trip to Secret Falls takes 4 to 5 hours. Motorized boat tours take about 2 hours.
May through September offers the calmest river conditions. Arrive before 10:00 AM for easier parking.
Drive to the Wailua River Marina just off Kuhio Highway. It is 15 minutes north of Lihue Airport.
State park entry and parking are free. Guided kayak tours and rentals cost between $50 and $95.
The Wailua River flows 20 miles from the center of Kauai to the Pacific Ocean. It is the only river in Hawaii deep and wide enough for large boats. Visitors use kayaks, paddleboards, and tour boats to navigate the water.
The river valley holds historical significance for native Hawaiians. You can visit ancient temple sites like the Poliahu Heiau near the water. Read more about History & Culture.
Most visitors come to see the nearby cascades. Wailua Falls is visible from the road, while Secret Falls requires paddling upstream and hiking. Check out our guide to River & Waterfalls to plan your route.
We provide exact durations and distances for every tour.
We highlight what each tour includes and which landmarks you actually see.
We list current starting rates from top booking platforms.
From Viator
592 reviews of the wailua cruise combo on Viator
It's a great way to see areas you may otherwise miss. Fun facts, stories, and local legends keep you company while you drive.
Very thorough tour. I enjoyed the sites. I liked the narrator and the pace of the tour. It was also accommodating for those with mobility issues.
Fun DIY activity! Be mindful the waterfall hike is closed due to the hurricane and there’s a large barge that you share the river with.
Johnny made everything easy and provided great instructions on awesome places for us to explore and told us what to expect
Great kayak company owned by a lovely local family. We spent a Wonderful chill time on the river with Kai!
We had an amazing time! Unfortunately the trail to the waterfall was closed due to damage from Lala. That didn’t stop us from a few hours of paddling on the beautiful river. Everything was so easy and Kioni was so friendly and helpful. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Kauai. 10 out of 10!
Very informative a relaxing ride up the river with Hawaiian music and dance, the drive getting there had pretty scenery with a beautiful water fall
The views were amazing enjoying a river boat tour well having entertainment on the boat. The rich history of the island with great views
Thomas, our guide was wonderful. Unfortunately, due to the damage caused by the storm we were unable to hike to the waterfall. But Thomas made our kayaking adventure a truly memorable experience . Would definitely recommend.
Travel tips
Guide or RentalCompare guided kayak tours and self-guided rentals for Wailua River.Read 
Trail DifficultyMud, stream crossings, and gear needed for the Secret Falls hike.Read 
Entry & Tour CostsLearn about Wailua River entry fees and tour pricing.Read 
River Swimming SafetyLearn the rules and risks for swimming safely in the Wailua River.Read 
Fern Grotto AccessFind out how to reach the Fern Grotto by motorized boat tour or kayak.Read 
Best Time to GoFind the optimal times and months to kayak the Wailua River.Read Yes, the river is generally calm and safe for paddling. Keep to the right when passing others and stay on the north bank to avoid motorized tour boats. Heed all flash flood warnings.
No. There are no crocodiles or alligators in Hawaii.
Yes, but use caution. Do not swim if you have open cuts, and never swallow the water due to the risk of Leptospirosis. See our guide on River Swimming Safety for more safety details.
A typical kayak trip to Secret Falls takes 4 to 5 hours round trip. The paddle portion covers about 2 miles each way.
You do not strictly need one. You can rent equipment and navigate yourself. However, guided tours offer convenience, safety, and historical knowledge. See our comparison on Guide or Rental.
The 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult due to conditions. The trail is notoriously muddy and involves slippery stream crossings. Proper footwear is essential. Learn more about the Trail Difficulty.
Book your kayak or boat tour early to secure your spot on the water.
