Booking choice: The Secret Falls Kayak & Hike, from $135 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The trail starts at the kayak landing on the Wailua's north fork and follows the stream through hau, bamboo and guava to Uluwehi Falls. There is no road in: the only way to the trailhead is by boat.
Before you plan it: the trail beyond the trailhead is closed after Hurricane Lowell. See is Secret Falls open.
The quick answer
About a mile each way from the kayak landing (outfitters quote 2 miles round trip), 30 to 45 minutes each way at a group pace, with around 465 feet of gain. Expect mud, roots and one or two river crossings that are knee to thigh deep on a normal day and can reach your waist after rain. Moderate, made harder by the footing.
How long is the Secret Falls hike?
About a mile each way from the kayak landing, or roughly 2 miles round trip, taking 30 to 45 minutes each way.
The most-booked outfitter lists 2 miles of hiking round trip with an elevation increase to 465 feet; Duke's describes a 45-minute hike. Add about two miles of paddling each way and the whole trip runs 4.5 hours to 6 hours.
Want a guide to set the pace? Check dates for the classic half day.
Check dates for the Secret Falls Kayak & HikeHow hard is the hike to Secret Falls?
Moderate on paper, harder in practice because of slick mud, roots and rocky crossings.
Reviewers split between "easy" and "strenuous". Guests report an upper-moderate effort with muddy, slippery sections and rocky crossings, and some say the hike is tough for older travelers. Operators ask for good fitness and no back, knee, ankle or heart problems.
How deep are the river crossings?
Knee to thigh deep on a normal day; after rain the main crossing can reach your waist, and it rises fast.
The trail crosses the river on a guide rope and a smaller stream on rocks; some groups report crossing twice. People have been swept away here. Do not cross if the water is above your waist or rising, and let the guide make the call on a tour.
Can you swim at Secret Falls?
Usually yes: the boulder-ringed pool under the roughly 100-foot falls is the reward for most groups.
Stay out after heavy rain, when the water turns brown and debris can fall. Cover cuts and avoid swallowing the water: Hawaii's freshwater carries leptospirosis, which is why operators advise pregnant travelers not to take part. The falls can thin to a trickle after dry weeks.
Want the longest stay at the pool? The Rainbow trip gives the most time at the falls, with lunch.
Explore the Rainbow kayak and hike with lunchHow tall is Secret Falls?
Roughly 100 feet; some outfitters quote 120 feet.
Uluwehi Falls drops off a mossy cliff into a pool you can swim in. Its nickname comes from the lack of road access, not from any secrecy: on a weekday you share the pool with other groups.
What should you wear for the hike?
Closed-toe water shoes or strapped sport sandals with an aggressive tread; no flip-flops or Crocs.
Guests say to wear shoes you do not mind ruining and to accept the walking stick if one is offered. Full list in what to wear.
Walking sticks and a deli picnic are included on the Kayak Kauai trip.
Check dates for the Kayak Kauai small-group tripWho should skip the Secret Falls hike?
Pregnant travelers, anyone with back, heart, knee or ankle problems, and non-swimmers uneasy near moving water.
For a waterfall without the river crossings, the Lihu'e waterfall hike and swim is 2 hours on private land (minimum age 8), and the helicopter tour needs no walking at all.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike to Secret Falls?
About 30 to 45 minutes each way from the kayak landing at a group pace, plus 45 to 60 minutes of paddling each way.
Can kids do the Secret Falls hike?
Active kids, yes: several outfitters take children from age 5 with an adult. Guests report 10 and 12 year olds loving it, mud and all.
Is the Secret Falls trail open?
Not right now. After Hurricane Lowell, DLNR keeps hiking beyond the trailhead and access to the falls closed until further notice.
Ready to book
Choose your river day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Secret Falls Kayak & Hike
- Guided kayak on the Wailua River (about 4 miles round trip)
- Guided rainforest hike to Uluwehi Falls (about 2 miles round trip, 465 ft gain)
- Kayak, paddles, backrest and life jacket
Wailua River & Secret Falls Kayak Hike
- Professional guide, paddling lesson and all gear
- Backpack-style dry bag
- All taxes and handling charges
Kayak & Waterfall Hike with Lunch
The most time at the falls, lunch included
