Booking choice: The Secret Falls Kayak & Hike, from $135 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Operators' packing lists agree: shoes that grip and stay on, a swimsuit under quick-dry clothes, sun and bug protection, water, and food if your tour does not include lunch. Here is the detail, and what to leave at the hotel.
The quick answer
Wear closed-toe water shoes or strapped sport sandals with an aggressive tread, a swimsuit under quick-dry shorts and a light shirt. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, insect repellent, plenty of water, lunch or snacks, a towel and a change of clothes. Outfitters lend dry bags. No flip-flops or Crocs.
What shoes should you wear to Secret Falls?
Closed-toe water shoes, aqua socks or Teva-style sandals with straps and a grippy tread; no flip-flops or Crocs.
You wade to launch the kayak, cross the river on slick rock and walk a mile of mud each way. Guests' most repeated tip is shoes you do not mind ruining. Tennis shoes work too, but they stay wet all day.
Walking sticks are included on the Kayak Kauai trip; guests say take one.
Check dates for the Kayak Kauai small-group tripWhat clothes should you wear?
A swimsuit under quick-dry shorts and a light shirt, with a thin rain layer in the wetter months.
Cotton stays wet and heavy. A long-sleeved sun shirt helps on the open river, and Kayak Kauai also suggests a change of clothes for the drive back.
What should you bring in the dry bag?
Plenty of water, lunch or snacks, a towel, sunscreen, bug spray and your phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Water: more than you think; Kayak Kauai asks you to bring your own bottle.
- Lunch or snacks if your tour does not include lunch.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with a strap.
- Insect repellent: guests report mosquitoes on the trail.
- A small towel and a dry shirt.
- Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch.
Short on gear? Duke's includes a backpack-style dry bag and a paddling lesson.
Explore Duke's kayak and hikeDo tours provide dry bags and life jackets?
Yes: every outfitter supplies the kayak, paddles and a life jacket, and most include a dry bag.
Ali'i adds kayak backrests; Duke's a backpack-style dry bag; Kayak Kauai water-resistant bags and walking sticks; the paddleboard rental a dry bag, leash and life vest.
Do you need to bring lunch?
Only on trips without it: the most-booked half day and the rentals ask you to bring your own.
Kayak Kauai, Rainbow and Outfitters Kauai include lunch. Compare them in what Secret Falls costs.
Want a picnic at the falls without packing one? Rainbow includes a handmade lunch.
Check dates for the Rainbow kayak and hike with lunchWhat should you leave at the hotel?
Jewellery, valuables and anything you would mind losing in a river.
Bring a credit card for the Wailua marina fees and some cash for tips, and leave the rest behind.
What changes in the rainy season?
Pack a light rain layer and expect deeper mud and more high-water cancellations.
Operators cancel when the river runs high or a flash-flood watch is in force, then rebook or refund. And before you pack anything, check that the trail is open: see is Secret Falls open.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear sneakers to Secret Falls?
Yes, tennis shoes with good tread work, but they stay wet and muddy all day. Water shoes or strapped sport sandals are better.
Can you wear flip-flops to Secret Falls?
No. Operators say no flip-flops or Crocs: they come off in the mud and at the river crossings.
Do I need a swimsuit for Secret Falls?
Yes, wear one under quick-dry clothes: you will be wet anyway, and most groups swim at the falls.
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
Small-Group Kayak & Waterfall Hike with Lunch
- Guided river kayak and hike
- Deli sandwich lunch, chips, cookie and pineapple
- Double kayak, paddles and life jackets
Wailua River & Secret Falls Kayak Hike
- Professional guide, paddling lesson and all gear
- Backpack-style dry bag
- All taxes and handling charges
