Booking choice: The Secret Falls Kayak & Hike, from $135 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, and its valley was a royal and sacred place. Almost every paddle heads upstream to the landing for the Uluwehi (Secret) Falls trail, which is why most people search for the two together.
This guide covers the river itself: where you launch, how far and how long, the rules, the fees, and what DLNR allows right now.
The quick answer
Kayak tours and rentals launch near the river mouth just south of Kapa'a, about 15 minutes' drive from Lihu'e Airport, and paddle about 2 miles upstream to a landing on the north fork. Commercial trips run Monday to Friday only. The river reopened on September 21, 2026 after Hurricane Lowell, but the trail to Secret Falls and kayak access to the Fern Grotto are still closed.
Can you kayak the Wailua River right now?
Yes: DLNR reopened the river and the designated landing and trailhead on September 21, 2026.
Two limits remain: hiking past the trailhead to Uluwehi Falls is prohibited, and no individual kayakers may enter the Fern Grotto. Details in is Secret Falls open.
Planning a paddle later in 2026? Hold a date with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Secret Falls Kayak & HikeWhere do you launch a kayak on the Wailua River?
From the Wailua River Marina and the outfitters around it, near the river mouth just south of Kapa'a.
Kayak Kauai meets at its store at the marina (3-5971 Kuhio Hwy), Ali'i Kayaks at 180 Wailua Rd, and Duke's and Kauai SUP in the Wailua Shopping Plaza (4-361 Kuhio Hwy). Outfitters Kauai meets at the marina. Most trips need you to drive yourself.
How far and how long is the Wailua River paddle?
About 2 miles each way to the Secret Falls landing: 45 to 60 minutes upstream for most tandems, 60 to 90 minutes by one outfitter's estimate.
Guests report calm water but a trade-wind headwind on one leg, usually the return, and guides who teach them to hug the bank to cut the wind. A full kayak-and-hike day takes 4.5 to 6 hours with check-in.
How do the ways onto the Wailua River compare?
A guided kayak tour, a self-guided rental or a riverboat, each with different effort and access.
| Guided kayak tour | Paddleboard rental | Riverboat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | $135 | $64 | $109 (cruise excursion) |
| Days | Mon to Fri | Mon to Fri | Cruise call days |
| Effort | About 4 miles paddling | About 4 miles paddling | None |
| Fern Grotto now | No | No | Yes, permitted operator |
| Secret Falls trail now | Closed | Closed | Not on the route |
The most-booked Wailua trip: guide, tandem kayak and gear from the river's busiest outfitter.
Explore the Secret Falls Kayak & HikeCan you kayak to the Fern Grotto?
Not at the moment: only the permitted riverboat operator may land at the Fern Grotto, and individual kayakers are not allowed in.
The fern-draped lava cave is a Wailua landmark. The Fern Grotto riverboat excursion on this site includes port pickup but can be booked only by Norwegian Pride of America passengers.
Can you kayak the Wailua River on a weekend?
Not with a tour or rental: commercial trips run Monday to Friday only.
Sundays were already restricted, and DLNR withdrew Saturday permits for tour and rental companies from December 4, 2021. Book a weekday and keep a spare one for weather: rentals stop during flood advisories and flash-flood watches.
Weekdays only: pick a morning before the trade wind builds.
Check dates for Duke's kayak and hikeWhat does it cost to park and launch at the Wailua marina?
$10 per car to park and $5 per non-resident to enter, charged by the state since February 15, 2026, by credit card only.
Every rented boat also needs a DLNR registration decal, which is the outfitter's job. Tour prices and what they include are in what Secret Falls costs.
Is the Wailua River good for beginners?
Yes: no experience is needed on the guided tours, and Duke's starts with a paddling lesson.
Sit the stronger paddler in the back of the tandem to steer. If you have never paddled, a guided trip beats a rental; see rental or guided tour. For the full packing list, see what to wear.
New to kayaks? Duke's starts every trip with a paddling lesson and small afternoon departures.
Explore Duke's kayak and hikeFrequently asked questions
Is the Wailua River open for kayaking?
Yes. DLNR reopened the river and the designated landing on September 21, 2026. The trail to Secret Falls and kayak access to the Fern Grotto remain closed.
How long does it take to kayak the Wailua River?
About 45 to 60 minutes each way to the Secret Falls landing, roughly 2 miles upstream; the return is often into the wind.
Do you need a permit to kayak the Wailua River?
Rent or book through a permitted outfitter: only permitted companies may rent boats or guide on the river, and each rented boat carries a DLNR decal.
Can you kayak the Wailua River on Sunday?
Not with a tour or rental. Commercial trips run Monday to Friday only.
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
