The hike to Secret Falls

The paddle gets the attention, but the hike is where the day is won or lost. It is short, wet and muddy, and it ends at one of the prettiest pools on Kauai.

Distance, time and terrain

From the kayak landing on the Wailua's north fork, the trail runs about a mile to the falls, 30 to 45 minutes each way at a group pace, with around 465 feet of gain according to the flagship outfitter. It follows the stream through hau, bamboo and guava on roots and mud that stay slick after any rain. Reviewers call it anywhere from "easy" to "strenuous"; the honest answer is moderate, made harder by the footing.

The river crossings

The trail crosses the river once on a guide rope and a smaller stream on rocks. On a normal day the water is knee to thigh deep; after rain it can reach your waist, and it rises quickly. People have been swept away here. Do not cross if the water is above your waist or rising, and let a guide make the call if you are on a tour.

At the falls

Uluwehi Falls drops about 100 feet into a boulder-ringed pool. Swimming is the reward, but stay out after heavy rain (brown water, falling debris), cover any cuts and avoid swallowing water: Hawaii's streams carry leptospirosis. Note the 2026 closure of the trail before you plan.