Is Secret Falls open?

Short answer, as of September 27, 2026: the Wailua River is open again, but the trail to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls is not. Here is what that means for your trip.

What DLNR has reopened, and what it hasn't

Hurricane Lowell hit Kauai in early September 2026. In its September 19 notice, DLNR reopened the Wailua River and the designated kayak landing from September 21, but kept hiking beyond the trailhead closed and said access to Uluwehi Falls "remains closed in its entirety." Individual kayakers are also barred from the Fern Grotto, where only the permitted riverboat operator may land. Most other Kauai state parks stayed closed at the same time. DLNR has given no reopening date for the falls, so check the park notices before you travel and again the day before your tour.

If you have already booked

Every tour on this site cancels free up to 24 hours before departure. Outfitters may offer a river-only paddle, move you to a later weekday, or cancel and refund. If you want a waterfall on this trip regardless, two nearby options run on different land: the Hule'ia River kayak and waterfall hike near Lihu'e ($162) and the private-land waterfall hike and swim ($93). Or see the island's biggest falls from a helicopter.

When the falls reopen

Expect the classic tours to restart quickly, weekdays only as before. We update the notice at the top of the homepage as soon as DLNR changes its status.