Kayak Wailua
Kayak Wailua
5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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About
Our kayaking/hiking guided tour adventure is one of the few activities which can be enjoyed by all members of your family including grandma and grandpa. We invite you to read our 3975+ reviews; then check availability and reserve space at our website linked here on Trip Advisor.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
4,173 reviews
Excellent
3,761
Very good
310
Average
60
Poor
25
Terrible
17
Kishan P.
3 contributions
Feb 2022
If you are visiting Kauai, you definitely have to kayak, especially on the Wailua River. I think Kauai is the best of the Hawaiian islands to kayak.
In terms of kayaking on Kauai, Kayak Waliua is probably the best choice in terms of experience and value. My group of 3 had the option to do either a triple kayak or 1 single/1 double kayak, and I know other kayak companies on Kauai do not offer a triple kayak option. We did the 8am tour (which I highly recommend 8am/early morning time because the weather would be cool and nice by afternoon, and you avoid the afternoon crowds cuz it does get crowded at the falls and on the kayak trip back).
Kyle was our guide, and he was phenomenal. He made sure everyone was having a good time and no one was left behind at all during the entire trip. He cared about safety, and ensured the entire tour ran on time (which it did!). The entire tour group only consisted of max approx. 12 people, which is a good tour size imo. It was great being able to have 1.5 hrs of kayak time, 1 hr hike time, 45 mins at the secret falls (which was so worth it! You can go under the waterfall once there!). Lunch is not provided and is BYOB, which is honestly fine because you can pack your own snacks on this trip (they give you enough water bags) and you just spend most of your time enjoying the waterfall. This aspect definitely helps keeps the cost of the tour very affordable/much cheaper compared to other tours that include lunch.
I would 100 percent recommend this tour/company as well as Kyle as a guide for those looking to kayak in Kauai.
In terms of kayaking on Kauai, Kayak Waliua is probably the best choice in terms of experience and value. My group of 3 had the option to do either a triple kayak or 1 single/1 double kayak, and I know other kayak companies on Kauai do not offer a triple kayak option. We did the 8am tour (which I highly recommend 8am/early morning time because the weather would be cool and nice by afternoon, and you avoid the afternoon crowds cuz it does get crowded at the falls and on the kayak trip back).
Kyle was our guide, and he was phenomenal. He made sure everyone was having a good time and no one was left behind at all during the entire trip. He cared about safety, and ensured the entire tour ran on time (which it did!). The entire tour group only consisted of max approx. 12 people, which is a good tour size imo. It was great being able to have 1.5 hrs of kayak time, 1 hr hike time, 45 mins at the secret falls (which was so worth it! You can go under the waterfall once there!). Lunch is not provided and is BYOB, which is honestly fine because you can pack your own snacks on this trip (they give you enough water bags) and you just spend most of your time enjoying the waterfall. This aspect definitely helps keeps the cost of the tour very affordable/much cheaper compared to other tours that include lunch.
I would 100 percent recommend this tour/company as well as Kyle as a guide for those looking to kayak in Kauai.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen M
1 contribution
Feb 2022
We had a wonderful time on our Kayak and hike adventure! The kayak journey was exhilarating, the hike was fun, and the waterfall was absolutely gorgeous. Kyle was an awesome tour guide, providing fun facts about the plants and vegetation as we walked along the trail, and there were plenty of rest breaks throughout the hike so it was not exhausting. I would highly recommend wearing chacos, water socks, etc that you don't mind getting wet or muddy since you will be walking through the river and occasional mud. The company had water shoes for purchase at the start of our adventure ($15) which we bought and worked well! Highly recommend!
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vivien W
Hayward, CA32 contributions
May 2022
We highly recommend Kayak Wailua. Prior to booking this outfitter, I had called another tour operator as we are first time kayakers & were somewhat nervous. That tour operator told us that if we slow down the group - we could be sent back. & that was a disappointing response. Called Kayak Wailua - they were friendly, reassuring & accommodating. There were 6 children under the age of 13 in the group we were in with the youngest being around age 4. All children under age 13 were required to wear a life vest & a life vest were also offered to adults who wanted one as the river can be 30 ft deep.
Having Nana as our guide was definitely helpful for safety as there are river crossings as well as there are routes that requires climbing down slippery & muddy areas. She recommended " like climbing down like a ladder" on an area that was somewhat tricky as there many uneven steps getting down from the Secret Fall. Having a walking stick was also very useful Nana also gave us a list of recommended restaurants which we used during our stay. Enjoyed this kayak & hike tour which was a highlight of our vacation!
Having Nana as our guide was definitely helpful for safety as there are river crossings as well as there are routes that requires climbing down slippery & muddy areas. She recommended " like climbing down like a ladder" on an area that was somewhat tricky as there many uneven steps getting down from the Secret Fall. Having a walking stick was also very useful Nana also gave us a list of recommended restaurants which we used during our stay. Enjoyed this kayak & hike tour which was a highlight of our vacation!
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stefanee B
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
We booked the same tour through hawaii.com and it was canceled due to weather, which is fine, but they gave me a really difficult time about getting a refund even though THEY canceled it. The same day that tour was canceled I found kayak Waimua and was able to book with them. I paid full price but when we got there they said due to safety reasons we cannot do the hike to the secret Falls so we will refund you 50% (more than fair). By the time I got home from our kayak adventure, I was already refunded! Our guide,Mikaela, was awesome! she was friendly, she was helpful, she had a lot of knowledge about the area and the island. It was a great experience! I would absolutely recommend them and book with them again!!
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
browneedog
Mililani, HI2 contributions
Jan 2022
This was by far one of my favorite events on our trip to Kauai! We took the whole family (7/9-yr olds) to kayak the river, hike to the secret falls, and swim in the waterfall pool. The tour guide, Mikayla, was friendly, knowledgeable, and very patient. This is a great family-feel company that makes you feel at ease instantly. We had such a great time and I would recommend this to anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery through multiple venues (kayak, hiking). It does take 4+ hours so bring snacks/water. They provide a waterproof bag for your stuff so you don't have to worry about everything getting wet. You can also buy some snacks and water there. Highly recommend water shoes/aqua socks with a rubber bottom. Someone wore wet socks (no rubber sole) and tore their feet up on the hike. Also recommend a waterproof cary case for your phone/keys/wallet if you want to have easy access for pictures, etc.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan R
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Aug 2021
What a great find! We were lucky to get reservations after someone cancelled a day prior. It seems they stay pretty well booked, so best to book as far in advance as possible. The kayaking was quite enjoyable on a very calm river, and the hike (about 1 to 1.5 miles) through the jungle to the waterfall was a pretty easy one. The waterfall was gorgeous, with a large pool that we had plenty of time to bath and splash around in. Our tour guide, Mike, was outstanding. Very easygoing, friendly, and safety-minded. He was extremely willing to help with anything, and was very patient with the most novice of kayakers in our group. He was good about giving us clear descriptions of the route on the river and on the path in the jungle (about half of which was boardwalk), so that we could proceed at our own pace and meet up at checkpoints. There was no stress, and no hurry for any part of this trip. Mike stayed towards the back of the group on the river to make sure everyone made it to the meeting point safely. This was an all-around great kayak/hike combo trip, and a really good value for the amount of time we spent out there. To top it off, Mike had some excellent recommendations for dinner and cocktail venues in the area.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug A
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Jason did an excellent job as our guide on the noon kayak trip today up the Wailua River and hike to the falls. His ease in conversation with people combined with his knowledge of the equipment and how to safely use it, made us feel comfortable all the way. He had current knowledge of the river condition and the wind forecast plus the condition of the trail, which helped us navigate the river and trail with confidence and safety. His local knowledge of flora and fauna along the way made the trip interesting and educational. He gave us plenty of time at the falls to swim in the pool and eat lunch while offering to take pictures of us. He adjusted the pace according to our abilities, so that no one felt rushed or left behind, but faster ones could be free to go ahead and meet at predetermined places ahead. A great time was had by all, and we hope to do it again someday!
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacia M
San Diego, CA5 contributions
May 2021
We booked an early bird kayak trip along the Wailua River with our guide Lisa. With several other couples in our group, Lisa engaged us in introductions early which enhanced the trip- we were all best of friends paddling down the river in no time. The river is just gorgeous, quite, peaceful, cool, beautiful. And after two miles it was perfect to get out and stretch our legs on the hike. The hike was a smile down an easy path through water and along 'the boardwalk'. It was shady and cool and the birds chirping were all an added effect. The waterfall is really gorgeous at the end and SOOO refreshing. If you feel like you're going to chicken out and NOT GO IN, reconsider!!!! You'll likely not be here again any time soon and it's not often you can get UNDER a gorgeous waterfall like this. You bring your own lunch on this tour which was perfect. Great exercise, friendly tour guide, and a GORGEOUS river! I will do it again next time just to see all the things I missed on the first go around.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hardtosay
San Mateo, CA314 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Awesome fun hike, and a lovely kayaking trip as well! Our guide Jason was laid back, personable and helpful, as well as informative, and let us take things at whatever pace was comfortable for us. My 8 year old daughter declared the hike her favorite hike of her life, and all the kids on tour seemed to agree that the hike was the best part, because it was adventurous. They got to cross a river and some streams, climb up some rocks at a small waterfall (off the main path - the rest of us just walked across some stones in a stream), clamber over roots up a hill, and wind through close grown plants, and they found the relatively narrow boardwalk (literally parallel boards set above the mud) really fun as well. They also enjoyed taking a plunge in the very cold waterfall pool at the end. The fact that it rained all over us on the kayak home didn’t really bother us since we were all in our swim gear, and our dry stuff was safely stashed in the provided dry bags and backpack coolers. Our brimmed sun hats also worked nicely to keep the rain off our faces. The kayaking part was also really nice - about 2.5 (?) miles each way on a broad calm river through beautiful greenery with very little man made anything along the sides.
We went on the 1pm hike, and while there were a fair number of people at the falls, and a few other groups on the river, we only really encountered other groups going the other way towards the beginning of the hike, and the hike back felt like it was just our group since the other groups were staggered in when they left the falls. It also wasn’t too hot, but it was a rainy day which helped a lot. Much of the hike is shaded anyway. And though we did have wind on the way back, it wasn’t that hard to kayak against it since the river itself doesn’t have a strong current.
Overall this was one of our favorite activities on Kauai, and I highly recommend it and Kayak Wailua!
We went on the 1pm hike, and while there were a fair number of people at the falls, and a few other groups on the river, we only really encountered other groups going the other way towards the beginning of the hike, and the hike back felt like it was just our group since the other groups were staggered in when they left the falls. It also wasn’t too hot, but it was a rainy day which helped a lot. Much of the hike is shaded anyway. And though we did have wind on the way back, it wasn’t that hard to kayak against it since the river itself doesn’t have a strong current.
Overall this was one of our favorite activities on Kauai, and I highly recommend it and Kayak Wailua!
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hanna B
Stillwater, OK1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
We loved our experience with the team here, especially Dan, our guide. You could tell it was a family business that puts kindness, safety, and enjoyment as a priority. Unfortunately, the rains stopped us from being able to hike to the falls. The team allowed the group to decide if we still wanted to kayak the two miles at a reduced price. We chose to do it and it was wonderful even though it rained off and on. What a beautiful experience. Dan was a wonderful guide. He seemed to genuinely care about getting to know the people paddling beside him. As a bonus, we got to hear about his amazing life adventures! We highly recommend this company!!! Adam and Hanna
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raymond C
Ringgold, GA3 contributions
Open on weekends?
Ann Marie D
4 contributions
I suggest you call them. I did before I bought my voucher. Keep in mind the time change.
Hello, I am heading to Kauai in December, how soon do I need to book? Do you offer any senior discounts or AAA. Thanks in advance. I did this tour with you years ago and it was the highlight of our trip.
GlobalPete2010
Wailua, HI318 contributions
Greetings! We are looking forward to your return to the Garden Island of Kauai. The 1st two weeks of December are always very slow; therefore, booking a day or two in advance would be adequate. After mid December tours fill up well in advance so booking in November for the December holidays would be advisable. Unfortunately, our markup is razor thin so discounts are not possible except for the "Early Bird Special" which is offered at 8am during the off seasons.
Alan J
Los Angeles, CA3 contributions
Is anyone else aware of the two (at least) deaths that have occured on Kayak Wailua's watch? One in 2016, the other in 2010.
Joy Marcinkowski
Los Angeles, CA10 contributions
I’m not aware. If it is true, unfortunately death can happen even if one is sitting at a bus stop. Kayak Wailua has a very good orientation and offers safety precautions, procedures and life vests. Everyone who goes on this wonderful adventure is giving the education they need to have a fun and enjoyable time. Sadly, some people ignore directions and suffer consequences because of it. I wouldn't avoid this company... just like I wouldn't avoid flying on an airplane to get to Hawaii. 👍🏼
What is the reason for the early bird 8 AM special?
GlobalPete2010
Wailua, HI318 contributions
Some folks like the discounted price.
Christopher C
Houston, MS28 contributions
Is this kayak/hike safe for someone 26 weeks pregnant?
Courtney L
Dunmore, PA3 contributions
I strongly suggest posing this question to the company! For what it’s worth, the kayaking is mild. However, the hike can be somewhat “treacherous” if the path is very muddy (which it was when I visited). I slipped several times. Exhilarating for me, not so much for you! There is also a bit of climbing (using tree roots) and you do cross the river on foot using a line to hang on so there is definitely potential to lose your footing at several points. This tour/hike is absolutely safe for the average visitor and our guide assured that we all remained safe but if I were in your position (congratulations, by the way) I would err on the side of caution and choose a different way to experience Kauai. Hope this helps!
123PAM123
Denver, CO90 contributions
Do you need a guide for this trip or can you go by your self?
OttawaSenator
Montreal, Canada203 contributions
We used a guide because we have a 3 year old and my wife is pregnant so we wanted someone with us just in case but you can definitely do it alone. Just rent a kayak anywhere at the river entrance or if you don’t want to kayak that much, rent it at the “Hawaiian Village”
natullytully
8 contributions
so the trip was only 90 mins in? and then 90 way back?
mahalo
GlobalPete2010
Wailua, HI318 contributions
The kayak paddling is about 45 minutes upstream and 45 minutes downstream with a round trip hike to and from the waterfalls in between the paddling segments. Total duration is about 4.5-5 hours depending upon the fitness of the group and the length of time spent at the waterfalls. The condition of the trail from dry to very muddy also impacts the length of time to complete the adventure.