Secret Falls Kayak Hike in Kauai
5
Secret Falls Kayak Hike in Kauai
By Alii Kayaks
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-74, max of 12 per group
Duration: 5h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Equipment to include kayak, backrests, personal flotation devices and paddles.
What's not included- Meals, snacks or beverages are NOT provided on this tour.
- Start:
- Ali'i Kayaks, 180 Wailua Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA**PARKING & CHECK-IN PROCEDURES** CHECK-IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR. Meet your Ali'i Kayak Guide in the parking lot. 180 Wailua Rd. Kapaa, HI 96746
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 46868P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a strong physical fitness level
- Not recommended for participants that are physically not capable to paddle a kayak with proper coordination.
- Not recommended for participants who are not physically fit to walk moderate to strenuous trail with an elevation increase to 465 feet in under 2 miles.
- Footwear that secures or straps to your feet are required (for safety crocs or flip flops are not allowed).
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 46868P1
From
₹10,158.30
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Taylor O0 contributionsKayak & Hike to Secret FallsWe loved our adventure with Khayman. He was very knowledgeable and fun. We would highly recommend this excursion.Written 4 January 2025
- chrissray900 contributionsUnforgettable experienceFrom start to finish, this experience was amazing. Sam, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and nice. I would recommend this trip to anyone coming to kauai. Mahalo!Written 11 November 2024
- Kelly D0 contributionsBest part of our trip to KauaiWe went with our kids aged 5 and almost 7. Our guide, Khayman, was the best. He was so knowledgeable and great with our kids.Written 3 November 2024
- dwl19670 contributionsSecret FallsHad a very good experience with Alii Kayaks. Our guide, Sam, made sure we all knew where we were going and what to watch out for. Would recommend them to anyone!Written 27 October 2024
- jscasey6260 contributionsGreat excursion and fabulous guidesExcursion was exactly as described. Guides were fun and knowledgeable and scenery was spectacular. Definitely recommend!Written 23 October 2024
- Awl826v0 contributionsAwesome trip!We went on this same trip 5 years ago. Although the water fall was flowing more then, this was still a great trip. Our guide Ky was awesome and I appreciated his knowledge and how friendly he was. Thank you!Written 17 October 2024
- Pioneer445557965340 contributionsAn Awesome Trip!An awesome trip kayaking and hiking to a secret waterfall, greatly enhanced with our informative and very helpful guide, thanks!Written 12 October 2024
- Quest5870260 contributionsGreat day out!This was a great trip, Kai and his dog Koo, were the best guides we could have. Kai is local to the area and informed us of all the plants and stories of the area and his family. We had a group of 10 that he makes a point of. Initially, we headed out on the kayak, followed by a nice hike where we were given the opportunity to feed his wild bird. Finally, the waterfall that we all got enjoyed. The return trip is just as fun. It turned out to be one of the best days out on the island. Be sure to book with Alii Kayaks and enjoy the day. Thanks Kai, the Duran Clan!Written 28 September 2024
- adamgentry0 contributionsEpic Kayaking & Hiking ExcursionExcellent experience with a family operated business. Our guide Jake was extremely knowledgeable about all the flora, their various uses, and Hawaiian culture and history. I highly recommend doing this trip with this establishment.Written 26 September 2024
- firewalker9090 contributionsFun excursionWe had a good time with Alii Kayaks and our guide Mana. He was very knowledgeable about the area and local vegetation. This was our second time with Alii Kayaks and do recommend them. Make sure you dress to get wet. There is a water crossing in water just over knee deep. The hike isn't strenuous, but the path does have obstacles and a short hill climb.Written 21 September 2024
- mauilove77400 contributionsDo it! You know you want to - Just Do It!The atmosphere at office while waiting to take shuttle to the harbor was welcoming and a great opportunity to get to know the other people you will be spending the next 4 hours with. The owner and guides (Khayman & Samoan Sam) were knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful and patient of new kayakers and reminded of the rules of the river and land. You will want to pack a lite lunch and Khayman, our guide, was a great guide who delighted everyone with his understanding of the land and water as well as taking pictures of everyone's group at certain beautiful spots. He has great energy and was great at coaching and hyping up paddlers. It was an amazing kayak trip and this is the only company I would go with (you will not be disappointed with either the guides nor the beauty you will experience no where else) & suggest to others. If you get there a little early, there is a great thrift store next door.Written 6 September 2024
- Jordan C0 contributionsA fun and rewarding excursionThe kayak and hike to the waterfall was one of the highlights of our trip! Sam was a very helpful and funny guide who had lots of interesting facts about the river and the jungle as we hiked through it. A major benefit to doing this here is that there's really not much to worry about - no snakes or bugs to speak of, so as you're hiking through the jungle you can just enjoy the experience and take it all in. Both the kayak and hiking portions are vey active, so I'd only recommend if you're in good shape. The hike traverses knee-deep water, and uneven rocky trails. It's a great adventure, but not for everyone. We were the last tour of the day, so the waterfall was a bit less crowded than usual.Written 4 September 2024
- Docdew0 contributionsGreat teamSuper fun day, great short adventure! Moderate paddle and hike. Tons of beauty and a very fun guide. Mahalo!!Written 4 September 2024
- massimo1976ok0 contributionsAmazing experienceWe enjoyed an amazing day on kayak and hiking to a wonderful waterfall. Our guide, Mana, was extremely competent and friendly.Written 31 March 2024
- LivinDeutch0 contributionsGreat tour, a highlight of our trip!Had an amazing day with Kala on our kayak/hike tour. He was fun and knowledgeable about all things Kauai. My whole family, including our 14 & 11 yr old daughters, had a great day. Mahalo!!Written 30 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
473 reviews
Excellent
420
Very good
28
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
4
tashdoc04
1 contribution
Aug 2022
We were a group of 4 adults and 4 kids (teens and preteens) and all of us had a great time on the kayak and falls tour! Our tour guide Mana was awesome! He entertained us during the hike portion with his knowledge of all of the plants and animals and he serenaded us with his ukulele during the hike through absolutely incredible scenery. The waterfall at the end was gorgeous and the perfect place to eat lunch and we loved swimming after kayaking and hiking to the falls. I would say the hike was not as challenging as the kayaking (definitely took some work to paddle up the river), most of it was on elevated boards but there were a few climbs up some slippery rocks and a couple of muddy areas, plus a river crossing --so keep this in mind when deciding if it's the right tour for you. I would recommend water shoes or tevas and lots of sunscreen as the sun was pretty brutal on the water. Also, make sure to pack a lunch as it's not provided by the tour. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Mahalo nui loa Alii Kayaks and Mana!
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl F
Brooklyn, IA3 contributions
Wow! It was breathtaking for the wors go. Our guide,Manu, was native Hawaiian and told the best side stories and even entertained us with his Ukulele. The kayaking and hike were worth it when you see the falls and frolic beneath them. I would definitely recommend Alii Kayaks!
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Audrey B Fit
13 contributions
My family of five had a fantastic time! My Husband and I wanted to try this excursion because we loved to hike, and knew the kayaking would be great to learn. I swear it seems we zigzagged along the river, we couldn’t keep out kayak straight for nothing. But we laughed constantly and our girls had a blast as well. We constantly heard them giggling throughout the tour as my Husband and I would drift into a bush or two. I was happy to see my daughters having sister bonding time, despite the rugged hike. My eldest daughter doesn’t like physical activity much. She usually complains about how tired she is, but this time around she was constantly laughing. We had great Guides, Dustin and Bryson, who were very knowledgeable with instructions for kayaking and Kauai culture. My family and I all packed lunches and snacks for the kayak and hike to the falls which allowed us to enjoy the jungle terrain even more. The jungle was breathtaking and picturesque. I think the surprise for me was walking through the river beds, which was cold. I was so grateful I wore hiking boots because the instability of the rocks throughout the hike can cause injury easily. Some people had on regular sneakers and trail shoes; but I would recommend something to support your ankles due to the rough terrain. I definitely recommend booking this excursion to create beautiful memories with your family and friends.
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MilesC
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Very bad experience. This felt like a money grab from the start. Our group of 12 was expanded to a group of 26. Way too many people to manage for such a trip. We had the added “bonus” of having an over zealous trainee along with the group leader. This was the excuse that was given for the huge group. Due to an accident on the river by another group. We were told to wait along the bank in our kayaks until both Alii guides returned. Easier said than done in a 20mph tailwind. Most kayaks were blown down the river by the wind and after waiting over 15 minutes the strung out kayaks were pretty far from the original scene. The guides arrived 30 minutes later and we proceeded to the falls landing. After getting on shore the trainee proceeded to harangue the group screaming at the top of his lungs about disrespecting the Hawaiian culture and the blood and bones of the warriors in the river. Not sure how not waiting for the guides had anything to do with disrespecting Hawaii. It was more that this young trainee’s ego was bruised. Everyone was pretty shocked and that set the tone for the rest of the trip. The walk to the falls was very muddy and a few of our members fell. There are also some pretty steep parts to the hike coming out of the river. The group was stretched out so far that most of the members could not hear any informative descriptions by the guide. The guide eventually said “I not having this” and so we had limited narration after that. The falls were nice enough but no different than dozens that are more easily accessible elsewhere on the island. Be prepared to stop and wait for several groups coming in the opposite direction to pass. And do NOT wear flip flops! The people who fell all wore flip flops. At the end of the trip, the guide again admonished the group about waiting. Well m, he admonished half the group because the rest were still up river. When he was challenged by one woman in our group about our group being twice as large as promised on the website, the guide kept saying “you don’t understand”. I am not sure what she didn’t understand about the group being twice as big as promised. Our group members were not particularly enthusiastic during the trip but we did see other groups who were laughing and having lively chats with their guides. These were also small groups. Had we known about this tour group we would gave definitely chosen another one. One final note, bring your own dry bag unless you want to pay $35 for theirs.
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First & Foremost we apologize for the tour experience you received. Secondly, thank you for writing such a detailed account of your experience. This will go a long way to help us make improvements.
Our policy clearly states that each guide will take a maximum of 12 guests (6 kayaks). This limited number of guests insures better instruction and interaction to enhance the overall experience. The guides altering our established policy and procedures was to help the response to another company’s emergency situation. What is unclear is the guides decision to keep both groups together once the situation was deemed safe.
The treatment you received which sounds racial in nature will not be tolerated. For this reason alone we have decided to part ways with the guide in question.
Once again thank you for your valuable review. Please let us know if you can think of anything else.
Mahalo!
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Page S
Redondo Beach, United States4 contributions
Aug 2022
We had an amazing time on this kayak and hike tour. The scenery is absolutely jaw dropping, so gorgeous with the streams and lush greenery. My husband and I are in decent shape and brought along our 5 year old and 8 year old daughters, the 8 year old didn't have a problem at all, the 5 year old was definitely tired on the way back. We also brought along my mother and father in their mid-late 60s and this seemed much more intense for them.
I would suggest water shoes are a MUST! You'll be crossing multiple streams with a lot of large and small rocks and you will want to protect your feet. You will also want to bring along a hefty snack or lunch for the mid-way stop at the waterfall.
We had Don as our guide and he was absolutely wonderful, so knowledgeable about the various plants and wildlife on the island and made it so much fun for the kids and adults. I would definitely recommend this excursion!
I would suggest water shoes are a MUST! You'll be crossing multiple streams with a lot of large and small rocks and you will want to protect your feet. You will also want to bring along a hefty snack or lunch for the mid-way stop at the waterfall.
We had Don as our guide and he was absolutely wonderful, so knowledgeable about the various plants and wildlife on the island and made it so much fun for the kids and adults. I would definitely recommend this excursion!
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daniella e
2 contributions
Mar 2023
Lono was the best guide! Not only was he patient with the few in my group who had never kayaked before, he also made the group feel safe. We went in March 2023, so the rain almost stopped us from crossing the river to the secret falls, but Lono assured us it was safe. He helped those were nervous crossing the river (it was knee deep) and never left anyone behind.
All in all, this was the best adventure we could've done. Pack snacks, wear good shoes and expect a wonderful time. 10/10 recommend.
All in all, this was the best adventure we could've done. Pack snacks, wear good shoes and expect a wonderful time. 10/10 recommend.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radtech40
St. Louis, MO8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This was a pretty strenuous day. The kayak views were beautiful and the kayaks were in good shape.
The kayaking is 4 miles round trip and the hike is 3 miles round trip. The terrain is insane. You will hike through mud, waist deep water and over huge slippery boulders. Do NOT wear flip flops, the people who did were falling, some multiple times.
There was a woman who was with another group and was left by them, she had fallen out of her kayak and couldn’t get back in. She was wearing her life vest and hanging on to her kayak, the river is 20 feet deep. Her group and guides had just left her so ours took her back and we had to wait while they got back.
Our guides didn’t have much patience, the new one was high strung and told us we were disrespecting the land by moving a bit ahead in our kayaks while they took someone from another group back. They did Apologize for yelling everytime they yelled at us. These folks need training on patience and respect for older people.
I know it’s hard to find good help but the guide makes or breaks the tour. I did like that there was one in the front and one in the back which is how it should have been in the other group that left the lady. Had our guides not taken her back she would have just been stuck out there hanging on to her kayak. I know you sign waivers but this hike is not for overweight or unstable individuals, it’s a tough hike. I suggest making sure you wear some good hiking shoes and GRAB a walking stick, you’ll need it!!
The kayaking is 4 miles round trip and the hike is 3 miles round trip. The terrain is insane. You will hike through mud, waist deep water and over huge slippery boulders. Do NOT wear flip flops, the people who did were falling, some multiple times.
There was a woman who was with another group and was left by them, she had fallen out of her kayak and couldn’t get back in. She was wearing her life vest and hanging on to her kayak, the river is 20 feet deep. Her group and guides had just left her so ours took her back and we had to wait while they got back.
Our guides didn’t have much patience, the new one was high strung and told us we were disrespecting the land by moving a bit ahead in our kayaks while they took someone from another group back. They did Apologize for yelling everytime they yelled at us. These folks need training on patience and respect for older people.
I know it’s hard to find good help but the guide makes or breaks the tour. I did like that there was one in the front and one in the back which is how it should have been in the other group that left the lady. Had our guides not taken her back she would have just been stuck out there hanging on to her kayak. I know you sign waivers but this hike is not for overweight or unstable individuals, it’s a tough hike. I suggest making sure you wear some good hiking shoes and GRAB a walking stick, you’ll need it!!
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First & Foremost we apologize for the tour experience you received. Secondly, thank you for writing such a detailed account of your experience.
Unfortunately, our guides altered our well established policy and procedures in response to another company’s emergency situation. The treatment you received which sounds racial in nature will not be tolerated. For this reason alone we have decided to part ways with the guide in question.
Once again thank you for your valuable review and a good recommendation to not use Flip Flops as spelled out clearly in our confirmation notes. Please let us know if you can think of anything else.
Mahalo!
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy W
1 contribution
Feb 2023
My husband and I are 63 and we found the kayaking to be strenuous. We have our own kayaks in Idaho and spend many days kayaking on the lakes around us but this trip felt like a race to get to the destination and back rather than having an enjoyable time. The hike wasn't bad, however very muddy which is often the case in the winter months. Our guide didn't give much details about the flora around us but he did play his ukelele a lot which was fun for awhile but it would have been nice to be given details about the area we were walking through. The waterfall was lovely but there were sooo many people there it really detracted from the experience. Overall we wouldn't recommend this excursion.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for writing this valuable review, this will go a long way to help future adventure seekers to learn what it's really like to take on this tour. For reasons unknown, Secret Falls Kayak/Hike adventure is wrongfully categorized as an easy walk in a park tour when really it is, like you say, a Strenuous tour.
Wailua River and Secret Falls is in close proximity to Mt. Waialeale "the wettest spot on earth,' which means muddy conditions will occur 80-90% of the year. We are extremely happy you completed the 5 hour, 6 mile kayak paddle & hike. Congratulations! We will definitely take your comments constructively and look for better ways to communicate the degree of difficulty.
Mahalo for visiting Kauai!
Written 22 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seth J
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We did this amazing kayak tour and it was definitely the best activity we did during our stay on Kauai! From the moment we arrived, Kai and Sam made us feel welcome and like family. Sam was our tour guide and this man is amazing! He shared a lot of the local history with us along the river and told us some amazing stories. Sam was super vigilant in our groups safety and there was never a point where he was not readily available and visible. His accountability was impeccable and you could tell that he truly cared for everyone’s safety. This is not an extremely difficult adventure, however the water can raise quite quickly and without warning due to the rainfall, but Sam made sure that everything was safe before leading us to the falls. The views at the waterfall were amazing and the water was awesome to swim in! I highly recommend this trip to any adventurers visiting Kauai! Thank you Sam and Kai for giving my fiancé and I a most memorable time! Also Sam definitely deserves a raise!!! 10/10 and will be coming back to do this and other adventures with them!
-Seth and Destinee
-Seth and Destinee
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiMart81
Vernon, Canada67 contributions
Excellent tour! It started off as though it could potentially be a fail when there weren’t enough seats for our group. Thankfully, the company was able to problem solve and got an extra kayak and we were on our way. Noah let us paddle freely and just meet at certain points where he’d tell us some interesting info. He recognized that we were continuously catching up to the next group, so he finally made the call for us to move ahead. He even helped out another group that was having troubles figuring out how to paddle as a couple. Their boat was very far behind and we noticed their tour guide was only chatting with the 2 boats in the front, not realizing his group was lagging quite far behind.
Noah made us feel pretty confident that we were making good time and encouraging us. Our hike was leisurely and he had some funny stories to tell. He had good advice for tentative hikers with respect to the mud. He was a gentleman and helped folks across the creeks and steeper spots. He was a cameraman when we needed. He gave us enough time to enjoy the falls and knew the perfect time when to leave.
We had a great time exploring this river and the falls. I’m glad I booked with this group.
Noah made us feel pretty confident that we were making good time and encouraging us. Our hike was leisurely and he had some funny stories to tell. He had good advice for tentative hikers with respect to the mud. He was a gentleman and helped folks across the creeks and steeper spots. He was a cameraman when we needed. He gave us enough time to enjoy the falls and knew the perfect time when to leave.
We had a great time exploring this river and the falls. I’m glad I booked with this group.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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