Adventure
Secret Falls: Wailua River Kayak & Jungle Hike
By Rick Kennerknecht · Updated October 2026
Closure notice: as of October 2026, the Secret Falls (Uluwehi) trail is closed after Hurricane Lowell. You can still paddle the Wailua River to the landing, but you cannot hike on to the falls. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) is a 120-foot cascade in the jungle up the Wailua River, and getting there is half the fun. You paddle Hawaii's only navigable river, then, once the trail reopens, hike a muddy rainforest path to the falls. It is one of Kauai's best half-day trips, as a guided tour or a self-guided rental.
Hurricane Lowell recovery (as of October 21, 2026): Haena State Park reopened October 15 (reservations required), but Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, most other Kauai state parks, the Kalalau Trail past mile 2, all state camping, and Secret Falls remain closed, and Port Allen's small boat harbor is only partly open. See our what's open on Kauai page, and check DLNR state parks, openkauai.org, and your tour operator before you go.
Guided tour vs. self-guided
Guided kayak tours (about $90 to $130 per person) handle logistics, provide a guide, and often include lunch, the easiest option. Self-guided rentals are cheaper (around $50 to $70 per kayak) and let you set your own pace. Both launch from the Wailua River marina area near Kapaa. Non-residents also pay the state park fee: $5 per person plus $10 for parking.
The paddle
The paddle is about two miles upriver on flat, calm water, beginner-friendly and scenic, past jungle banks and the occasional heron. Allow 45 minutes to an hour each way. Go in the morning before the wind and afternoon showers pick up.
The hike to the falls
From the kayak landing, a roughly one-mile trail winds through rainforest with a stream crossing (which can be knee-deep) to the base of Secret Falls. The trail is closed as of October 2026. When it reopens, expect mud and slick rock, wear shoes you do not mind ruining, and skip it after heavy rain, when the stream can flood dangerously.
What to bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, water, a dry bag for your phone, water shoes or old sneakers, and a swimsuit. Bug spray helps near the banks. Start early to beat the heat and the midday boat traffic on the river.
Good to know
Commercial tours and kayak rentals cannot operate on the Wailua River on Saturdays or Sundays, so weekends are private paddlers only. Flash floods are a real risk at the stream crossing, so never cross rising water, and check the forecast before you launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kayak about two miles up the Wailua River from the Kapaa marina, then hike roughly a mile through jungle with a stream crossing. As of October 2026 the trail is closed, so trips end at the kayak landing.
More guides: all Kauai guides · things to do.