Guide to Hiking to Secret Falls
What the Hike to Secret Falls Is Like
Secret Falls is not a roadside waterfall. You cannot park, walk 2 minutes, and leave. You kayak the Wailua River first, beach the kayak, then hike through the rainforest to reach it.
That extra work is why it feels special. When the 120-foot waterfall finally opens up in front of you, it feels earned.
This page is for people doing the trip self-guided with us. We meet you in Kapaa, load the kayak, give clear instructions, and then you simply bring it back when you’re finished. You get to have the flexibility to hike and paddle at your own pace.
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How you get to the trail
The hike does not start at a parking lot. It starts after the paddle.
You put in at Wailua River State Park, paddle about 2 miles upriver, then pull the kayak onto the bank at the Secret Falls landing. You will usually see other kayaks there. Tie yours off, take water and the dry bag, and start walking.
The paddle is the first half of the day. The hike is the second.
What the trail is like
The trail to Secret Falls, also called Uluwehi Falls, runs through thick jungle. Think wild ginger, giant ferns, muddy patches, and trees overhead.
Expect:
A well-used but uneven dirt trail
Roots and rocks
Mud, especially if it rained
A few stream crossings
A short climb near the end before the falls appear
When the trail is dry, most active people call it easy to moderate. When it is wet, it gets harder because it is slick, not because it is long.
This is a rainforest and it can get pretty wet and slippery. So be ready to get muddy :)
How long and how hard
The hike is about 1.25 miles each way
The whole day, kayak plus hike, usually takes 4 to 5 hours. Your rental window is 6 hours.
The elevation gain is not much as it is mostly a flat trail.
Can you swim at Secret Falls?
Yes, if the water looks reasonable.
Secret Falls drops about 120 feet into a pool surrounded by boulders and jungle. A swim after the hike is one of the best parts of the day.
Be careful as the rocks are slippery. Watch your step getting in and out and we recommend that you do not stand directly under the waterfall as there could be falling debris.
There are no bathrooms or changing rooms at the falls. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to swim.
Secret Falls vs Wailua Falls
They are not the same.
Wailua Falls is located about 30 minutes south and you can view it from a lookout point but there is accessible trail to it.
Secret Falls is Uluwehi Falls. The only normal way to reach it is bykayak or boat, then hike.
What to bring on the hike
Bring these:
Water
Snacks or a small lunch
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Bug spray
Shoes that strap on and can get wet
Phone in a waterproof pouch or in the dry bag we give you
Nice extras:
Light towel
Cheap poncho
Dry clothes in the car for later
We provide the kayak, paddles, seats, life jackets, dry bag, map, and car-topping gear :)
Tips that make the hike easier
Start earlier in the day so you are not rushing back against the wind
Put phones and keys in the dry bag before you leave the kayak
Go slow on the stream crossings
Stay on the main path
Pack out everything you bring in
Leave time to paddle back to the park and drive to our shop in Kapaa
If the trail looks flooded or unsafe after heavy rain, turn around. The river day is still worth it without the falls.
How the self-guided day works
Meet us in Kapaa, next to Tony’s Catch or type in “Kayaking in Kauai” on your maps app.
We set you up with all the equipment with dry bags
We will go over instructions and a map so you know exactly where you are going
Then we will help you load your kayak(s) onto your rental vehicle and we can fit up to 3-4 per car. And it is all car-safe.
Drive about 10 minutes to Wailua River State Park
Pay the $5 per person and $10 per car park fee
Paddle 2 miles up the river
Hike to Secret Falls and back
Paddle back to the boat launch and return the kayak
FAQ
Is the hike required?
No. You can paddle the Wailua River and skip the trail.
Do I need a guide for the hike?
No. The path is used every day and we give you directions before you leave. Go with a partner and stay on the trail.
How long is the hike by itself?
About 1.25 miles each way.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothes, a swimsuit underneath if you want to swim, and sturdy strap-on shoes. Leave flip-flops in the car.
Ready to go?
We will set you up in Kapaa and send you up the Wailua River.
Single $75 · Double $95
Questions? Call or text Michael at (808) 278-7326