Guide to Kayaking the Wailua River
The Wailua River is the best beginner kayak trip on Kauai. The water is calm, the scenery is jungle and cliffs, and you do not need any experience.
This is a self-guided rental. We meet you in Kapaa, load the kayak on your car, give you a map, go over instructions, and you paddle at your own pace.
Starting at $75
1,300+ five-star Google reviews
Why the Wailua River is easy for beginners
Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a real navigable river like this. It’s a beautiful paddle while being safe since it is a flat river with no strong current.
Flat, calm water
No surf or noticeable current
Sit-on-top kayaks that are stable
A clear route upriver and back
A 4–5 hour day for most people
What you will see on the river
You put in at Wailua River State Park. The river starts wide and gradually will become more narrow. You will see other kayaks, a few boats, and Sleeping Giant in the distance.
As you paddle upstream it gets quieter and greener. Common sights:
Lush banks and hanging vines
The turn toward the north fork if you are going to Secret Falls
Birds, the occasional fish, and lots of jungle
The typical route
Most guests do this:
Meet us in Kapaa (next to Tony’s Catch), simply search for “Kayaking in Kauai” on your maps app.
We provide all the kayaking equipment and dry bags
Then we help you strap the kayak(s) on your rental car (it’s all car-safe and we can fit up to 3-4 per car).
Drive about 10 minutes to Wailua River State Park
Pay the $10 per car and $5 per person park fee
Paddle about 2 miles up the scenic river
Optional: hike to Secret Falls
Paddle back and return the kayak to our shop
Rental time is 6 hours. Most people are done in 4–5 hours.
Start earlier if you can. Morning is calmer. Afternoon trade winds can make the return paddle more work.
Secret Falls is optional, but popular
You do not have to hike. Plenty of people just paddle the river, turn around, and enjoy the water.
If you do want the waterfall: beach the kayak at the marked landing, then hike through the rainforest. The trail is short but often muddy, with stream crossings. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) is about 120 feet high. You can swim if it looks safe.
Wear shoes that stay on your feet. Flip-flops are a bad idea on that trail.
Beginner tips for Wailua
Paddling
Short, even strokes beat giant splashes
In a double, the back person steers
Try to paddle in sync if there are two of you
Stay to the right when you pass other boats
On the water
Wear your life jacket
Put phones in the dry bag we give you
Leave extra time for the paddle back
Stay on the North side of the bank at all times since we have other boats on the river
At the park
You have to lift the kayak on and off the car (about 75 lbs). We help you load in Kapaa and will show you how. It may sound intimidating but with our instructions it is quite simple.
We recommend you bring water, lunch, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and snacks
What we include
Single kayak $75 or double kayak $95
Paddles, seats, life jackets
Dry bag
Map and turn-by-turn directions
Soft roof racks and straps
Help loading the kayak in Kapaa
You do not need your own gear.
Best time to kayak Wailua
Year-round works. We do recommend mornings before 10am for more parking but there is an additional parking lot and we usually send out guests up until 1pm (weather dependent).
Light rain is normal on the east side and the trip still happens. Heavy rain can make the Secret Falls trail slick and, in rare cases, the river unsafe. If conditions are unsafe we will be in communication and give a full refund if the trip is cancelled due to weather such as flash flooding or a flood watch.
Please book ahead since availability is not guaranteed as certain months/days are busier. This is the most popular river on the island but there are others. Please ask Michael if you’d like other options that are more secluded and quiet.
FAQ
Do I need experience?
You do not. This is the river we send first-timers to. However, it is recommended that you are able to paddle and be able to swim.
Is it good for kids?
This is a wonderful adventure for the whole family. But we do ask that kids paddle with an adult.
How far is the paddle?
About 2 miles up and 2 miles back if you go to the Secret Falls landing.
Can I skip the hike?
Totally, but the hike to the falls is very beautiful and worth it!
Where do we meet?
Our shop in Kapaa, not at the boat ramp. Search “Kayaking in Kauai” in Google Maps or call Michael if you aren’t sure.
Can I take the kayak to another river?
Yes, if you tell us first so we can point you to a safe spot.
Ready to paddle the Wailua River?
We will get you set up, explain the route, and send you up the river.
Single $75 · Double $95
Questions? Call or text Michael at (808) 278-7326