Wailua River Tours and Tickets
12 results
What are people saying about Wailua River
Susan_S, Mar 2026
Great adventure! First time kayakers
Our guide, Brian, was very informative about the culture and vegetation, but mostly we were impressed with his safety for us all. We had a great time kayaking and hiking to the waterfall and yes, we went in to feel the power of the water. Thank you!
Kathie_M, Jan 2026
Grattitude
We weren't able to go because of the high winds. The trip was canceled but the operators and Brian took our number and reached out with updates to see if we could get in with another group. Brian was really concerned about our safety. That's a five star to me!
Jake_D, Apr 2026
Great experience
The experience was great, we loved hearing about the history while we drove to see so many different parts of the Island
Jeannie_T, Mar 2026
Worth your time, Rain or Shine
The bus is well marked so you won't miss it when it comes to pick you up. The stops were gorgeous and well timed. Sally, our tour guide was the best. She was very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and all around delightful. The falls and blowing rock were in full glory and the boat ride on the river was entertaining. It is a very long day. Wear sturdy shoes, rain jacket or umbrella, camera, phone and binoculars. Bottled water and protein snacks were nice to have with us.
Branko_F, Mar 2026
The perfect day
We had Dykes Kayak adventures tour with Mikayla tour guide. We had great time, excellent experience. Were good originated invent. Entire experience of great Wailua river and hiking to Secret fall was accomplished with great tour guide. Mikayla was excellent guide, sharing all information regarding local attractions. was perfect day
SANDRA_E, Dec 2025
Wonderful day kayaking...
Wonderful day kayaking and hiking. Zack was terrific, had everyone’s safety in mind, and gave a lot of good pointers/help along the way - very good communicator.
I would advise you be in pretty good shape for this adventure. Crossing the streams and navigating the slippery mud and rocks can be challenging - however sticks were provided and that helped so much. High recommend!
Wenxi_F, Jan 2026
Amazing experience! The...
Amazing experience! The Wailua River cruise was peaceful and the Fern Grotto is a must-see. Waimea Canyon offered breathtaking views that photos just can't capture. Well-organized and highly recommended!
Sami_B, Dec 2025
Beautiful kayak trip and hike to waterfall!
Enjoyable kayak trip on the river and fairly easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. Make sure you have shoes you don’t mind getting wet that you can hike in. Trail can get pretty muddy and slick when it rains. Lots of beautiful views along the way. Our guide was amazing! Made the trip fun but definitely had our safety as a top concern.
Garry_M, Feb 2026
See the best of Kauai.
Lots of great experiences, all in one day.
Our guide John, made the day a totally enjoyable experience.
Jen_A, Apr 2026
Must do!
Hawaiian Brian is an amazing guide! I would recommend this kayak/hike to all my friends and family! It’s a must do when visiting Kauai!
Katie_P, Mar 2026
Fabulous way to see...
Fabulous way to see things on the island that you might not have seen otherwise. The tour guides were great, extremely helpful and accommodating to our family. We were with a great group that we enjoyed and had a wonderful day on this tour.
Jeffrey_B, Jan 2026
40th anniversary for Mamaw and Pawpaw
Very informative a relaxing ride up the river with Hawaiian music and dance, the drive getting there had pretty scenery with a beautiful water fall
Wailua River
5.0
(6,761)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

The Wailua River offers outdoor recreation for a broad range of travelers.
Don’t forget to bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat, as not all portions of the river are shaded.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
All state park facilities are ADA accessible.
People Also Ask
How much is a Wailua River cruise?
That depends on the tour you pick. A range of Wailua River tours are available, from leisurely river cruises to active kayaking excursions; most last at least half a day or longer if paired with nearby attractions. Generally, prices begin around $100 per person for a shorter excursion and go up.
How long is a Wailua River cruise?
At a minimum, you’ll spend more than 3 hours on a Wailua River cruise—and if you decide to explore by kayak or pair your boat tour with visits to area attractions, you could spend the whole day. The river itself is around 20 miles (32 kilometers) long.
How long does it take to kayak the Wailua River?
If you plan to go on a kayaking tour of the Wailua River, set aside at least half a day—most tours begin at 5 hours and go up from there, depending on whether other nearby attractions (like the Secret Falls or the Fern Grotto) are visited.
Can you swim in the Wailua River?
While it is possible to swim in sections of the Wailua River, generally, the best way to discover it is by boat or kayaking tour—and then be rewarded with perfect swimming conditions later. Many tours stop at the Secret Falls, where an idyllic swimming hole awaits visitors.
How do I get to the Fern Grotto in Kauai?
The only way to reach the Fern Grotto—located at the beginning of the South Fork of the Wailua River—is by water. Many kayaking tours will stop at the site, and visitors can explore the area. Just don’t expect to enter the cave, which is sacred and off-limits.
Is kayaking the Wailua River worth it?
Yes, kayaking the River Wailua is worth it. The largest navigable river in the Hawaiian Islands, the Wailua River has long been considered a sacred landmark by Native Hawaiians. It’s also famed for its slow-moving beauty and offers access to popular attractions like the Secret Falls and Fern Grotto.
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