Wailua River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Wailua River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

• Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

• Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River

• Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

• Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

It’s free to visit Wailua River State Park, and many people go hiking here. To experience the river and local waterfalls up close, book a guided kayaking tour. Half-day tours that include a guided hike and kayak trip start at around US$140. Longer tours that cover more ground are available from around US$200.

Yes, the Wailua River is worth visiting. This is a popular destination to see Kauai's tropical scenery from a unique perspective. While it's possible to rent kayaks independently, kayaking tours offer the chance to hit the river with expert guides who monitor conditions  (the area can experience flash floods). Tour itineraries often include scenic hikes, visits to waterfalls, and the opportunity to go swimming. 

Per one customer who booked the Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River, "Levi rocks. From his local knowledge to his singing top notch all the way. My family and I had a great time. The scenery was beautiful and the falls were stunning. A great way to get outside and get some exercise and see what Kauai has to offer."

At a minimum, you’ll spend more than three 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.

If you plan to go on a kayaking tour of the Wailua River, set aside at least half a day—most tours begin at five hours and go up from there, depending on whether other nearby attractions (like the Secret Falls or the Fern Grotto) are visited.

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.

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.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Wailua River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Kauai:

• Na Pali Coast

• Mt. Waialeale

• Waimea Canyon

• Hanalei Bay

• Lihue

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Kauai.