Top Kauai Kayaking Tours

There are many top-rated Kauai kayak tours to choose from. These are currently the highest-rated options: 

• Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai
• Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks
• Secret Falls Kayak Hike in Kauai
• Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch
• Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Fall Hike (Includes lunch)

Kayaking in the Wailua River is absolutely worth it. It's a gorgeous spot to immerse yourself in nature. As you paddle past towering trees and lush vegetation, you may spot turtles and egrets. Kayaking is also the only way you can access Uluwehi Falls.

The cost of renting a kayak in Kauai depends on location and duration. Daily kayak rentals typically start at US$75 but there are also hourly rentals. If you book a Kauai kayak tour, you will typically pay around US$125, which includes the kayak rental and a guide.

Most Kauai kayak tours along the Wailua River last 5-6 hours. You’ll start with basic instructions on the mechanics of kayaking and learn about the area’s importance in Hawaiian history. Most tours include a hike to Uluwehi Falls and some have a stop for lunch.

You can expect to see wildlife such as fish, birds, and turtles while on your Kauai kayak tour. The area along the Wailua River is home to lots of lush vegetation. The highlight of these tours is a hike to Uluwehi Falls (also known as Secret Falls).

Yes, the only way to get to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) is by kayaking on the Wailua River and then hiking for 45 minutes. The area is not accessible any other way but the effort is worth it to swim in the pool beneath the impressive 120-foot (36-meter) waterfall.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Kauai aside from kayaking. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises

• Snorkeling

• Dinner Cruises

• Helicopter Tours

• Catamaran Cruises

Kauai kayaking tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Outrigger Canoe Surfing at Kalapaki Beach

• Secret Falls Kayak and Hike in Kauai

• Wailua River Paddle

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

• Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Many kayaking tours are available in Kauai, and you'll want to consider the itineraries before booking. Some include hikes to waterfalls, while others kayak to an area where you'll stop to explore. Consider the length of the excursion and your fitness level—kayaking on a river is typically easier than ocean excursions, where you have to contend with waves and currents.

Tips for enjoying your Kauai kayaking tour include dressing to get wet—even if you don't intend to end up in the water, you might fall in at some point. Bring a waterproof case for your phone, a dry bag for your belongings, sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water. Wear water shoes with traction so you don't slip when getting out of the kayak.

Kauai's dry season is from April through October, offering better conditions for kayaking with less chance of rain. Kayaking tours of the Wailua River are typically offered year-round, while sea excursions may not be available in the winter months when there are rougher ocean conditions. Plan to book your kayaking excursion in advance, as they are a popular activity on Kauai.