Wailua River Paddle
Kauai, USA
Wailua River Paddle
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Kauai, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Take a paddle down the Waialua River with a professional guide, and learn about Hawaiian history and culture in the process with this small-group tour, designed for active travelers. You'll paddle through beautiful scenery and learn about the local area along the way. As an extra perk, tropical juice and pineapple will be served at no extra cost.
- Go paddling safely with a professional guide to lead the way
- Juice and sparkling water will be provided
- Snacks, including fresh pineapple, will be served
- Small group sizes ensure personal attention from your guide
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 73 reviews
Karen_P, Jan 2026
Beautiful scenery and friendly guide! Would be nice if they set up the kayaks on the launch ramp before the paddle. Lindsey was a great guide.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Aloha Karen,
Lindsey just celebrated a birthday; thought I would share.
We can only hope that Lindsey continues to spend her birthday with all of us an continues gifting us with great guiding.
Will share your you kind words with Lindsey,
A hui hou,
Micco
Regarding setting up kayaks on ramp would be nice but we have to observe specific ramp times
Leonard_D, Jan 2026
Absolutely fun, beautiful and exciting way to explore the natural wonders of Kauai expertly guided by Jeffrey. This 4 mile light workout takes you along the Wailua River into areas of Kauai you would never see unless you were on this kayak adventure. Highly recommend this to anyone seeking a great way to add to their understanding and enjoyment of this unique place on earth.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Aloha Leonar,
We offer the "River Only" option either when the rains puts us on flood warning and we cancel our falls tour, or as a tour in itself at the end of the day during our shorter winter days.
Glad you enjoyed Jeffrey and thanks for taking the time to share your experience with all of us.
Stay well and keep exploring those unique and beautiful place on this beautiful earth.
A hui hour
Micco
Debbie_R, Jan 2026
Beautiful river scenery, though no bird, turtle or other wildlife sightings. Loved our guide, Jeffrey.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Aloha Debbie,
Thanks for the 3 dots.
We see more turtles, i.e. green sea turtles on our Hanalei Blue Lagoon and/or summer Na Pali or winter Po'ipu tours.
Fresh water turtles are not native to Hawaii.
We do have birds such as the Cattle egret, coot, gallinules and a few others that are usually seeing us even when we don't.
Will let Jeffrey know that you enjoyed him in spite of your wildlife disappointment.
A hui hou,
Micco
Carol_W, Dec 2025
Tandem kayaks up the river and back takes about 3 hours. Our guide was excellent. Had lots of great info to share. At the half way point we got out and walked around and he pointed out interesting plant life.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Aloha Carol,
Thanks for the 5 "dots" and for taking the time to share.
Don't know who your guide was, but do know that all our guides are hand picked and trained to be exemplary in the field.
Thanks again…stay well and active in the new year.
A hui hou,
Micco
Anora_C, Feb 2025
Easy paddle and a superb guide Izzy! Highly recommend Kauai Kayak and this tour. This time we did just the Wailua river paddle but in the past we did the Secret Falls hike as well. Both tours are wonderful!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Aloha Anora,
It's all about guiding regardless of the back ground/landscape which is just the icing on the cake.
Will share with Izzy and glad you have taken advantage of our paddle/hike and also just the paddle on our tranquil Wailua River.
A hui hou,
Micco
Heather_M, Jan 2025
Izzy was a wonderful guide. Great directions for safety. Ego booster to ones that have never paddled before. Paid attention to details of the paddlers to see if they needed guidance or equipment adjusted. Shared interesting facts along the way. Recommended some great places to eat during our vacation. It was a fabulous day for these 70 year olds.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha Heather,
Nice to see folks my age, i.e. 72, still enjoying the great outdoors and the is no better guide than Izzy to smooth the paddle on the lazy and placid Wailua River.
Izzy has the "patience of Job" and excels in her job of keeping you safe, informed with fun.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
A hui hou,
Micco
Fred_D, Jan 2025
If you are new to kayaking and want to try it out this paddle is worth it. The kayaks and equipment were all suitable. The guide was friendly and helpful.
If you have any experience with kayaking you are better off just renting a kayak on your own and saving money.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha Fred,
Could not have said it better.
We are here for folks that want to strike out and save vs. those who would rather spend a little more and avail themselves of the convenience (no shlepping of kayak), interpretation and safety of having a guide.
Either way/route we are happy to serve.
Thanks again.
Micco
A hui hou,
Micco
Shirley_R, Jan 2024
We loved our time together on the beautiful Wailua River with perfect weather conditions. We hit the jackpot with Izzy as our guide. She was so helpful and fun with great stories. Thank you.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Shirley,
Izzy is not only fun in the field with her tour, but back in the office.
Izzy proves consistently you can have fun and still be safe while sharing the natural and cultural history of the Wailua complex.
Thanks for sharing.
Stay well and active.
A hui hou,
Micco
Jennifer_S, Jan 2024
We opted for the paddle-only kayaking because we had my 87-year-old mother with us. Our guide, Justice, did a great job getting us down and back the calm river. It was a gentle and relaxing ride and everyone enjoyed it. We were given snacks and a drink for the trip and fresh pineapple when we got back. It was a warm day, but we could splash ourselves with cool river water.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Jennifer,
Yes the Wailua River paddle is a great choice for those who don’t care to hike to the falls and it is also one we offer and revert to when flash flood warning, makes it dicey to hike to the falls.
At 87 great to hear that your mother is still cruising; definite role model.
Thanks for review and will share with Justice.
A hui hou,
Micco
Douglas_G, Dec 2023
We really enjoyed our Kayaking adventures with Izzy. She did a great job, took great care of us and made this a memorable experience. The scenery is beautiful and a great addition to our Kauai vacation. We definitely recommend this activity and, if you are really lucky, you can spend your time with Izzy, as we did.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Aloha Douglas,
There is the African Queen and then there is Izzy the "Queen of the Wailua".
Your guide Izzy continues to shine bright by giving 100% on her tours while keeping you safe and leaving with fine memories.
We are spoiled, we deal with Izzy on a daily basis, and glad you were all able to enjoy her aloha and tours as well.
Happy Holidays.
Micco
Misty_W, Dec 2023
Unfortunately the trip details were very unclear on their website. This tour has zero stops and you are confined to the kayak for up to three hours. We were not told this until the morning of so we were out several hundred dollars. Much better to just rent your own kayak so you can do your own thing.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Aloha Misty
We try to give folks their money’s worth and sorry you felt you were cheated by us not taking enough breaks en route.
On our 3 Wailua River Paddle our guides do an excellent job in interpreting and sharing tid bits of the fauna and flora that surround us, with rest breaks taken between the guides respective soliloquy.
It is true that during those 3 hours we are confined to our kayaks, which in our 40 years of enterprise has never been a problem; in many cases clients who have been struck by the beauty and serenity of the Wailua River complex, on the contrary are reluctant to get out of their kayaks.
If you scroll down to other reviews of the same you will find reviews with subject lines like:
"A Wonderful Afternoon Paddle”
"Awesome day with Kayak Kauai on the Wailua river”, etc.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Reviews such as yours help us match clients better to the activity in hand and avoid dissapointmentss.
Happy Holidays,
Micco
PS We do have a robust rental program for those who want to strike out on their own.
Erin_G, Dec 2023
The river paddle was just what we were looking for and Sarah, our guide, was very knowledgeable and informative about the area
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Aloha Erin,
We offer the Paddle Only approach to the Wailua river during the winter when the days are shorter.
If we did not have the falls, the Wailua River would still be a nice, scenic and tranquil way to spend a few hours.
Glad you enjoyed Sarah and hope you will keep paddling.
Happy Holidays.
Micco
Steven_A, Nov 2023
Great experience as advertised. Sarah, the kayak guide, was great! Had a fun paddle on the river and opening a coconut.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Aloha Steven,
Happy Thanksgiving.
Hope our Wailua River paddle opened up your appetite for some pumpkin pie and glad you enjoyed Sarah's tour.
Enjoy the Holidays and thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Sarah.
Stay well and active.
A hui hou,
Micco
Dianne_N, Jan 2023
Friendly guide, beautiful scenery, aloha spirit with other excursionists. This is a good choice for solo travelers.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Aloha Dianne,
Thanks for the 5 stars. All our guides rock, but that said when we are on the trail or water we all try to work together with other companies to each share our brand of aloha.
Take those memories with you and thanks for taking the time to share.
A hui hou,
Micco
Karla_M, Jan 2023
Guide was awesome, even took pictures for everyone. Had great facts and stories. I have a lot of health problems and still wasn’t very tired after this tour.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Aloha Karla,
Could have been any of our guides who are keen to share their love of the island. Hope the tour helped your health and thanks for taking the time to share.
Stay well in the new year.
A hui hou,
Micco
Lorie_G, Jan 2023
Jonah was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the area! A gorgeous day to kayak and to see the terrain from the river was more beautiful than from land. Our first time in a tandem kayak.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Aloha Lorie,
Looking forward to your return so we get “5 dots”. Thanks for letting us know that Jonah continues to do a great job.
Thanks for sharing….and stay active.
A hui hou,
Micco
Chris_C, Jan 2023
Beautiful scenery, easy paddling and knowledgeable guide. Really enjoyed the tour. Could not have asked for a better experience
Response from Host, Jan 2023
aloha Chris,
Thanks for the 5 stars ….or are they dots?
We have a fine cast of guides and glad you were able to experience one of them.
Keep active and safe.
Thanks again for sharing.
A hui hou,
Micco
Aileen_W, Jan 2023
Our guide had a lot of local knowledge and was a lot of fun to kayak with. The weather and the river were amazing. Will do it again! Kayak Kauai had great customer service!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Aloha Aileen,
Proud to say we have a great crew from the moment you book with our office staff until we fun you in the field.
Glad you enjoyed the whole “kit and caboodle”.
We try and thank you for making it possible.
Stay well in the new year.
A hui hou,
Micco
Jonathan_T, Jan 2023
Beautiful day on the river and very pleasant check-in, store, and company availability by phone for questions prior to arrival. Trip itself was overall good -- you will need to carry the kayak (which is quite heavy!) from the parking lot to the launch. Guide was super kind and energetic, though content of tour included content about UFOs and distrust of government at least as much as information about island and history.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Aloha Jonathan,
Thanks for the 4 stars. Yes we do all ask all participants to pitching in to carry kayaks the short distance from the grassy area where we provide instruction to the nearby launch area.
All our guides are well versed in all things Hawaiian. Pontificating about UFO’s and government isn’t usually our strong suite.
Glad you enjoyed the tour and process before you got into the water.
Thanks for making it possible.
A hui hou,
Micco
Chuck_H, Jan 2023
The scenery was absolutely beautiful! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable on the water. If I had one comment, I would suggest he come up beside those of us who zigzag and give us tips on how to go straight and stay on the correct
side of the river.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Aloha Chuck,
Thanks for your 4 stars. You will have to come back so we can earn that one more star.
There is a learning curve for some to keep a kayak going in a straight line; it’s what they call in canoeing/kayaking the “J” stroke.
Will remind the guides to take more time in sharing this technique. The good news when you do “zig zag”, you see more of the rivers.
Here’s to a good year for us all and thanks for sharing and helping provided a good tour for all.
A hui hou,
Micco
Michael_T, Dec 2022
Harrison was our guide. He was awesome. He went at our pace as we had never done this before which we really appreciated. We booked the senior tour as my husband has had health challenges that make it difficult for him to walk for any length of time so this was perfect. We lucked out that we were the only couple who booked for this day so we ended up with a private tour. We will be back to do this again now that we know what to expect.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Aloha Michael,
With the shorter winter days, we offer the abbreviated PADDLE ONLY, exploration of the Wailua and for those families with small kids that the hike to the Falls would be difficult.
Glad you enjoye as others have of your guide Harrison. Harrison is a joy to deal with in the field and in the office.
Mele Kalikimaka,
Micco
Susan_S, Nov 2021
Problems with excursion from the start. Hard to find location because no address or name of company provided. Not the leisurely paddle described. Paddled nonstop for five miles on hot day to keep up with guide. Only take this paddle if you want a strenuous upper body workout and are in very good physical shape.
Response from Host, Nov 2021
Aloha Susan,
We do have a link solely dedicated on our www site to how to find us at the Wailua River Marina.
Apologize if you found the distance and pace not to your fancy. The actual paddle ROUND TRIP flirts around 5 miles.
We do promote the tour for the active person, couple or family.
Do thank you for your review, for it helps match the tour to the appropriate future folks.
Stay well and active and thanks again for taking the time to share.
A hui hou,
Micco
MJ_T, Nov 2021
It was a simple kayaking experience for those that do not want more of it than that. There was a couple that needed to leave early so I felt the group had to cut it short.
Response from Host, Nov 2021
Aloha MJ.,
We try to accommodate everyone from slow to fast paddlers and hikers with more or less 45 minute paddle and 45 minute hike one way with the same amount of time spent at the falls.
The river paddling is what they categorize as “Class I” flat and languid.
Thanks for taking the time to share and for the 4 “stars”.
A hui hou,
Micco
Mark_T, Oct 2021
The paddle was amazing. Logan is the best guide.
Viator provided the wrong meet up point and caused us to be late. Luckily the paddle people so very accommodating and friendly!
Response from Host, Oct 2021
Aloha Mark,
Logan does bring a real enthusiasm with his stentorian and booming voice full of info and fun.
Glad we were able to get you all on board in spite of wrong directions.
Thanks for sharing.
A hui hou,
Micco
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