Kayaking to Secret Falls Kauai: What to Know

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Secret Falls Kauai, also called Uluwehi Falls, is a stunning 100-foot waterfall you reach by kayaking up the Wailua River and then doing a muddy, adventurous hike—one of the most memorable family-friendly outings on the island. Last time we went to Kauai, we had so much fun chasing waterfalls. We hiked to Ho’opi’i Falls (which we loved so much, we did it again on this most recent trip) and Makaleha Falls. This time, I wanted to see something new, so we did the kayak and hike to the Secret Falls in Kauai.

If you’re planning Kauai with kids—especially if you want an active adventure that feels exciting but still doable for ages 6–13—this is the kind of outing that earns a spot on your Kauai itinerary. I’m sharing what the route is like, whether to go guided or do it yourself, what to know about trail conditions and safety, and what the experience is actually like for families, because Secret Falls delivers the mix of scenery, adventure, and family bonding that makes a vacation day feel unforgettable.

Why Secret Falls in Kauai Is Worth the Journey

Secret Falls isn’t really a secret anymore, but trust me—it still feels like you’ve stumbled into something magical. You start by paddling up the Wailua River, weaving through lush greenery, and suddenly every movie ever filmed in Kauai makes complete sense. Then you get to hike through muddy forest trails, cross streams, and end at a stunning 100-foot waterfall cascading into a pool.

It’s adventurous, but completely doable for families. And honestly? The kids might handle it even better than the adults.

Tours vs. DIY: Why We Went the Rental Route

There are tons of tour companies offering guided excursions to the Kauai Secret Falls—and they look great. But with a group of ten (four adults and six kids ages 6–13), that price tag adds up fast. Plus, we didn’t really want to be locked into a strict schedule or rushed along.

So instead, we rented our kayaks and transported them ourselves. This gave us the freedom to start when we wanted, stop when we wanted, and let the day unfold at our own pace. It also added a bit of that “we’re doing this ourselves!” excitement that the kids absolutely loved.

There are some perks that come with doing a guided tour, however. You won’t have to worry about getting lost (the trail was pretty easy to follow for the most part, but you do need to cross a stream that can have some quick-moving water). Many guided tours also include safety briefings and local history. Some tours include lunch, which means you won’t have to carry as much, food-wise. And most notable, when you’re done, you’re done. You don’t have to haul the kayaks to the car, load them up and deliver them back to where you picked them up. That convenience is why most visitors choose tours. When we got to that point, I think we all agreed we would’ve been willing to pay more to rent kayaks from a place right on the river, even if we didn’t do a guided tour.

The full outing is typically about 4.5 hours, with roughly 4 to 6 hours total depending on pace.

The Kayak Portion on the Wailua River: A Beautiful Warm-Up

We had to pick up our kayaks in Kapa’a, where they were loaded up for us. Then we were given directions to start near the mouth of the Wailua River and paddle to the trailhead. We rented from Kayaking in Kauai, which I found to have the lowest price at the time we went. From there, it was about a 10-minute drive to the river.

Paddling the Wailua River is honestly half the fun. The water is smooth, the surroundings are gorgeous, and everyone starts off chatting and laughing. The paddle is about two miles and usually takes 35 to 45 minutes, or about 40 minutes upstream. Our kids took the whole thing like pros—apparently boundless energy is a real thing—while us adults definitely started feeling the arm workout about halfway in.

Note that the kayak portion takes about an hour each direction. Once complete, you’ll pull off the river onto the muddy banks and tie up the kayaks (pictured above), and then the next phase begins. The paddle back can be more of a challenge if you hit a headwind or strong wind, so stay aware of river traffic and be careful on the way in and out.

The Hike Portion to the Secret Falls in Kauai

The hike to the Secret Falls is not long (about two miles round-trip with roughly 465 feet of elevation gain). But don’t be fooled. It’s muddy, slippery, root-covered, and fantastically fun if you’re a kid… slightly less so if you’re an adult trying not to fall on your face. For safety, wear footwear with good traction.

Our kids, ranging in age from 6 to 13, flew down the trail. They set a pace that had all of us adults trailing behind, exchanging looks like, “Are they serious right now?” But watching them take the lead—confident, muddy, and loving every second—was easily one of the highlights of the day. Even younger children can usually do it without getting hurt if they go slowly and use care.

There’s also a stream crossing where your feet will absolutely get wet. Just accept it. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, but conditions can change quickly, and they are not safe if the water is waist deep. Anyone who tells you they stayed dry is lying.

Arriving at Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) in Kauai

When the forest suddenly opens and you see the waterfall, it’s one of those wow moments. The spray cools you off instantly, and the towering drop into the plunge pool makes for incredible photos. The pool beneath the falls is a popular place for a refreshing swim. Some people swim, some dip their toes, some just sit and take it in. We let the kids scramble around (safely!) and enjoy the reward after their record-breaking hiking pace.

I did see multiple people swim under the falls, but I must warn you. There have been serious injuries and deaths from standing under waterfalls when rocks tumble down. So please be cautious, and secure valuables like a camera before getting in the water. I swam up to the falls and just stayed right in front of them, enjoying the refreshing spray from the falls. Also, be sure to secure valuables like a camera before getting in the water.

We had snacks, took a ton of photos, and just soaked up the beauty before turning back.

The Journey Back

The return hike and paddle always feel longer, but our group handled it like champs. The kids were still full of energy—as if the entire adventure had refueled them—while us adults quietly wondered how early was too early for shave ice. The paddle afterward can feel harder even heading downstream if the wind shifts.

We did pass multiple large groups who were making their way to the falls. A lot of the trail is pretty narrow, so be prepared to pull over often to wait for groups to pass. The route can get busy, so stay left where appropriate and remain aware when passing.

Tips If You’re Planning Your Own Trip

• Renting kayaks is a great money-saving option, especially for larger groups. You can transport up to three kayaks on your vehicle and then drive the 5-10 minutes to the river. The best deal I found was through Kayaking in Kauai, although there are other options you can find. Comparing kayak rentals can help you find the best rate, and some paddlers use a canoe instead of a kayak.
• Wear sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals—with traction. This is essential gear since the trail to the Kauai secret falls is muddy, slippery, and you’ll cross water.
• Bring snacks and water so you can enjoy more time at the falls.
• Check rain and river conditions before you go because weather conditions can affect river and trail safety.
• A dry bag is helpful for protecting gear like a camera.
• Start early to avoid crowds and give yourselves plenty of time.
• Listen to any rental or guide briefing, stay alert at stream crossings, and secure your boats well at the trailhead.

Would We Do It Again? Absolutely.

Our day at the Kauai Secret Falls was the perfect mix of adventure, family time, and Kauai magic. Watching the kids take charge and crush the hike while we adults laughed (and tried to keep up) made it even more unforgettable. If you’re heading to Kauai and looking for something active, scenic, and totally family-friendly, this one should be at the top of your list. And if you like secret destinations that feel like you’re on another island, check out Secret Beach in Kauai as well.

Looking for more resources for your Kauai vacation? Check out these other popular posts of mine:

• Kid-friendly Hikes in Kauai
• Top Family-Friendly Resorts in Kauai
• Mountain Tubing in Kauai
• Top 10 Kid-Friendly Beaches in Kauai
• Best Things to do in Princeville

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