Current Local Time:
Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities
Read the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an inquiry
All Reviews for Wailua River in Kauai
Overall Rating
Reviews
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Kayaking Only
Reviewed by: Gina M.
We went on a 2 hour kayaking trip. Unfortunately, the hike/sacred falls was cancelled due to inclement weather. It was a bummer, but we know it was for our safety. However, it did hurt a little when we were seeing others continuing to go past the fork in the river. We did get a partial refund. After concluding our kayaking trip, our tour guide Tyler did point us to the Nounou trail to hike which was great. So we were able to fill more of our day on this hike with spectacular views!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/07/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/07/05 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Worth the work!
Reviewed by: Kim H
Ty was very patient and informative. We had a great time. The falls are definitely not a secret, got very crowded, I suggest taking the earliest tour possible. I would absolutely do this again!
Aloha Kim,
When we pioneered this tour to the Falls we called it the Secret Falls.
Victim of our own success...it quickly became the best known secret. Now we call it the Sacred Falls and inspite its popularity, as you observed and learned, it is still a terrific way to spend the day.
Thanks for sharing and for 5 star review and photo
Stay paddling and hiking.
A hui hou,
Micco
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
An Inexpensive and Fun Time
Reviewed by: Cookie
This was a quick sightseeing adventure that was worth the cost. The boat trip was relaxing with authentic music one way and informative talk the other way to and from the Fern Grotto. The Fern Grotto is not as impressive as it once was due to storms that have torn away some of the older, longer ferns, but it was still worth the trip.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/09 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great trip
Reviewed by: Lee T
A good variety of activities with kayaking, hiking and the waterfall/swimming.
Aloha Lee,
Thanks for the 5 hokus/stars.
Feel our Wailua River Paddle and Hike is a nice combination of upper and lower body.
By the time your arms might be getting tired from paddling you are hitting the trail and working the legs to get to the falls.
Stay active and thanks for taking the time to share.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/12 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Fantastic way to spend a half day in Kauai
Reviewed by: Halls
Dustin was amazing. He was very patient and helpful in teaching everyone how to kayak. The hike was challenging through streams, rocks and mud but Dustin made sure everyone was safe and knew what to do. It is definitely a tour I would do again. The waterfall was beautiful. We learned a lot about Kauai history and the plants and trees we saw along the way.
Aloha Halls,
Thanks for letting us know that Dustin continues to "rock". Isn't it great to traverse a beautiful area like the Wailua River and appreciate its cultural and natural history.
We all fortunate to have Dustin share his knowledge, patience and brand of Aloha,
Thanks again for your kinds words.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/05/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/13 |
Wailua River Kayak Rental & Optional Self-Guided Sacred Falls Hike
Great Time!
Reviewed by: Ariel
So much fun even if you aren’t a physical person. Was super safe and the tour guide was awesome!! Would definitely do it again.
Aloha Ariel,
Thanks for cheery review. We are there for folks like yourselves who went on our tour and those who want to rent and strike out on your own.
What is nice, when you are about to get tired of paddling...we land and hike to the Falls.
Thanks for sharing and giving us a nice review.
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tandem Double Kayak Rental - Self-Guided Tour of Wailua River & Secret Falls |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/05/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/11 |
Small-Group Best of Kauai Sightseeing Tour & Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto
Excellent Service
Reviewed by: Sher
We had a superb experience with our tour specially with our tour guide Domi who entertained us well. He’s excellent and very knowledgeable. We highly recommend this company and if possible look for Domi!!!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Best of Kauai by Land & River Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/04/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/04/09 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Kauai Kayak - the best
Reviewed by: Mary SantaFe
I did a mid week kayak trip with Kauai Kayak. Instructor was excellent, gear provided was in good shape, and the lunch was fresh and delicious. The walk portion described as “along the river bank” was challenging as we walked over large river rock and then through streams, boulders, and mud to reach the falls. The company provides an excellent trip and I would easily recommend them to anyone interested in a fun and challenging half day.
Aloha Mary, Thanks for taking the time and sharing with others your impressions of our Wailua River Sacred Falls paddle & hike. We try to do a good job and have managed to retain staff through this pandemic. Thanks for making it possible and helping share the salutary and beautiful Kaua'i outdoors. Stay well...and outdoors. A hui hou, Micco
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2021/03/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/03/03 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
A knowledge guide with a great sense of humor made it such a great experience!
Reviewed by: Libby V
The waterfall is beautiful, the river is stunning in its peaceful beauty. The guide was so knowledgeable, engaging and funny; the food was so tasty! (I need to get the name of the place they got it from;-). Great experience overall, strongly recommend!
Aloha Libby, Thanks for taking the time to let us all know we are doing a good job. Makes it all worth it. Shoot us all when/if we ever loose our sense humor. Moral of the story is you can have fun and also be safe. Our caterer is Passions Bakery: https://www.passionbakeries.com/?v=7516fd43adaa
Stay well...and keep laughing and soon we wil be up and about.
A hui hou.
Micco
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/12/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/12/01 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great knowledgable guided tour... amazing hike!
Reviewed by: Julia
We signed up for the kayaking but the hike and the waterfall was the best part of it!!
Our guide Jay was so knowledgeable about the nature, trees, plants and history of Kauai! we learnt so much and even had a taste of Kuala along the way
highly recommend this adventure, the 5 hours passed so fast!
Do it!! all get and skill levels!
Aloha Julia, So nice to be outdoors and sharing the beauty of Kaua'i with visitors and locals alike once again. Good to know that Jay has dusted his wares and sharing his knowledge of all things Kaua'i. We are very fortunate to have him out in the field. Thanks again for your kind words and keep enjoying the salutary outdoors. Stay well. Micco/Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/11/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/11/16 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Very interesting and beautiful
Reviewed by: Mamacreamz
This is a wonderful tour. The boat is comfortable and a mild ride for all ages. The waterfall and fern grotto are beautiful. You receive history of the area and enjoy Hawaiian song and dance. There is time to walk around and enjoy the beauty
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/08 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great Adventure!
Reviewed by: Staci
Jay was our guide and he couldn't have been more awesome. He's a local and a bit of a botanist so he was very knowledgeable and truly happy to take us on the tour. The kayak to the hike was fairly easy for two inexperienced kayakers as we were flowing down stream. The hike was fairly easy for non-experienced hikers. We went during the rainy season so it was very muddy, so it was a bit slick in spots, but that's part of what made it fun. The waterfall was astounding. So tall and powerful. Well worth the hike to see it's beauty. The lunch provided was enjoyable. The kayak trip back was a bit of a challenge as you're going upstream, but once you hit a nice flow, it becomes much easier. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone visiting the island looking for a little adventure!
Aloha Staci,
Glad you enjoyed your recent paddle and hike on our Wailua River Sacred/Secret Falls tours.
Jay is a local boy who has proudly been sharing the beauty of Kaua'i with friends, locals and visitors alike; he "walks the talk".
You're description of the tour is great. The more mud...translates for a more forceful waterfall.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us and others your experience.
Keep paddling and hiking.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/18 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Amazing time!
Reviewed by: lk
“Doc” was our guide and we had a great time kayaking and hiking to the sacred falls. It’s an all day trip so plan for it and it’s not for people who can’t handle the long bike and kayaking. Prepare to get muddy! Definitely unforgettable!
Aloha Ik,
It is nice to have a "Doc" in the crowd when you are hiking to the Sacred/Secret Falls.
We are blessed to have Doc lead our Wailua River paddle and hike tour as he juggles other commitments in life.
Thanks for reminding folks that there will be mud. We are fond of saying, "embrace the mud"! More mud ...the stronger the falls is.
Thanks for you kind words and 5 star review and for making it possible for us all to share the beauty of Kaua'i with others.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/11 |
シダの洞窟 観光遊覧船 ハワイ唯一の航行可能な川を行く！＜英語ガイド／半日＞
素敵な自然
Reviewed by: makobook
殆ど日本人はいません。
でもハワイアンミュージックやフラがあり飽きません。素敵な思い出になりました。
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/03 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
fern grotto river cruise
Reviewed by: lorna brewer
the folks involved were friendly, informative and fun.
the scenery was lovely and the grotto very unique
the music on the way back and the dancing was great and even got to practice ourselves
the weather could have been better but no control over that
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great time.
Reviewed by: Dan
Great time. Good solid adventure and not too much exertion for relatively fit mid-40s husband and wife. Water was cold in February but probably feels nice in summer. Josh was a great guide- lots of interesting history and knowledge along the way. Be sure to hike in the puddles, as odd as that sounds. It has the best footing and you are going to get muddy and wet anyway.
Aloha Dan,
Glad you enjoyed your Wailua River Secret/Sacred Falls tour with your guide Josh. Thanks for your wise council on the trail. I think more folks have gotten injured trying to avoid puddles instead of just plowing through them and resigning themselves to wet shoes and mud.
Your guide, as all our excellent guides at Kayak Kaua'i, bring a real love to what they do and there to keep you informed, entertained and safe.
Stay paddling and hiking. Until our paths cross.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/10 |
Smith's Tropical Paradise Wailua River Cruise & Garden Luau Combo [Open Soon]
Best Luau on Kauai
Reviewed by: Pijones
was our second trip to this Luau, bar far the best on Kauai
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/03/06 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Leisure Cruise
Reviewed by: Terrible Trío
Had an awesome time. Crew was friendly and the singers were great!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/07 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Family ‘20
Reviewed by: SAGER
Amazing views and relaxing. Truly enjoyable! Great for everyone
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/07 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Excellent
Reviewed by: Shaza
Gorgeous views in that island
Drive is easy and welcoming staff there
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fern Grotto
Reviewed by: June
We had a wonderful time. Very enjoyable smooth ride in the river. The foliage was very pretty. Easy walk to the grotto. It was fun before when you could go up in the grotto. Enjoyed the singers and hula dancer. Would definitely recommend it.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/15 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fern Grotto
Reviewed by: Lois Bloom
We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and narrative. Disappointed that we couldn’t go to cave,just on platform for a look.
Did this tour years ago and got to sit up in caves and was more impressive..
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/12 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Smith family does amazing job with style
Reviewed by: Lisa Fleishman
Smith family knows how to do everything with style class and professionalism.. always a great family time. Everyone knows how to make you feel apart of everything
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/03 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great family experience!
Reviewed by: Mike E.
This was a great experience for my wife, our 16-year old daughter and me! And our guide, Tyler, was extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the various interesting things we experienced along the river and the trail leading up to the waterfall. We highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Kauai!
Yes, the trail is muddy, but you just have to, in Tyler's words, "Embrace the mud" and not worry about it and your experience will be much enhanced. And the falls at the end were magnificent -- my daughter and I swam up to the base of them and the winds had spray had to be hurricane-force.
My only advice is to book the early-morning tours, before the crowds begin showing up. That way, you will have the trail (and the falls) mostly to yourself, and the mud won't be as bad.
This was a great experience and is highly recommended. Thanks Tyler!
Aloha Mike,
Nice review and correct, if you come with the mind set that it will be muddy, you will have better time.
We are blessed to have Tyler working with us.
Morning tours are definitely nice, but ending the day on the river is not too shabby either.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for making it possible and for your kind words.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/01 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
It was a nice tour.
Reviewed by: MoniqueS
The boat was interesting. The hula dance experience on the way back improved the overall tour. It was hard to enjoy the Fern Grove because you are crowded with many people.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/30 |
Wailua River Kayak, Rainforest Hike & Waterfall Swim Adventure with Lunch
Amazing
Reviewed by: Joyce
The whole experience was fantastic! Adam, our guide, was super friendly and great to talk to. He was very knowledgeable.
For those planning this, the kayak trip was a little work so be prepared for that. My husband and I thought we were in great shape but we struggled a bit. It’s 2.5 miles of fast, no break, paddling. The hike was super fun. Again, be prepared to work a little. You will hike in ankle deep mud in places. It’s slippery so the walking stick (supplied) was a big help. We saw a
lot of people struggle.
The waterfall was breathtaking. Eating lunch there was surreal. Definitely worth doing!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Wailua Waterfall Kayak |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/19 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
A warm and welcoming crew
Reviewed by: Lesli Takasugi
This was our first time visiting the lovely Fern Grotto, and we had a wonderful time. The crew were so sweet, especially with our daughter who got into one of the local plants that made her cry and tongue swell. They performed hula and sang beautifully, playing to the children on board. We highly recommend this short river boat ride for families with young kids.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/19 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Great experience
Reviewed by: David
Beautiful all tge way to the waterfall. Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the plant life.wear water shoes !! Or shoes ur willing to throw away. Worth every penny.
Aloha David,
Thanks for you 5 star review.
Glad you enjoyed the tour and thanks for making folks aware that some sort of shoes, like water/aqua shoes are a good idea.
Happy Holidays....and thanks for takin the time to share and letting our guides are doing a good job and keeping you informed.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/07 |
Smith's Tropical Paradise Wailua River Cruise & Garden Luau Combo [Open Soon]
Best luau in all of Hawaii
Reviewed by: Kauai Val
I have been to this luau at least 6 times...every time we come to Kauai! I have been to a number of others, but this one is positively the best! The gardens are so beautiful. The food is excellent. The Smith family really make you feel like ohana! The show is excellent, with dances from the many cultures that make up the Hawaiian people. The fire knife dance is really mesmerizing! This is truly a tropical paradise. Aloha!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/20 |
Smith's Tropical Paradise Wailua River Cruise & Garden Luau Combo [Open Soon]
Smiths luau
Reviewed by: Andi
Enjoyed river cruise entertainment, the luau food was awesome the show during dinner good however the big show was just ok, the activities leading to the show had us expecting more dynamic. The food and activities leading up to is well worth the trip
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/06 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
- Explore Hawaiian Islands
- Oahu
- Maui
- Big Island
- Kauai
- Lanai
Worldwide
Partnerships
Social
HawaiiActivities.com is part of VELTRA, the world leader in online tours & activities services
Aloha Gina,
Safety is no accident!
When in doubt we don't go out or up the North Fork that constricts and is more prone to flooding as consequence.
Having pioneered the tour we have safely been guiding folks to the falls for the last 37 years while other companies have lost clients in flood like conditions.
We love repeat business and believe "safety is no accident".
Glad to hear that Tyler was able to take curve and make it a plus.
Stay well and safe. Thanks for sharing.
A hui hou,
Micco