Are you an active family looking for a one-of-a-kind activity while on Kauai? Perhaps a solo backpacker who is up for a unique challenge? Or a group of friends who dare to explore the island through paddling?
Whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you come from, as long as you like to kayak and hike, you are invited to join Kayak Kauai in a 5-hour paddle and hike at some of the island’s most beautiful places!
Your journey begins at the Wailua River, one of Hawaii’s most sacred places. Kauai is the only island in the land of Aloha with navigable rivers, and Wailua River is the largest. This tranquil 20-mile river is centered by majestic waterfalls and lush jungle landscapes on the island’s eastern side. It is home to seven sacred temples (heiau), as well as legends and lores, and feeds two famous and equally gorgeous waterfalls: Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls. The river can be explored by kayaking, canoeing, and boating tours.
This is a perfect activity if you are joined by your small children because the river is normally calm. They get to appreciate hidden natural treasures of the island, and listen to interesting stories about the place narrated by your guide. According to one story, one can still hear ancient drums rumbling in concert with the nearby surf at night. As you paddle along the river, savor the serenity and tropical breeze of the wind as you enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you.
You will, then, tie up your kayaks and go for a short hike through a beautiful paradise full of colorful flowers, streams, and ferns. If you genuinely love the outdoors, you will surely appreciate this place. When you reach the Sacred Falls, you will be greeted with an ancient Hawaiian setting, which represents the Polynesian culture – steep like its colorful history and rich with rock-wall terracing like its interesting folklore and myths.
Before your snack, you can go for a swim in the pools or stream leading from the falls. You are warned not to swim under the waterfalls though, due to some rocks falling. They say if you are always cautious and careful, you will never impress anyone. But in this case, it’s best to be careful, right? To fully enjoy this trip, you must remember the essentials – swimsuit, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, towels, footwear for hiking muddy trails, change of clothes, and of course your waterproof camera! All the spots in this tour are worth capturing. Besides, you may want to take instagrammable selfies near the waterfalls.
You can also go for a bird watch searching for night heron or coot. Before trekking down the river to paddle back to your check-in location, your guide will prepare scrumptious sandwiches of your choice like turkey, ham, vegetarian, and others that come with cold beverages.
Tour Highlights
- Paddle while listening to interesting folklores and legends
- See historical and sacred sites
- Chance to bird watch for night heron and coot
- Swim at breathtaking natural pools and warm streams
- Many photo opportunities
- See Kauai’s one of the most majestic and sacred falls
- Hike at a muddy trail full of colorful flowers, brooks, and ferns
Tour Inclusions
- State Certified Guide
- Double Kayak
- Personal Flotation Devices
- Water Resistant Bag
- Deli Lunch, Snacks & Refreshments: Delicious sandwiches (turkey, roast beef, ham, salami, or vegetarian), chips, tropical fruits, cookies, tropical juices, soda, water
- Walking Sticks
Special Instructions
- Check-in time and location: Check-in 15 minutes before your selected tour time at the Wailua Marina, 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Bldg 3 Kapa’a, HI 96746. (Same side as Smith Motor Boats offices on the South side of Wailua River)
TOUR TIMES:
7:45 am to 12:45 pm
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
12:15 pm to 5:15 pm
12:45 pm to 5:45 pm
- Restrictions:
➤ Minimum age of participant is 5 years old. Guests under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult (will be denied going on tour without a refund).
➤ Participants should be comfortable in the water and enjoy hiking along a flat river bed. Hike can be moderate to challenging depending on trail condition. Trail may be slippery, muddy, and wet depending on recent weather conditions.
- Operations: Monday-Saturday
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours
- Capacity: Maximum of 12 passengers in the morning and 24 in the afternoon
- Equipment: Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) like life preservers, double sit on top kayaks, walking sticks
