KAPA’A GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the 'River of Dreams' to a Hidden 120‑Foot Cascade
A guided paddle up Kaua'i’s sacred Wailua River followed by a short jungle trek to Secret Falls—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Paddle the 'River of Dreams' to a Hidden 120‑Foot Cascade.
Travel with a guide down the sacred Wailua—often called the “River of Dreams”—on a relaxed paddle with views of Mt. Waialeale and Sleeping Giant; after roughly 50 minutes upstream you reach the trailhead for a 30‑minute jungle trek through ancient rainforest to swim beneath a 120‑foot waterfall.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Glassy paddling with mountain views
Paddle calm, nearly currentless stretches of the Wailua River while your guide narrates the valley’s cultural and religious significance, framed by views of Mt. Waialeale and the Sleeping Giant.
A short trek into an ancient rainforest
After about a 50‑minute upstream paddle you tie up at the trailhead and make a roughly 30‑minute jungle walk along a pristine mountain stream to ruins and terraces en route to the falls.
A 120‑foot cascade and a swim
The hike culminates at Secret Falls—a 120‑foot waterfall where guides typically allow about an hour to swim, explore, and photograph before paddling back.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
This guided outing is paced around paddling and short hikes: you spend the first stretch on flat, reflective river water with interpretive narration, then push upstream for roughly 50 minutes to the trailhead, tie boats ashore and walk about 30 minutes through rainforest to reach the falls, where most groups linger for about an hour before returning.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this guided outing suits—and who might think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours run Monday–Friday at 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., and the outing lasts about 4–5 hours.
Bring cameras, sunscreen, sport sandals, towels, bathing suits, and any snacks or beverages you want for the day.
This guided Secret Falls Tour is operated by Wailua Kayak Adventures.
Expect calm river paddling, a tie‑up at the trailhead, a 30‑minute jungle walk along a mountain stream, and swimming at the falls—plan for wet conditions and limited storage for valuables.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Secret Falls Tour?
The tour runs about 4–5 hours from start to finish.
When do trips depart?
Tours depart Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
How far do we paddle before the hike?
You paddle upstream for approximately 50 minutes to reach the trailhead for the jungle trek.
How long is the hike to the falls?
The jungle trek from the trailhead to the falls is roughly 30 minutes along a mountain stream.
What should I bring?
Bring cameras, sunscreen, sport sandals, towels and bathing suits; snacks and beverages are welcome.
Will we swim at the falls?
Yes—groups typically spend about an hour at the falls and there is an opportunity to swim beneath the 120‑foot cascade.