KAPAA KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Wailua: A Self-Guided Route to Uluwehi (Secret Falls)
A self-guided, 5-hour kayak rental that covers a 2-mile paddle up the historic Wailua River and a roughly 1-mile rainforest hike to Uluwehi “Secret Falls.”
Paddle the Wailua: A Self-Guided Route to Uluwehi (Secret Falls).
Reserve a kayak to explore the Wailua River at your own pace: a gentle two-mile paddle beneath steep, verdant ridgelines, a short rainforest hike through muddy, stream-crossed terrain, and the payoff of Uluwehi — the cascading Secret Falls and a swimming pool at its base.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sleeping Giant and Tropical Ridgelines
The upstream route opens onto dramatic mountain vistas, including the ridgeline known as the “Sleeping Giant,” framed by the lush tropical rainforest that lines the river.
A Leisurely Two‑Mile Paddle
This self-guided outing is anchored by a calm, approximately two-mile paddle up the historic Wailua River before the short rainforest approach to the falls.
Uluwehi — “Secret Falls”
A moderate, just‑under‑one‑mile hike through rainforest leads to Uluwehi “Secret Falls,” where a refreshing pool invites swimming, photography and picnicking.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The outing unfolds as a measured progression: a calm paddle upriver beneath steep, forested slopes, a short but occasionally muddy rainforest walk with a stream crossing, arrival at the falls for swimming and photos, then a return hike and an easy paddle back downriver — all contained in a five‑hour rental window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is offered as a 5‑hour rental.
Wear water shoes or Teva‑type sandals for the trail and stream crossing; be prepared for muddy sections. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a picnic if you plan to eat at the falls.
Participants should be active and in good physical condition; several health, age and mobility restrictions apply and will be enforced.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The rental is five hours in duration.
How far do we paddle and hike?
Expect about a two‑mile paddle up the Wailua River and a rainforest hike that is just under one mile to reach Secret Falls.
Can I participate if I’m pregnant or recently injured?
No — pregnant people are not allowed, and anyone with recent surgeries or hip, shoulder, knee or back problems is prohibited from participating.
Are children allowed?
Children under the age of five are not permitted; older children must be physically able to complete the hike and paddling portions.
What footwear and gear should I bring for the hike to the falls?
Wear water shoes or Teva‑type sandals for the muddy trail and stream crossing; bring swimwear and anything needed for a picnic or swimming at the falls.