How long does it take to Kayak Wailua River?

Asked by: Christine Dougherty

three to five hoursthree to five hours to paddle the Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls and back. Wear sunscreen and water shoes and bring a hat, water and snacks.

Can you kayak Wailua River on your own?

With its calm waters and fairly straightforward route, the Wailua River is a great place for beginner and novice kayakers to explore on their own. Most outfitters are more than happy to provide you with a waterproof map of the river to keep you on course.

Can you kayak Waimea river?

Launch from verdant river mouth, paddle up 2.5 miles, then hike 1 mile including wading across a stream into Secret Falls.

How do you get to Wailua Falls kayak?

You can launch your boat from directly across the Wailua River Marina where you see the small cement ramp, plenty of parking and bathrooms (if you are renting a kayak, they will point you in the right direction as well). It’s two miles each way for the kayaking part of the trip.

Can you kayak Wailua River without a tour?

If you opt to kayak Wailua River without a guide, which is totally feasible and also lessens the number of people on the river at one time, we definitely recommend Bring Me a Kayak.

Can I kayak Wailua River without guide?

Yes, you might contact Wailua Kayak, and make a reservation for a double kayak to paddle the river non guided. Be ahead of the power curve, as they can sometimes get booked up a few days ahead. They are at the river, so you do not have to transport the kayak on top of your car.

Can you rent kayaks for Wailua River?

Kayaks plying the Wailua River have “special permits” and are only rented during daylight hours. Note: For safety reasons, we car top no more than two doubles at a time, which may require larger parties to make various trips the short distance across the Wailua River to the public launch site.

Is the Wailua River calm?

Wailua River is unlike most of its Mainland counterparts in that it doesn’t have any rapids. In fact, it’s usually calm and gentle flowing, making it the perfect body of water for kayaking or stand up paddling.

How do you get to the secret falls in Kauai?

Secret Falls, which are hardly a secret anymore, are reached only by waterways and then on foot. You could either take a guided tour or rent your own kayak or canoe and journey there yourself. Drop your vessel into the water at Wailua River State Park and start paddling upstream.

How long does it take to kayak to Secret falls?

Generally, tours include a 45-minute kayak up the river, followed by a 20-minute trek through the lush rainforest along the floor of the Wailua River Valley. Then you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a snack at the falls.

How long is the hike to Wailua falls?

The trail is approximately a third of a mile long but the crux of the trail is down a very steep and slippery slope. Hikers must hold on to roots, limbs and handy ropes (if present) to safely navigate the slope. The trail can be completed in about 15-20 minutes (each way).

What do you wear kayaking in Hawaii?

Always wear a life jacket.

Also known as a PFD (personal flotation device), a life jacket is a must-have part of your paddling adventure. While it’s likely you’ll be using a very stable sit-on-top style kayak in Hawaii, remember that accidents can happen to even the most experienced kayakers.

Can you rent kayaks for Wailua River?

Kayaks plying the Wailua River have “special permits” and are only rented during daylight hours. Note: For safety reasons, we car top no more than two doubles at a time, which may require larger parties to make various trips the short distance across the Wailua River to the public launch site.

How do you get to the secret falls in Kauai?

Secret Falls, which are hardly a secret anymore, are reached only by waterways and then on foot. You could either take a guided tour or rent your own kayak or canoe and journey there yourself. Drop your vessel into the water at Wailua River State Park and start paddling upstream.

How long does it take to kayak to Wailua Falls?

three to five hours

Depending on your pace, and how many photos you take, give yourself three to five hours to paddle the Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls and back. Wear sunscreen and water shoes and bring a hat, water and snacks.

Can you kayak to Secret Falls Kauai?

Expect about four miles of paddling and easy kayaking and close to two miles moderate hiking (trail conditions can be slippery and muddy at times). Walking sticks are provided.

How long does it take to kayak Wailua River to Secret Falls?

45-minute

Generally, tours include a 45-minute kayak up the river, followed by a 20-minute trek through the lush rainforest along the floor of the Wailua River Valley. Then you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a snack at the falls.

Is the Wailua River calm?

Wailua River is unlike most of its Mainland counterparts in that it doesn’t have any rapids. In fact, it’s usually calm and gentle flowing, making it the perfect body of water for kayaking or stand up paddling.

Can you swim in Wailua Falls?

You can swim in Wailua Falls and it will definitely be refreshing as the water is freezing.

Can you swim in Kauai waterfalls?

Kauai is a fantastic place for waterfall swimming, with options to be found at Princeville Ranch to the north and hidden gems like the Secret Falls along the Wailua River to the east.

Can you swim at Waimea Canyon?

Even though you can’t swim at the bottom of the towering 700ft waterfall deep in the heart of Waimea Canyon (also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), you definitely CAN swim in one of the two smaller waterfalls on the same Koke’e Stream further upstream.

Can you drive to Wailua Falls Kauai?

Wailua Falls, with its three spectacular segments, is one of the few that you can drive to making it accessible for all. You may see people at the bottom of the falls where the water drops into a 30 foot deep pool. It’s a treacherous hike and the trail is officially closed.

How many waterfalls are on Kauai?

Opaekaa Falls

Another one of the 11 amazing waterfalls on Kauai, and one of the island’s most accessible, this giant on the Wailua River drops over 150 feet before landing in foam and spray in a secluded pool below.

Can you see Wailua Falls without hiking?

Opaekaa Falls

Like Wailua Falls, this majestic site is easily accessible and requires no hiking. Simply turn up Kuamoo Road (580) from highway 56 and travel up the hill to the lookout that is located adjacent to the parking lot on the right hand side.

Can you see Wailua Falls from the road?

Like other spectacular spots on Kauai used as film locations, Wailua Falls is most recognized in the opening credits of the long-running television show “Fantasy Island.” Easily accessible, Wailua Falls can be seen from the roadside, so you can leave your hiking boots behind.

How do you get to Fern Grotto on Kauai?

The best way to get to Fern Grotto is to take one of the Wailua River Cruises. On your twenty-minute trip up the river, you will learn about the history of the Wailua River Valley while enjoying Hawaiian songs and entertainment. The entire tour takes about an hour and a half.

Can I Kayak to Fern Grotto?

We talked to both the State Parks Department and Smith’s to see if kayaks can land at the Fern Grotto. The answer is Yes as long as you plan your arrival and departure before or after the boats.

How long is the walk to the Fern Grotto Kauai?

During the two-mile cruise on Smith’s open-air boats, you will be treated to live music and stories of Hawaii. Once there, you will disembark and take a short nature hike to the grotto where you will spend time on the observation deck. The entire trip takes about an hour and a half to two hours.