Top 7 Canoes & Kayaks in Kauai

1.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Our pick

Paddle about 4 miles on the Wailua River, then hike 1.5 to 2 miles through muddy rainforest trails to Uluwehi Falls. Your guide supplies the kayak and safety gear, shares island stories, and leads the way. Guides such as Cory, Kman, Kai, Mana, and Sam have earned especially warm praise. Bring water, snacks, and strapped footwear.

“My husband and I really enjoyed this experience. Lono was our guide and he did a great job telling us about the river, trees etc. and what it was like to grow up on Kauai. Definitely bring water and a snack and shoes that can get wet. There are a few water crossings.”

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2.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Paddle about two miles each way on the Wailua River, then hike roughly two miles through muddy, rocky rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Mikayla provide instruction, local stories, hiking sticks, and safety help. Bring water and secure shoes you can get wet.

“We weren't able to go because of the high winds. The trip was canceled but the operators and Brian took our number and reached out with updates to see if we could get in with another group. Brian was really concerned about our safety. That's a five star to me!”

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3.Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,212 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

You’ll paddle 2 miles up the Wailua River, cross streams, and hike through rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Levi, Jonathan, and Nathaniel add Hawaiian history, safety help, and, in Levi’s case, ukulele music. Expect wet shoes, mud, a cool waterfall pool, snacks, and a six-hour outing for $145.03, plus a $5 state park fee.

“Adventure should be capitalized with Kayak Adventures. What an incredible tour. We were fortunate enough to have the islands most sought after guide. “Levi”, pronounced Levy. Not only did he get us all to and from the waterfall safely, he played his Ukulele and sang through hiking portion of the tour. If you are looking for the most picturesque and adventurous tour on the island, look no further. Thank you Kayak Adventures and especially Levi. The Allen’s”

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4.Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 790 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

This 5 to 6-hour Rainbow Kayak Tours outing pairs a 4-mile tandem paddle on the Wailua River with a roughly 3-mile rainforest hike to Secret Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local plant, animal, cultural, and geological stories. Expect wet shoes, mud, four river crossings, lunch, and a real workout.

“Great outdoor experience, one definitely worth taking. We were well taken care of by our very knowledgeable guide. She made our trip up to the waterfall a memorable moment. Would say this is a must do for those who enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.”

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5.Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $155

You’ll paddle a tandem kayak about 2.5 miles up Kauai’s gentle Wailua River, then hike roughly 1 to 1.25 miles through rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay add local insight, safety help, and humor. Lunch, snacks, water gear, dry bags, and walking sticks are included.

“A beautiful tandem kayak trip up the river so it wasn't too hard with 2 people paddling. The shoes you wear on the kayak get wet and also are your shoes for the hike. The hike took us through water half way up to your knee, over rocks, mud, and roots. The waterfalls are beautiful but not too full when we went. You could swim in the fresh water pool at the bottom of the waterfall. There were lots of rocks on the bottom so difficult to walk around. We hung by the waterfall and had lunch and got in the water. Then headed back repeating the hike and kayak…”

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6.Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 567 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

Paddle from a private dock down the Hanalei River and into Hanalei Bay, with guides such as Gabe and Kolo sharing island history, plants, and reef life. You’ll look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, snorkel for 45 minutes, then eat a deli lunch on the beach. Gear, instruction, water, and dry bags are provided.

“Our guide was great and knowledgeable about the area. Kayaking was fun to get out to the bay and the snorkeling was great. Saw so many different specifies of fish , including a sea turtle , manta ray , and an eel . The check in area had a local coffee shop , some shopping , bathrooms and changing area. It was a great experience”

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7.Outrigger Canoe Surfing at Kalapaki Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $72Best value

At Kalapaki Beach, you paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe with a trained steersman, then ride several ocean waves back toward shore. Guides including Kristian, Krishawn, Kashawn, and Krishna have led this one-hour outing. You need at least two paddling adults, and groups are limited to four people.

“Really fun! Our guide was great and did a nice job of reading the sea and catching us some great waves.”

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