9 Waterfall Tours in Kauai Worth Booking

1.Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,964 reviews · 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.) · from $159Our pick

Fly around Kauai for about an hour in a slow-flying GA8 Airvan, with large bubble windows, noise-reduction headsets, and narration from an experienced pilot. You’ll see Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, Hanalei Bay, the Na Pali Coast, and Mount Waialeale. The tour leaves from Lihue Airport and returns there.

“We really enjoyed our flight, our pilot was very skilled and made us feel very safe, he was very knowledgeable and told us a lot of facts about the island, and showed us lots of lovely scenery. The hour went really quickly and we felt this trip was extremely good value for money, we would recommend.”

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2.Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,510 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $415

Take a 75-minute private, doors-off flight from Lihue with a pilot such as Ross, Travis, Taylor, Aiden, or Stuart. Every passenger gets a window seat and views of Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, Jurassic Falls, Olokele Canyon, and Waiʻaleʻale Crater. Bring a warm jacket, secure your hair, and expect FAA weight checks.

“Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Our pilot, Ross, was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and explained everything so clearly throughout the flight. He took us to all the perfect spots, making the entire journey unforgettable. The views brought back amazing childhood memories of Jurassic Park. Five stars for both the pilot and the experience. Highly recommend!”

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3.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

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

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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4.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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5.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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6.Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari: Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 900 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $309

Fly over Kauai for about 55 minutes with Safari Helicopters, seeing the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, beaches, and movie-famous scenery. Small groups are limited to six people. Pilots such as Dali add narration and humor, while the all-window helicopter gives you a strong chance at clear photos. Arrive 40 minutes early and plan around possible weather changes.

“It was an Awesome experience. The pilot was very knowledgeable about every part of our journey. It was exciting to see all the special places. The Canyons the waterfalls and the beach’s. The flight was smooth and yet it was very exhilarating coming in and out of the Canyons. Can’t wait to share our pictures with our friends. I will Highly recommend this experience with others It was an AWESOME trip”

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7.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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8.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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9.Small Group Waterfall Rappel in Lihue, Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $207

You’ll learn basic rappelling, practice on a dry wall, then descend Bamboo Falls and 60-foot Papakolea Falls with guides such as Matt, Nan, Kate, or Rashad. The four-hour private outing includes helmets, harnesses, water shoes, snacks, drinks, and a conservation fee. Bring a car, courage, and clothes you can muddy.

“Wow! This was such a a thrilling adventure! Matt and Nan were absolutely terrific and made everyone feel confident and comfortable rappelling. Perfect experience for our family with 2 teenagers. They loved it, my husband loved it, and overall it was such a fantastic family day! Thank you Nan and Matt for this amazing experience!”

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