Our launch site is located at the palm-fringed river mouth. The calm waters of the Wailua River make for a comfortable paddle. Numerous archeological sites line the historic Wailua River, including ancient he'iaus (shrine).   Make a real group adventure out of your visit to Kauai.   Price/rates information. If you have any questions, please send Pete an email to kayak@kayakwailua.com or give as a call at 808 822-3388.

The Wailua region on the East coast of Kauai is saturated with great hiking trails, water sports, and other activities making it a choice base camp for your entire trip. The two forks of the Wailua River join and cut a deep gorge through Kalepa Ridge to the South, and Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) to the North, before flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The adventure map below locates historic sites in the Wailua River Valley. The Wailua River is one of the most scenic waterways on Earth. The calm, peaceful river blissfully winds through a tropical garden abundant with palms, ferns, flowers, and endemic birdlife. The profile of Sleeping Giant is one of the most photographed mountains on Kauai. Some of the best views of the island can be seen from an easy 45 minute hike to reach the summit. Early morning hikers can sometimes catch a glimpse of Oahu 110 miles east. Kamokila Hawaiian Village is a cultural village depicting the mores of a Hawaiian civilization which has long since passed. Tucked away deep in a lush valley you will feel that you are roaming through 17th century Hawaii. The legendary Fern Grotto is a favorite site for weddings. The world famous grotto reverberates with mystical echoes of the kanaka maoli (full-blooded Hawaiian) ancestry. Uluwehi Falls means Manifest Destiny. Many Polynesian cultures believed that destiny could only be changed by standing in the presence of this magical waterfall. Wailua Falls is the world famous "Fantasy Island Waterfalls". Contrary to common opinion, it is not accessible by kayak. However, you can drive your rental car right to the top of the falls. A steep but short trail will lead you to the base where swimming is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Our guides can describe this free trip for you. Your camera and/or camcorder can capture rainbows, tropical bird life, rainforests resembling Peruvian jungles, mango groves and beckoning pools of crystal clear, sparkling water framed by ferns hanging from a 100 foot waterfall. Here is a garden paradise found nowhere else in Hawaii. TOUR DETAILS: Meet at the Wailua Shell Food Mart located at 4-350 Kuhio Highway, Wailua, Kauai just north of the Wailua River on the Makai (ocean) side. There is safe parking next to our store for your rental car. (Some companies actually require you to park in a vacant field several miles from their establishment). You can pay with cash or traveler's checks. If you prefer to use a credit card, please bring it with you even though you have provided us with the number on your reservation. (We need to swipe it thru our machine). After you have checked in, our guide will conduct an orientation with safety tips and paddling instruction. This activity is safe for all ages. Most of our kayakers are 1st timers. We then transport you in our new van across the river to the Wailua River Marina... about a two minute drive. The kayaks are all outfitted and launched for you. Attach your dry bag and nylon cooler to your kayak and off you go with your guide. (Both dry bag & cooler are included). Couples all kayak in a double. One single is only available if the total group number is uneven. We also are the only outfitter on Kauai who offers an adult sized triple. We provide life jackets for all ages and sizes. Wearing them is up to you. The guide will escort you out of the Marina... then back in when you return. If you prefer some distance from the guide after leaving the Marina, that is your discretionary decision. Our friendly experienced guides all know the river from top to bottom. They love their job and are always eager to share the history, legends, and stories about the Wailua River Valley. They can identity for you all of the flora and fauna that you encounter along the way. The guides have an abundance of information regarding hiking trails, camping spots, great local restaurants, and other popular outdoor activities. They also know the best night spots. There is plenty of time spent at Secret Falls to learn about the Garden Island. The paddle upstream to the island where the kayaks are secured is about 45 minutes. You carry your dry bag and cooler the short 25 minute walk/hike to Secret Falls. The king's pool at the base of the falls is a great place to swim and cool off. Few places in the world are better for enjoying a "b.y.o." (bring our own) picnic lunch and photo taking after a refreshing swim. After languishing in paradise and soaking up nature, we begin the trip back to civilization. A typical round trip averages 4 1/2 hours including paddling, hiking, swimming, and picnicking. We do have occasional rains, especially during the Winter months. Our tours are seldom canceled unless the rain is heavy and sustained. Light rains are always welcome while paddling. After returning to the Marina, we shuttle you back to your rental car. Translate