FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A. 2-12 unless special arrangements are made for large private parties

Our guide to participant ratio is 1:12. For example, a private party of 26 would require 3 guides.

A. Please check in 20 minutes before your tour time. We ask that if you plan to borrow tennis shoes or buy our water shoes, you check in 30 minutes before your tour time. We also recommend that if you have more than six people in your party, you check in 30 minutes before your tour time so that we can make sure the tour leaves on schedule.

A. We are the only kayak company that has a private fenced-in property for cars. The gate is closed when employees are not there. We have never had a break-in or theft problem at our facility.

A. We accept all ages, from infants to grandparents. It’s fun for the whole family! (Price is the same for all ages)

A. We do allow pregnant women up to six months if they have remained active throughout their pregnancy. However, in late pregnancy, when trail conditions are muddy, we advise against participation in the hiking portion of this tour. We will provide a chair to rest in while the rest of the group makes the trek to the falls. The trail is very rugged and can be extremely muddy and slippery. Conditions can change within hours and cannot be accurately predicted. We regret that refunds are not available if you cannot make it to the waterfall.

A. Yes, we do offer gift certificates and will send a printable gift certificate voucher when you make the reservation.

A. The guide gratuity is not included in the price. If your guide rendered excellent service, a tip at the end is always appreciated.

A. It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance for small groups. However, in the slow season, it’s possible to book the same day. For larger groups, we recommend that you reserve a few weeks in advance to ensure availability.

No, the hike to the waterfalls is through the rainforest. Wear a swimsuit and plan on rain.

A. This tour is a rain or shine water activity. Kauai is home to one of the wettest places on Earth, and the rain is usually welcomed during this activity. In the rare event of flash flood warnings, we will call you to cancel the tour without any charges made. We have a 24-hour cancellation and/or rescheduling policy. If you must cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, contact us ASAP. If we can replace you on the same tour, there will be no penalty.

A. A common misconception is that the morning tour times are better because it is cooler and there is less wind. However, because this tour is a half-day adventure, you will experience both the heat of the day and the cool of the day as well. For example, the 9 a.m. tour will be cool going up and warm on the return in the middle of the day (1:30 p.m.). The 1 p.m. tour will be warm leading up to the falls and cool as you return in the evening. It is true that the wind usually picks up around midday, but since it is an eastern wind, and there is no current on the river, the return paddle has the headwind. The wind is usually light and doesn’t make the downstream paddle any harder than the paddle upstream. Every tour time will experience this wind.

A. Yes, most of our customers are first-time kayakers. The guide will instruct you on proper paddling techniques in the orientation before the tour begins. The guide will also stay toward the back of the group while paddling on the river to offer more detailed paddling instructions if needed.

A. The river is a tidal basin that is level with the ocean, which makes it as calm as a lake. The only natural element that affects you on the water is the wind.

A. We have specifically chosen a style of kayak that is designed for stability. The triple kayaks are our most stable boat, and our single kayaks are our least stable because of the smaller design. (Rarely tips over)

A. Every kayak seat is outfitted with a Coast Guard approved life jacket. If you are a non-swimmer, we provide a ski vest-style jacket, which is much more comfortable. We provide life vests from size infant to XXL.

A. We have four different styles of kayaks:

Triple – (Maximum capacity 850 pounds/385.56 kg) This boat can fit three full-sized adults and can also be rigged with a rear-facing fourth seat for a small child, making it a quad.

Double +1 (small child) – (Maximum capacity 750 pounds/340.19 kg) This kayak can be used as a double for added leg room and stability or used as a triple for two adults and a small child under 60 pounds.

Double – (Maximum capacity 600 pounds/272.16 kg) Fits two average-sized adults

Single – (Maximum capacity 450 pounds/204.12 kg)

Note: The closer the kayaker’s weight is to the maximum capacity of the boat, the less stable the boat becomes, which is why we encourage taking advantage of our larger sized boats.

A. The trail conditions change from day to day depending on rainfall in the mountains the night prior to your trip. Muddy conditions can make the trail challenging; when dry, the trail is considered by some a walk in the park. The hike involves slight inclines and declines, a few stream crossings, and uneven terrain with rocks and roots. A portion of the trail was improved in 2020 to include a new boardwalk.

A. We recommend that one pair of footwear is worn for the entire half-day activity, both for kayaking and hiking. Please wear an athletic shoe or sports sandal such as Keens that can tolerate being submerged in water, fit snugly, and provide toe protection. If water shoes are used, make sure they have a drawstring around the ankle and have significant traction. We do sell water shoes on site for $15 brand new. We also have a wide selection of free loaner old tennis shoes. Please do not rely on borrowing shoes as we cannot guarantee we have everyone’s sizes. Call ahead if you don’t have any other options. Flip flops and Crocs are not appropriate and are strongly discouraged.

A. Once the tour has begun, there are no changing facilities or restrooms, just mother nature. We recommend that you arrive already wearing your swimsuits. However, upon check-in, we do have a changing room available.

A. We recommend wearing swimsuits under light clothing such as t-shirts and shorts, as well as sun protection and footwear as described earlier. During our rainy season, it’s also nice to have a light rain jacket or poncho.

A. Be prepared for sun exposure while kayaking by bringing hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Mosquito repellent should be used for the hike. We will provide dry bags for your cameras and towels (we recommend one towel per two people), and we provide coolers for your drinks and snacks. Be mindful that your gear is not left with the kayak, so pack lightly as you will be hiking with all of your gear.

A. It’s advised to bring eco-friendly mosquito repellent if mosquitos normally bother you. There are no mosquitos on the kayaking portion, so wait to apply the repellent when you start the hike. We do sell an organic bug repellent upon check-in for $10. On average, in a full tour of 12 people, only a couple people will notice mosquitos on the trail.

A. With our low rates, we provide coolers and dry bags; however, food and beverages are BYO (bring your own). We do sell water and snack bars on site upon check-in. There is also a bakery that makes excellent sandwiches just 100 yards from our location (Passion Bakery: 808-821-0060). Please call in your order and pick up your lunch before arriving for your kayak tour. If you have a water bottle, we now have a high quality water dispenser with added minerals and electrolytes.

A. The dry bags are the size of a medium backpack and can be carried on your back while hiking. We have a few different-sized cooler bags ranging from one square foot with a shoulder strap to the largest being a medium backpack.

A. When sealed properly, the dry bags are 100% air and water tight. Do not put any liquids in your dry bag such as water bottles. Your guide will instruct you on proper use of the bags.

A. We are the only kayak company which offers a changing room and shower facility on site with shampoo and soap provided free of charge.