Kayak Kauai

(347 reviews)

2.5 mi

Every year we go to Kauai. Every year we rent from this shop. They are the kindest most helpful…read moregroup of people. Pick up and drop off is a cinch and they will always help you with every detail of your adventure. Thanks guys. Look forward to next year!

This one I'm going to have to file under one of the hardest things I've done in my life! But I'm so…read moreproud we accomplished this and did this! So many people talk about kayaking the Wailua River and hiking to Secret Falls. We didn't get a chance to do this on our last trip, but my youngest and I tackled this on this trip! Our guide, Ronda, arrived a couple minutes after our tour start time at 1pm. The morning guide said she'd be along "in island time." Once she got there, she took the time to tell us a little about herself, went around our group and had us each introduce ourselves and share a few words. She took the time to memorize all of our names! She also explained to us as all the other tours were heading out, that she liked to hang back and let everyone go do their thing so we can experience the falls privately as just our group. This girl knows what she's doing! It was about a two mile kayaking journey up the Wailua River with stops intermittently along the way for our "kayak kisses" so Ronda could tell us about the history and other aspects of the island. We were almost in our own little version of Survivor, thinking up ways we could survive out there and what we would need. It was honestly very cool. Once we got the end of the kayaking journey, we were given walking sticks for the moderate 1 mile hike to Secret Falls. There are a couple of areas where you have to cross through water, but nothing higher than the knees, at that time. The hike was beautiful! Ronda pointed out the Hawaiian Woodrose, kukui nuts, which we got to crack open and have a small sample, we washed our hands with awapuhi from the awapuhi plant, etc. it was such a cool adventure. We met the local songbird and dug to find worms for him to eat. He ate right from our hands! He actually landed on my hand and looked at me for a couple seconds! We saw cows on the journey home as well. Secret Falls is amazing. We had a blast swimming around there and resting from the journey. We met a lot of great people in our tour. It was like we all became a little family. We packed up and hiked back to our kayaks and headed back down the Wailua for the journey home. This time the wind was against us, so it was literally like paddling upstream both ways lol! This was such an amazing experience. I'm sure I'm leaving some things out because there was so much! I would say, if you're doing the 1pm tour, don't have any other plans the rest of the day. You don't want to be in a rush to get out of there. Our 5 hour tour ended up being close to 7 hours. It was nice because on the way back the motorized vessels were no longer on the river, so we didn't have to worry about other traffic. I'd also recommend having dinner for that night figured out ahead of time because most places locally close at 8pm. We were able to grab dinner from a spot about 10 minutes prior to their closing. They recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots, but my daughter and I used our water socks/reef shoes and while there were a couple times when we were bouldering I would have liked to have better shoes, ultimately it wasn't an issue. Ronda gives you an opportunity to unplug from the world, get yourself on island time, and take in all the beauty Kauai has to offer. Take it!

ALOHA

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Falls before the Falls

Wailua River

4.5

(31 reviews)

0.2 mi

Secret falls was the kayak and hike of a lifetime! You need to go ! We took 2 kayaks with a 8 & 10…read moreyo. The hike was muddy and slippery but SOOO WORTH IT SOOO BEAUTIFUL!

If you want to enjoy a water activity that doesn't involve the ocean, then Wailua River is your…read morejam. Next time we visit, we plan to rent kayaks and navigate this river either in a tour or on our own. There's so much to see and explore along this river. It's so lush and beautiful! We took the Smith's guided tour this time up to Fern Grotto and it was awesome!

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Ali'i Kayaks

(597 reviews)

0.3 mi

We had a great adventure with Ali's Kayak Rental! Booking…read moreonline was easy, and since the guided tour was full, we did the self-guided kayak and hike to the secret waterfalls. Its a more budget friendly option but you don't need to drive your kayak to the river, its just a short walk. Before launching, the owner gave us a quick and helpful presentation on where to go and how to handle the kayaks. Just note there is an additional $5 per person river fee (or a state park fee). The trip involves about two miles of kayaking and a mile-long hike each way. Because the trail has lots of rocks, muddy areas, crossing a river and roots, I wouldn't recommend it for small kids or anyone who isn't relatively fit. Overall, the equipment was excellent, the staff was great and we highly recommend it!

On May 5, 2026 my husband and I went on a Kayaking adventure with Ali'i Kayaks in Wailua, Kauai…read more This was our first kayaking experience and it did not disappoint! Our guide for the day was "K-man". He was awesome! He had a great personality, was very knowledgeable and was funny. He was also great with names; he remembered everyone's, and he made it a point to make conversation with everyone single one of us. Our adventure started off by meeting at the office/pick up location. Then we loaded up into a van and made the short drive to the slipway. There we selected kayaks and were given oars and life jackets. Once we got situated, we hit the water. The weather that day was perfect; the sun was out with some clouds, and there was a light, constant breeze. Our journey on the water was a beautiful one. The water was cool, the scenery was green. I'll admit, the kayaking distance was a bit challenging. Maybe a bit more so as my husband and I are competitive and we were nearly racing with another couple. LOL! Once we reached shore, we gathered up and made our way to the hiking path. Honestly, the hike itself is not hard, with the exception of a few spots that may require teamwork/assistance. (**READ TIPS BELOW) Once we reached the waterfall, most of us went into the water. We stayed there for about 20-30 minutes. Our guide never rushed us. He sat back and let us enjoy ourselves. It was only when we all gathered up again that we headed back, same hike in reverse back to the kayaks. Once in the kayaks it was the same way back as well. The scenery was VERY beautiful. Several pictures were taken. Overall we had a great day. We would definitely recommend to anyone who has never been to Kauai and to anyone who is interested in being surrounded by beautiful scenery. TIPS: - [ ] Wear good shoes! The terrain can be unstable due to river rocks, tree roots, mud, and uneven ground. Your feet WILL get soaked and the ground is unstable. My husband and I both opted to wear sneakers that we were ready to retire. When we were done we threw them away. Another couple wore aqua shoes and they said they were extremely uncomfortable: good for water, bad for the rough terrain. Another couple wore brand new hiking boots and they became water logged. - [ ] Wear sunscreen!! Even if it's overcast, the harsh island sun will magnify through the clouds. - [ ] Sunglasses and a hat/visor is a wise choice. **if you wear a hat or visor, it may create a blind spot. Keep your head up! One person in our group hit their head twice on the same tree branch! - [ ] Wear clothing you can get wet. You will get wet from the waist down from the kayaking and hike. - [ ] Wear swimwear underneath your clothing. When you get to the waterfall, there is a pool of water you are able to swim in. - [ ] Bring a backpack/secure bag with water and snacks! You will need it! - [ ] Bring towels and leave them in the car. At the end of the day, when stripping off your wet shoes and socks the towels come in handy. *** For reference, our groups ages ranged from 52 to approximately early 70's.

Amazing rivers. Be prepared to get your feet wet on this amazing experience.

This grasshopper (coconut leaf) made it in Los Angeles. Thanks Kai for this remembrance.

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Hike

Wailua Kayak & Canoe

3.8

(139 reviews)

0.3 mi

We booked this experience with less than 48 hours' notice, which was super convenient. The check-in…read moreprocess was quick and smooth--just arrive at your scheduled time, get ready, and head out. You pull your kayak (on wheels) to the launch site and push off from there; it's definitely doable. We opted to go without a guide and simply followed the provided map, which was very straightforward. However, in my opinion, the activity wasn't worth the price. Paddling two miles each way was pretty strenuous, especially with kids. The hike to Secret Falls was extremely muddy, particularly after rain, and we saw lots of people slipping and falling. It's not a huge problem, but you'll definitely want to plan for a shower afterwards. They do provide a large wet bag, but ours smelled strongly of body odor from repeated use without proper cleaning--definitely unpleasant. If I could do it over again, I would have canceled and just explored the state park on foot. For the amount of effort required, I felt the experience was overpriced.

We did the Guided Wailua River "Secret Fall" Adventure with Wailua Kayak & Canoe, and it was an…read moreabsolute blast! The scenery along the river and hike was stunning, and the whole experience felt like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our guide, Michael, really made the trip special. He shared so much interesting information about the river, the history of the area, the plants, and the wildlife--and kept us laughing the whole way with his endless supply of dad jokes (now upgraded with 10% more!). If you're looking for a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Kauai, this tour is it. Come for the adventure, stay for Michael's humor. Highly recommended!

Crossing the final stream

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Kayak Wailua Tours

(463 reviews)

0.6 mi

We came during off season in mid-January. It was cloudy and sunny, and there were no bugs. We took…read morethe 9:00a to 2:00pm tour. I think we got back to the retrieve our belongings at 1:30p. Our guide Kyle was amazing! Since it was off season, he took about 8 persons, 2 tandam kayaks. One guide can take 12 persons maximum. It was great that our group was smaller. The Wailua River is really serene and calm, so both persons forward paddle, versus the back person back paddling in more rapids like Colorado or Sacramento River. We paddled 1 mile to the hiking, and 1 mile back. My arms were a little sore afterwards. The highlight is the hike to the water fall, which is about 0.2 mi in, 0.2 mi out, however it took about 30-40 min one way. Some areas are bush whacking, river crossing (bring water shoes like Teva), some very muddy so you have to slow down, some have wood planks built. When you the to the waterfall, it is gorgeous, and we packed our own lunch to enjoy for about 30-40 minutes at the falls. There were no bugs as we went in mid-January. Morning tours are more cold, so bring a light wind jacket or rain jacket. Afternoon tours are warmer, but you risk having bugs and sunburn. Our guide Kyle, has been feeding this bird along the hiking path for 8 years. He is tame and will come for photos. I'm a bird feeder and watcher, so major kudos to Kyle! The scenery of the hike and kayak trip was surreal and will blow your mind. The photos don't do it justice. You will take a van from kayak launch at Wailua River about 3 minutes back to base camp. Kayak Wailua provides you a water proof bag for your belongings, and a cooler bag for your lunch. They also have a locker for other stuff you don't want to bring along. I love this alot, and the tamed wild bird was the big plus!

This was a last minute adventure and boy am I glad we did it! We had an afternoon tour with…read moreMichayla. Butchered her name I am sure but there's Y somewhere ;) she's hilarious and very knowledgeable. 'Hele on to kauai' is in repeat because of her. We enjoyed it so much! Hike to the water falls was fun. Water was super cold, but we wear about go under the falls which was fun. Wear water shoes with nice grip. Wear insect repellent, coz something definitely bit me. Wear sunscreen!!

Wailua Falls

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Scotty's Surf

5.0

(83 reviews)

0.6 mi

Scotty's Surf was an amazing experience for our family to kayak the Wailua River. The gentleman…read morewho helped us, (Ben's dad), was extremely helpful and kind. What a great man! His information was spot on and easy to follow. We cannot recommend this small business enough and will certainly be back in the future!

Had a great experience here, great service and good quality kayaks! Would definitely recommend…read morerenting from here!

Waterfall on the hike!

Outside of office

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Bring Me a Kayak

4.2

(29 reviews)

0.7 mi

They were so great! You do have to unload your own kayak when you get to the river but it's kinda…read morefun! LOL

Such an easy experience. We called the morning of, booked online, kayaks in good shape, and dry…read morebags included. The guy was waiting when we arrived. He helped us load our kayak onto the roof of our car with some basic foam pieces to protect the roof. You have to drive less than 5 minutes down the road. They had us take pictures of some emergency numbers and maps, giving us some quick tips. It was SOOOOO nice doing this rental to complete our hike versus one of the tours. We got to the waterfall at the perfect time between multiple large guided groups and I couldn't imagine having the same experience with 30-50 people at the falls. Highly recommend. At the end of the trip, you just bring the kayak back and lock it to the chain provided on the side of the building. Renting the kayak was a little more leg work than a guided tour, but it was so worth it to go at our own pace and to enjoy any stops along the way we wanted.

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Kayak

Duke's Kayak Adventure

(151 reviews)

0.6 mi

Great kayak and hike adventure to a local waterfall. Slippery spots and you will hug rocks and…read morewade streams. Wear sunscreen. We are from Fl and burned. The sun is more direct here. My tan has still not faded. This is not a leisurely stroll. You will climb tree roots and climb up and down a lot. Great photos though. Tandam sit on tops used.

We had a great experience here! We did the Wednesday morning kayak adventure so we got to the…read moremarina at 7am. It was just my family - the 5 of us - and our guide, Mikayla. Since there were an odd number of us, she gave us her single kayak so I was able to use that on the way out and then switched with my brother on the way back. It was really nice to basically have that private tour! Unfortunately because of the rain and rising waters, we weren't able to do the hike & waterfall portion of the trip but the kayaking along the river was really nice and enjoyable. Mikayla did take us out of the kayaks and show us some of the surrounding area and shared with us information about the different plants. It was fun! We only got a downpour on the way back for the marina for about 10min but that was part of the experience! We didn't eat breakfast before and do actually the length of time worked well for us. We left around 7:30am ish and made it back around 9;30am. The company refunded us 50% since weather made the hike portion impossible. Totally recommend bringing food though if you do the full thing:) and bring shoes good for hiking. Mikayla was friendly and helped get my two siblings (who hadn't kayaked before) adjusted and paddling in a straight line rather than zigzagging across. She was a great guide and would definitely recommend her! We learned a lot. And she gave us more recommendations around the island for the rest of our trip.

The deepest river crossing

Kayak landing point, hike trail head

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Outfitters Kauai

(981 reviews)

8.4 mi

My grandson and I recently joined the tour to Kipu Falls. Not only was our guide, Julia,…read moreinformative and interesting, her sense of humor and love of Kauai made the tour even more enjoyable.Of particular note is that she carefully explained the safety aspects concerning swimming near a waterfall. Also, we loved the treehouse strategically built next to the smaller Falls. We had a great time and encourage others to do this tour! Imua!

Kīpū falls and treehouse hike was amazing!! My family and I loved the scenery and the guides…read moreMicheal and Julia made it even more fun. The waterfall was beautiful and lovely to swim in. We were so glad to be one of the first to take this specific hike as the area has been closed for a long time. The hike itself was not too bad and would recommend for any family!!

The waterfall at the end of the tour. This is our great tour guide Leslie!

Hike

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Snorkel Bob's Kapaa

3.8

(188 reviews)

1.5 mi

A shockingly five star experience. Snorkel Bob's made it exceptionally easy. Picked up my snorkel…read moreset for myself and my friend, and headed out for 6 days. Bought a couple of quick dry long sleeve shirts emblazoned with the Snorkel Bob's logo. The price was reasonable, around $60 for each snorkel set, March 2025. Pick up and to drop off could not have been smoother. The guy was extremely helpful on the very low stress. The equipment was a good quality and worked well.

Over priced and patronizing. Do not rent from here. Go next door to Boss Frog. You"ll spend half as…read moremuch and receive friendly service. I paid over $250 for a two week rental of two sets of snorkel gear. Boss Frog next door is less than $90 for the same time/gear. Tough lesson for me.

A sign saying "SNORKEL BOB'S PARKING ONLY TRESSPASSERS WILL BE VIOLATED OR TOWED BY HRS-290-11

Mountain

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Snorkel Bob sign, says 8-5 Every Day

Wailua Municipal Golf Course

3.9

(68 reviews)

1.5 mi

We had an amazing round on Monday. Sun was out, with some cloud cover and light breeze…read more Course is maintained VERY well. Greens are tricky!- be ready for none of them to break the way you think. 17th hole has the best view. Carts are in good shape. Highly recommend! Have cash in case their computer system is down! That was a little bit of a shock, but there is an ATM on site.

Hard to believe that you can get ocean views on 7 or 8 holes on a public course. The fairways &…read moregreens were better (and faster) than I was expecting. This is a tough course, but doable. The restaurant has a new owner, Mike, & he, his staff & food are all very good. There was a drink/food cart riding around. Reasonable tourist pricing for everything, including rentals. We had a good experience with the course staff, as well, on our first round here. We will be back!

Amazing views on this 3 par...yes we both parred the hole!!!

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Sleeping Giant Trail

4.6

(103 reviews)

1.1 mi

A fantastic intermediate trail if you're looking for some good exercise and aren't scared of a…read morelittle mud. It took two hours to go up and down while stopping for lots of photos and going at a pretty leisurely pace. Mostly covered, so it felt great even on a sunny day. Highly recommend.

This was much harder than I expected. The valet at the hotel told me to try it, and I didn't…read morerealize that it was gonna be slippery with rocks and roots throughout. Once it started raining, I was slipping and sliding the whole way absolutely gorgeous, but definitely wear tennis or hiking shoes.

That's the peak behind that handsome guy

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Made it to the 1.25 mile post at 12:21p

Hoopii Falls

4.5

(82 reviews)

4.1 mi

Wow, this trail was something. I came to Kauai for a jungle…read moreadventure, and I definitely got one here! It is such a magical path First of all the trailhead is pretty hard to find and kind of hilarious. There is literally no official signage, except a sign that reminds people to stay quiet since they're in a neighborhood. There is a designated parking lot may be about a quarter mile away, so you're not supposed to park in front of peoples houses. As you're walking from the parking lot towards the trailhead, someone's house is labeled with a cute story between frog and toad that says that the trailhead is three houses down. There's the most narrow little entryway into the trailhead. We also thought it was funny after our hike that almost all the yelp reviews talk about how easy this hike is. We're a pretty fit family, and I'll just say that after a week of rain, this trail was quite treacherous, so part of our experience may be that we got unlucky with the weather. We had to try really hard not to slip at every step. There's areas down to the river in the waterfalls that are really really steep where we had to grab onto trees and branches to not cause a landslide. We were caked in mud from the knees down and on our hands for most of the hike . Definitely need shoes with good grip - our Keens worked well since we were able to rinse out some of the mud in the river. It rained on and off during our hike, but luckily there were so many trees that the rain itself was not too bothersome, but most of the trail was soaked in mud puddles . We only made it to the first waterfall because of the conditions but still had a blast ! We had a lot of fun but I wouldn't have brought my older parents for example so be wary depending on the rain !

A relatively short and easy hike. The whole thing took just over an hour for us, which includes the…read moretime we took to stop for photos and admire the views. We did read that it can get very slippery and muddy at times, but luckily we didn't run into that issue. The ground was pretty dry when we went, and I had no issues with my super old shoes that had no traction left. There are also few areas when going down to the falls where you need to navigate down some steep/rocky areas, and then back up when coming back. Shouldn't be an issue for those who are able-bodied, but just something to keep in mind if you were hoping to come with those who aren't (maybe not the best idea). The falls were a bit small when we went, but overall the hike was pretty with lots of lush greenery. We saw some people jumping into the water, but we were way too lazy for that. We also read that septic tanks from the neighborhood may leak into the water. Since the trail starts in a residential neighborhood, please be respectful and mindful when walking past homes to the trailhead, and don't be too noisy or trespass. We also parked our cars nearby at Kapahi Park. The neighborhood roads are small and I can see why residents would get annoyed with people constantly cluttering up the street to go hiking. Overall, a great option if you're looking for an easy but beautiful hike. Maybe consider hiking shoes if it has recently rained heavily since apparently it can get muddy.

10/20/22 found myself a walking stick

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Second falls

Makana Charters

(399 reviews)

21.7 mi

Locally owned & operated

20 years in business

Capt. Mike and crew were absolutely amazing!! The father/son crew were very friendly and outgoing…read more Incredible service from start to finish. We booked this trip during our Hawaii cruise and super glad we did. The boat handled the waters beautifully, with minimal water coming over the bow, and the seas were very choppy the day we went out. Saw a bunch of amazing sites, caves, beaches, and waterfalls! Highly, highly recommend this charter.

Super-highly recommended. Our crew was A'a and Liliana, both terrifically competent and let…read moreeveryone take turns sitting near the bow, where the view is best. We were also blessed with terrific weather and smooth morning water which makes a huge difference. Reportedly the water can become choppy in the afternoon.

The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast

Snorkeling on our NaPali tours

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Getting up close to waterfalls on the NaPali

Na Pali Coast Hanalei

(229 reviews)

14.7 mi

Fantastic tour and crew - highly recommend - we had such a great time learning about and sight…read moreseeing the na pali coast with David & co!

We had such a great time with the crew! They were incredibly knowledgeable about the history and…read morenavigated the waters with skill. The views were breathtaking, and the snorkeling was the perfect finishing touch. One of our favorite activities. We love that this is a Hawaiian-owned and operated business -- support local!

One of several caves the boat will go inside

Views of the Ocean Along the Trail

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It's gonna be a great day!

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Veronica R.

10 years ago

We had an incredible experience kayaking the stunning Na Pali coast!! We did a two-day Mavericks tandem kayak in late June from Ha'ena to Polihal'e, camping overnight at Kalalau (state camping permits required; easily done online; best to reserve in advance). We were well aware that this was a 17 mile ocean kayak, and in addition to being comfortable in open water due to our previous experiences, we did some training (rowing machine) in order to be best prepared for this challenging, but potentially very rewarding trip. My partner had fantastic communication with Micco prior to the trip. We checked in with Kayak Kauai the day before our departure, and we were happy to borrow two large dry bags for the trip. Kayak Kauai provided top notch service from communication to van/truck drivers to equipment to the guides. Amos was our guide from Ha'ena to Kalalau. He was fantastic for many reasons - he provided very clear instructions, reviewed instructions, acted professionally throughout, and importantly, was fun to paddle with!! He took safety very seriously, and was quick to act when another tandem in the group flipped over. Upon evaluating our overall kayaking ability and helping us land safely at Kalalau, Amos continued on with the group and we camped overnight at Kalalau. Amos gave us explicit instructions about the path ahead of us to Polihal'e, and strongly suggested launching from Kalalau early the next morning before the wind and swell could potentially pick up (it is the ocean, after all!). Although we knew from experience that it's best to get out on the water early in the morning, it was great that Amos made sure to make this clear for everyone. He gave us great tips for both launching and landing, and we successfully paddled the 17 miles without flipping over. Being out on the water in the kayak looking up at the cliffs is hard to describe, and is absolutely worth seeing for yourself. It's for sure a different experience than the other ways one can choose to see Na Pali, and we were thrilled to be able to have this experience. We are thankful that we chose to break the trip into two days, as it gave us more time to enjoy the stunning views and the 17 miles was not as overwhelming when shared across two days. One must remember that this is an ocean kayak trip, so you must feel prepared and confident when out on open water. Kayak Kauai fairly warns all potential kayakers about this 17 mile Mavericks trip as one should not take this trip lightly. All in all, we highly recommend Kayak Kauai for their excellent staff, professionalism, and help in guiding lucky visitors as they enjoy the challenging but rewarding kayak along the Na Pali coast!!! read more

Catherine G.

4 years ago

We did the 10-mile Polihale to Miloli'i kayak trip on Sept. 1, 2022. It was an exhilarating experience, a perfect combination of rigorous physical challenge, thrill, gorgeous scenery and close encounters with marine life. First off, I want to shout out our marvelous guides, Mike and Jay. They are true professionals, guiding a group of mixed experience and paddling abilities with relaxed calm. They made it fun, kept it light, but also were completely on top of safety the whole time, especially during the surf launch/landing at Polihale. It's a good thing we had taken Dramamine before the trip, as the ocean was a bit choppy; we paddled against a persistent headwind a good part of the way to our lunch stop. As we marveled at the turquoise water and the red rock cliffs, Jay pointed out a pod of dolphins 10 feet from our boats. At a certain point, the guides made the decision to switch up the groupings in two of the boats to lend weaker paddlers support of a guide in each boat, a delicate water operation that kept the group together and allowed us to complete the trip. At Miloli'i, a remote beach beneath the sheer, towering Napali cliffs, Mike treated us to fresh pineapple and a sighting of an endangered monk seal, relaxing on the sand. After lunch, we recharged in the shade before heading back to Polihale. The wind and current were at our backs, so we made good time, though it was disorienting to paddle with a 4-6 foot swell lifting us from behind. It was hard to get a steady rhythm and it took much more finesse to keep the boat stable. Back at Polihale, Mike and Jay guided us in, one by one, for the surf landing, in much bigger waves than we'd launched in. One boat sailed in perfectly, one boat dumped, and then it was our turn. Mike signaled us in, grabbed our boat, then calmly told us to "exit the kayak, the sooner the better, and watch the wave behind you!" (I watched it a moment too long and got a bit rolled!) We teamed up to carry the boats back to the van and got a refreshing shower and a cold drink before the bumpy drive out of the state park, singing to Iz. I had never really experienced the power of the ocean, the awesome force of it. It was a life-changing experience. I highly recommend this trip for active people with some kayaking experience and stamina -- the more of both, the better. I was glad we'd taken a safety class before we went and knew how to right a boat and get back in if we dumped - we didn't have to do it, but were able to help a couple near us who did in the 2 minutes until Jay glided up. The guides at Kayak Kauai are top-notch -- the trip was a fantastic experience, from start to finish. read more

Jon D.

4 years ago

Last summer two friends and I planned for an exciting off-the-beaten path trip to Kauai that mainly focused on hiking Kawaikini and the Napali coast. I missed the deadline for getting the camping permits for Kalalau but I got two nights at Milolii. I did some more research and found out that you can only that site by boat. So I reached out to some of the kayak tour companies in the area and no one could really help us with our situation except the guys at Kayak Kauai. These are absolutely an amazing group of guys, especially Mike who was such a great guide! He taught us how to kayak surf, showed us some of the caves, along with some crazy jumping spots. He was super informative and had brilliant answers to all our questions. Even though the conditions were rough (another kayak company cancelled on us), Mike made the whole trip a worthwhile experience! Micco was also great in coordinating the details of the trip, we booked a Maverick tour that was very customizable and fit our schedule perfectly! They were even able to pick us up from the beach we were camping at (it was on the way) and drop us off where we were picking up our rental for the following day. Singlehandedly the best way to end our trip, freakin legendary! 10/10 highly recommend read more

Julie H.

4 years ago

My husband and I did the Na Pali Coast tour, Ha'ena to Polihale. I have always wanted a close-up experience of the Na Pali coast, and this definitely fit the bill! It was an amazing day. Our guide Mike was just great. It's hard to talk much while paddling, but he managed to impart a lot of his extensive local knowledge. I believe they keep their group size small which is nice; we had 6 people/3 kayaks plus the guide; there was a much larger group from another company some ways behind us. We went at a very dry time but the waterfalls were still very cool; the caves are amazing. This is rated as "rigorous" and they are NOT KIDDING! It was about 8 hours of kayaking with about an hour for lunch and a couple of brief rests. Some of it was hard paddling with wind and chop, but never felt unsafe or worried. So, not for the faint of heart, but if you want to see every inch of the Na Pali coast and are not afraid of a very physical day, I definitely recommend this tour. One warning, website says you can refill your water bottle with filtered water but that was not the case; bring plenty of water and snacks. read more

Jessica H.

10 years ago

I don't usually write reviews. But this is a warning to everyone...Kayak Napali. It was amazingly beautiful. Just do it with someone else! I took this trip solo and was assigned a guide to kayak with. I was assured that my time with the guide would be easier than anyone else's. I wasn't told that the guide would spend all day expressing his offensive opinions about everything...alcohol, religion, military service personnel. And urinating over the side of the boat. I was told that military personnel that served in Iraq or Afghanistan came back crazy and dangerous. I should be frightened of them. I don't feel that someone I am paying warn me about my friends and family being dangerous because they served their country. I don't feel that my religious convictions are something I should have to defend to a stranger. And I really don't want to see some guy peeing constantly. When I returned home from this trip, I contacted the company to express my concerns and disappointment. I spoke to a woman who told me she would get back to me and she never did. Horrible guide and customer service to match! read more

Dana B.

9 years ago

OK....So, the helicopter tours are great and all, but THIS Secret Fall Tour was the absolute highlight of my paradise vacation to Kauai this past week! There are so many tours available around the island, but THIS ONE is NOT to be missed! In my opinion, this is the true Kauai experience, Mullet fish and all ;) My husband and I went with our 10 yr old and 13 yr old boys. It was an ideal family tour to undergo as a team! We were so fortunate to have Josh and his furry side kick, Kamea, as our knowledgable tour guides! WE loved them both. Josh was so cool.. he taught us so much about the Wailua River, the history of the land all around Secret Falls, and fun facts about the entire island! Josh was concerned with our safety the entire afternoon, while at the same time allowing us time to explore as a family! Thank you for the memorable experience! read more

Sarah S.

16 years ago

As avid kayakers we were very excited to go on this trip. When we showed up it was POURING down rain with a small craft advisory. The four other people scheduled on the trip were already there. When I went to ask the man at the desk what their weather policy was he absolutely blew up and started yelling......."you are a bunch of whiners! Why don't you just go back to your hotel rooms and sip your lattes!" As the rest of the group stormed out he tried to explain to me that "those people have been whining about the weather for the last half hour and I'm tired of listening to it!" I was completely disgusted and will NEVER set foot in that place again. He made no apologies and appeared to have no interest in our business. HORRIBLY RUDE!! There are plenty of other places to kayak.......I would not use this company!! read more

Tom H.

10 years ago

We just returned from Kauai with our group of 5 and had great kayak and hiking experience to the Secret Water Fall with our guide Michelle, who was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and loves Kauai. She took pictures of us and let us stop along the way to catch our breath. The Falls and pool at the bottom of falls allow you to swim and enjoy the magnificence of the Falls. This is a must do Tour if you are on the Island of Kauai. Its about a five hour tour and they give you a sandwich which you eat at the Falls and at a cost I thought very reasonable .Thanks again Michelle. Tom & Sheila, Mission Viejo, Ca. read more

Sonja R.

4 years ago

OMGosh! What an adventure! Our guide (Isabel "Izzy") IS TERRIFIC! She communicates safety and fun throughout the tour. 2 miles of kayaking, 1.5 miles of hiking, crossing rivers, and a couple of steep climbs up/down slippery-muddy trials, all to end at a beautiful SACRED (spiritual) waterfall. (Then you get to do it again in reverse!) Izzy shares a love and respect for the land, culture and all people. I agree what others have said about the terrain. Definitely wear shoes that don't slip/twist while crossing rocky river-beds. THANK YOU IZZY FOR BEING SO PASSIONATE AND PROFESSIONAL! ALOHA! read more

K C.

16 years ago

We had a great experience with this company! Our guide, Harley, was amazing and very informative on our kayak trip up the Wailua river to Secret Falls. Instead of just taking us on the normal hiking route that every other tour company was doing, he took us off the beaten path through some Hawaiian ruins. He even swam with my husband and I under the falls. No other guide even got near the water! Lunch was pretty good too (homemade wraps, chips, cookies, and Harley even brought fresh limeade he had made that morning!). ' Totally worth the $$ for novice kayakers. read more

Jessica B.

15 years ago

Rented two kayaks for the day. $29 each great deal. Took them up and down theHanalei River and into the Bay. The staff was friendly and helpful. Since we had the kayaks for 24 hours we were allowed to take them out to other rivers if we wanted, and the staff at the dock let us come in late and left a couple of kayaks out for us after they closed in case we wanted them for a moonlight kayak. The river was a beautiful trip. Not too difficult, but do it in the morning before it gets too hot. Not a lot of shade on the river. Will certainly use them again. read more

Mary K.

11 years ago

Web and the Kayak Kauai crew really stepped up to the plate on our Na Pali Coast Kayak trip! It was a spectacular day, with lots of rigorous rowing and a majorly rewarding payout. The trip was difficult and a once in a lifetime opportunity that we will not soon forget. Be prepared to learn lots about Kauai, the coastline, culture and if you're lucky, you might even get some local jokes to take with you when you leave! Cannot wait to take another trip with Kayak Kauai and see what adventures they have in store :) read more

Terry P.

10 years ago

I recently did the 2 day trip from Ke'e beach to Polihale staying one night in Kalalau. The trip was awesome!! Our instructor was very professional, ensuring everyone was comfortable in managing their kayaks on the open sea throughout the trip. It did get rough at times however I had complete confidence in our guide (Amos). Day 2 was unguided, which went smoothly by simply following instructions from Kayak Kauai. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough, and the views are incredible !!! read more

Tereaa W.

7 years ago

My husband and I did this kayak tour with Tyler and had the time of our lives. The kayaking was just perfect, the views beautiful and serene. The hiking was a bit challenging through the mud, but we were prepared and it was well worth it in the end. Lunch was provided and we were able to swim in the falls and relax for just about an hour.. If you were the proper footwear and clothes, this is the perfect combo of hike and kayak. Mahalo Tyler!! read more

Charlene K.

4 years ago

We went on a guided kayak and hike tour to a gorgeous waterfall through Kayak Kauai! Our guide was Alealani, who was absolutely amazing! She was so informative and my kids loved her! She taught us so much about the island along the way! And she had the best sense of humour which we loved! She made our adventure a memorable one! Definitely recommend this tour!!! And Alealani as a tour guide! The best day ever!!! Mahalo The Kondra 5 plus Bonnie read more

Todd S.

9 years ago

Beautiful Kauai as shown by Kayak Kauai was simply perfect. From launch of our paddling, to hiking, lunch at the picturesque waterfall and back, it was fun and a great family outing. Mike was a professional, informative, entertaining, very personable and engaging guide. This first time kayaker had a blast! Even a simple lunch sandwich was made more pleasant by Mike and all those at Kayak Kauai. My family will highly recommend their services. read more

Dave M.

9 years ago

We had a great experience with the Na Pali paddle on May 20, 2017. The guides were very knowledgeable & helpful. They put an emphasis on safety but kept it entertaining as well. We can enthusiastically recommend them. Brian & Steve were our guides. Great people who respect the environment while having fun in it. If you're looking to do this trip - and it's a big one - our experience with Kayak Kauai was exceptional. read more

Brian B.

8 years ago

We did a family outing of 7 and absolutely loved it, very long, a bit too long for a 5 year old but we all had a great time. We had Dustin as our guide and he was outstanding, great knowledge about everything Hawaii, spent a ton of time explaining it and helped out with our 5 year old. I would highly recommend Kayak Kauai and make sure you ask to have Dustin as your guide. read more

Laura C.

4 years ago

We did the Polihale to Miloli'i tour. It was AMAZING. I have done many guided kayak tours and this was, by far, the best one. Our guide Mike added knowledge of local culture and history, was clever, witty and personable. He has a love for kayaking, the islands, where he offers respect and caring for people and the environment. We highly recommend Mike as your guide. read more

Thad C.

5 years ago

One of the best decisions we made in Kauai. Excellent equipment, friendly staff (Layna is honestly a gem, doing 5 peoples jobs during COVID-19), and a fantastic river/waterfall to enjoy for 4-6 hours. Cannot recommend this enough. Share some love their way, as 3/5 kayak companies in Kauai have gone out of business during these tough times. read more

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