What a magnificent journey and place! Nicknamed Secret Falls...I don't think it's much of a secret anymore. However, our afternoon tour kicked back and took our time and we ended up being the only group at the waterfall when we got there! Two mile kayak trip down the river, then about a mile hike to the falls. The hike isn't too bad. Some places you're crossing in knee-high water (it changes depending on conditions), mud, some bouldering, and some slick spots. The wooden planks for most of the trail are nice and make it way easier. My daughter and I both hiked in our water shoes and it wasn't too bad. The waterfall is secluded and gorgeous! The water is cold but so refreshing after that journey to get to it! Great spot to hang out, relax, have a snack, swim and just enjoy! Rest up for the mile hike and two mile kayak journey back home! read more

Uluwehi Falls - Hiking Near Me - Wailua, Hawaii

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This is great. Took the Paddleboard on a trip down the river to see the falls. It's a bit of a walk from the area that you "park" your kayak or paddleboards, but it is also an easy well prepared hike. It was great for 2 kids that were 8 and 10 years old. The waterfall was nice, and you can def go swimming in it. Be prepared that the water in cold. We did the hike with water shoes, that wasn't ideal. I think I would have probably just worn sandals for the walk. You do need to cross through a couple small rivers, but it was nothing crazy. Glad we did this little excursion in Kauai on Father's day. It was great exercise, and being outside in paradise. It makes it even more special that you need some sort of water vessel to get there, or I guess you an take a helicopter. Good times! read more

Uluwehi Falls - Hiking Near Me - Wailua, Hawaii

I went with the wrong tour group to get to these falls. Also known as the The Secret Falls! It's not a secret anymore though. I don't recommend coming here without a tour group because weather condition can change drastically. And I don't recommend the tour group that toured us- Ancient River Kayak Tour- just look for another one... There are river beds to cross and there are times when it is just not safe to go to this waterfall due to the current. Read in 2016, a woman died due to the current of the river. https://www.chron.com/national/article/Calif-woman-killed-on-Kauai-kayak-tour-10768631.php We were also encouraged to swim in the pool! We did! I took my kids in! Little did I know that... That was a bad idea! It's not just water coming down... Branches and debris too! The waterfall was flowing well because it just rain the day before. I highly recommend older kids to go on this hike. I highly recommend life jackets crossing the river. Mother nature must be respected. Beautiful waterfall that does take a bit of an adventure to get to! Wear good watershoes that have good grip! read more

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To get to the falls (aka Secret Falls), I rented two double kayaks from Ka Wai Adventures and I had an inflatable double kayak that came with my rental car. While the two rental kayaks worked out well, the inflatable had no keel causing the kayak to zig zag and went wherever the wind blew. After paddling what seemed like the longest two miles ever, we parked our kayaks where everyone else parked which was challenging because there were lots of groups there. Having the tour groups helped us to know where the trail to the falls began and where to safely cross the river. After the one mile hike, which was somewhat challenging as there were river crossings and there was a portion where you have to climb up a short path and pull yourself up, the falls appear and it's magical. Before eating my brown bag lunch, I immediately went into the water for photo opps and fun. During the time at the falls, there was a guy who, at set intervals, would blow a conch shell and utter Hawaiian chants in the amphitheater-like environment. Because my party went on our own and not on a tour, we were able to be on our own time and take our time enjoying the falls. read more

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Extremely cool hike. It was muddy but fun to slide around. The waterfall was amazing. It's 120 feet tall. I highly recommend it. You don't need a guide, just rent a kayak. read more

Uluwehi Falls - Waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Wailua, Hawaii

Almost didn't do this because the (cheaper) kayak rental company was out of kayaks, was looking for bike rental when I came across Holoholo bike rentals, which has the cheapest kayak rental I've come across - $75 double kayak for the day, +$5 if you want delivery and pickup at Wailua River (they don't deliver on Sundays though), includes vests and dry bag. Took about 1 hour 10 minutes kayaking each way, hike took a little less than 1 hour. Kayaking was smooth, slow water although it rained on us for a few minutes on the way there when we were almost there. Hike was extremely muddy, would recommend water shoes, flip flops, or bringing a towel if you're going to wear hiking shoes and taking them off for the 5 water crossings - the first 2 water crossings are close together so you can walk barefoot between them if needed, and the last 3 are close together to do the same. Hike is flat the whole way, appreciated the boardwalk areas which made walking a lot easier. Beautiful waterfall, somewhat crowded as many people are there. Worth the kayak and hike, would recommend! read more

If I were a local, I'm pretty sure I'd find some reason to be kinda "meh" about this natural wonder. Tends to happen when you live in the vicinity of, you know, astonishing monuments that draw humans in droves, near and far. Sure, these falls suddenly just appear out of nowhere, water crashing from skyscraping heights, just enough volume to pound your chest cavity with zen, gentle enough to allow a swim behind the watery curtain, to take in this little pool of heaven. Local take: Yeah, but it's crowded. And so many friggin' chickens. And the water is pretty cold. C'mon nature, warm up the water, already. We joined a kayak tour to discover this place, which was somewhat informative and worthwhile, but if I knew a local who'd been there, I'd just rent a kayak and trek it myself. Like most adventures on the wetter areas of this island, wear shoes that can handle a mud slide or go the local route, barefoot. The paddle over is moderate, as is the hike, and you probably won't stay at these falls for long, but you'll never forget them. Bring lunch -- fresh pineapple was perfect -- watch out for those scheming cluckers, and get in that water. read more

A fun journey to get to a pretty (albeit crowded and definitely not-secret) waterfall. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Kauai: some canoeing, some non-trivial hiking, water crossing, and finally a swimming hole at the bottom of a gorgeous waterfall? Yes please! Not surprisingly, there are tons of tours (both guided and self-guided) that go here, so if you're looking for a secluded private romantic spot, look elsewhere (maybe find your way to the base of Opaeka falls). Anyhoo, this spot is not accessible by car. First things first, bring water-friendly footwear. Your feet will get totally submerged at least once and these are spots with rocks, so barefooting it could be painful. The falls is a good spot for lunch too (nature *and* people watching!), so pick up some food in Kapaa or Wailua and pack it with you. Next, you'll need to rent a kayak or a canoe (either from Wailua or you can cheat like us and drive up to Kamokila village and rent from there). Then paddle a bit to the 'dock', drag up your boat, and find a walking stick. The walking stick's optional, but parts of the trail are rocky and/or slippery and/or under the water and having a stick is super duper helpful. Start off on the path, hike a bit, cross a river (there's a rope for guidance), hike some more, cross two streams, and, about 45 min later, you'll be at the falls. There's a huge pile of large rocks at the base of the falls where crowds of people will be hanging out. Pick your rock, dump your stuff, and head for the water. If you're lucky, the air will be warm, and going for a swim won't be too painful. We spent some time people watching. Someone up above was playing the ukulele, someone else brought their dog who hilariously chased the chickens around, and some people were taking sexy standing-in-my-bikini-under-the-waterfall pics. Good times. Dropping a star because it was kind of cold when we went and, really, there were a *ton* of people. But def 4 stars, would do again. :) read more

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Fam and I had the best time visiting these falls. Can even walk behind them. If you visit, please help keep it clean. @condokauai highly recommends. read more