She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family by camping, hiking, and kayaking in her free time. The great thing about Option #2 is that you have the boat for 24 hours. Ferns are growing back again after the grotto was damaged in heavy rains during 2006 storms. Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity. Is this $50 total or $50 per person for the tandem kayak rental? When navigating downstream, its important that you stay as close to the north river bank as practicable (the same side as the boat ramp), to give as much room as possible to any passing motor boat. You can paddle, swim, and hike to your hearts content. Guests with heart and cardiovascular issues are not permitted to participate in this activity. Kauai kayaking is one of those activities that will build memories of your trip that are not accessible anywhere else. Once you seal your dry bag shut and attach the leash to the board and your ankle, its time to get on the water. So e both Option #1 and #2 were out for us. You can also disembark from Wailua River State Park for a shorter trip as Fern Grotto is located within the park boundaries. Relax and take in the stunning scenery as you paddle down the Wailua River. Because the one thing we do understand in travels is that you should support the amazing local business owners and guides who help you experience such wonder. How does one contact Maika? On the South Shore, you could try the Poipu to Port Allen path with a stop in beautiful Lawai Bay. Maika said it would look like a door. Tour Times: 9:30am, 11:00am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. The best of both options. You do remember another name for the falls is Secret Falls. And while they are not so difficult to find. If you are using GPS, the park address is 3-5971 Kuhio Highway in Kapaa. Note Kayaks & SUPnNeed to be Car topped, the short distance from the convenience of our Wailua River Marina location; across the Wailua bridge to the launch area at Kaumualii State Park. Park your boat here. If youre a little more adventurous and plan on doing some ocean kayaking, then in addition to the above, think about bringing some motion sickness medication as the ocean can be pretty choppy. Some of the links in this blog may be affiliate links. That sounds amazing! This tour is perfect for beginners, including children, and prices start at $50 perperson. Other river routes include the Huleia River from Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, and the Hanalei River on the North Shore, which is the longest on the island. At 20 miles long, the Wailua River is Kauais largest and longest, beginning on Mount Waialeale and emptying into the Pacific Ocean on the islands east side. Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. Thats one of the upsides of adventuring on a stand up paddle board! It wasnt until we got home and did more research about the river and its history that we learned what we know to be true. Your email address will not be published. Tour guides and companies need permits to kayak, but individuals did not. Id love to visit one day! Today it is an adventurers playground, snaking through waterfalls, a lava rock grotto and lush jungle forests. Even if you dont arrive during a time of day thats busy for guided tours, when you will see plenty of kayaks and know where to park, the clearing is very obvious on your right-hand side. But here was our situation and how Bring Me a Kayak solved it. You will come across the beautiful Kauai vistas of Mt. You can message me on Instagram at @3.tickets.please. How long does it take to kayak the Wailua River? Hawaii Activities is a registered trademark of VELTRA, Inc. [EN_50108_194580, EN_50108_184333, EN_50108_184353], Wailua River Kayak & SUP Rentals (Self-Guided), 2022 Hawaii Summer Vacation - Fun Things to Do in Kauai. I know this sounds entirely naive and absolutely privileged, but before we went, we were not aware of the Native Hawaiians request for the reduction of travel to the islands. Most outfitters are more than happy to provide you with a waterproof map of the river to keep you on course. If I was going to use a tour, I would continue to use either Airbnb Experience or Viator, and both have paddle tours of Wailua River and Sacred Falls. Guests can check-in directly at the Wailua River at the below location: With our 5-hour kayak rental, you will be kayaking 2 miles up the Wailua River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In a nutshell, you can easily spend a half or full day on the river exploring the spectacular sights mentioned above in the accessible areas. At the falls there was only one other family, which I understand is never the case. Because the company does not offer a guided tour and therefore, doesnt have a permit to tour the river, they can not bring your boats directly to the river. You have entered an incorrect email address! You do need to get the details someone in the know. We picked up the boats at the lot near the river and Maika picked them up the next day at our accommodations. They will load your kayaks to the roof of your car, and teach you how to strap and unstrap it to get it back. Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period. Would definitely do it again. Dont be us. Wailua Kayak & Canoe offers guided kayak tours and rentals in Kapaa, HI. They (or in our case, the wonderful Maika) will make sure you have all the gear you need: two-person kayak, paddle, and wet bag. If you have any other questions, Id love to help. One important caveat before we get to the options: you have to have a hard top vehicle to transport the kayaks. You may wish to find one prior to leaving for your trip, as the choices will be greater. The second Wailua River Secret Falls Rainforest Adventure starts at 12:45 pm. Keep in mind that the return paddle will be more difficult because you will be fighting the wind. Several put-in and take-out locations are available. Unfortunately, one can not enter the dry cave anymore and there is no sufficient or easy parking for any paddlers. You can launch from our convenient location, steps away from the Wailua River State Park Launch. 10 Paddling Trips Of A Lifetime, Feel The Rush At High Falls, Algonquins Best Water Slide, 12 Best Places To Paddle In The Ottawa Valley. Pinning so I remember to visit during my next trip. For adults (age 13+), the entire package costs $115+tax, and for children (ages 5-12), it costs $95+tax. I also appreciate the information about the request of the Native Hawaiians. Copyright 2022 Powered by Customify. That means the time to avoid landing is approximately between 9:55am-10:30am, 11:25am to Noon, 2:25pm to 3:00pm and 3:55pm to 4:30pm. RENTALS MON-FRI 7:15AM & 12:15PM ~ TOURS MON-FRI 7:45AM & 12:45PM - CLOSED SAT/SUN. Tours depart four times daily from the Wailua Marina State Park. Adventure seekers can opt out of the tour for a self guided Kauai kayaking paddle up the only navigable river in Hawaii. A mile after Wailua Golf Course you will cross the Wailua River bridge and turn left into the park. Eventually, you will turn right when the river forks. Sign me up for the 3TicketsPlease newsletter! Once you are down with the days paddle, you schedule a time with the staff member and meet them back at the lot. With its calm waters and fairly straightforward route, the Wailua River is a great place for beginner and novice kayakers to explore on their own. If you are a first time paddler or feel less confident navigating the hike to the waterfall, there are several companies that provide 5-hour tours. So this is our Mahola to Maika and Bring Me A Kayak. I will show you in pictures exactly how to get to Sacred Falls But let me first let me tell you the real reason why we could kayak the Wailua River without a guide : Maika. Inclusions: Stand up paddle board / Paddle / Float plan consultation / Coiled leash / Life preservers (PFD) / Car racks / Bow line. CAUTION: Do not walk into the water via the boat ramp, which is very jagged and slippery. Theres an abundance of tropical flowers, serene streams, and lush ferns. Our guided Wailua river kayak, hike, and waterfall adventure tour is a real treat! In January of 2022, the cost to rent a two-person kayak was $50 per kayak. Prior to 1935, a huge waterfall spilled into the area until the water was diverted for agriculture. Here are some top-rated ones to check out. Consider a helmet (especially if youre ocean kayaking), a spare paddle, and a whistle or signaling device of some sort. You can only add up to 10 items in the list. Come kayak the Wailua river with us today! Is there a best day of the week or time of day to go? For example, do not push off the ramp with the paddles, do not drag your boards on hard surfaces, only put your boards down onto the water or grass, not gravel or concrete do not put boards with fins down, etc. Your email address will not be published. Dry bags & Sof Pac Coolers are available to be rented at additional charge. And #2 costs exactly the same as Option #1, $50 per two-person kayak. You dont need to be in exceptionally good health to make this hike. While it is no longer possible to walk inside the 35 foot deep cave, you can see the beauty of the Fern Grotto from a platform nearby. When you reach the falls, take time to enjoy a swim and a streamside picnic but be sure to conserve some time and energy for other adventures along the river and the return paddle back to the marina on time. Waialeale, which is the wettest spot on Kauai and the wettest spot on Earth. Phone (808) 822-5795 for details. Create an adventure with this self-guided tour of Wailua. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra charge to you. And when all the tours had shown up as full online, we assumed it was just that, full. In truth, even as we booked our do-it-yourself rental, we had not realized we had to do it ourselves because there were, in fact, no tours on Wailua on Saturday or Sunday. It became the center of activity for early Hawaiians and is known as one of Hawaiis two most sacred places. I have really started to embrace slow travel too. Some companies offer a five-hour guided tour to kayak Wailua River, Kauai, which is an incredible adventure for the entire family. 2001-2022, VELTRA Inc. All Rights Reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. | Feature photo: Zane Persaud/Unsplash. The guide will stay with you throughout the tour and the hike. The meet up point is at a nearby parking lot about 300 yards from the turn off to the river. The trail has recently been upgraded with a boardwalk for an even easier and cleaner journey. He became, in fact, our guideless guide. In general, tours and rentals are available year-round, Monday through Saturday. The south fork (on the left) will take you to the Fern Grotto and The Swimming Hole. From our Princeville Rentals, take Highway 56 South through Kapaa to the Wailua River. Driving Directions to Wailua Marina State Park. So if you hoping to spend a Saturday on the water or want to paddle Wailua river without a guide due to budget, which is 100% us, this post is all you need to make it happen. Wailua River Paddling is a perfect alternative for those who prefer to avoid the hiking challenge of the Sacred Falls tour, and have younger children or perhaps a more senior individual who would love a water adventure. Depending on the trail conditions, it will take about 30 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall. Great question. Enter a lovely afternoon paddle on the Wailua River with a hike to the waterfall, Uluwehi, commonly called Sacred or Secret Falls. We want to thank you for adventuring with us. It will be the most difficult leg of your adventure, so be sure to conserve enough energy for an enjoyable glide back to the boat ramp. Moreover, there are boat tours that frequent this spot. You are paddling to a fork in the river, not a turn with a bridge. The package includes all gear, including waterproof dry bags for your cameras and a cooler for your snacks and beverages. As many of our guests have said, the boat ride is half the fun with its beautiful river views. The Parrish Collection Kauai privacy policy. For these reasons we dont encourage people to go to there. Before heading out, your CPR and First Aid certified guide will provide a crash course on paddling techniques and water safety. You can reach Maika through Bring Me a Kayaks website. Whether youre a beginner hiker or a more professional one, get ready for a hiking adventure through Kauai after your kayaking. Your email address will not be published. Journey Through The Jungle: Guide To Kayaking Hawaiis Wailua River, Kayaking the Wailua River without a guide. With the lush tropical rainforests and beautiful waterfalls of the Garden Island waiting to be explored, it is not hard to see the draw of a Wailua River kayak trip. kayak at the end of your paddle. Kauai kayak to waterfall tours can include paddling on the Wailua River and a hike to a remote waterfall. While most people opt for a boat tour in Kauai to whale watch or see the rugged Napali coast, we really wanted to use our time in Kauai to slow down. Instead, we recommend that you walk down to the waters edge and enter the river from the spit of sand to the west (right) of the ramp. Here is how it works. Coolers, gear, and waterproof dry bags are included in the tour. Many people launch from the Wailua River Marina or Kamokila Hawaiian Village. To further help you, should you choose to kayak the Wailua River without a guide, we have coupled pictures from our journey to Maikas step-by-step instructions. Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.). For adults (age 13+), the entire package costs $115+tax, and for children (ages 5-12), it costs $95+tax. Looks like you had a great time. Or by phone at 1-800-SNORKEL. And if you do opt for the tour, they will supply you with all you need to paddle and a guide. Copyright 2021, Wailua Kayak & Canoe. The path is a combination of dirt and a raised walkway. Children 6 years old and above can participate in this activity. Choose to rent either a Kayak or a SUP and explore at a leisurely pace on one of Hawaii's only navigable rivers. Budget Tip: Book on-line 48 hours in advance and you will save 10 percent on each ticket. IMPORTANT! Was super safe and the tour guide was awesome!! Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. Our best recommendation for the 6 mile round-trip paddle, is to go early in the day. Go guided, go it alonejust make sure you go! If the water is not high enough, you will not be able to reach it by boat as it becomes too rocky to navigate. The van will be in a parking lot just past the Aloha Coffeehouse. And it was really lovely to be able to experience it ourselves. On your return journey, you will be paddling against the wind. Actually, I dont think Option #3 is a real option. We recommend getting an early start so youll have ample time to enjoy the Wailua and the exciting destinations along its riverbanks. Once take the right fork of the river, you have about 20 minutes to the bend in the river where you will park your boat and start the hike to Sacred Falls. If these instructions are helpful, be sure to thank Maika by renting your kayak from Bring Me A Paddle. Wailua Kayak & Canoe offers single, tandem and even tri-kayaks for rent. Required fields are marked *. Most paddlers only venture a few miles out to the main attractions of Secret Falls and Fern Grotto. This is not your turn. If I opted to kayak or paddle board the Wailua River and I would definitely consider doing it again, I actually wouldnt go on a Saturday or Sunday. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc. As soon as we arrived at the designated lot, Maika was there to greet us. After paddling for about 10 minutes, youll see a bridge on the right. Spend lunch by the waters of the Secret Falls. We are located on the north bank of the Wailua River at the bridge and traffic light. Option #1: Pick up and Drop off Near the River, What I Would Do With This Information Now. Seasonal Kauai weather will impact how green you find the Fern Grotto on your visit. Alicia lives with her husband and 3 young daughters in rural Indiana. Bring a towel and comfortable shoes for the trail. When conditions are right, when its calm, kayaking along the 17-mile Napali Coast is an adventure you will never forget. Once you park, feel free to use the public restroom before heading to your destination. These are the small falls before you reach Sacred Falls. But more than that he talked us through every step of the paddle. If you find yourself uncertain as your traverse the trail, simply follow one of the many kayak tour groups coming and going to the falls. Even then as we were there and attempting to book a tour to paddle the Wailua, we didnt realize that the reason no tours were available was because they were not allowed to operate tours on the water on the weekends to let the river rest. Advocates of the changes are also hoping that not allowing tours on the weekends will encourage more slow tourism as weekend tours tend to be those who island hop to Kauai over the weekend. The entire journey is 4 miles. Tours start at $65 per person. Prices begin at $50 per adult and $30 per child (5 to 7 years) and includes five hours of self-guided paddle time. And totally work the effort. The Fern Grotto has been the site of 19,000 Kauai weddings and a performance of the Hawaiian Wedding Song remains a highlight on the guided tour. what an absolutely spectacular adventure! This activity is not wheelchair accessible. Nestled back in a cove surrounded by lush jungle, this attraction is easy to spot on your left-hand side. Maika will help you load the boats on your car, and direct you a few blocks to the River. As you can imagine, being the only navigable river out of all the Hawaiian islands means there are plenty of businesses that operate kayak tours along the Wailua. You can either rent a Kauai river kayak on your own to explore the river, or book a tour with one of the local companies. Now that I know that the purpose of not allowing tours on the weekends is to let the river rest and give locals time to enjoy their land without tourists, I would experience the river during the week. We came to a similar conclusion about Venice after spending a day paddling Venice with a local Venetian who explained the complexity of tourism on locals lives. National Geographic considers kayaking along the Napali Coast the second best experience to be had in the country, and they are right! I will continue to wrestle with all of the complexity of this understanding. Book one activity and receive a coupon for {{string_target}} off your second activity. So. When you reach the fork in the river, choose the right tributary and continue paddling for a short five to 10 minutes. A former lava cave, this grotto is covered inyou guessed itferns, giving it a secretive feel. For more advanced paddlers, there arent many places in the world more beautiful for sea kayaking than Napali Coast. Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked. It was because of Maika, the wonderful driver of the Bring Me a Kayak van that our adventure to the falls was a success. Daily Kayak Rental Fees: $25 for a single and doubles are $50. This river is very popular for kayaking and meanders through rich jungle landscapes. Read on and youll see why. Kayak Wailua offers numerous launch times Monday through Saturday, so you can depart almost any time you like, so long as its 1:00pm or earlier. Your email address will not be published. I would also still support local tours and businesses. This post will explain all the reasons we choose to kayak the Wailua River without a guide. The hike is about a mile and takes around 45 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We offer stable and sturdy sit on top ocean kayaks for rent. Turn at Aloha Coffeehouse to meet the Bring Me a Kayak van. Once you reach your destination, Wailua Kayak Adventures provides organic snacks at the falls to replenish your energy before taking a dip in the waterfall pool. However, if I did go to Kauai again, I would continue to travel slow: not island jumping but concentrating my time and my travel dollars on one island. However, you should be stable enough to cross two rivers and scramble a bit as you make your way to the falls. Always a reason to go back. And how you can do it as well. These bags seal tight and will keep the necessities nice and dry. He helped us load the kayaks and make sure we had all the gear we needed. If time constraints arent your thing, check out some of these highly recommended kayak rentals in the area. The answer is Yes as long as you plan your arrival and departure before or after the boats. Remember that the boat ramp itself can be jagged and slippery, so be careful coming back up. Option #2 begins with you deciding on an agreed upon time to meet at your accommodations where they load your kayaks to your roof and again teach you how to secure them yourself. These waterfalls looked incredible. Pick-up the gear between 08:30.to 11:30 and return it before 17:00. Some say that when night falls, you can still hear primitive drums thunder in concert with the nearby surf. Heres a link to the most reasonably priced Wailua River and Secret Falls tour. So to accommodate usthank you again, Maria, they mashed up the options. Ancient Hawaiians came to this grotto to offer crops to Lono, one of the four Gods in Hawaiian mythology. After the fork in the river, paddle until you reach this beach. So much fun even if you arent a physical person. Call (808) 821-6895 for details. Dont deplete all your energy trying to see every site along the river. Home Hawaii Travel Tips Kauai Kayaking. Have you been to the Fern Grotto? Beautiful. For $95 for a double kayak, you can paddle all day on the Wailua River. Sign me up for your newsletter with updates and promotions! At Kauai SUP, we consider The Secret Falls or Uluwehi Falls the crown jewel of the river. Required fields are marked *, Sign me up for your newsletter with updates and promotions! If you plan to hike to Secret Falls, you may also want to bring hiking shoes in tow. The hiking portion to Secret Falls is about 1.5 miles round-trip. We highly appreciate it! Want to explore the Wailua River on your own? The package includes all gear. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. And with Kauai SUPs expert arsenal of stand-up paddleboard rentals, youll be gliding the river way in style. You will be provided with a dry bag and cooler, and will depart with your guide across the street at the Wailua River Marina. CAUTION: Before you jump, be sure to check that the coast is clear of shallow boulders and other jumpers. The southern edge and middle of the river are reserved for powerboats and barges, so paddlers are strongly cautioned to paddle no farther than 25 feet away from the north bank, both coming and going. The north fork (on the right) will take you to the trail head to the most popular adventure -Secret Falls. I was just there in January and did not need a permit to kayak the river.
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