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Outdoors

Wailua River Paddle

Paddle upstream on the Wailua River on Kauai's east side, the only river in Hawaii navigable by boats bigger than kayaks, through Wailua River State Park to the designated landing and trailhead for Uluwehi (Secret) Falls. The park also protects the Wailua Complex of Heiau, a National Historic Landmark.

For The Reps · Updated

canoe trip scenery for Wailua River Paddle near Hawaii
Photo: 2021-10-08 09 26 18 View east-southeast down the Wailua River from Hawaii State Route 580 (Kuamoo Road) near 'Opaeka'a Falls in Wailuā Homesteads, Kauai, Hawaii by Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Hawaii, USA

Check before you go: The river and the landing reopened on 21 September 2026 after the storms, but the trail from the landing to Uluwehi Falls was still closed a week later. (as of September 30, 2026)

The route

Wailua River kayak trip to the Uluwehi (Secret) Falls landing, Kauai.

Launch in Wailua River State Park near the Wailua Marina. Most visitors rent a kayak or join a tour; rental kayaks must be run under a state Rental Vessel Special Use Permit, with a decal on every boat.

When to go

The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:45 pm. After Hurricanes Nolo and Lowell, the river and the landing reopened on 21 September 2026, but the trail beyond the landing to Uluwehi Falls was still closed on 28 September 2026.

Permits and fees

Since February 2026 non-residents pay $5 entry per person and $10 per vehicle for parking (card only); Hawaii residents with ID and children aged 3 and under are free. Kayak rental companies need a state permit.

Before you go

  • Check the Hawaii State Parks notices page before you go for the latest on the falls trail.
  • Individual kayakers may not land at Fern Grotto (September 2026 notice); it is reached by the riverboat cruise.
  • Pets, camping and smoking are not allowed in the park.

What to bring

  • A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys
  • Water and snacks
  • Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
  • A warm layer, even on a hot day

Getting ready for it

Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.

A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.

Staying safe

  • Watch for motorboats: tour boats run to Fern Grotto, and motorboats and water-skiing are allowed on the river.
  • The park lists flash floods, submerged objects, falling rocks and hazardous cliffs as hazards.
  • Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against dlnr.hawaii.gov, dlnr.hawaii.gov, en.wikipedia.org and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.