Rivers & falls
Kauai Waterfall & River Tours
Kauai is the wettest of the main Hawaiian islands, and its east side is laced with rivers and waterfalls. The Wailua — Hawaii's only navigable river — is the heart of it: paddle or cruise upstream to the lush Fern Grotto, then hike a jungle trail to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls for a swim beneath the cascade.
- Only navigable river
- Wailua
- Wailua Falls drop
- ~80 ft
- Or drive-up
- Kayak/boat
- Rivers & falls
- East side
Rivers & falls
Waterfalls & Rivers on Kauai
Kauai is the wettest of the main Hawaiian islands, and its east side is laced with rivers and waterfalls. The Wailua — Hawaii's only navigable river — is the heart of it: paddle or cruise upstream to the lush Fern Grotto, then hike a jungle trail to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls for a swim beneath the cascade.
Some falls are pure drive-up — Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls sit steps from the road on the way north — while others reward a kayak, boat, or short hike. Guided river and kayak tours below are real, bookable Viator experiences with live pricing and reviews; for the roadside falls, a rental car is all you need.
Book with confidence
Book a Kauai waterfall or river tour
Live, bookable kayak and river tours from our partner Viator. Prefer to drive to the roadside falls? See the self-guided routes below.
Live, bookable kayak and river tours from our partner Viator. Prefer to drive to the roadside falls? See the self-guided routes below. Browse the highlights below, then book directly on Viator when live listings load.
Kayak to a hidden falls
Paddle the Wailua River, then hike a jungle trail to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls for a swim.
Fern Grotto cruise
A relaxed riverboat ride to a lava-rock grotto draped in hanging ferns — great for all ages.
Roadside waterfalls
Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are drive-up stops — no hike required, just your rental car.
Tours are provided by Viator. Prices and reviews are set by the operators — we never fabricate them.
What to know
Why book a waterfalls & rivers tour
Kayak to a hidden falls
Paddle the Wailua River, then hike a jungle trail to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls for a swim.
Fern Grotto cruise
A relaxed riverboat ride to a lava-rock grotto draped in hanging ferns — great for all ages.
Roadside waterfalls
Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are drive-up stops — no hike required, just your rental car.
Keep exploring
More Kauai tours & activities
Every theme has its own guide, with real bookable tours and honest local tips.
Rivers & falls
Waterfalls & Rivers — Questions, Answered
The classic is a Wailua River trip: kayak or take a riverboat upstream, then hike about 20-30 minutes to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls. For an easy, family-friendly option, a Fern Grotto riverboat cruise is hard to beat.
Book your Kauai adventure — car and tours in one place
Reserve an affordable rental car, then book the island experiences that make your trip unforgettable.