The package includes all gear, including waterproof dry bags for your cameras and a cooler for your snacks and beverages. 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. 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. Inspiring paddlesports participation through quality coverage of the people, places, adventures, boats and gear, trends and events that make paddling something you'll do for the rest of your life. After the small falls, youll head up the path to Sacred Falls. Again, many outfitters will be happy to provide you with a map if youre renting one of their kayaks. Local tip: Maika says this is the best place for coffee on the island. Read on and youll see why. GUIDED TOURS MON - FRI 7:45AM & 12:45PM. Car Rentals for Persons with Disabilities. In fact, our first instinct was to go on a tour of Wailua and Sacred Falls.
The trail to Secret Falls from the bank where you leave your kayak is very well-marked as well. Yet its here that you will find the Fern Grotto a romantic lava rock cave thats overgrown with gorgeous greenery. After reading more about Native Hawaiians legitimate concerns about tourism, I am not sure I would return to the islands. 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. Choose to rent either a Kayak or a SUP and explore at a leisurely pace on one of Hawaii's only navigable rivers. Instead of taking the right fork in the river from the Wailua River Marina or Kamokila Hawaiian Village, veer left up the south fork and you will find the enchanting Fern Grotto a short ways upstream.
Prices are $40 per child and $60 per adult and include dry bags and even hiking sticks to use on the walk to Secret Falls.
The easy-going nature of the river makes it possible to depart from and return to the same location, though it should be noted that you may be paddling into the trade winds on your route back. wailua guided wailua 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. Please note if you choose option #1 the latest you can get on the river is around noon. Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.). On the river, be sure to stay right as the river is also used by motored craft. Choose between a morning and early afternoon launch time and soak up the history of this sacred area of Kauai on your paddle to Secret Falls. Ocean kayaking is an option too, but it is seasonal. Of course, I understand that tourism is a double-edged sword in many places of the world, and that simply by being a traveler, I am contributing. But be aware that beginning in December 2021, tour companies were no longer allowed to operate tours on the river during the weekend to allow the river time to rest and give locals time on the water. As soon as we arrived at the designated lot, Maika was there to greet us. Go guided, go it alonejust make sure you go! The package includes all gear. 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. IMPORTANT! 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. The best of both options. Whether youre a beginner hiker or a more professional one, get ready for a hiking adventure through Kauai after your kayaking. And how you can do it as well. The tour will begin with a short paddle instruction, which is helpful if you havent paddled before. 2001-2022, VELTRA Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. CAUTION: Do not walk into the water via the boat ramp, which is very jagged and slippery. Many people launch from the Wailua River Marina or Kamokila Hawaiian Village. You can find us at: We have morning and afternoon rental and guided tour packages available. Driving Directions to Wailua Marina State Park.
The second Wailua River Secret Falls Rainforest Adventure starts at 12:45 pm. Remember that the boat ramp itself can be jagged and slippery, so be careful coming back up. You can also get off your board and climb a 15-foot cliff thats safe for jumping. But more than that he talked us through every step of the paddle. Depending on the trail conditions, it will take about 30 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall. This tour is perfect for beginners, including children, and prices start at $50 perperson. He helped us load the kayaks and make sure we had all the gear we needed. (, Fern Grotto and Wailua River | Two Kauai Activities. The paddle plus hike takes about 4 hours. Sign me up for the 3TicketsPlease newsletter! Or by phone at 1-800-SNORKEL. In Hawaii, the only navigable rivers are on the garden island of Kauai, making Kauai kayaking a very popular Kauai activity. And it was really lovely to be able to experience it ourselves. | Feature photo: Zane Persaud/Unsplash. So in order to ensure that you are not on the river in the dark or that a staff person has to wait into the night for you to return.
Maika said it would look like a door. When you reach a destination that youd like to explore on foot, you will need to park your board. CAUTION: Before you jump, be sure to check that the coast is clear of shallow boulders and other jumpers. Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Please bring your lunch for the tour. After launching your boat, youll go right. From there, you will head up the river to Secret Falls, where you can enjoy a packed lunch (not provided) and swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Is there a best day of the week or time of day to go? You can also disembark from Wailua River State Park for a shorter trip as Fern Grotto is located within the park boundaries. We offer stable and sturdy sit on top ocean kayaks for rent. Prior to 1935, a huge waterfall spilled into the area until the water was diverted for agriculture. kayak at the end of your paddle.
He became, in fact, our guideless guide. Id love to visit one day! wailua navigable The path is a combination of dirt and a raised walkway. And with Kauai SUPs expert arsenal of stand-up paddleboard rentals, youll be gliding the river way in style. Theres an abundance of tropical flowers, serene streams, and lush ferns. This area can get windy in the afternoon making a return paddle more challenging. As many of our guests have said, the boat ride is half the fun with its beautiful river views. 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. But here was our situation and how Bring Me a Kayak solved it. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Option #1: Pick up and Drop off Near the River, What I Would Do With This Information Now. And totally work the effort. The trail has recently been upgraded with a boardwalk for an even easier and cleaner journey. Today it is an adventurers playground, snaking through waterfalls, a lava rock grotto and lush jungle forests. Kayak Kauai is the exclusive outfitter for Wailua River State Park. When you reach the fork in the river, choose the right tributary and continue paddling for a short five to 10 minutes. 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. Wailua Kayak Adventures is located at 1345 Ulu Street in Kapaa. kauai coast On the boat you will be entertained by Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers and learn the history of this 20 mile river lined with ancient Hawaiian temples heiau and sacred stones. This is Kauais largest navigable river, located about 15 minutes drive north of Lihue, on the East side. Our best recommendation for the 6 mile round-trip paddle, is to go early in the day. Come kayak the Wailua river with us today! Add to the mix a memorable boat ride on the Wailua River and you have one of the oldest Kauai activities on the island. 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. Prices begin at $50 per adult and $30 per child (5 to 7 years) and includes five hours of self-guided paddle time. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. Eventually, you will turn right when the river forks. Make sure to review sea kayaking safety tips before you start your adventure, and learn what you need to know about kayaking. And he was wonderful. kayak river wailua experience expedia A former lava cave, this grotto is covered inyou guessed itferns, giving it a secretive feel. And if you do opt for the tour, they will supply you with all you need to paddle and a guide. 2 miles up and 2 back. Keep in mind that the return paddle will be more difficult because you will be fighting the wind. Bring a towel and comfortable shoes for the trail. When considering equipment needed for kayaking, the first items to address are kayaking attire. This makes for a safe and easy launch.In order for us to keep prices low and equipment nice, wed like to ask you to use caution and care when handling the equipment. Our kayak rental services include all gear (dry bags, coolers, life vests, river maps), and no hauling is required.
Spend the day paddling the Wailua River at your own pace. The Parrish Collection Kauai privacy policy. wailua Though their main office is located in Kapaa, you will launch your rental kayak from the Wailua River Marina.
You can even swim in the pools or streams leading from the falls. Sign me up for your newsletter with updates and promotions! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Be prepared to lift and car top a 75 lbs. If this is your draw to Kauai, plan your vacation for the summer months, when the seas are at their calmest. They will load your kayaks to the roof of your car, and teach you how to strap and unstrap it to get it back. 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. The hiking portion to Secret Falls is about 1.5 miles round-trip. The van will be in a parking lot just past the Aloha Coffeehouse. You do need to get the details someone in the know. Unfortunately, one can not enter the dry cave anymore and there is no sufficient or easy parking for any paddlers. Your email address will not be published.
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. As I have already stated, we decided to kayak real late in the game. wailua hike kayaking waterfall jungle stream tour expedia 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. Always a reason to go back. 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.
You dont need to be in exceptionally good health to make this hike. We talked to both the State Parks Department and Smiths to see if kayaks can land at the Fern Grotto. The answer is Yes as long as you plan your arrival and departure before or after the boats. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Required fields are marked *. [ See also: Why River Trips Give Our Life Meaning ]. Go past Kuamoo Road, over the river and take the first right into the Wailua Marina. For more information, call us at +1 800 325-5701.
First time in Kauai? 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. Admission: $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Ferns are growing back again after the grotto was damaged in heavy rains during 2006 storms. Coolers, gear, and waterproof dry bags are included in the tour. A mile after Wailua Golf Course you will cross the Wailua River bridge and turn left into the park. Please note: a late fee can be enforced. Create an adventure with this self-guided tour of Wailua. (I didnt know either). wailua kauai gelston dwight Copyright 2022 Powered by Customify. For more advanced paddlers, there arent many places in the world more beautiful for sea kayaking than Napali Coast. You may wish to find one prior to leaving for your trip, as the choices will be greater. How does one contact Maika? Please note that individuals undergoing pregnancy, recent major surgeries, or a bad back or shoulder are restricted from kayaking.
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. (I agree that my personal data may be processed accordingly to The Parrish Collection Kauai privacy policy), Keiki Cove A Favorite Poipu Beach For Kids, Kiahuna Beach at Poipu | A Kauai Family Favorite, Lumahai Beach Offers Spectacular Beauty With Each Season, Tunnels Beach Offers Best Snorkeling on Kauai, Kalihiwai Beach Starts a Perfect Day on the North Shore Kauai, Anini Beach Near Princeville Resort Offers Scenic Beauty, Kukuiula Bay Offers Kauai Beach for Families and Small Boat Harbor, Poipu Beach is One of the Best Kauai Beaches, Copyright 2022 The Parrish Collection Kauai Powered by Atlas, Promo Collection Current Special Rates & Deals. One important caveat before we get to the options: you have to have a hard top vehicle to transport the kayaks. 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.
For $95 for a double kayak, you can paddle all day on the Wailua River. Here you can bask in the sunshine or jump off your board and enjoy a dip in the water. 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. Kayaks & SUP need 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. This is not your turn. Tours depart four times daily from the Wailua Marina State Park. The meet up point is at a nearby parking lot about 300 yards from the turn off to the river. So to accommodate usthank you again, Maria, they mashed up the options.
Dont deplete all your energy trying to see every site along the river. 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. Budget Tip: Book on-line 48 hours in advance and you will save 10 percent on each ticket. 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. Although the main attraction along the Wailua River is Secret Falls, there is another natural wonder nearby that is worth checking out while youre in the area. Was super safe and the tour guide was awesome!! Tour and kayak-rental reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance during peak summer and holiday seasons. Seeing Sacred Falls was my absolute favorite part of our time in Kauai. Book one activity and receive a coupon for {{string_target}} off your second activity. 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. kauai kayak alii kayaks We could definitely not use Option #1 because we were not starting our paddle until 1:30 p.m. So e both Option #1 and #2 were out for us. Seasonal Kauai weather will impact how green you find the Fern Grotto on your visit.
Its a nice change from the cities or resorts here. river wailua guided sacred kayak falls tour expedia Our guided Wailua river kayak, hike, and waterfall adventure tour is a real treat! Would definitely do it again. 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. The second option is that the Bring Me a Kayak van delivers the kayak to you. Is this $50 total or $50 per person for the tandem kayak rental? Your email address will not be published. We want to thank you for adventuring with us.
Here is how it works. guided tour kayaking wailua hiking valley river expedia Rent a Double Kayak or a Stand-Up Paddleboard with Kayak Kauai and discover the beauty of Wailua River State Park. This looks like an amazing place to visit for the day! 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. If you take option #1, you meet a staff member from Bring Me a Kayak. That sounds amazing! 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. wailua viator Tours start at $65 per person. I will continue to wrestle with all of the complexity of this understanding. Should you choose to explore the south (left) fork in the river, you will find yourself in a more quiet and peaceful environment due to the fact that none of the guided kayak tours traverse the south fork. We marveled at how long it would have taken to build this walkway since we imagined they would have to haul in the planks by hand. Beautiful.
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 trail leading to Kauais sacred waterfall is beautiful. However, you should be stable enough to cross two rivers and scramble a bit as you make your way to the falls. One of our friends already had a permit to hike Kalalau Trail Saturday morning. Looks like you had a great time. I was just there in January and did not need a permit to kayak the river. Starting that late in the afternoon meant it was too late in the afternoon when we finished the paddle for a staff member from Bring Me a Kayak to wait for us. Nou Nou. Tour guides and companies need permits to kayak, but individuals did not. Kauai kayak to waterfall tours can include paddling on the Wailua River and a hike to a remote waterfall. Remember to stay on the north side of the river. The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Watch: 11 Easy Exercises To Make You A Stronger (And Better) Kayaker, Discover Why These 21 Stunning Algonquin Lakes Made Our Shortlist, Lets Go! What is a trip to Hawaii without time on the water? These waterfalls looked incredible. wailua kapaa kauai attractions 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 you can absolutely do more paddling than just the river. If you only visit one spot, make it this one.Once you have found parking for your paddleboard, you are ready for the hike to Secret Falls, 100-foot waterfall set in a tranquil, jungle-like landscape. Heres a link to the most reasonably priced Wailua River and Secret Falls tour. There are several unique safety precautions to note on the Wailua. We picked up the boats at the lot near the river and Maika picked them up the next day at our accommodations. Enter a lovely afternoon paddle on the Wailua River with a hike to the waterfall, Uluwehi, commonly called Sacred or Secret Falls. National Geographic considers kayaking along the Napali Coast the second best experience to be had in the country, and they are right! So. Inclusions: Stand up paddle board / Paddle / Float plan consultation / Coiled leash / Life preservers (PFD) / Car racks / Bow line. We are located on the north bank of the Wailua River at the bridge and traffic light. We recommend getting an early start so youll have ample time to enjoy the Wailua and the exciting destinations along its riverbanks. This post will explain all the reasons we choose to kayak the Wailua River without a guide. wailua kauai kayaks alii Confirm with your credit card, pay at check in. We have two check-in times: 7:15 AM and 12:15 PM. kayaking wailua Alii Kayaks Secret Falls Kayak/Hike tour is also perfect for families.
If you opt to kayak Wailua River without a guide, which is totally feasible and also lessens the number of people on the river at one time, we definitely recommend Bring Me a Kayak. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family by camping, hiking, and kayaking in her free time.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You are paddling to a fork in the river, not a turn with a bridge. Once you secured the boards back onto your car, we will be waiting for you at the shop to unload and say our good byes. I want to end the post here to be honest about our struggle about our trip to Hawaii. wailua river kauai kayak tour guided adventure history kayaking As mentioned, you will likely be paddling into the wind on your return trip. With his knowledge and great description, we felt confident that we could find Sacred Falls.
For adults (age 13+), the entire package costs $115+tax, and for children (ages 5-12), it costs $95+tax. Across the river, you will see a hole in the growth. I also appreciate the information about the request of the Native Hawaiians. You will be provided with a dry bag and cooler, and will depart with your guide across the street at the Wailua River Marina. For adults (age 13+), the entire package costs $115+tax, and for children (ages 5-12), it costs $95+tax. If you have any other questions, Id love to help. If youre heading out with a tour guide, they will go over many safety tips with you. And find the falls we did. Wow! For safety reasons, we car top no more than two doubles at a time, which may require larger parties to make various trips the short distance across the Wailua River to the public launch site. wailua 45am ATV Tours & Off-Road Adventures / Zipline Adventures / Kauai Waterfall Swim Tours / Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure / Hiking Tours, Kauai Helicopter Tours / Airplane Tours / Private Helicopter Charters, Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tours / Snorkeling Cruises & Tours, Kauai Island Tours / Private Guided Tours / Movie & Film Tours / Cruise Ship Shore Excursions, Na Pali Coast Adventure Tours / Waimea Canyon Tours / Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto / Hanalei Bay / Wailua Falls / Opaekaa Falls / Poipu Beach / Spouting Horn / Hanapepe / Kalalau Lookout. Single and tandem kayak rentals are available Monday through Sunday. 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. [ Read more: Survive Anything On Your Next Paddling Trip ]. Once you secure your boat, head up the river about 100 feet. Great post! From our Princeville Rentals, take Highway 56 South through Kapaa to the Wailua River. Please be aware of the wakes these boats can produce. The entire journey is 4 miles. Learn how your comment data is processed. Although you cant technically kayak the entire river since it begins on Mount Waialeale and there is a restricted zone near Wailua Bridge (a designated swimming area past the marina where the river meets the Pacific), you can still kayak much of the river. To make for an easier, more leisurely paddle, remember that you can always kneel or sit down on your board as you paddle back toward the rivermouth. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Paddle up the calm Wailua River and enjoy Kauai's natural life. wailua sacred kayak wailua guided falls river tour expedia And it all happened with Maikas step by step instructions. Check-out at Kayak Kauai at Wailua Marina. Adventure seekers can opt out of the tour for a self guided Kauai kayaking paddle up the only navigable river in Hawaii. 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. On your return journey, you will be paddling against the wind. river wailua kayak experience expedia From the Wailua River Marina, the paddle to Fern Grotto takes about four hours round-trip. If you are using GPS, the park address is 3-5971 Kuhio Highway in Kapaa. 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. Park your boat here. There is a paved walkway that will bring you to the grotto in less than two minutes. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period. The falls are about a 15-minute paddle upriver from the Village, while theyre a two-mile paddle from the marina. The journey looks so magical and Sacred Falls looks like a beautiful spot, well worth the journey. Upon returning to the boat ramp, we ask that you please clean your board by using the river water and your hands to remove any mud or debris that might have affixed itself to your board over the course of your adventure.
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.
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