We provide marketing services and act solely as an intermediary between Property Managers and Travelers. After launching your boat, youll go right. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. When you reach the fork in the river, choose the right tributary and continue paddling for a short five to 10 minutes. People are flipping this lululemon bag for twice its Costco is selling a 2-person tent that fits on top of your car, People are flipping this lululemon bag for twice its price online.
The mountain known as the "Sleeping Giant" has several great hiking trails that are maintained by the State. There was no discussion. 56). Turn left onto small connector road before the Wailua bridge and go to stop sign. Alicia lives with her husband and 3 young daughters in rural Indiana. Whether youre a beginner hiker or a more professional one, get ready for a hiking adventure through Kauai after your kayaking. Here is there weblink: http://www.kayakkauai.com/Directions:Wailua River Marina is off of HI-route 56 the Kuhio Highway at the town of Wailua.From the north: following HI-route 56 south, cross the Wailua bridge and make your first right and follow the road in looking for the signs for "Kayak Kauai". 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. During our hour stay at the falls we saw many a family and group come and go. At the parking lot for the river, there is a clear boat launch. Tour times are 7:45 AM & 8:45 AM, Rainbow Kayaks includes lunch and water. This multi platform establishment has many options for some of Kauai's freshest catch fish. Local tip: Maika says this is the best place for coffee on the island. The downside is that you are on your own to discover your way up and back the river to the waterfall. *No Hauling on Car Required, Guided Kayak Tours and Rentals in Kapaa, HI, Click Here to Make Your Reservations Online, Tri-Kayak Rentals - Seats up to 2 adults and one child (age 5-7) ($155+Tax&Fees). Wailua River guided tours take groups up Kauai's only navigable river to a trailhead that leads them to Uluwehi Falls, aka Secret Falls. 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. Required fields are marked *. Maika said it would look like a door. A former lava cave, this grotto is covered inyou guessed itferns, giving it a secretive feel. Kayak Kauai is the exclusive outfitter for Wailua River State Park. We are located on the north bank of the Wailua River at the bridge and traffic light. If time constraints arent your thing, check out some of these highly recommended kayak rentals in the area. Looks like you had a great time. Copyright 2021, Wailua Kayak & Canoe. Tour guides and companies need permits to kayak, but individuals did not. Did you just recently go? Many people launch from the Wailua River Marina or Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Paddle up the tributary 200 yards and as it narrows look for the landing area on the right. Ali'i Luau has the best location and best cheapest price. Our fun and friendly Hawaiian guides share local Kauai history and lore as you kayak the lush and tranquil Wailua River. So you can absolutely do more paddling than just the river. And totally work the effort. It is the best place to get out into nature on Kauai's East side. Your email address will not be published. There are several unique safety precautions to note on the Wailua. So e both Option #1 and #2 were out for us. Pull close to the boat launch and unload your gear being careful not to block the boat ramp access. I have really started to embrace slow travel too. 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. Christine Hitt is the Hawaii contributing editor for SFGATE. The Hike:The trail to Uluwehi Falls begins at the kayak landing zone. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family by camping, hiking, and kayaking in her free time. We picked up the boats at the lot near the river and Maika picked them up the next day at our accommodations. This is Kauai's most popular kayak activity. 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. 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. Daily strong easterly "trade winds" funnel up the river and provide a head wind to paddle into on your return trip. The wind may be a factor on your paddle back to the launch. Pinning so I remember to visit during my next trip. GUIDED TOURS MON - FRI 7:45AM & 12:45PM.
Larger boats use the river, so by staying on the northern or right side river shoulder you avoid the possibility of collision with the large boats. They will load your kayaks to the roof of your car, and teach you how to strap and unstrap it to get it back. Though the Saturday change is aimed at allowing space for locals, anyone can still go on their own even tourists. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. This part of the hike is mostly up. The trail to Secret Falls from the bank where you leave your kayak is very well-marked as well. The best of both options. I think the state, I think they went overboard giving some permits, he continued. The van will be in a parking lot just past the Aloha Coffeehouse. Alii Kayaks Secret Falls Kayak/Hike tour is also perfect for families. Once you are ready to launch, you will stay on the right side of the river as you paddle the 2 miles to the trailhead. As is typical, the do-it-yourself approach offers significant savings. 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. The provider will tell you your check in time, and you show up ready to go. The entire journey is 4 miles. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The joy is in the moments in between and many great pictures can be taken of one of Kauai's most beautiful waterfalls.The way trip out is the reverse of the trip in, so pace yourself and gauge your timing. [ Paddling Trip Guide: View all kayaking trips in the United States ]. The hiking portion to Secret Falls is about 1.5 miles round-trip. The trail will arrive at a stream crossing at approximately miles along, a rope has been strung across the river to assist in supporting you as you hobble across wet slippery rocks. There are now 11 companies permitted to offer commercial kayak activity on Wailua River and one water ski company. What is a trip to Hawaii without time on the water? Five-hour guided tours take groups kayaking up the river to a trailhead where visitors can hike to Uluwehi Falls.Tour operators were given less than two weeks notice of the change in November, losing thousands of dollars in revenue immediately from reservations they had to cancel. This was just thrust down our throat like were little kids.
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. Please note if you choose option #1 the latest you can get on the river is around noon. Prices begin at $50 per adult and $30 per child (5 to 7 years) and includes five hours of self-guided paddle time. Once across the stream the trail parallels the stream up valley with stream staying to your right. He compares the foot traffic on the trail to Oahus Diamond Head, where you have to wait on the numerous people in front of you, or coming back down, before you can move forward. 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. How does one contact Maika? We are not a real estate broker, lender or seller. 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. Permitted companies are only allowed to operate on weekdays.Whether the Saturday change will help, or if visitors will make a mad rush to rent their own kayaks instead, is something to wait and see.Editor's note: The story was updated at 11 a.m., March 2, to include information from Alan Carpenter of DLNR that clarifies how kayak rental companies are operating on weekends. You can launch from our convenient location, steps away from the Wailua River State Park Launch. Most paddlers only venture a few miles out to the main attractions of Secret Falls and Fern Grotto. They also will do their best to give you a sense of place, safety, plus plenty of snacks and hydration.Self-guided has some outstanding positives, such as traveling at your own pace. 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. You will also find the Sleeping Giant, Mt. It provides you with navigation practice as you avoid other freshman paddlers who hopefully have gotten the art of steering their craft mastered. And were businesses, Micco Godinez told SFGATE.
It was because of Maika, the wonderful driver of the Bring Me a Kayak van that our adventure to the falls was a success. Always a reason to go back. Great question. Maika will help you load the boats on your car, and direct you a few blocks to the River. But at the parks, which were built in the 1960s and 70s, and where the resources are fragile, he said its been tough adapting to higher tourism capacities. Park your boat here. The Wailua River kayaking and hiking tours, one of Kauais most popular adventures, is now only able to operate on weekdays only. If you take option #1, you meet a staff member from Bring Me a Kayak. Wow! Return the way you came and be back after a 5 hour tour. 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. Youve Arrived. 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. : The warnings for this experience are mostly for the hiking portion, the trail is well worn and extremely muddy at times. This expansive county beach park in the Po'ipu area is the perfect destination for calm ocean conditions and a relaxing beach day. Enter a lovely afternoon paddle on the Wailua River with a hike to the waterfall, Uluwehi, commonly called Sacred or Secret Falls. There will be plenty of kayaks and a few wild chickens looking for handouts. The pricing is: Wailua Kayak & Canoe is available Monday through Saturday and only closed on Sunday. Come kayak the Wailua river with us today! You will be provided with a dry bag and cooler, and will depart with your guide across the street at the Wailua River Marina. After reading more about Native Hawaiians legitimate concerns about tourism, I am not sure I would return to the islands. And it all happened with Maikas step by step instructions. Contact us for kayak rental availability. Actually, I dont think Option #3 is a real option.