Nestled in the heart of Wailua on the east side of Kauai, Hawaiis Most Popular Flowers & How To Wear Them, 10 Things to See on Kauai Without Leaving Your Car, If you do find yourself in a situation where the stream level has swelled and is flowing rapidly, do not attempt to cross the stream. 5-hour kayaking and hiking tour in the Wailua River Valley, on Kauai. Be sure to also pack plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, and a towel if you plan to swim. Youll need to pay especially close attention to the weather if you intend to tackle the journey without the help of a tour guide.-If you visit with a tour group, try your best to book the first trip. In addition to the fall itself being stunning, it is surrounded by the calm, rustling jungle of the Wailua River State Park. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 580 which will eventually turn to dirt. Either way, you have your kayak for a period of 5 hours. The Kukui'ula shops are by far the most elegantly designed shopping center on Kauai. Parking at the trailhead is limited to approximately four vehicles, so arrive early. By using our application you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence (if different). It is well-travelled and wide enough to be easily spotted. The beginning of the trail, an old fire road, starts with a gradual incline where you are exposed to a variety of native plants and fruits. We rented our kayaks from Wailua Kayak & Canoe since they are located right by the Wailua River and near the boat launch. After about 10 minutes you will reach a river that you will have to ford. The tour companies have even installed a rope that you can hold onto as you carefully step through the current on a bed of river rocks. It is a pleasant walk through lush, dense jungle. Uluwehi Falls Kayak Tours quantity. As you head up the tributary, the jungle closes in on the river, so be sure to keep an eye out for rogue branches at head height, or beneath your boat. Wade Jr. hangs on, falls into netting to end 1st. Its so lush and green, and the waterfalls are plentiful and simply spectacular. Wear sturdy shoes for the hike, and you may want to think about packing in some water shoes. Tagged: Kauai, Kauai Hiking, Wailua River, Wailua River State Park, Uluwehi Falls, Sacred Falls Kauai, Mauna Kapu, Wailua Heritage Trail, Secret Falls Kauai, Wailua Marina, Lydgate Park, For visitors who do not hire or go with a guide service, the route begins at the Wailua Marina, which is located off of Highway 56 across from Lydgate State Park. However, getting to the falls is not such a secret, if you know how and where to go. Consult local weather forecasts and dont forget to secure your kayak before you get to the hiking portion of your trip. Its simple to know where you have to go when on the river. $$$$. This is the view looking from the waterfall to the trail. You have to rent a kayak, paddle the river for about 45 min, then beach the kayak (take your valuables with you) and hike about 20 minutes alongside the stream to get to the waterfall. Hinalele Falls Hoolea Falls Ho'opi'i Falls Kalihiwai Falls Kilauea Falls Kipu Falls Opaekaa Falls Manawaiopuna Falls (aka Jurassic Park Falls) Mount Wai'aleale Falls Queen's Bath Secret Falls (aka Uluwehi Falls) Wailua Falls Waipo'o Falls READ MORE: Exploring Polynesian Culture: Food, Music, History & More There is a fun little river crossing, and swimming in the falls is amazing. A Guide To The Best Waterfalls You Can Swim In Kauai This expedition is quite popular and many tour companies offer to take you there for half a day from Wailua. The hike begins right from the bank, and is very well marked. Bring a waterproof camera to get some beautiful pictures of the waterfall. The track is easy to follow, but you'll have to cross the river in the first quarter mile. To get there, you need to rent a kayakto paddleup the Wailua River to the hiking trail that leads to the falls. - See 115 traveller reviews, 146 candid photos, and great deals for Wailua, HI, at Tripadvisor. Before 2022, there were two places to put in your kayak to get to the Secret Falls trailhead: at the Kamokila Hawaiian Village and at the Wailua River State Park Marina. Wai'oli Huuia means "Joyful river" in Hawaiian - a reference to the joyful songs that formerly reverberated across the plantation's church walls. Make no mistake about it: Uluwehi Falls is stunning. A lengthy kayaking trip and potentially muddy hike can make this enclave difficult to reach, but the effort leads to one of the island's most remarkable sights: a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We travel a lot, and Kauai is one of the most beautiful places weve ever been. . Get the latest news from the sunny south shore! Launch your boat, and begin you paddle upstream through thick tropical vegetation. From there, up to an hour of kayaking will be required before you get out and hike the rest of the way to the falls. The hike here can be very muddy after rain. A little later, the trail crosses another river, this time with a small pool that looks like a pond: here is Queen's bath (don't worry if you miss it, because it is not obvious and is not incredible). It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to kayak the 2 miles up the river to the trailhead and then about 20 to 30 minutes to hike the 1 mile trail to Secret Falls. Waterfalls Uluwehi Falls The Last Adventurer Go ahead and put your kayak in, remove the dolly and return it, and then you're ready to start paddling down the river. In one more mile, you will reach a second Y which you will turn left. 2023 - HawaiianIslands.com. You can book a guided tour or an unguided tour. A visit to this stunning waterfall promises an unforgettable experience of Hawaii's unspoiled beauty, far from the typical tourist trails. Discover the Kauai oasis known as Uluwehi Falls. We swam underneath the falls and swam for about thirty minutes until we decided to hike back to the kayaks. That said, Uluwehi Falls deserves a stop on your Kauai must-see waterfalls list. Note that even if we did, it is not advisable to swim under the waterfall because stones can fall from it. 5 hours (approx.) There are plenty of local tours that take visitors down the east coast's Wailua River to the falls. Nothing very bad but depending on the rains that will have preceded your arrival, the river will be more or less high knowing that its level seldom exceeds the mid-thighs. The 15 Best Kauai Waterfalls (and How to Get to Them) - Green Global Travel You'll get your kayak and start pulling it on a little dolly. The water is cool but the bathing is very pleasant, especially after the walk! The boat ramp is a dirt patch that drops into the river. To get the most out of your adventure to Uluwehi Falls, we recommend going with Outfitters Kauai for a guided kayak tour. You can see waterfalls from afar and from the road, but there is a special secret, or not so secret place that you can only get to by water and followed by a short hike. You'll see a boardwalk about 1/8 mile down the trail. If you arent quite sure about finding the falls yourself, book a guided tour. First, you need kayaks to get on the river. My advice for the first part of the trip? Add to cart. All you need is access to a kayak. First, follow a guide who knows the area well on the Wailua River by kayak for a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) paddle adventure. July 16, 2023 12:34 PM. Then we headed back. You can also rent a kayak in nearby Kapaa Town even if you don't have a truck. Secret Falls is also called Uluwehi Falls. By gingerly dancing around the red dirt and its puddles, you'll slow down your hike, and, most importantly, you'll increase your chances of a fall. In terms of full disclosure, I entered the pool, swam under the falls, and so did the rest of my group and all of us were fine. Not just green, but almost primordial green. Tips: Although you can enter the initial pool/fall at Uluwehi Falls, it is an area that may be contaminated with leptospirosis. And it's a lot easier to follow the path on the way out. We felt comfortable with the instructions but still took a photo just in case. One thing youre guaranteed about this adventure is that you will get wet! This side of the river is also more sheltered from wind, Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses with a neck strap and a waterproof camera. adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly! With a group, you are only as fast as the slowest person. Combine the top destinations and attractions on Oahu into one fun-filled day of sightseeing, history; ever-changing landscapes and the very best that Pearl Harbor Tours These falls are only accessible by kayak and then a hike. Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls (which are really no secret) is found in the Wailua River State Park. Often times, even when its beautiful and sunny on Kauai, there is a chance of heavy rain in the mountains. One look at a photograph of these falls, and youll be sold on the journey even if you typically avoid hiking. The hike is only about 3/4 of a mile to the falls, but very early on, there is a point in the trail where we needed to cross a river. Despite the secret not being a secret anymore, Uluwehi Fallsis a great place to visit, and should be visited bypeople wholike to hike and kayak. As you turn onto Wailua Road, you'll see the Wailua Visitors Center. Learn about local wildlife, and Hawaiian history and legends from the guide. Most of the time, it is in the shade, which is not to displease us but has the disadvantage of making it very muddy! Includes all needed equipment and instruction. Today, if we can continue this adventure, it is above all thanks to our blog, Smartrippers! After you cross the small bridge, you'll come to the boat launch area. Secret (Uluwehi) Falls - Local Unbiased Review | Cascading Waterfall This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Kauai. That being said, the scenery on the way to and from this destination also deserves appreciation. Make an immediate left onto Wailua Rd. I highly recommend getting in the water here. Wade Jr. hangs on, falls into netting to end 1st - NBC Sports Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Secret Falls aren't so secret anymore. I suppose that keeps the crowds down slightly, but it's still a popular tour destination. The name Uluwehi translates to "lush, flourishing plants" in Hawaiian - an apt description for a waterfall located in such a beautiful, green setting. Good more most . Secret Falls - Waterfall with a River Paddle and Hike - World of Waterfalls The waterfall is a remarkable payoff for your efforts. Kauai's Secret/Sacred Falls Kayak & Waterfall Hike Hiking sandals work better than water shoes which have no traction. Follow Kawaihau all the way up until you see a sign for Kapahi road, turn left onto that road. Wear water shoes or hiking shoes that you don't mind getting wet. While much of Kauai features this type of amazing jungle growth and green-ness, the area around the falls ended up being one of my favorite spots on the island. After parking, you'll walk across the street to check in. Athletic shorts and a top/t-shirt are ideal, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim when you reach the waterfall, although caution should be taken when swimming. We recommend that you come directly to We are Sandrine and Flo, French thirty-somethings. That's where you'll find the falls. Accessing Uluwehi Falls is best done via guided tour. Continue 400 feet to the parking lot. The perfect example of this precept is Uluwehi Falls, commonly known as the "secret falls" or the "sacred falls" of Kauai. Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules. After crossing the river, you'll follow the trail for about a mile. This made me realize we were so glad we decided to do this adventure on our own time. After the two-ish mile (or approximately 45 minutes) kayak up the river, you put out the kayak to begin the hike into the depths of a Kauai forest. But, technically speaking, it is a challenging hike. As we got back to the launch area, we went and got our dolly and put it back on our kayak and took it back. At this point, you can cross over to the other side and find some rocks to sit on and have snacks. It is the easy portion of the adventure because the wind will be coming off of the Pacific Ocean, and will be pushing your kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard up river. Beautiful falls, but very difficult trail to get to it - Review of You can either go on a guided kayaking tour that provides you with all equipment needed or you can do this kayaking and hiking expedition on your own. Then you'll see where to park your kayak on the shore. No tours run on Sunday, so you'll only be sharing the falls with a few other locals. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of . The trek to reach Uluwehi Falls begins at Wailua River State Park where you can park your car and begin your journey. Uluwehi Secret Falls on Kauai - The Most Popular Secret Then hop out of your kayaks and take a 45-minute hike to Secret . Your willingness to arrive early will get you the best kayaking conditions while also limiting the crowds near the waterfall. When is a secret not a secret? Even though it is a short trail, it felt otherworldly to me. These are sacred sites set up by the locals. If you dont bring any hiking poles, its easy to find walking sticks around the area where you land the kayak. Although paddling two miles on a river may seem like a lot of work, let me assure you that this is the, Dont get me wrong; I enjoyed the paddle both up and down the Wailua River; but I enjoyed the trail to the falls, Camelopardalid Meteor Shower, May 23-24, 2014, The Last Adventurer, PO Box 560, Solana Beach, CA, 92075, United States, Arizona, Grand Canyon NP and Nevada Hiking, Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve, Mt. In fact, it's recommended to wear a life jacket as you kayak. It's a picturesque falls dropping uniformly from the top of the forest canopy. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of . The second reason is that they have an early morning pick-up time (as well as late afternoon) which allows you to get on the Wailua River and head to the Uluwehi Falls before any other tour group gets out there. And chances are, it'll be muddy when you go too since Kauai gets so much rain. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls): How to self-guide - See 115 traveler reviews, 146 candid photos, and great deals for Wailua, HI, at Tripadvisor. We took the lower fork, which has two more stream crossings and is slightly longer than the upper fork, until we reached the falls. There is a constant flow of tourists parking right above the falls, taking a few pictures then heading off. We have developed it a lot over the years and have become experts on our 3 favorite destinations: Hawaii, Iceland and the American West. Nevertheless, if you don't get . Its also worth bringing some bug bug spray since you will need it after you leave the river and start the hike. The right footwear is essential for this trip. Nestled in the heart of Wailua on the east side of Kauai, Uluwehi Falls belongs to one of the stream systems that feed directly into the Wailua River from Mount Waialeale, the wettest spot on Kauai. And now, a quick word about footwear. They have the best kayaks for paddling up Wailua River including comfortable padded high back backrests and their quality paddles (it does make a difference.) How to self-guide - Review of Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls), Wailua, HI Most people pause to enjoy lunch or a snack upon reaching the waterfall, as this is a wonderfully scenic spot. Take the plunge and jump in!! They have a map posted with directions as well, which you can see down below. Experience the captivating Hanakoa Falls in Hanalei, Kauai, where an intimate rainforest setting awaits. Hike, swim, and photograph this 1,400-foot wonder. Overview: Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls, is a hidden gem nestled in the lush jungle of Kapaa on Kauai, Hawaii.This enchanting waterfall is a must-see for visitors seeking a serene and picturesque escape from the bustling beaches. We got into our kayak and headed back. The lush greenery provides a mystical backdrop, complete with mango trees, elephant grass, and all kinds of intriguing plant life. Water socks or sport sandals with heel straps are a good option. Must-see! There are a variety of outfitters that rent watercraft at the Wailua Marina, which is the starting off point for this trip; and as the Wailua River Park is public land, there is no requirement that visitors travel with a guide. Build your own travel lifestyle Website using the same all-in-one platform that I use. You may want to bring insect repellent as you may encounter mosquitoes while picnicking at the falls. You'll likely see a tour kayaks lashed together and tied to a tree. The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their incredible white sand beaches, lush landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. There is a designated parking lot with a viewpoint to see the top of the falls. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) Guide - Kauai Travel Blog The kayaking portion was relaxing, and the hike is not too hard. This is where you will find the best rates but it is also the closest launching point to the various sites to explore by canoe on the Wailua River. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. But the most pleasant way is to discover the waterfall by yourself by renting a small boat, especially since the navigation on the Wailua River is quite short and without difficulty. The choice of trail is up to you. Best Kauai Tours is a locally owned and operated concierge services on the island of Kauai, with over 60 years of experience. For starters, everything along it was green. A Girl's Guide to Hiking in California (& Beyond). But here's a local tip -- don't try to avoid it. From my research, The Unexpected Hawaii Waterfall That Will Transport You To Another World, The Breathtaking Bed And Breakfast In Hawaii That Overlooks A Waterfall, The Hike To This Secluded Waterfall Beach In Hawaii Is Positively Amazing, Youll Want To Spend All Day At This Waterfall-Fed Pool In Hawaii, The Beautiful Waterfall In Hawaii You Can Actually Swim In, The Famous Hawaiian Waterfall You Can Only See Via Helicopter, Everyone In Hawaii Must Visit This Epic Waterfall As Soon As Possible, Here Are 12 Breathtaking Waterfalls You Can Hike To In Hawaii. The very important affluence especially at the level of the waterfall. This trail can get very muddy, so be prepared. Savor Kauais golden sands, Wailua Falls allure, Waimea Canyons grandeur, unwind in exquisite resorts, and more. My husband and I recently took our first trip to Kauai. In reality, this waterfall isn't really secret because it's the destination of the very popular Wailua River kayak tours. We travel a lot, and Kauai is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. I wore tevas; which worked great. The trail meanders along a slow-moving river before turning inland past the remnants of an ancient Hawaiian settlement. If youre interested in checking out Fern Grotto, you can veer to the left at the fork rather than the right. To get to the falls, it is essential to rent a canoe or paddle for a few hours to reach a tributary of the Wailua River from where the short hike to the waterfall starts. Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kauai Waterfalls Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kayaking and Hiking Tour 2023 - Kauai It might get a little crowded at the falls, but not that many people swim in the pool under the falls. There are guided tours offered by several companies, but there are also businesses that will rent you a kayak and allow you to explore Uluwehi Falls all on your own. Because of this, we didnt need to load and strap a kayak on top of the rental car, which made things more convenient. We also wore swimsuitsand shorts. Home / Travel Tips / Uluwehi Falls on Kauai The Most Popular Secret, Published on March 12, 2018 in Travel Tips.
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