Explore Kauaʻi’s Wailua River

This article was originally published on January 17, 2022, and was rewritten March 12, 2026.

The Wailua River on Kauaʻi's East Side is the main artery that delivers fresh water collected from the summit of Mount Waiʻaleʻale — one of the wettest places on Earth — fed through ʻOpaeka'a and Wailua Falls to Wailua Valley, where it snakes through rainforests and streams, producing more waterfalls and wide open waterways all the way to the ocean.

The fertile land that crawls up the river's banks and into dense green forests once grew kalo, or taro, coconuts and mango. It was home to aliʻi, or chiefs, and considered sacred. Today, you can still find remnants of its royal past. The Holoholokū Heiau, or temple, and the Pohaku Ho'ohanau — royal birthstones where aliʻi were born to ensure their mana, or spiritual power, would be absorbed by the land — are located just mauka, or toward the mountains, of Wailua River State Park and boat ramp, where visitors by the hundreds of thousands slip into the river each year to traverse its waters.

There are three main attractions here: Wailua Falls, the Fern Grotto and Uluwehi Falls. The 80-foot twin cascades of Wailua Falls can only be seen by helicopter or from a lookout on Maalo Road. The Fern Grotto is accessible by riverboat tour. Uluwehi Falls is accessible only by a combination of kayaking and hiking. You'll begin with a 2.5-mile kayak up the north fork of the river, followed by an easy 1-mile hike to the falls. There are three stream crossings along the way, so wear shoes with good traction that can be fully submerged in water. During the pandemic, the state constructed wooden walkways over the sections of the trail that used to get especially muddy. Along the way, your tour guide will point out apple banana plants, native birds and notable flora. You might even spot hau — the color-changing sea hibiscus that blooms yellow in the morning and turns red-orange by afternoon. Just past the Queen's Bath, which is for looking only, you'll reach Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls or the King's Bath. Here you can swim, stand under the waterfall, have lunch and relax before heading back.

As you kayak up the Wailua River, you will see Nounou Mountain — known as the Sleeping Giant — to your right. According to legend, a giant laid down on his back and fell asleep after a great feast and never woke up. A popular hiking trail leads to the summit of this roughly 1,241-foot mountain, where panoramic views stretch down to the sea.

The Fern Grotto. Photo by Daeja Fallas, courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

The Wailua River has played many roles throughout its history, serving as the island's capital, a loading zone for whalers and home to the first inn on Kauaʻi, run by Queen Deborah Kapule Kekaihaʻakūlou — the last Queen of Kauaʻi before King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands — in the 1840s on the north bank.

In 1953, hotelier Lyle Guslander opened the Coco Palms Resort — the grandest resort Kauaʻi had seen at the time — where the tradition of torchlight ceremonies began and Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawaii" was filmed in 1961. The resort was destroyed by Hurricane ʻIniki in 1992 and its ruins still sit along Kuhio Highway. The 1960s brought further development to the Wailua River area by way of a new marina, state park and restoration of archaeological sites. The Kauai Resort was built along the south bank, tourism began to boom and the rest, as they say, is history.

• Kayaking and hiking to Uluwehi Falls: A 100-foot waterfall and swimming hole accessible via a 2.5-mile kayak up the north fork of the river followed by a 1-mile hike. Join a tour group for this excursion.

• Riverboat tours to the Fern Grotto: A fern-covered lava cave along the south fork of the river.

• Wailua Falls Lookout: An 80-foot double waterfall viewable only from a lookout on Maalo Road. You can choose a tour that includes this stop.

• Paddle the river: Rent stand-up paddleboards (SUP), canoes and kayaks from nearby shops (prices range $64–$65 per day) to cruise the river on your own.

• Waterskiing and Wakeboarding: Book a tour for this adventure.

• Entry and parking are free for Hawaiʻi residents.

• Non-residents pay a $5 entry fee and $10 for parking. Credit card only.

• Children 3 and under are admitted free.

• Restrooms are available near the boat and kayak launch.

What to bring on a kayaking tour

• At least 1 liter of water

• A light lunch or snack that travels well and requires no utensils

• Light rain jacket

• Towel

• Hiking shoes with good traction that can be fully submerged in mud and water

• Wear a bathing suit and clothes you don't mind getting wet

* Pro tip: Most kayak tour operators will provide a dry bag for your phone, keys and wallet — use it.