The 8 Waterfall Tours in Kauai That Earn Their Price

1.Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,964 reviews · 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.) · from $159Our pick

Fly around Kauai in a GA8 Airvan with large bubble windows, noise-reduction headsets, and a pilot’s narration. Every seat is a window seat. The 60-minute route covers Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, Hanalei Bay, Wailua Falls, and Mount Waiʻaleʻale.

“Amazing experience and our pilot was so calm and relaxed that only the tone of his voice was enough to put us a great vibe! We are so glad we picked this tour! Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,510 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $415

Fly privately over Kauai for about 75 minutes, with every passenger in a window seat and no doors blocking the view. Expect Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, Olokele Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Waiʻaleʻale Crater, with narration from pilots such as Ross, Travis, Taylor, and Aiden.

“Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Our pilot, Ross, was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and explained everything so clearly throughout the flight. He took us to all the perfect spots, making the entire journey unforgettable. The views brought back amazing childhood memories of Jurassic Park. Five stars for both the pilot and the experience. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Best value

Paddle about 4 miles on the Wailua River, then follow a guide through muddy rainforest trails to Uluwehi Falls, also called Secret Falls. Guides such as Cory, K-man, Kai, and Mana share local stories and plant knowledge. Bring water, snacks, and secure shoes that can get wet.

“Called for rain all day and most companies canceled trips. Not this one, more worried about making money than giving a great experience. Khyman our guide was great and very informative about teaching. The kayak trip and visit to the falls were great other than the off and on rain showers. More on than off which made the hike a little more challenging with all the mud.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Paddle about two miles up the Wailua River, then hike nearly two miles over rocky, muddy trails to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Mikayla provide instruction, local stories, safety help, and hiking sticks. Expect wet shoes, river crossings, and a rewarding waterfall swim.

“This was well worth it. Beautiful scenery. A very doable kayak and hiking trip. Highly recommend for all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,212 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

Paddle two miles up the Wailua River, then hike through rainforest and stream crossings to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Levi, Jonathan, Tyler, and Nathaniel are praised for safety, local stories, and good humor. Expect wet feet, mud, a cold swim, snacks, and about six hours outdoors.

“it was a great experience because I had never kayaked before, thanks to our guide Levi and the weather allowed us this great adventure.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari: Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 900 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $309

Fly over Kauai for about 55 minutes in a small-group helicopter with up to six people. Safari Helicopters covers Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, waterfalls, beaches, and movie-famous scenery. Pilots such as Dali add commentary, humor, and useful timing for photographs.

“This tour gave us a great over all view of the whole island—waterfalls, canyons, beaches, coastal sites. Also enjoyed the pilot’s commentary about the island. Amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 790 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

Paddle four miles on Kauai’s Wailua River, then hike about three miles through rainforest, mud, and four water crossings to 110-foot Secret Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local plant, animal, cultural, and geological knowledge. Lunch and gear are included.

“Ty was an excellent guide. He was super personable, informative and funny. Just know ahead of time its about a 2 mile kayak to the trail which is super muddy and rocky at points and you have wade across 2 little streams/rivers and then hike about 1.5 miles to the falls and hang there for about an hour and then hike back and kayak back. Its best to wear tennis you dont mind getting wet!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private Jungle Waterfall Adventure, Wit Da Native Hawaiian Dundee

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 4 to 7 hours (approx.)

Join Charlie, the Hawaiian Dundee, for a private Kauai jungle adventure tailored to your group. Depending on weather and ability, you may cross streams, rappel into a canyon, swim beneath a secluded waterfall, taste seasonal fruit, and learn about Hawaiian plants, culture, and ancient sites.

“Great trip!!! We had a lot of fun, Hawaiian Dundee was a cool guy. We loved swimming at the waterfall and crossing the creeks! Will definitely remember this experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review