Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
This 100-foot waterfall combines the best of both worlds—a scenic kayak journey up Wailua River followed by a jungle hike through flourishing tropical plants. The reward is a stunning cascade with a perfect swimming hole where you can cool off after your adventure.
Check trail conditions before you go
Kauaʻi waterfall trails can flood, wash out, or close without notice. Flash floods, slippery rock, sheer drop-offs, and sudden weather changes are real risks — people get hurt or die here every year. Cell service is spotty to non-existent on most trails. Tell someone your plan, carry water, turn back if conditions look off. Never swim in a waterfall pool if it's raining anywhere upstream — flash floods arrive without warning.
Moku Intel aggregates publicly-available information about this trail. We are not the authority on its current condition — the State and County are. Always verify before you go.
About Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
Aloha! One of the East Side's most rewarding adventures is Secret Falls, known locally as Uluwehi Falls. This 100-foot waterfall stands out because it combines water and land experiences in a single journey.
What makes Uluwehi distinctive is how you get there. You'll kayak up the scenic Wailua River, then dock and hike about a mile through lush tropical forest. The name "Uluwehi" means "flourishing plants," and the jungle trail delivers—native ferns, tropical flowers, and babbling streams line the path.
The destination: a magnificent waterfall cascading into a refreshing swimming pool where you can cool off after your hike. Visit in the morning when lighting works best for photos and fewer people are on the trail. The trail can get muddy, so wear sturdy water shoes with good grip.
Access requires renting a kayak or joining a guided tour from Wailua River State Park. Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early. Always check weather conditions before heading out—heavy rains can make both the river and trail challenging.
This waterfall adventure captures the raw appeal of Kauai's landscape and is absolutely worth the effort to reach.
Where it is
2JRP+JC, Wailua Homesteads, HI 96746, USA
Photos
At a glance
Waterfall
- Height
- 100 ft
- Access
- Kayak_hike
- Swimming
- Not allowed
Perfect for
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