What is Hiking to Secret Falls Like?

Seeing some waterfalls involves driving up in a car, taking a five-minute stroll, snapping a few photos, and driving away. At Hawaii’s Wailua Falls, you can see the falls from the roadside lookout without ever leaving your car.

Not so with Hawaii’s iconic Secret Falls! These gorgeous falls are (sort of) secret, after all. You’ll need to kayak and then hike to this treasured Hawaiian landmark, but a Secret Falls hike is absolutely worth the journey.

The Hike to Secret Falls
The hike to Secret Falls (also known as Uluwehi Falls) begins about four miles up the Wailua River. The trail winds its way through incredibly lush tropical foliage, including wild ginger, tropical mangos, gigantic ferns, and elephant grass too high to see over. You’ll marvel at the exotic array of leaf shapes and sizes in every shade of green imaginable.

An incredible array of birds and other wildlife call Hawaii home, so listen to the exotic calls and look for wildlife.

Are Wailua Falls and Secret Falls the same?
No, Wailua Falls is a double cascade waterfall in Wailua River State Park. It can be seen and photographed from the roadside lookout.

Is the Secret Falls Hike Difficult?
This hike includes stream crossings up to waist deep and a gain of 465′ in elevation. When dry, it’s only a low- to moderate-difficulty hike, but it becomes moderately challenging if it has rained recently when the trail becomes muddy and slick. And since this area is a tropical rainforest, it rains frequently!

Due to the hike’s moderate difficulty (especially when wet), no one who is pregnant, has a bad back or knees, or has had recent surgery is allowed to go with us. The same goes for children under the age of five for their own safety.

How long is the Hike to Secret Falls?
The hike is only about two miles long round-trip and the entire tour (including the 4-mile kayaking portion) takes approximately five hours.

Can you Swim at Secret Falls?
Of course! A refreshing swim in the plunge pool is one of the hike’s highlights.

The Falls
Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) plunges approximately 120′ over a spectacular cliff into the lovely, deep pool below. The entire scene is framed by lush tropical foliage—just begging to be photographed—once you’ve caught your breath after that first breathtaking glimpse, of course!

The enchanting pool surrounded by rounded boulders is a popular place to cool off after the hike. Be aware of rocks that may fall off the cliff face, and be careful getting in and out of the pool — wet rocks are slippery!

What to Bring
We’ve divided this list into those items that are essential to bring and other items you might like to bring.

Essential Gear
Bring your favorite beverages and snacks (or a full deli-style lunch if you want something more filling) to stay well-hydrated and fueled. An ample supply of bottled water is mandatory to avoid dehydration.

This outdoor activity is in Hawaii’s abundant sunshine, so proper sun protection is vital. Use plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, wear sunshades, and wear a broad-brimmed hat. You might also want to consider an SPF lip balm and clothing with sun protection.

Remember the bug repellent! You’ll be hiking through a dense tropical rainforest where bugs are abundant, so protect yourself from potential bites.

Wear sturdy footwear that straps securely to your feet. An aggressive tread will provide better traction in the slippery spots. Sorry, but for your safety, flip-flops and Crocs are not allowed.

Your guide will provide a walking stick for convenience when hiking the trail and crossing the streams. You’ll want to bring a waterproof bag to stow your gear.

Optional Items
Other items aren’t essential but will increase your comfort and enjoyment along the way. A camera or smartphone is a must for capturing memories of your tour. Don’t forget a waterproof cover in case of an accidental dunking! An emergency poncho will help keep you dry during one of the frequent rain showers.

If you want to enjoy a refreshing swim after your hike, wear a swimsuit under lightweight clothing since there aren’t any changing rooms at Secret Falls. You’ll also want a lightweight, absorbent towel to dry off afterward. A dry change of clothes and shoes waiting at the end of your tour will also be welcome.

Discover the Enchantment of Secret Falls with Ali’i Kayaks
Enjoy your kayaking and hiking visit to Secret Falls with our experienced and passionate local guides. Book your tour today!