Hike
Hiking the rainforest trail to Secret Falls in Kauai is one of the most exciting activities you can enjoy on the east side of the island.
In combination with the paddle up the Wailua River and back, the jungle hike to Secret Falls (officially Uluwehi Falls) is a must for active visitors to Kauai.
In this article we will tell you all about the Secret Falls hike and how to prepare for an enjoyable excursion.
Quick Stats for the Secret Falls Kauai Hike
Length: About 2 miles round trip, out and back
Elevation Gain: About 465 feet
Difficulty Level: Moderate
What to Expect on the Secret Falls Hike on Kauai
The hike to Secret Falls in Kauai is through rainforest, so expect jungle-like vibes with dense and varied vegetation along the trail.
The hike starts at a small beach area along the Wailua River where you will pull up your kayaks.
On your way to Uluwehi Falls, you will encounter a stream crossing fairly early on in the hike. The water here can be knee-high to thigh-high, and a rope may be there to help you cross.
There is the potential for flash floods here, so if the water is rushing fast or looks murky, the crossing likely isn’t safe and you should turn back.
Of course, if you are on a guided tour of Secret Falls, your experienced local guide will make the call on whether it’s safe to cross.
The vegetation along the trail is gorgeous, and you may see wildflowers in bloom. Look for wild ginger, enormous ferns, mango trees and more. Vines with giant leaves go up trees, and tall grasses create a maze-like feeling.
Moss-covered rocks abound by the stream. You may hear (and, if you are lucky, see) birds.
Secret Falls, framed by tropical vegetation in multiple shades of green, is a stunning sight. When the flow is powerful, the water gushes over the lava cliff with a noisy roar and makes for a majestic spectacle. When the flow is more sedate, the waterfall looks picturesque as it streams down the black lava cliff.
At the bottom of the 120-foot waterfall is a large and lovely plunge pool. Boulders frame the pool, making for the perfect picture postcard.
If you like, you can take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool (stay away from the cliff face and waterfall to minimize the risk from falling rocks). The rocks around the pool can be slippery so watch your step.
After a break at the waterfall to eat a meal or a snack and cool off, you’ll retrace your steps to return to your starting point.
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What is the Secret Falls Trail like?
The Secret Falls Trail is a dirt trail. If it’s raining on the day of your hike, or it has rained in the days leading up to the hike, the Secret Falls Trail can be muddy and slick.
On a guided tour, your guide will likely pass out sturdy walking sticks to assist with footing.
Pay attention to where you step, because you may encounter exposed roots, loose rocks and dirt, vegetation debris, and overhanging vegetation on your hike.
You’re in a tropical jungle, after all!
Helpful Tips for the Secret Falls Kauai Hike
Wear appropriate footwear
The trail to Secret Falls features stream crossings and you will definitely get your legs wet, up to the knees or even thighs.
Wear closed-toed shoes with good grip, water shoes, or hiking sandals that are securely strapped (like Teva or Keen, for example).
Your footwear should offer good grip to help with footing, especially in slick or wet parts of the trail. You should be okay with your footwear getting wet and muddy on this trail!
This is NOT a trail for crocs or flip flops as you may lose them in the water.
Expect clothing and shoes to get wet and stained
Since the Secret Falls Trail can be muddy after Kauai’s famous rains, wear clothing and shoes that you do not mind getting stained or wet.
Bring a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes or sandals if you would like to change at the end of the hike.
Wear a bathing suit under your clothes
There are no changing areas at Secret Falls in Kauai, so if you plan to take a dip in the plunge pool, wear your bathing suit under your clothes. Be warned, the water is cold!
Note that some pools in Hawaii contain disease-causing bacteria so do not ingest the water and do not enter if you have open cuts or wounds.
Bring a light but absorbent towel to dry off after your swim.
Wear sun protection
Lather on a reef-safe waterproof sunscreen to stay sun-safe during your Secret Falls hike.
Wear sunglasses, use SPF lip balm, and wear a wide-rimmed sun hat for protection.
Long-sleeved tops and pants with SPF are also advisable as the tropical sun can be harsh.
Use bug spray!
You’ll be hiking through tropical jungle on the Secret Falls Trail, so be sure to bring bug spray or bug wipes to minimize the chance for bug bites.
Put on the bug spray after the initial stream crossing as you head into the jungle and again as you head back from Uluwehi Falls.
Pack a light poncho
Rain showers are common on Kauai and some can be heavy even if brief. If you’d keep your upper body dry, bring along a poncho that you can pull on.
Bring a dry bag and a waterproof case for your smartphone
You’ll want to bring a camera or a smartphone to capture photos and video, but bring along a waterproof casing if you want to keep your device dry.
A backpack-style dry bag to store all your things on the hike is a great idea! Tour companies usually provide dry bags.
Pack water and snacks
Some tours include lunch or snacks and drinks but many do not, so you’ll want to carry snacks to refuel on your excursion, a sandwich or other easy-to-carry meal if you plan to have lunch at the falls, and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
Are dogs allowed on the Secret Falls Kauai Trail?
No, dogs are not allowed on the Secret Falls Trail in Kauai, so please leave your pet at home!
Is the trail to Secret Falls Kauai suitable for kids?
While older kids can hike the Secret Falls Trail in Kauai, it is not a trail suitable for younger children, because of the stream crossings.
Some guided tours to Secret Falls Kauai specify age restrictions or physical fitness criteria, while others leave it up to parental discretion, only saying that kids should be accompanied by an adult.
Given the moderately challenging nature of the trail to Secret Falls, Kauai, we suggest waiting until your kids are older to take them on this Kauai hike!
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