First, let me say the company and our guides deserve a 5 but the experience was a 3 or 4. The kayaking is great and the mile hike was very easy since we had dry conditions. The waterfall is pretty but it's really crowded since several companies do this tour.
If I came back, I would rent my own kayak because you hike only as fast as your slowest person. Our trip was held up for an hour for this reason. The first 30 mins wasn't bad because it was at the falls but the last 30 mins was on the trail with the sun beating down, just waiting.
The guide with the faster paced hikers did a great job of finding things to talk about while we waited and the guide with the slower paced hikers stayed with them and made it a great experience for them as well.
If you want to go at your own pace, (fast or slow), I would recommend doing it on your own.
Response from Host
May 2019
Aloha JMocci,
Mahalo for taking the time to review and for giving the Company and Guides a 5 star. As for the experience, the tour you were on is the Wailua River Paddle to Secret Falls. This is a state park and can get rather crowded from time to time. Renting kayaks is an option but I do always recommend going with a guide in case the weather changes. The Wailua River can be very challenging during rainy weather.
The Hidden Valley Falls is a much easier tour, both paddle and hike. However, you cannot do this tour without a guide since it takes you up into private property. We definitely hope to see you next time. We have lots of adventure options for you to choose from. Maybe an ocean kayak adventure would be for you. :)