There are literally TONS of companies offering a trip up the Wailua river, so it can be really difficult to pick one out from the rest, but I think Duke's can easily be recommended as the top choice here for a couple of reasons:
- the guides. When it really comes down to booking any sort of tour while on vacation it really comes down to the guides, doesn't it? On a tour like this, you'll see the same thing no matter how you decide to yak it, but I can honestly say that Ryan was one of the BEST tour guides I've ever encountered in a lifetime's worth of working in tourism. Yeah. Read that last sentence again. Best. Ever. Although he's not a native of Kaua'i, it was obvious from the very beginning that he knew what he was talking about, that he was comfortable in his surroundings and working with a wide range of guests (our group had me & hubs aka some locals, born-and-raised here, who think we know everything, a honeymooning couple, and a son with his mother who had to stop and rest a few times along the way), and that he had a great sense of humor and professionalism. I felt entertained, relaxed, and like we were in good hands without being babied...and even learned a few things about the area and the alii (Hawaiian chiefs) who had once inhabited the area.
- the price. Duke's was one of the better bargains offering this tour, and I'll admit hubs and I were wondering why. I'm still not sure why...I suspect the lunches had something to do with it. We had a (very satisfying and tasty) roast beef and veggie sandwich and a bottle of water. Other groups at the waterfall had extras such as a few slices of pineapple and Oreos. I also think some other companies probably upgrade their equipment every year or something, which would definitely contribute to the cost. However, we were perfectly happy with our kayak, it was in great condition, and we never feared that it might leave us bailing water out of it or in some other kayak-related mishap.
- The oh-so-early check-in time. They leave earlier, which means getting to the waterfall earlier. We were the first ones there! Granted, the next group was only about 5-10 minutes behind, but we...totally won that race?
- The minimum age for doing this tour is 4. A lot of other companies make that age 5 or 6. I don't have a four-year-old. Or a five-year-old. Or any kids. So I neglected to find out why they allow kids a whole year younger on their tours. Sorry....
- This is more a plus for doing ANY kayak tour on the Wailua, but have you seen the photos? Check out the photos. You won't have any more questions. Even though we passed several other groups along the way and weren't the only ones at the waterfall I still felt like we were traipsing through some magical forest and I could lose myself in daydreams of my ancestors who had once trod the area.