This was one of the best things we did in Kauai on our family vacation. You start off by kayaking up the river about 45 minutes. You then dock your kayak and start off on the 1 mile hike as you make your way to the waterfall. You do trek through some mud and have to cross a stream, but the hike was relatively easy! You end up at a beautiful waterfall where you can eat your picnic lunch and swim!
We would highly recommend wearing water shoes with some traction/grips on the bottom (not the classic pull on, really thin ones). We ordered some for $30 a pair off of Amazon and wore them the whole way! Since you are stepping in mud, little puddles, and crossing a rocky stream, it was so much easier and more comfortable then wearing soaking wet running shoes and socks!
Our guide Kyle was awesome! He was so knowledgeable about all the plants and birds as we made our way through the tour. He even let us get up close with some of his bird friends as he fed them! When we got to the waterfall, Kyle made sure he helped all of the couples and families get group photos before we settled in for our lunch! During the whole tour Kyle was so friendly - asking people about where they are from and sharing some of his own stories.
This tour was amazing and if we ever come back to Kauai, we would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks Kyle - from the Meyer Family (Toronto, Canada)