There's something to be said about the "Aloha Spirit" in the tourism industry, which is not always easy to find, despite the smiles and plumeria leis of most commercial tour operators. From the minute I met you and your guide, Josh, I knew immediately that our Backroads guests would get more than a great kayaking experience ...they would also get a genuine feeling of "Aloha" and love of Kaua'i.

Our clients who kayaked up the Wailua River with you in March and April had nothing but praise for you and Josh. For Backroads, your tours offer the perfect introduction to Hawaiian culture while also providing a strenuous, but not too difficult, paddle up the river. Joshi s simply amazing...alwayss miling,j oking alongt he way and putting our guests at ease, rain or shine. I would recommend your tour company to anyone visiting Kaua'i.

I've included a few photos of our fun with Wailua River Guides. Backroads is excited to include your tour into our Kaua'i itinerary this summer. And, we look forward to seeing you again in July and August.

With Aloha, Diane S.

Backroads, Inc.

Dear Mr. Sears,

I wanted to take a momento let you and your staff know what a wonderful time my wife and I had at your resort the week of Septembe 3rd. The accommodationts, the food as well as the entertainment including the luau were all first rate.

I also wanted to thank your concierge desk for the referral to the kayak and hiking tour run by the Wailua River Guides. This too was an operation that was first rate and delivered all that was promised if, not more. Kevin at the "kayak
shack" and Grant our guide were xtremely nice and knowledgeable. Grant was an exceptional guide pointing out details of interest to our group as well as leading us on a river and hiking tour that we would highly recommend.

This was our first trip to Kauai after having visited several of the other islands. Be assured that your Grand Hyatt is now our first choice for our next trip to Hawai.

Regards, Doug S.

Aloha,

It’s not often that I get the chance to really play “tourist” (something I really like to do, by the way…) but this last Saturday was an exception. I’d recently won a guided tour up the Wailua River to “Secret Falls” at the Kilauea School’s Fundraiser Silent Auction, donated by Wailua River Guides in Kapaa. I took my tour, purchased a second one, and in short order my friend and I were happily paddling our kayak up the river with Grant, our awesome guide, and two other couples from the Mainland.

Kayaking the river is great fun with beautiful views all the way to where the hike begins.

Our fearless leader was an endless source of information, giving us historical information on the sacredness of the area. He showed us terraced areas along the trails where the Ali’i, Queens and the “rest of the people” used to dine and live and also pointed out other areas of interest.

The hike is about a mile, and is relatively easy except for a couple of areas that were muddy and a little slippery.

The pace is relaxed, casual and temperature cool as you are never in direct sun while on the trail, the canopy of vegetation is so dense.

The falls are absolutely beautiful, not too deep (you can stand up in most places) and a little cool. You simply must wear your swimsuit and plan to go in just to say you did!

Lunch is provided at Uluwehi falls, (this is the real name of the falls) which included sandwiches, along with soft drinks, fruit and dessert. Our hike back out took us past another smaller falls known as Queens Bath which is where the Queens used to bathe.

The total trip took about 5 hours, starting at 12:30 and ending around 5:30.

If you’re looking for something enjoyable to do, I recommend giving this a try. There are many companies which provide tours of the River. I personally can recommend Wailua River Guides but do your research, take your pick and have a great time.

Aloha, Elaine