How Long Is The Tour?
From start to finish the tour is about 1.5 hours.
AN ESSENTIAL KAUA'I ADVENTURE
A cruise down the peaceful Wailua River is the perfect way to spend a day in Hawai'i. The river is known as "the only navigable river" in Hawai'i, and its fresh water pours down from Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet.
Specially designed river boats will take you up the river to Fern Grotto, where you will visit this exquisite natural amphitheater for which the area is named. On board, there will be live entertainment and opportunities for all the guests to join in. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
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$35 USD
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All ages
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80-minute
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Kapa'a, Kaua'i, Hawai'i
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$185 USD
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All ages
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4.5-hour
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Kapa'a, Kaua'i, Hawai'i
Fern Grotto Cruise Features
Wailua River Valley
The massive but tranquil Wailua River is 20 miles long and flows from Mount Waialeale in the center of the island to the ocean. The river weaves its way through lush jungle valleys where you can catch glimpses of seven different heiau (temples), waterfalls, and gorgeous natural scenery. Excellent photo opportunities!
Fern Grotto
Fern Grotto is one of the most popular attractions on Kaua'i’s East Side. It is a natural lava rock cave covered in hanging ferns and lush tropical foliage. The grotto's shape makes it a natural amphitheater. For this reason, you will often see Hawaiian musicians and singers playing beautiful music in the serene setting. The sound is almost magical and something you will hold as a cherished memory.
Legends and Live Entertainment
One of the best parts about this tour is the live music and entertainment to and from Fern Grotto. A live band will play several songs that relay incredible stories and legends from ancient Hawaiian mythology. As part of the tour, you will also get to see a live hula dance and participate in a group lesson, so you can learn to hula too!
Fern Grotto Cruise Tour Details
Highlights
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Enjoy A Smooth Cruise Down The Wailua River
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Hear Songs And Stories About Ancient Hawaii
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Option to Add on a Lūʻau
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Catch Glimpses of Wailua Valley
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Family Friendly
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Explore Fern Grotto
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Learn to Hula
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Four departure times
Description
Join us on our open-air boat for an amazing journey down the Wailua River. During this smooth and peaceful two-mile river cruise, you’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawai'i and enjoy amazing views like the King’s Highway, sacred Mount Kapu, and the First Hau Tree. The lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kaua'i and the birthplace of the island’s ali‘i, or royalty.
Our vintage Wailua River cruise boats are powered by an ingenious rear-engine system for a quiet, smooth ride and the spacious, open-air boats provide excellent views from either side during the trip upstream. Our crew will keep you entertained along the way, and we’ll even provide a hula lesson!
At the Fern Grotto landing, you’ll enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto - a geological wonder of Kaua'i. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago. The Grotto is a favorite spot for weddings, and we often are treated to the ethereal sounds of a local choir singing the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” Pure magic!
Price & Availability
80-Minute River Cruise To Fern Grotto From Wailua River State Park
| AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $35.00 |
| ChildrenAges 2-12 yrs | $18.00 |
| InfantsUnder 2 yrs | FREE |
Fern Grotto Cruise Plus Smithʻs Lūʻau Family Package At Wailua Marina State Park
| AdultsAges 14 yrs+ | $185.00 |
| JuniorsAges 7-12 yrs | $63.00 |
| ChildrenAges 3-6 yrs | $53.00 |
| InfantUnder 3 yrs | FREE |
Included
- Live music and entertainment
- Legends and stories of ancient Hawaii
- Smooth comfortable ride with shade
- Amazing views
Itinerary
- Current schedule is Monday through Friday
- Four departure times offered from 9:30am - 3:30pm. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours.
- 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Kapa'a, HI 96746.
Cancellation
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund. No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside the 72-hour cancellation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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