Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

  • check_circleboat tour
  • check_circlesightseeing
  • check_circleculture
  • check_circlehistory

scheduleDuration: 1.5 hours

Operates Monday through Friday.

  • was$35.00
  • now$32.36

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Enjoy a fantastic evening by combining your Wailua River boat tour with a traditional Hawaiian luau held in a beautiful garden setting – Smith's Luau .

Wailua River is the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. Enjoy a leisurely bout tour up the Wailua River on Kauai. During this 2-mile journey, you’ll hear songs and stories of the old Hawaii.

At the Fern Grotto landing, enjoy a short nature walk to the lush Fern Grotto, one of the island’s top attractions. This natural cave was formed millions of years ago and is now completely covered by ferns and tropical flowers. It is a true natural wonder.

Tour Highlights:

  • Leisurely boat cruise up the Wailua River
  • Spacious, open-air boat offers beautiful views on either side of it
  • Stop at Fern Grotto, one of Kauai's top natural attractions
  • Enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to Fern Grotto
  • Live musical entertainment on board
  • Learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions
  • Plenty of great photo opportunities along the way

Garden Stroll optional add-on: If you are not planning on attending Smith's Luau after your Wailua River boat tour, but would like to see the amazing luau garden grounds, you can purchase a Garden Stroll admission ticket. The Tropical Paradise is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. (If you are attending the luau, you will have time to walk through the garden after you check in for the luau.)

Special instructions

  • Where and When:

    Tour departure times:
    9:30 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm
    Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Wailua Marina State Park, 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 View Map
    The boat tour takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
    The Garden Stroll (if you purchased this option) is available from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

    Driving directions:
    From the North (Hanalei, Princeville, Kapaa): Take Hwy. 56 South through Kapaa to the Wailua River. Go past Kuamoo road, over the river, and take the first right into the Wailua Marina State Park.

    From the South (Waimea, Poipu, Lihue): Take Hwy. 56 North from the Lihue airport. A mile after the Wailua Golf Course, watch for Marina signs and the beach on the right. Just before crossing the Wailua River bridge, turn left into the Wailua Marina State Park.

  • Restrictions:

    Vessel is not ADA accessible.

  • Special Notes:

    Tip: If you are going to the luau after the boat tour, select the 3:30 pm boat tour time.

  • Operation Days:

    Monday through Friday. *9:30am unavailable on Thursdays February 1 - May 1, 2025

  • Duration:

    1.5 hours

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