Search Activities

Kauai

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Currently Viewing

Top Kauai Sights & Attractions (50)

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto (8)

Smith’s Fern Grotto River Cruise with Live Hawaiian Music & Hula

4.46 392 reviews

(222)

Highlights

Enjoy a calm cruise on Hawaii's only navigable river

Visit the iconic and lush Fern Grotto with expert guides

Watch a live hula performance and group lesson onboard

Listen to the romantic Hawaiian Wedding Song in the grotto

Comfortable open-air boats with shaded seating

View details

Wonderful

2025/06/06

Families with Young Children Murali

It was a nice experience, getting the flavor of Hawaii songs and dance and also that was a short walk to a cave filled with germs that was really awesome.

Read all 392 reviews Read all 392 reviews

Overview

Kauai

2 hour(s)

Available Weekday

Pick-up not available

What to expect

Cruise Kauai’s scenic Wailua River to lush Smith’s Fern Grotto. Enjoy live Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and storytelling aboard shaded boats. Visit a romantic wedding spot and explore tropical beauty on this calm, family-friendly experience.

Discover the Beauty of Smith’s Fern Grotto on Kauai’s Wailua River

What You'll Do

Your journey begins at Wailua Marina State Park, where you’ll board a comfortable boat and glide past lush landscapes, waterfalls, and sacred Hawaiian temples (heiau). Along the way, friendly crew members share the legends of ancient Hawaii through live narration, music, and storytelling.

A highlight of the cruise is the live hula dance performance and group lesson — a guest favorite. At the Fern Grotto, enjoy the iconic Hawaiian Wedding Song performed in this naturally formed lava rock amphitheater, framed by tropical ferns and greenery. Once a sacred site for Hawaiian royalty, the grotto is now a cherished location for weddings and vow renewals.

What’s Included

Round-trip Wailua River boat cruise to Fern Grotto
Live Hawaiian music and hula show
Group hula lesson onboard
Narrated stories of Hawaiian legends and history
Time to explore the Fern Grotto on foot
Shaded seating on open-air boats
Restroom facilities at the dock and grotto

Why Choose This Experience

Calm, Family-Friendly Adventure: This peaceful river cruise is ideal for all ages and especially suitable for guests who prefer a smoother alternative to ocean tours.
Authentic Cultural Experience: Operated by a local family business with over 70 years of history, offering genuine Hawaiian music, hula, and storytelling.
Comfortable and Accessible: Features shaded boats, restrooms, stroller access, and wheelchair accommodation (with assistance).
Rich in Romance and History: A visit to a romantic wedding site with scenic views, cultural performances, and lush natural beauty.
Perfect Pairing: Complete your cultural day with the Smith’s Garden Luau, held nearby and operated by the same family.

Important Information

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
Location: Wailua Marina State Park, East Kauai
Restrooms: Available at the departure dock and Fern Grotto landing
Parking: Free onsite parking at the check-in location
Accessibility: Stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible with assistance
Language: Tour is conducted in English
Child Policy: Suitable for all ages; children under 2 ride free

FAQ

How long is the Smith’s Fern Grotto tour?

The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes round-trip, including time at the Fern Grotto.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes! This tour is calm and family-friendly. Children of all ages, including infants, are welcome. Children under 2 ride free.

What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Light rain gear is helpful if showers are expected.

Is the boat shaded?

Yes, all boats offer shaded seating areas for a cool and comfortable ride.

Are restrooms available?

Yes, restrooms are available at the departure dock and at the Fern Grotto landing.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes, strollers are welcome. Wheelchair users can participate with assistance for boarding steps.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English, with narration and music by local staff.

Is there parking onsite?

Yes, free parking is available at Wailua Marina State Park where check-in takes place.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?

Most bookings allow free cancellation or changes with advance notice. Please refer to your specific booking confirmation for details.

Does the tour operate in all weather?

Tours operate rain or shine, but may be canceled in the event of severe weather. You'll be notified if any changes occur.

Will we hear the Hawaiian Wedding Song?

Yes, this beautiful song is often performed at the Fern Grotto as part of the tour's live entertainment.

River Cruise Package

Adult (Age 13 & over)

USD 35.00

Adult (Age 13 & over)

USD 35.00

Child (Age 2-12)

USD 17.50

Infant (Age 0-1)

free

Embark on a two-mile round-trip river boat cruise along the Wailua River, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Kauai. The Wailua River is known as “the only navigable river” in all Hawaii, and the river’s fresh water pours down from Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots one Earth. The lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island’s royalty.

Child (Age 2-12)

USD 17.50

Infant (Age 0-1)

free

Overview

Morning, Afternoon

2 hour(s)

Available Weekday

Without pick-up

Inclusions: Cruise fee / Guide

Schedule

View All

Start time :

09:15

Check-in at Wailua Marina Park

09:30

Wailua River Cruise (1 hour 20 mins)

10:50

Check-out

Read reviews

Location

Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Important activity information

To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.

Important activity information

Restrictions

Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Must be able to go down 5 steps into the boat with assistance. Wheelchair is usable on the boat.
Family Friendly: Infants, toddlers and strollers are allowed on board.
You must bring a copy of your voucher as proof of purchase to the activity or the activity provider may charge you again in full. VELTRA.com will not be liable for any additional charges.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

You can book a maximum of 130.

Additional notes

The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
Gratuity is not included in the price.

Traveler's photos

(222)

Traveler's photos

See all (222)

(222)

Reviews

Activity Provider Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau

Activity Provider

FAQ

Q. Is the Smiths Tropical Paradise Luau nearby to where the river boat cruise ends?

A. Yes, the luau and the Smiths Motor Boat Cruise are both held at the Wailua Marina State Park.

Q. Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

A. Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy while on the cruise. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

Q. Is this activity family-friendly?

A. Yes! This is a great activity for families!

Q. What type of boat is used for the river cruise?

A. Powered by a rear engines, boats that cruise the Wailua River are designed to be spacious and open-air, allowing you a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery as you cruise by.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

Payment / Cancellation Policy

Payment Methods

Credit card payment

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

Change Policy

Any changes made after 15:00 local time, the day prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Operation days