Page 7) Things to Do in Kauai in 2026 – Tours & Activities

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

Wailua River Cruise

The river cruise was fantastic! Last time we did this was 2007. This June 2022, took my children and grandchildren and they had a good time. A little suggestion, maybe next time, take the cruise a little further down where at least we can get a glimpse of the water fall, that will be awesome!!!!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/07/02
Activity Date:	2022/06/08

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

Very glad we did this!

Reviewed by: Niveen

Fun cruise exploring the river and history as told by the cruise captain. The walk through the “jungle” leading to the fern grotto was very enjoyable. The cruise back was fun - included song and dance. Recommend!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/07/02
Activity Date:	2022/06/14

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

Just book it!

Reviewed by: Kristin Wolf

This was such an enjoyable boat tour! The captain and crew were friendly, funny and talented. The fern grotto was beautiful and the music and hula were so fun! Our kids enjoyed it too!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/07/01
Activity Date:	2022/06/29

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

Pleasantly Surprised

Reviewed by: Jamersham

I was pleasantly surprised by this tour. The entertainment was really great! The woman who sang the songs has a great voice and fun banter;) Overall, a very fun affordable experience. Probably my favorite part was when they taught us the hula :)

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/06/27
Activity Date:	2022/06/24

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

Boat ride was so relaxing!

Reviewed by: Mary

The tour was so nice and relaxing! Skipper and the rest of the staff was amazing. The waterfall at the end was breathtaking!The walk in to the fall was 10-15mins and along the path are different plants natives to Hawaii. Would definitely do again! Mahalo.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/06/19
Activity Date:	2022/06/17

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

Loved it!

Reviewed by: Becky

Very friendly staff. Relaxing boat ride with great entertainment. I would highly recommend it.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/06/16
Activity Date:	2022/06/14

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

Nice Relaxing Adventure

Reviewed by: Tim

The Fern Grotto cruise was nice and relaxing, plus the description of sites along way was interesting. we had a couple in our group that was actually married in the Grotto back in the day. Kewl!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/06/13
Activity Date:	2022/05/20

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

Not worth it if you have to get transportation there…

Reviewed by: Nicole & Thomas

The tour was nothing to write home about. The captain had corny jokes; from the boat, you couldn’t see anything but the hau trees that lined the river; once you get to the grotto, it’s a pretty view but you’re 50-100yards from the cave entrance. The family sang but with all the people there, you could barely hear.

The taxi ride from Poipu was $70 each way. Add that to the cost of 2 tickets($60), this tour was not worth $200. Had we been located closer to the harbor, we might have been able to justify the cost.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/06/12
Activity Date:	2022/06/10

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

River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: Cindy

The experience was okay, and easy for most. The river cruise was relaxing and walk to the Grotto was not strenuous. However, the Fern Grotto was disappointing. It did not look like a "grotto" at all. The musical entertainment was okay but nothing to rave about. Something to do for seniors and children; otherwise, the tour is nothing to be excited about.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2022/06/05
Activity Date:	2022/05/09

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

Great experience

Reviewed by: Grace

Absolutely beautiful cruise, nice easy walk to grotto. The crew was fantastic, great music and history told throughout the cruise. My elderly mother really enjoyed the cruise.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/05/05
Activity Date:	2022/05/03

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

Beautiful grotto with fun entertainment while on the river

Reviewed by: OneHauteMom

This was a fun shorter excursion with a relaxing boat ride to the grotto and live entertainment onboard. A cute experience.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/05/03
Activity Date:	2022/03/30

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

Great family activity

Reviewed by: Hannah

Perfect length to keep young kids entertained, fun captain stories and singing.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/04/29
Activity Date:	2022/04/25

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

We were here 50 yrs ago on our honeymoon. Not the same but it was still beautiful. Thank you

Reviewed by: OBrien’s

Nice boat ride to the Fern Grotto. Driver & dancers were awesome. The singers were exceptional. They sang the Hawaiian wedding song just like they did for us 50yrs ago on our honeymoon. We weren’t able to go inside as before. But it was still magical all the same. Thank you. Carl & Terri OBrien

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/04/28
Activity Date:	2022/04/26

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

Rush to get an edge seat!

Reviewed by: Familywithkids

The grotto was beautiful, the dancing and singing was great. The overhead boat speakers were really hard to hear- we couldn't make out the stories they were telling well. If you get stuck in the middle, you can't see anything. Overall, it's not something I'd do more than once.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/04/16
Activity Date:	2022/04/14

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

Smith’s river cruise

Reviewed by: Beverly Kramer

Once again the Smith family didn’t disappoint us with this river cruise. Telling us a little bit about the Smith family and the 5 generations who have worked there. Told us about the plant life on the island. We were treated to a Hawaiian song at the end of our short hike. My 81 year old father had no problems walking this short walk. On the way back to the dock we were given hula lessons and told what each hand gesture meant. Then we all did the luau while the song was being sung. It was awesome!

When we arrived to the island I thought I booked the cruise on the Wednesday but it was on Tuesday. I was called because we weren’t there and told it was no problem and that they would be rescheduled for the Wednesday.

Wonderful experience! I HIGHLY recommend is cruise!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/03/22
Activity Date:	2022/03/15

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

Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: Louis

Wonderful and beautiful experience. We had a great time. Friendly and informative staff.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/03/17
Activity Date:	2022/03/15

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

Awesome beyond words!

Reviewed by: Tiffany

We could not have imagined how beautiful the scenery would be. The singing and dancing was an added bonus. The Smith family really did an amazing job providing a fun filled adventure.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/03/16
Activity Date:	2022/03/14

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

Entertaining and Informative

Reviewed by: Chris Matishak

We enjoyed the Wailua river boat cruise. It was very efficiently run. The entertainment was delightful; entertaining and informative. Enjoyed the walk to the fern grotto and the history there. Loved the scenery.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/03/01
Activity Date:	2022/02/25

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

Friendly staff.

Reviewed by: Annalisa

The staff was very friendly and they try really hard to be sure you have fun even if the cruise itself can be a little bit boring.
I didn’t appreciate that they don’t say anything to people who don’t wear a mask even if it’s still mandatory. That part was really annoying.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/02/23
Activity Date:	2022/02/21

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

A lovely, peaceful boat trip along a beautiful river

Reviewed by: Ginger from Kansas

The Smith's Wailua River Cruise was very good. The open windows were fantastic for taking pictures. We cruised at a relaxing speed. It was fun to watch the people in Kayaks and on paddle boards along the way. There is a roof on the boat so it's very shady & the padded bench seats are comfortable. We were entertained with interesting history about the river and area.
It was easy to get in & out of the boat. The Fern Grotto was a very lush & beautiful area. There were no mosquitoes or flying insects when we were there between 11 A. M & 12:30 P. M.
At the Grotto & on the boat, we were entertained with singing and dancing. It was a very enjoyable time for all.

A view from the boat
Part of the Fern Grotto

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/02/13
Activity Date:	2022/02/11

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

Good Trip!

Reviewed by: Debbie

This was a good trip. The boat was clean and well-kept-up, and everyone was very friendly. Fern Grotto is pretty, and the local entertainment makes the event fun. It's a relaxing, quiet trip and a good way to see some of the beauty of Kauai.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/02/06
Activity Date:	2022/02/04

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

Always my favorite!

Reviewed by: Sonja Newton

Every time I come to Kauai, I do this River Cruise and it never gets old. It is entertaining, educational, beautiful and just plain fun for all ages. I especially appreciate that the staff and crew always seen to be enjoying themselves as well!

Fun for everyone, including my daughter and her husband who recently moved to the island and hadn't had a chance to experience it this way!
Fun for everyone including my 90 year old father. Thank you for making him feel special!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/01/31
Activity Date:	2022/01/06

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

beautiful peaceful and entertaining

Reviewed by: sebastian

i whole experience was amazing. The employees greeted guests with enthusiasm and personality, very happy and entertaining. the boat ride took us giding down the river providing beautiful sites and emotions. the fern grotto and short walk were great as well. all around a+ adventure.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/01/09
Activity Date:	2022/01/06

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

Rich in culture, beauty, and Aloha! Everyone should do this when visiting Kauai. Worth it!

Reviewed by: Colleen

The Smith’s Wailua River Cruise was a beautiful way to spend our morning. Start off by learning some island history and geography by a native guide from the Smith Family. Ours was Wade.

Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, you’ll walk a beautiful path to get there and learn about its natural history and cultural significance as well as anything you’d like to know about it. We learned so many fascination facts and it was so beautiful and peaceful.

On our way back, we were treated with professional musicians and a top notch dancer. Everything about the small group of performers was beautiful from the sweet sounds of the musicians to the graceful display of cultural dance. You couldn’t get better quality and for the price!

It was an honor and gift to ride with the Smith Family. Looking forward to coming back with the kids.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/12/30
Activity Date:	2021/12/03

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

Awesome experience.

Reviewed by: Justin T

Wish it didn’t rain the whole time but they can’t control that obviously. I recommend it.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/12/24
Activity Date:	2021/12/22

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

Great family fun time.

Reviewed by: Umar

It's a nice way to spend an hour on the water with some fun Hawaiian music. It's relaxing and a calm way to just chill. The actual fern grotto was an incredible sight to see and enjoy. That was the best part. Just a couple of minutes of walk from the dock to the main area where you see and appreciate the phenomenon.

Fun!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/12/13
Activity Date:	2021/12/10

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

Tired

Reviewed by: Sharon

The building where we pay and gather is very depressing. The boat ride was uneventful, the grotto was a beauty of nature. We music was okay, we could tell the performers were tired because it was the last trip of the day, but they were nice and accommodating.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/12/11
Activity Date:	2021/11/17

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

River Excursion

Reviewed by: Arizona

Good way to spend a couple of hours meandering down a river.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/11/28
Activity Date:	2021/11/24

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

Great family tour

Reviewed by: :-)

We have two toddlers so this was a nice adventure to take with little ones. The fern grotto is beautiful.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/11/14
Activity Date:	2021/10/18

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

Fun. Sort of hokey!

Reviewed by: CurlyQ

Nice boat ride and walk to the fern grotto. The customers on board got into the group songs and their hand movements. A good family outing.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/11/10
Activity Date:	2021/11/08

Things to Do in Kauai in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Fern Grotto & Wailua River Cruise in Kauai

Overall Rating

Reviews

Wailua River Cruise

Very glad we did this!

Just book it!

Pleasantly Surprised

Boat ride was so relaxing!

Loved it!

Nice Relaxing Adventure

Not worth it if you have to get transportation there…

River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Great experience

Beautiful grotto with fun entertainment while on the river

Great family activity

We were here 50 yrs ago on our honeymoon. Not the same but it was still beautiful. Thank you

Rush to get an edge seat!

Smith’s river cruise

Fern Grotto

Awesome beyond words!

Entertaining and Informative

Friendly staff.

A lovely, peaceful boat trip along a beautiful river

Good Trip!

Always my favorite!

beautiful peaceful and entertaining

Rich in culture, beauty, and Aloha! Everyone should do this when visiting Kauai. Worth it!

Awesome experience.

Great family fun time.

Tired

River Excursion

Great family tour

Fun. Sort of hokey!

Hawaiian Islands

Kauai Categories