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Kauai
Josh was a great guide. He was very patient with our lack of skills with a kayak and he provided a lot of interesting information about the area, vegetation and history, etc. We were the only participants on our tour and we felt like we had our own personal guide. The kayak was top quality and even had a rudder to help with controlling the vessel as we rowed.
Very informative, interesting and enjoyable. Would recommend to everyone
We enjoyed this lazy trip down the river and learned a lot about the river on the way from the captain. The fern grotto was beautiful, though not quite as lush as it had once been (so don't expect it to look like the postcards you see! I guess the hurricanes did some damage). The entertainment at the grotto was also lovely - hearing the traditional Hawaiian wedding song (in Hawaiian) with beautiful harmonies was enchanting. I also love that this is a family run business, putting money back into the traditions of Hawaii and the families that reside there. We took our seven year old boy and nine year old girl, and grandma, and everyone enjoyed the trip.
This is the first time we took the boat trip up the river. I was impressed with the family involvement in every aspect of the luau and boat tour. They are very gracious people and must answer the same questions thousands of times yet they show an interest each time to make everyone feel special and not like some
We had a great time.This is worth the money.
Enjoyed very much.If you have never done it you should.
Our guide was excellent. I'm not sure anyone other than a local could have given us a tour as insightful or interesting.
I don't regret doing this, however, I would not do it again. Decent activity for first timers.
The cruise is vary relaxing, vary beutiful, and the staff is vary informative and the hula dancer was wonderful. But be warned the cave at the Fern Grotto is now closed, but you can still see it and take pictures of it wich is beutuful. recomended to first timers.
This cruise is great for older people who are not able to walk very well - the staff is very friendly, the entertainment is fun and relaxing, the river is beautiful, and the walk to the Fern Grotto was very nice also. We did this before going to the luau at Smith's. It was a wonderful combination!
THIS TRIP EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS.
This was an amazing Cruise down the Wialua River to the Fern Grotto. The staff was great and told of the history of the river and the grotto. The return trip included hawaiian music and hula lessons. I would really recommend this trip to everyone.
We loved this tour. The ride up the river was informative and absolutely beautiful. Walking the Grotto was amazing. So many types of plants. You will be amazed. Be sure to walk through slowly. Look at every flower and in between leaves so you don't miss the giant bumble bees or the beautiful birds. Some people walked too quickly and missed these wonders of nature.
The ride back was pleasant with the staff playing music and dancing. They were great guides and great people. One of the guides walked slowly with us and told us all about the different plants and what the natives used these plants for. Super informative. I felt sorry for those who didn't take the time to listen to his wealth of knowledge.
The trip was listed as a short, rugged walk, but is handicap accessible. I would have liked this information ahead of time, as walking on concrete is very painful for me, and I would have taken my scooter if I had known there was a paved walk way. I would like to go again sometime, when the ferns have recovered from the damage of the 2006 Hurricane. Cruise was informative, entertaining and fun!
Smith's River Cruise was well done. Unfortunately the Fern Grotto sust
ained damage which no longer allows people to go inside.
Our family enjoyed this short boat ride to the Fern Grotto. The Grotto itself has changed since our last trip to Kaua'i. Sit on the left side of the boat while it is at the dock (which will then be the right side going up the river). That way you can see most of the sights the guide points out on the way to the Fern Grotto. It was informative, especially for first timers. Next trip, we will probably kayak up to the Grotto.
We had a great time on this tour. It is a 2.5 mile kayak and about a 2 mile hike to a spectacular waterfall. We went in March with our 9 yr old son. These are two person kayaks that you cannot have children in the middle. I ended up pairing up with another mom who came with her family. Our guide was very knowledgeable and able to tell us all about the trees and plants around us and other things along the way. We hiked to the waterfall where we had lunch and able to swim under the waterfall. This is definitely something to try.
It was a relaxing and enjoyable trip down the river to the Fern Grotto. The staff was fun and we enjoyed learning to Hula. It was a good value!
Kayaking ride was just the right distance and hike was just perfect distance. Waterfall area was beautiful.
As first-timers to the Fern Grotto, my husband and I had a great time!The boat ride, hula instruction, music, and entertainment were typically Hawaiian, which is just what we wanted to experience! We took the 3:30 Fern Grotto trip so we could follow it up with the Smith's Family Luau (in the same location). The Luau cuisine was great followed by a spectacular music production professionally presented providing us with a greater understanding of the traditions and heritage of the Polynesian culture. WHAT A SHOW! We recommend BOTH of these for your family and friends. You will not be disappointed!!
We enjoyed the cruise and the beautiful flowers and foliage but were disappointed at the actual "Grotto" since we couldn't see inside the cave. We weren't aware of this until we were at the site.
great view, good history lessons
The boat tour was more than we expected. The dancer was talented. The entertainment and wedding song were lovely. The garden around the Grotto was lush. And it came with a nice price tag as well. I would recommend this to anyone.
Smith family were great
Rained out on Wednesday and we were not notified until we got there. Rescheduled for Friday and all went well. Had a good time.
The boat ride was so-so, the comentary was great but with a covered ride it was difficult to see the attractions. Upon arrival we were amazed at the folage and the Fern Grotto, very impressive, would I do it again ? no, been there done that but would reccomend to first timers to the Island.
We had a great time and really enjoyed the cruise.
On time, friendly, engaging. Always worth a trip to see the Grotto.
The cruise was very relaxing with the cool breeze on your face. It would even be better if you had hammock, but i do realize that maybe impossible.
The cruise was short but sufficient for the price. I recommend taking the 3:30 cruise and then going to the Smith Luau right beside the docks. Excellent site and entertainment and also worth the price.
