Page 9) Things to Do in Kauai in 2025 – Tours & Activities

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.

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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!

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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.

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

Ultimate Kauai Private Guided Island Tour - Waimea Canyon & South Shore

Orlando was awesome

Reviewed by: Lee

First, our driver/guide Orlando was simply amazing. He was quite knowledgeable and helpful. Orlando’s sense of humor kept us relaxed and laughing. Orlando picked us up right on time. We mentioned to him we would need frequent restroom stops. Not only was he accommodating but he was very picky about where he stopped being conscious of cleanliness. Speaking of cleanliness, our vehicle was spotless and very comfortable. We loved his guidance and took him to lunch. I cannot recommend this tour more highly. When you book, be sure to ask for Orlando!

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Rating:
Packages:	Kauai Private North & East Tour: See Hanalei Bay & Wailua and Opaekaa Falls
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/01/01
Activity Date:	2021/12/30

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Amazing trip!

Reviewed by: Cooper

Our guide was informative and friendly. The waterfalls were beautiful and my partner and I had a great time. There were sandwiches, chips and soda that was provided so bring water. They supply dry bags which is a must have. Our host cut up a pineapple at the end and gave us tips on some local areas and food spots to check out.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Cooper,

I guess we can't do better than amazing. Thanks for a very nice reviews. I believe we are the only company that offers lunches on the river.

Stay paddling, active and Happy Holidays.

Thanks for sharing.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/11/27
Activity Date:	2021/11/02

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Secret Falls tour was great!

Reviewed by: Andrew

We loved our tour to the secret falls. The kayak was sturdy and we never felt like there was a risk of flipping. G was a great guide and the sandwich lunch was filling and tasty. We would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Andre,

"G" must be our guide Garrick. Garrick brings a true love of the outdoors of Kaua'i, Alaska, etc. We are very fortunate, all of us, sharing his particular brand of Aloha and grasp of the cultural and natural history of the Wailua River complex.

Thanks for the 5 stars.

Happy Holidays,

Micco
Head Guide

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/11/24
Activity Date:	2021/11/22

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.

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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.

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

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

Great Value nice trip with the kids and grandkids.

Reviewed by: mitch

Nice cruise, lots of fun info and entertainment and a great trip for the value.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/10/30
Activity Date:	2021/10/06

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

Excellent crew and talent, Fern Grotto not truly accessible

Reviewed by: Michele

Our group of 4, aged 50s to 70s, very much enjoyed the entertainment and river history. One of our group was in a wheelchair. Bathrooms were accessible but the ramp to see Fern Grotto was so steep that 2 of us chose bathrooms over seeing that trip endpoint. This excursion is the best value on the island. Book it!

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/10/17
Activity Date:	2021/10/13

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Kauai Kayak was a great adventure!

Reviewed by: Dave

We had an awesome time. The adventure was a little strenuous at times but we got through it and the end rewards was well worth the effort! Our guide Devan was great and encouraged everyone along the way and was very knowledgeable of the area. The waterfall was amazing but the water cold! We really enjoyed the experience. We’ll worth it!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Dave,
Glad that our guide enriched the experience and that you made it to the falls.
Reviews like yours helps match the tour to the right people and let them know what is in store.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Keep chasing rainbows and waterfalls.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/10/13
Activity Date:	2021/10/11

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

Relaxing with good humor

Reviewed by: Linda

Captain on cruise was very informative and relaxed. He made the cruise more enjoyable. The young man who sang had excellent humor and a great voice for the songs he sang. The ladies were doing their job. Hula was beautiful and graceful

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/10/03
Activity Date:	2021/09/29

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

So worth it!

Reviewed by: Catharina

Great short cruise for the money, even includes entertainment. We loved it! We would do it again.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/09/27
Activity Date:	2021/09/22

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Awesome experience

Reviewed by: Anthony

The kayak Kauai company was awesome. We missed our original appointment and they were still able to accommodate us. Garrett was an awesome guide. Very informative

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Anthony,
Thanks for taking the time to compliment our awesome staff. We do rock and really try to hard to make everybody happy and go the extra yard.
Thanks for sharing.
Micco
Head Guide.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/09/25
Activity Date:	2021/09/23

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Best part of our trip to Kauai!

Reviewed by: J’Neal

This tour was by far our favorite part of our entire trip. The kayaking is beautiful and relaxing - easy enough for beginners (like some people in our group) but still very enjoyable for seasoned kayakers like my husband and me. The hike was also a lot of fun. A bit challenging at times - not so much in the way of fitness, but more-so because there are some places where it’s uneven and slippery. But as long as you wear good water shoes and step carefully, it’s a fairly easy hike even for someone that’s out of shape like me. The waterfall and swimming hole are stunning. Totally worth the muddy hike. Something we’ll never forget. And the guides are AMAZING! Our guide was Garrick - he was super knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and funny. He made the entire trip a blast. And at one point we met up with another group and their guide, Ty, was also super knowledgeable and funny - and played the ukulele on the hike back down. It was great! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Kauai and would definitely do it again.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha J’Neal,

What a nice review with some advice of how to negotiate the often muddy trail. As you shared good water shoes helps allot.

Thanks for taking the time to let us know, well I mean that Garrick, continues to do good if not great job. Glad that you got to meet one of our other guides Tyler as well.

I can honestly say we have a great group of guides who truly love what they do and are their to interpret and share their particular and unique form of aloha.

Thanks for making it possible. You both sound like you might be candidates for our day long Na Pali sea kayak tour.

Stay active.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

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Rating:
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/09/24

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

Very enjoyable river cruise

Reviewed by: Lisa

Great opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy and hour and 20 minutes on the Wailua River and “getting married” at the Fern Grotto. The music and hula dancing on the journey up the river added a wonderful ambiance and the history and information on movies filmed on and around the Wailua on the way back was very informative. All in all a wonderful addition to our trip to Hawaii.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/09/21
Activity Date:	2021/09/16

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Challenging but worth it!

Reviewed by: Mary W

As a beginning kayaker, this was an energizing and satisfying ride. Make sure you have sturdy shoes for the hike. Our water ‘shoes’, more like socks, did not work as well as the closed toed more sturdy shoes would have been better and what most people had on. We made it though! That dip in the waterfall was worth the whole trip! J, our guide, was informative, attentive and amusing. Highly recommended.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Mary,

Yep…just the right amount of paddling and hiking. By the time your arms are getting tired…you are out and hiking to the falls.

Thanks for taking time to share and reflect on your tour with your guide Jay.

Sturdy hiking shoes makes it much more enjoyable; thanks for warning others.

Keep active and sharing aloha,

Thanks again for your nice review.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/09/20
Activity Date:	2021/09/18

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

Lynsan

Reviewed by: Lynn M

We had not been to the fern grotto in 25 years. It is more beautiful and serene then we remember. The staff a Smith's are welcoming and deliver a fun trip. We like the music and the Capitan's narrative explaining the area.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/09/06
Activity Date:	2021/08/30

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

Aloha ! Remarkable performances by the musicians and Aloha dancers

Reviewed by: Hazel De Leon

Aloha ! Remarkable performances by the musicians and Aloha dancers. A very entertaining group! My family was amazed all througout the river cruise. The walk to the Fern Grotto was a unique experience because the beauty of the lush and large tropical plants was amazing and beautiful. Overall, an exciting experience to see a beautiful garden ( Fern Grotto) . It is very well recommended to have the river cruise and if we come back to Kauai, we will do the Wailua river cruise again.

Beautiful Fern Grotto
A lush garden
At the Fern Grotto

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/09/02
Activity Date:	2021/08/02

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

Fun and Friendly

Reviewed by: Monica

We went with our 22 month old baby. They are family friendly and fun. Made the boat ride easier to handle with a toddler with the hula dance and jokes. They seemed authentic. The cave was beautiful as well. Good to take kissing pics.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/09/01
Activity Date:	2021/08/23

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

We made it!!

Reviewed by: Ke

If you've never Kayaked with your spouse. Practice yelling at each other before the tour. Once you figure it out, you'll be glad you did it. Amazing views and swimming in the grotto of the waterfall is an amazing experience!!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Ke, We often say about paddling with your spouse, "Families that paddle together...pray together"> Glad you figure out the paddling stroke and enjoyed this beautiful area that is the Wailua River complex. Keep yelling, paddling and enjoying each other. A hui hou, Micco

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/08/23
Activity Date:	2021/08/21

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Relaxing River Time

Reviewed by: Kelda & Jody Senyohl

Ty was an amazing guide! He was extremely knowledgeable about the flora and very fun to talk with throughout the entire trip! Thank you also Ty for the recommendations for the North Shore! We snorkeled Tunnels and had an amazing sunset too!! Thank you for a terrific day! Mahalo!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kelda y/o Jody,

Thanks for taking the time to confirm what we already know, i.e. that Tyler is rockin in the field!

You may not know that in the background Tyler running our Wailua River program and scheduling and hiring our other excellent guides while keeping equipment in excellent shape.

Tyler make it all possible.

Thanks for taking the time...and keep hiking, paddling and snorkeling.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/08/11
Activity Date:	2021/08/09

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

Great River Boat Tour

Reviewed by: Cmm

The Wailua river cruise to the fern grotto was fun. I really enjoyed the music/entertainment on the boat to the grotto. My whole family was memorized looking at the fern grotto. Definitely a good tour for family.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/07/09
Activity Date:	2021/07/07

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Kayaking Only

Reviewed by: Gina M.

We went on a 2 hour kayaking trip. Unfortunately, the hike/sacred falls was cancelled due to inclement weather. It was a bummer, but we know it was for our safety. However, it did hurt a little when we were seeing others continuing to go past the fork in the river. We did get a partial refund. After concluding our kayaking trip, our tour guide Tyler did point us to the Nounou trail to hike which was great. So we were able to fill more of our day on this hike with spectacular views!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Gina,

Safety is no accident!

When in doubt we don't go out or up the North Fork that constricts and is more prone to flooding as consequence.

Having pioneered the tour we have safely been guiding folks to the falls for the last 37 years while other companies have lost clients in flood like conditions.

We love repeat business and believe "safety is no accident".

Glad to hear that Tyler was able to take curve and make it a plus.

Stay well and safe. Thanks for sharing.

A hui hou,

Micco

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Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/07/07
Activity Date:	2021/07/05

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Worth the work!

Reviewed by: Kim H

Ty was very patient and informative. We had a great time. The falls are definitely not a secret, got very crowded, I suggest taking the earliest tour possible. I would absolutely do this again!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kim,

When we pioneered this tour to the Falls we called it the Secret Falls.

Victim of our own success...it quickly became the best known secret. Now we call it the Sacred Falls and inspite its popularity, as you observed and learned, it is still a terrific way to spend the day.

Thanks for sharing and for 5 star review and photo

Stay paddling and hiking.

A hui hou,

Micco

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/24
Activity Date:	2021/06/21

Things to Do in Kauai in 2025 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Wailua River Adventures in Kauai

Overall Rating

Reviews

Good Trip!

Always my favorite!

beautiful peaceful and entertaining

Orlando was awesome

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

Awesome experience.

Great family fun time.

Tired

River Excursion

Amazing trip!

Secret Falls tour was great!

Great family tour

Fun. Sort of hokey!

Great Value nice trip with the kids and grandkids.

Excellent crew and talent, Fern Grotto not truly accessible

Kauai Kayak was a great adventure!

Relaxing with good humor

So worth it!

Awesome experience

Best part of our trip to Kauai!

Very enjoyable river cruise

Challenging but worth it!

Lynsan

Aloha ! Remarkable performances by the musicians and Aloha dancers

Fun and Friendly

We made it!!

Relaxing River Time

Great River Boat Tour

Kayaking Only

Worth the work!

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