Things to Do in Kauai in 2026 – Tours & Activities

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

Beautiful views and educational

Reviewed by: Bill

The Fern Grotto tour was a great precursor to the Smith Family Luau. The trek was interesting, and we learned some historical facts, and saw some beautiful scenery. The hula dancing was fun (to watch). It was well worth the time

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Go to the Luau as well

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/03/04
Activity Date:	2026/03/02

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

Family fun

Reviewed by: CT

Wonderful fun for all ages ! Great Hawaiian experience

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Finding it and checking in can be a little confusing read and follow the directions they send

River cruise

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/03/01
Activity Date:	2026/02/27

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

Cool Hawaiian music and dancing!

Reviewed by: Cheryl from Wisconsin

The river boat tour was just ok but the Hawaiian music, hula, dancing and Fern Grotto was amazing !!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Fern Grotto is amazing!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/28
Activity Date:	2026/02/04

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

Fun filled Family Adventure

Reviewed by: Jdog

We were very impressed with how fun the river cruise and nature trail to the Fern Grotto

Must do for trips to Kauai

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/21
Activity Date:	2026/02/19

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

Lovely Experience 🌺

Reviewed by: Kb Carr

Enjoyable relaxing and fun journey to the beautiful grotto 🌼

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/20
Activity Date:	2026/02/18

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

Fine way to kill 2 hours but nothing special

Reviewed by: BobKondz

It is what it claims. You sit and ride up the river to a short hike to a natural feature where water drips over cavernous undercut. On tour they explained a few things but the acoustics where I sat weren't great to understand everything. Between that they sang some Hawaiian songs. All fine. Just wouldn't expect too much.

Local customer service: 4

Location & environment: 4

Schedule & duration: 4

Equipment & facilities: 3

Comfort & well-being: 4

Tips and suggestions

If you old and boring you may enjoy. If you trying to entertain kids, consider something else.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/02/18
Activity Date:	2026/02/16

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

A very fun river cruise

Reviewed by: Love to Travel

While in Kauai with family we decided to try the Smith Family Fern Grotto River Cruise, which was an awesome choice of entertainment. We love history and learning about places we visit, so we were pleasantly surprised when the beginning of the cruise was a full narration of the interesting history and geography of the Waimea River. The crew led us to the breathtaking Fern Grotto and enhanced the experience with beautiful music. On the way back to the dock we were entertained with music and dancing, which was very fun. The trip ended much too soon! The cost was very reasonable. We would highly recommend this trip!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Great for all ages!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/02/15
Activity Date:	2026/02/11

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

Simply quaint experience

Reviewed by: CW

Truly enjoyable time spent with the Smith family crew.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 4

Comfort & well-being: 4

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Others
Weather:	Rainy
Posted on:	2026/02/14
Activity Date:	2026/02/12

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

Fern Grotto eh

Reviewed by: Jack

It was okay. It’s very low key and some little film related facts about the region and hula show on journey back. Lasted about 80 minutes.

Local customer service: 4

Location & environment: 4

Schedule & duration: 4

Equipment & facilities: 3

Comfort & well-being: 3

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/02/14
Activity Date:	2026/02/12

Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai - Authentic Hawaiian Dinner & Show

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: Tucson Ken

Loved the cruise to the Fern Grotto, the food was excellent and lots of it. The drinks were great. Above all were the performers. Wonderfully talented people that put on an action packed show of Hawaiian culture and traditions.
Thank you Smith family!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Get there early so you don’t miss anything.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Friends
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/14
Activity Date:	2026/02/12

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

Great Value, Relaxing and Entertaining

Reviewed by: Jack P.

Fun activity for families. The tour operator does a good job of talking about the history of the area. Also, very scenic. Very worthwhile. Great job!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/13
Activity Date:	2026/02/11

シダの洞窟観光遊覧船　ハワイ唯一の航行可能な川を行く！＜英語ガイド／半日＞

Returning to the fern cave after 50 years. 50年ぶりにシダの洞窟へ

Reviewed by: もっと９８

We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary by revisiting the Shida Cave, which we visited 50 years ago. Although my memories had faded, the scenery from that time came back to me once again.

結婚して50年、金婚のお祝いに50年前に訪問したシダの洞窟を再び訪問しました。記憶があり薄れていましたが、再びその頃の風景が甦ってきました。

現地スタッフ: 4

場所・雰囲気: 4

スケジュール: 4

設備: 4

サービスの快適さ: 4

楽しいイベント
カヌーも並走
思い出のシダの洞窟

Translated by OpenAI

Show original Translate

Helpful

Rating:
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/07
Activity Date:	2026/01/16

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

Great time with amazing people

Reviewed by: Rosey

We had a wonderful time on the excursion. The staff were friendly and helpful. I loved the music and interaction with the staff on the boat. The Fern Grotto and the story told of the history was great!! I will definitely tell others about this great experience.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/02/07
Activity Date:	2026/02/05

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

Aging Infrastructure

Reviewed by: Husband

Last visited fern grotto in 1978. So disappointed we couldn’t walk up into cave as before. Sidewalks were broken and heaving up. Difficult to walk. Dangerous

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 3

Comfort & well-being: 3

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Others
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/02/02
Activity Date:	2026/01/26

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Great adventure

Reviewed by: KNC

Great time kayaking down the river. Fun and muddy hike to a beautiful waterfall. We had lunch there and a swim and then started the trip back. Harrison was our guide so knowledge and helpful. Recommend this fun adventure.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Make sure you have good shoes for hiking in the mud.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha KNC,

Thanks for recommending us and for the 5 stars. On our hike to the falls we ask folks to at times to "embrace the mud" and while you are, Harrison is there to keep it fun, safe and informed.

And yes…some sort of aqua shoes or beater tennis shoes should work.

A hui hou,

Micco/Head Guide
www.kayakkauai.com

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/01/29
Activity Date:	2026/01/27

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

Great Time!

Reviewed by: Sue Sue

Enjoyed the music and dancing as well as the informative narration. The natural beauty of the river and grotto is spectacular. Walking through the Rain Forest area gave you a sense of peace.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2026/01/25
Activity Date:	2026/01/23

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

Great Experience

Reviewed by: Patty

Beautiful trip in a beautiful setting with great entertainment that included comedy, music and traditional dancing.
The walk to the grotto was so incredibly gorgeous. Do not miss this wonderful experience

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 4

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/01/24
Activity Date:	2026/01/22

Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai - Authentic Hawaiian Dinner & Show

Lovely Grounds and Event

Reviewed by: Kara

Smith’s Family Garden Luau was a wonderful Kauai experience. The tropical garden setting was beautiful and inviting, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2026/01/23
Activity Date:	2025/09/11

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

Nice small beautiful excursion!

Reviewed by: Kara

The boat ride along the river offered beautiful views of lush tropical landscapes, and the live Hawaiian music and hula added an authentic, festive touch.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2026/01/23
Activity Date:	2025/09/11

Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai - Authentic Hawaiian Dinner & Show

Great luau show

Reviewed by: Kara

The show was engaging, energetic, and beautifully showcased the Hawaiian culture!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2026/01/23
Activity Date:	2025/09/08

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

Enjoyable couple of hours.

Reviewed by: Kelman

The Fern Grotto trip was a lovely experience from beginning to end. First: the price is right! There are so many expensive things to do on Kauai, but we thought the $35 per person fee was worth it. The boat is wide and very stable (no waves!!) and is covered overtop (no rain and no sunburn). However the sides are completely open and we enjoyed the air and very slight breeze. The captain gave nice narration on the way to the grotto with interesting facts about the area. On the trip back, there was a hula show with singing. It was more like a family show than a Hollywood production which was fine with us. I was amazed at the care and assistance provided to a lady in a wheelchair, several who had walkers, and some with canes. Once arriving at the Grotto, the boat crew guides you on a cement path to the viewing area. Then they sing the Hawaiian Wedding Song which was nice. My younger brother was married at the Fern Grotto about 40 years ago, so that was meaningful to me. There were restrooms at the Grotto area. No food or drink is served. Tour lasted a total of 2 hours. Plenty of parking.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/01/21
Activity Date:	2026/01/19

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

Great river tour

Reviewed by: Hfam

This was the perfect fit for us and our 3 year old. The boat is kid friendly and the fern grotto is easily accessible with a short walk on a paved path. Great opportunity to see something up river for those with small children or any mobility limitations.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 4

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Weather:	Cloudy
Posted on:	2026/01/03
Activity Date:	2026/01/01

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Great family adventure

Reviewed by: Great family adventure!

Our family of six had a great day on the paddle and hike to Secret Falls. Our guide was Harrison and he was amazing. Fun, helpful, and gave us all kinds of cool facts and stories about the flora and fauna and people of the area. He even got a bird to eat a worm out of my daughter’s hand! The falls were huge and beautiful. An absolutely great day!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Get Harrison as your guide!
Also, wear shoes that you don’t mind ruining- serious mud on the hike!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Great Family Adventure,

We are a family business catering to families, couples and singles.

All our guides not only keep you safe but are well versed in the cultural and natural history of the areas traversed.

We are waiting for Harrison to come out with the seminal book.

Thanks for sharing and keep having those fun family adventures and allowing us to make them possible.

A hui hou,

Micco/Head Guide
www.kayakkauai.com

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Families
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2026/01/03
Activity Date:	2026/01/01

Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai - Authentic Hawaiian Dinner & Show

An unforgettable evening from beginning to end!

Reviewed by: Kara

The highlight was the show. You can truly feel the pride and heart the Smith family puts into this luau!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2025/12/28
Activity Date:	2025/08/25

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Kayak secret falls hike

Reviewed by: Wc

This kayak/hike was so fun. It took 4 hours and the experience was worth the trip

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Definitely going the morning

Reply from activity provider

Aloha WC,

Procrastination the thief of time. Took a new year to get back to you to thank you for taking the time to share and to give us 5 stars.

Come back next time and snorkel with us in Hanalei.

Anyway, apologize for getting back to you with less than alacrity.

A hui hou,

Micco/Head Guide
www.kayakkauai.com

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2025/12/14
Activity Date:	2025/12/12

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

Beautiful people

Reviewed by: Henkel

We enjoyed our experience very much! Easy day and easy walk to the grotto.

Local customer service: 4

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 4

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2025/12/13
Activity Date:	2025/12/11

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

Great outing!

Reviewed by: LP

We had a great time! Enjoyed the fabulous entertainment and the fern grotto. I felt like it was money well spent!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Weather:	Sunny
Posted on:	2025/12/10
Activity Date:	2025/12/08

Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai - Authentic Hawaiian Dinner & Show

Awesome Luau

Reviewed by: BG

Been to two other luaus. This was by far the best. It’s a full experience not just good and dance. Beautiful grounds. Awesome staff. Amazing entertainment. Lots of delicious food and drink. We loved it.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Tips and suggestions

Get there early to have time to enjoy the grounds.