Page 11) Things to Do in Kauai in 2025 – Tours & Activities

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Must do excursion

Reviewed by: Brad

Great trip. A must do for outdoors people. Leisurely paddle , rain showers and hiking through mud. Uneven terrain. Wading across rivers and getting a refreshing swim in the waterfall pool. So much fun!!! Bring rain gear, wear good shoes……. we wore keen sandals, and wear a swimsuit for the waterfall swim.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Brad, We market this tour for the active family. We also tell folks to "embrace the mud" at times. Thanks for your review and letting others know
what gear to bring. Until then...thanks for making it possible. Stay active and safe.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/04/07
Activity Date:	2022/04/05

Deluxe Na Pali Experience Snorkel Tour, Breakfast & Lunch - Holo Holo Charters

What a great ride!

Reviewed by: J Slayton

I've been on this tour a few times, this time with my sister and it does not disappoint. The coast is absolutely beautiful and we saw both wales and lots of playing dolphins, which was amazing.
The catamaran was very nice and well maintained. The staff was wonderful and our captain was outstanding.
I would definitely recommend this activity and it is a must do when in Kauai!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you so much for joining us again and for letting us know what a great time you had! We are elated to know how much you enjoyed it and will be looking forward to your next visit! Mahalo and Aloha

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Na Pali Snorkel Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2022/03/26
Activity Date:	2022/03/16

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Wonderful activity, fantastic guide, great time!

Reviewed by: J Slayton

Went on this kayak, hiking and swimming adventure with my sister. It did not disappoint at all.
Justice our guide was fantastic! He was knowledgeable, super friendly and made sure everyone was having fun and doing good. His dog precious girl Koi was such a treat to have as our companion, we just loved her.
The Kayaking was refreshing and captivating with beautiful surrounds for a hike. It was not a difficult or long hike so can be done by most and allowed us to just have a great time. I would highly recommend this activity and tour company Kayak Kauai / NaPali Outfitters, Inc.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha J,

Rumors are that Justice's dog is who is really guiding his tours.

Seriously, thanks for taking the time to share your experience and kind words. You make it possible for us to do what we do and to share the beauty of Kaua'i.

Stay paddling and active.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2022/03/24
Activity Date:	2022/03/15

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

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

Luau

Reviewed by: Beverly Kramer

Everything about our evening was perfect. From the beautiful gardens, show, and dinner. When we visit Kauai again we will definitely be going back to see Smith’s luau. We had more enough to eat and were encouraged to go back for seconds. The open bar was great! The Smith family are so friendly and welcoming ❤️

Luau begins
Hawaiian music while we ate our dinner
Salad before dinner
I had to get a little of everything
Taking the pig out of the ground and learning about the Hawaiian culture.
Beautiful gardens
Beautiful gardens

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/03/22
Activity Date:	2022/03/16

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

Nice Family Show

Reviewed by: Tiffany

Very nice show. The guy that did the fire portion did an excellent job. Please add more of this to your show!

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Rating:
Packages:	Show Only Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/03/18
Activity Date:	2022/03/16

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.

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

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

Hula good time !!!!

Reviewed by: Norman Minor

We had a fantastic time at the luau. It was my wife and I on an anniversary trip and a Luau was a must. I am confident I picked the best one with the Smith's. Entertainment quality was awesome, food was as well. Staff was super friendly and the gardens were immaculate. You won't be disappointed.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/03/16
Activity Date:	2022/03/09

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

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

Holo Holo Super Kauai Snorkel Tour - Niihau & Na Pali Coast Adventure with Breakfast, Lunch & Drinks

Breathtaking Experience

Reviewed by: Anjelica Mariano

This is as honestly the highlight of my trip. It was definitely worth waking up at 4am to travel from north shore to south shore. It was so organized and straight to the point which I loved. The whole crew was amazing and kind, always making sure passengers were okay and comfortable. It’s funny because I’m sure the crew has seen the views a million times, yet they still make it enjoyable and share such an insightful information about Kaua’i. The views were amazing and no pictures or videos can ever do them justice. I really appreciated this time experience and will carry it with me forever! Thank you so much, Holo Holo!

Reply from activity provider

We are beaming reading over your review! Thank you so much for choosing to join us here at Holo Holo Charters and for sharing your oh-so-awesome review! We are elated to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us from beginning to end and hope to see you out on the water again soon! Mahalo and Aloha

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Na Pali Coast & Niihau Snorkel Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/02/12
Activity Date:	2022/02/10

Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike - Guided Kauai Adventure

Excellent tour

Reviewed by: Connie

Excellent tour! Our guide Lizzie was super informative and helpful. We paddled our hearts out
and then loved the hike through the lush landscape. Lizzie pointed out all the native plants and birds. The waterfall was spectacular and worth the work.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Connie, Thanks for letting us know that Lizzy continues to excel. Lizzy brings a real love and professionalism to our tours and has raised the bar a wee bit. Thanks again and keep paying attention to our friends the, birds, bees and plants. A hui hou, Micco /Head Guide

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/02/06
Activity Date:	2022/02/04

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

Hanalei River and Blue Lagoon Kayaking & Guided Snorkeling Tour - Kayak Kauai

Great kayaking tour, not-so-great snorkeling tour

Reviewed by: Jams

Kayaking the Hanalei River was magestic! The tour guides were fun and interesting and knowledgable! When we got to the snorkeling place, it seemed like it would be good - lots of reef, but then it was not as good as it seemed. I think the reef was too high in the sense that you could only snorkel around the coral, not above it as I'm used to, so if you don't find the "channel" (there are several false leads/dead-ends) then you may get stuck on top of the coral which means you may have to step on it, which you're not supposed to do! This is particularly challenging with children. The gear was all one-size-fits-no-one really well. I thought there would be children's sized gear so we didn't bother bringing the cheap children's gear that we purchased earlier in the week - I thought the tour would have better gear. All-in-all, we barely snorkeled! But otherwise, the tour was lovely!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Jams, Thanks for your nice, informative and fair review. Glad the guides, panorama, setting that is Hanalei made up for the disappointing snorkeling. At times depending on weather snorkeling, once in a while can be a “hit or miss”. Glad the guides were stil able to fun you. With small children we encourage folks to bring those cheap snorkeling gear that you mentioned. Stay well and thanks again for taking the time to share.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	South Shore Departure Package (Check-in at Wailua River Marina)
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/01/06
Activity Date:	2022/01/04

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

Deluxe Na Pali Experience Snorkel Tour, Breakfast & Lunch - Holo Holo Charters

So much fun!!

Reviewed by: Madhavi

Throughly enjoyed the trip!! It was super fun!! My family and myself enjoyed every bit of the time. Service and guided tour was awesome!! All the crew members were super helpful and cooperative!!

Reply from activity provider

We are so happy to hear how much your group enjoyed being out on the water with us! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome review! Mahalo and Aloha

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Na Pali Snorkel Cruise
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/12/21
Activity Date:	2021/12/18

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.

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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

Helpful

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

Helpful

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.

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

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.

Helpful

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!

Helpful

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

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

All Reviews for Wailua Resorts in Kauai

Overall Rating

Reviews

Must do excursion

What a great ride!

Wonderful activity, fantastic guide, great time!

Smith’s river cruise

Luau

Nice Family Show

Fern Grotto

Hula good time !!!!

Awesome beyond words!

Entertaining and Informative

Friendly staff.

A lovely, peaceful boat trip along a beautiful river

Breathtaking Experience

Excellent tour

Good Trip!

Always my favorite!

beautiful peaceful and entertaining

Great kayaking tour, not-so-great snorkeling tour

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

Awesome experience.

So much fun!!

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

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