Page 14) Things to Do in Kauai in 2026 – Tours & Activities

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

River Cruise

We bought the river cruise as an add on to the Luau. It is a pleasant ride on the river with a tour guide and some hula dancing. Honestly we could hardly understand/hear what the guided was saying on the ride. The dancing was nice. The whole experience was just a little underwhelming. Would not sign up for it as an individual event.

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Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2015/04/05
Activity Date:	2015/04/02

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

great show and scenic trip

Reviewed by: Jill

The performers we're so friendly and entertaining. you could tell they enjoyed presenting the music and dance show. the river ride was scenic and relaxing. the walk to the grotto and back was beautiful. highly recommend. don't book online with another company for $40 each. its only 20 when you book on this site.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2015/03/25
Activity Date:	2015/03/20

Luau Kalamaku Kauai – Award-Winning Hawaiian Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance

Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation

Reviewed by: George Carr

The train ride was very nice. Enjoyed seeing the plantation. The show was wonderful. The story behind the show was much better that the traditional Luau show of various dancers.

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Rating:
Packages:	Hawaiian Package: Standard Seating
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2015/03/10
Activity Date:	2015/03/03

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

Great Value

Reviewed by: Kauai Girl

Nice trip for a reasonable cost. Entertainment at the Fern Grotto was a nice touch. Entertainers then return on the boat with you for the trip back, singing and dancing all the way. Easy on and off access.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2015/02/15
Activity Date:	2015/02/12

Luau Kalamaku Kauai – Award-Winning Hawaiian Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance

Awesome and Passionate

Reviewed by: Kat and Tom

This was exciting and passionate! Well choreographed and emotion filled. The Dancers are sexy and in great shape, and very much into their roles! The history is that of many pioneers and reveals all the sorrow and exhilaration of coming to a new land! Hawaii is no different than America and the West, or of Europe and its colonization. The story is fiery in its presentation with several ovations prompted by the force of the dancers, well worth seeing. And the food is excellent. The whole is well organized and amazing!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Gold Package: Premium Seating
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2015/02/07
Activity Date:	2015/02/03

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

This activity should be discontinued

Reviewed by: Chris

The fern grotto is a piece of Hawaiian history. Originally the site of a huge waterfall, before the river was diverted for irrigation, and originally the site of hundreds of ferns, before being battered by cyclones, this place is not what it once was.
It would have been a very impressive tourist attraction in the early 1900s but unfortunately ferns need water to grow and as it is with the river not going through here this place will never be as impressive and at the moment the tourist operators are trying to flog a dead horse.
Unless they divert the river back through here and let the ferns regenerate I would not recommend it. Time to put this activity out to pasture!

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/12/13
Activity Date:	2014/11/19

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

Awesome entertainment!

Reviewed by: Hulala

I was not particularly excited about this excursion because the fern grotto is all dried up and you can't go in anymore. However the entertainment was great. I dont think they could have made the excursion better with all the story telling, music and dancing. It was alot more than i expected and it was a great start to the luau we saw after!

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Rating:
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/12/09

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

relaxing

Reviewed by: TN traveler

The Cruise Is On A River Not IN THE Ocean FOR Anyone Worried About attire. It is very laid back atmosphere so any clothes are appropriate. The staff where authentic and made you welcome. I combined with smith laaui.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise & Tropical Luau Combo
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2014/12/04
Activity Date:	2014/12/01

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

Good trip as part of luau

Reviewed by: Gordon Edmonton

This was an interesting trip. A lot of fun and a good "part" of the luau.

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/11/17
Activity Date:	2014/11/12

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

Relaxing Wailua

Reviewed by: Mary

Every time we come to Kauai we take this River Cruise. It is so relaxing and the ride on the Wailua is calm and you don't have to paddle! We love the entertainment at Fern grotto as well as the fun on the way back to the dock. Everyone we have taken has enjoyed it! We always take this cruise right before going to the luau. A wonderful value too!

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/11/17
Activity Date:	2014/11/12

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

Off the bucket list

Reviewed by: arkhas

If you don't know what to do with your time allotted to satisfying curiosity, take this cruise. It offers usual Hawaiian fare of beautiful scenery not accessible otherwise, enthusiastic entertainment complete with hula dance, and a photo op against inaccessible fern grotto

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/11/15
Activity Date:	2014/10/20

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

Fern grotto

Reviewed by: Marsha

Boring... Crowded and fern grotto was pretty but....

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise & Tropical Luau Combo
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/11/04
Activity Date:	2014/10/30

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

River CRUISE/ Tropical Luau

Reviewed by: carlie

This is a must entertainment was awsome and the cruise up the river was great very relaxing weather couldnt have been better and the Luau is a must execellent food and drinks

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise & Tropical Luau Combo
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/10/07
Activity Date:	2014/05/01

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

Wailua River Cruise

Reviewed by: Dean

It was a nice way to start the afternoon before the Smith's Tropical Paradise Garden Luau

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/10/05
Activity Date:	2014/09/11

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

Padricipant

Reviewed by: Sharon Norris

Very lovely experience and I would recommend everyone participate in this adventure.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise & Tropical Luau Combo
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/10/05
Activity Date:	2014/10/01

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

Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: Eoka

We enjoyed the lush surroundings, however, it cannot compare to our previous trip which was many years ago. At that time we were able to actually walk into the Fern Grotto and listen to the singers in the grotto. We did enjoy the entertainment on our return trip back to the dock.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/09/20
Activity Date:	2014/09/17

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

More than expected!

Reviewed by: MarshFamily

This tour is awesome! So much more than expected! The family/crew were all very nice and very entertaining! I would recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn a little bit of island history and relax on the comfortable boat!

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/09/20
Activity Date:	2014/09/17

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

Delightful!

Reviewed by: Felicia

Was definitely worth the time! I would have liked to be able to approach the grotto, but our guide was magnificent & the boat team made it a very enjoyable trip. Talented dancer & singers! We will cherish this memory!

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/09/13
Activity Date:	2014/08/18

Luau Kalamaku Kauai – Award-Winning Hawaiian Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance

Luau Klalmaku at Kilohana Plantation (premium luau seating)

Reviewed by: Werner

Enjoyed the story. Great dansers. Our daughter loved the the "fire-danser".
The food was also very good.

Mahalo for the great show.

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Rating:
Packages:	Gold Package: Premium Seating
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2014/08/24
Activity Date:	2014/08/01

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

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: Shirin Khosravinejat

It was fun. Polite, professional staff,
Enjoyable performance; however the stop was somewhat short at fern Grotto.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/08/23
Activity Date:	2014/07/31

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

Not so exciting

Reviewed by: Jim

River was calm. Performance was nice, but overall not so exciting. Won't do it again.

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Rating:
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/08/10

Luau Kalamaku Kauai – Award-Winning Hawaiian Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance

Luau at kilohana plantation

Reviewed by: Isabel d

The dancers were excellent!! Loved the story line. The food and drinks were delicious!! Will definitely go back and would recommend your luau!

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Rating:
Packages:	Hawaiian Package: Standard Seating
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2014/08/04
Activity Date:	2014/07/29

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

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: Jackie

I was disappointed. I had been there about 4 years ago and the Fern Grotto was beautiful with lots of beautiful flowers to look at. It was so over grown you could hardly see the water fall. I also felt rushed, no time to admire the flowers that were there. I would not recommend this.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/08/04
Activity Date:	2014/07/28

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

What is a review title

Reviewed by: Gladys Perry

I was disappointed that we could no longer go up to the fern area due to damage beyond the River Cruise control.

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2014/08/03
Activity Date:	2014/04/30

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

More than Worth the Money

Reviewed by: Kelly Crain

I really enjoyed this. The staff were friendly, but not pushy. Nobody tried to sell me something else or tried to get me to upgrade to something else. The boat ride was pleasant, scenic, and informative. The grotto is pretty, but I think the benefit is the boat ride, music, and hula demonstrations. I would definitely do this again.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2014/07/19
Activity Date:	2014/07/12

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

Fern Grotto Tour

Reviewed by: Love Kauai

Our tour had no enthusiasm and excitement in his voice. The crew seemed like this was a task. The Hawaiian dancers were good, the singer was good.
Had been on the Fern Grotto tour a few years ago and was much better.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2014/07/07
Activity Date:	2014/06/10

Luau Kalamaku Kauai – Award-Winning Hawaiian Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance

Fun evening!

Reviewed by: The Bowmans

Dinner was great for adults and chicken available for picky children. Luau show was great!

The Bowmans

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Rating:
Packages:	Plantation Owner's Evening (Show with 4-course Dinner)
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2014/07/04
Activity Date:	2014/07/01

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

Fern Grotto

Reviewed by: deborah cothran

Great! For $18 each, picked up at resort, trip down river to the Fern Grotto. We knew that previous rains had altered the view, so there was no disappointment. Live entertainment on the way out and a great island history lesson on the way back. A good, short tour of this part of Kaua'i

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/06/15
Activity Date:	2014/06/10

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

Wailua River Cruise

Reviewed by: Dan and Holly

Awesome time! We were very pleased with our experience!

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/05/31
Activity Date:	2014/05/05

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

Wailua River cruise to Fern Gratto

Reviewed by: marlene

We would recommend to everyone. Really enjoyed the view. If you for to Kauaii you have to see.

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Rating:
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2014/05/31
Activity Date:	2014/05/05

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

All Reviews for Recommended for Kids 0-2 in Kauai

Overall Rating

Reviews

River Cruise

great show and scenic trip

Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation

Great Value

Awesome and Passionate

This activity should be discontinued

Awesome entertainment!

relaxing

Good trip as part of luau

Relaxing Wailua

Off the bucket list

Fern grotto

River CRUISE/ Tropical Luau

Wailua River Cruise

Padricipant

Fern Grotto

More than expected!

Delightful!

Luau Klalmaku at Kilohana Plantation (premium luau seating)

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Not so exciting

Luau at kilohana plantation

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

What is a review title

More than Worth the Money

Fern Grotto Tour

Fun evening!

Fern Grotto

Wailua River Cruise

Wailua River cruise to Fern Gratto

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