Page 16) Things to Do in Kauai in 2025 – Tours & Activities

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

Rush to get an edge seat!

The grotto was beautiful, the dancing and singing was great. The overhead boat speakers were really hard to hear- we couldn't make out the stories they were telling well. If you get stuck in the middle, you can't see anything. Overall, it's not something I'd do more than once.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/04/16
Activity Date:	2022/04/14

Waimea Canyon Guided Sightseeing, Kokee State Park Nature Walk & Coffee Tour

Nice Adventure

Reviewed by: Rosanna

This was a fun day. We saw a lot of nice sights. I wish we could have had more time at each location, though. We ended up going back to a couple sights on our own the next day. Jonna was friendly and answered our questions. The lunch wasn't very good by the time we got to eat it. (We picked it up to eat later) Maybe it depended on what you ordered. All in all a nice day and some fun sights.

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Rating:
Packages:	Kauai Waimea Canyon & Kokee Trail Adventure
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/04/01
Activity Date:	2022/03/14

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!

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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

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

Waimea Canyon Guided Sightseeing, Kokee State Park Nature Walk & Coffee Tour

A MUST IN KAUAI

Reviewed by: Kara

Waimea Canyon is breathtakingly beautiful. You will not want to miss it while visiting Kauai and this tour was a great guide through the canyon!

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Rating:
Packages:	Kauai Waimea Canyon & Kokee Trail Adventure
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2022/03/18
Activity Date:	2022/03/18

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.

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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.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/03/16
Activity Date:	2022/03/14

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

Kids love feeding the pigs

Reviewed by: Vjg

This is our second time to this luau and although it has not changed much it was still a memorable event. There were 10 of us, 6 adults and 4 children. The kids loved taking the train and feeding the pigs tortilla wraps. This is a highlight for them. The meal is on time, well organized, efficient and the staff do an amazing job of keeping it all running smoothly. The food is not inspired nor unique in any way. The pork is very tasty though and I thought the chicken thighs were well prepared. The desserts need a revamp as jiggly squares and pineapple cake and tiny tarts of nondescript filling are not worth the big bucks.
The show is well preformed and really another job well done.
Everyone loves a guy throwing fire up in the air.

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Rating:
Packages:	Hawaiian Package: Standard Seating
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/03/13
Activity Date:	2022/03/10

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.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/03/01
Activity Date:	2022/02/25

Small-Group Circle Island Airplane Tour with Window Seat - Air Ventures Kauai

Air Ventures Kauai Tour

Reviewed by: Rick L.

Great experience from checking in to touchdown landing. Pilot was friendly and informative. He made sure passengers on both sides of plane received good views. And they were spectacular views! Flight lasted about 75 minutes. Well worth the price. This tour surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend Air Venture Tours.

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Rating:
Packages:	The Big Kahuna Tour
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/02/26
Activity Date:	2022/02/04

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.

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Rating:
Packages:	River Cruise Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/02/23
Activity Date:	2022/02/21

Hidden Valleys of Kauai Waterfall Swim, Kayak & Hike Adventure

Highly Recommend!

Reviewed by: Emily

Highly Recommend Hidden Valley Falls Kayak Adventure!

My husband and I went with our 4 and 6 year old kiddos - what a great adventure. The kayak portion was beautiful and the hike was easy for the kids to do and our guide had lots of great info to share as we walked along. The highlight was the rope swing into the water! Having a boat take you back and not having to paddle upstream was a highlight as well - made this a very doable trip with kids. This was one of my favorite activities we did in Kaua'i!

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Rating:
Packages:	Hidden Valley Falls Kayak Adventure
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/02/21
Activity Date:	2022/02/19

Kauai Surf School - Surfing Lessons at Poipu Beach

A highlight of our trip!

Reviewed by: Emily

Learning to surf with Jared at Kauai Surf School was an amazing experience. My husband and I took our 4 and 6 year old kids for a group lesson. We all got up on the board! Jared was extremely patient with the kids and was great at explaining the process to them on land first. He was also very encouraging with the kids. This was a highlight of our trip and something the kids keep talking about. Would highly recommend!

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Rating:
Packages:	Group Lesson
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2022/02/21
Activity Date:	2022/02/16

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

5-Hour Liko Kauai Catamaran Tour - Na Pali Coast Sea Caves & Snorkel with Lunch

Best tour we took in Kauai!

Reviewed by: Laura

Crew were outstanding! They made sure the passengers got the best tour possible!

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Rating:
Packages:	Morning Package
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2022/02/11
Activity Date:	2022/01/26

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

Hidden Valleys of Kauai Waterfall Swim, Kayak & Hike Adventure

Fun kayak trip

Reviewed by: Jane

The trip was amazing the quise was so knowledgeable and made the trip fun and easy

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Rating:
Packages:	Hidden Valley Falls Kayak Adventure
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/01/15
Activity Date:	2022/01/13

5-Hour Liko Kauai Catamaran Tour - Na Pali Coast Sea Caves & Snorkel with Lunch

Not worth it.

Reviewed by: Cherie

We didn’t get to snorkel and didn’t see any dolphin or whales. Totally not worth the money we paid.

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Rating:
Packages:	Morning Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2022/01/11
Activity Date:	2022/01/08

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

Scenic Kauai Airplane Tour to Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Falls

Great view of Na Pali Coast and the entire island from sky

Reviewed by: Turtle

I have hiked Kalalau Trail, stayed Ko ke e state park, took a boat tour to Na Pali coast and tried to see the coast line from all the angle. This Air tour is definitely one of the addition to it. By looking at the coast line from sky gives me more history of how the structure was created.

It was great view with a nice perfect weather with a good tour guide/pilot. He was very informative about buildings, natures, movie sites, tourist information, etc.

This air tour was more affordable than a tour with helicopters. It is a really nice addition to a budget traveler who want to see the island from sky, expanding the scope.

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Rating:
Packages:	Kauai Air Van Airplane Sightseeing Tour
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2022/01/07
Activity Date:	2021/09/08

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

Kauai Helicopter Tour & Eco Adventure Flight from Lihue - Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Helicopter ride

Reviewed by: Bobo

Highly recommend this! We had so much fun, the view was breathtaking. My family enjoyed it and by far the best experience ever. Our pilot was amazing and so knowledgeable about everything. He did an awesome job with educating us about the island. If you ever are in Kauai please don’t miss this amazing experience.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Seating Flight [50 mins]
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/12/31
Activity Date:	2021/12/29

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

Kauai Helicopter Tour & Eco Adventure Flight from Lihue - Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Unforgettable experience and views!

Reviewed by: Sarah Harris

When I knew I was bringing my kids to Kauai, this was the number one experience I wanted to share with them. I had done a similar flight over 25 years ago with my family and had never forgotten it. We booked the flight easily through Veltra (when trying to book all our experiences in one website).
From the moment we got to the offices their staff were friendly and their safety protocol was top notch (which also included Covid safety restrictions as well while we were there). They fit my family of three with another couple and off we went. The views were breathtaking! It was so hard to believe that views you can usually only see in a movie or TV show we’re playing out before your very eyes. I will never forget passing by Jurassic park waterfall with the soundtrack playing in my ears. I love things like that!
The pilot was constantly telling us about different things we were seeing telling us what to expect in the rest of the trip as far as directions. She was also very attentive and offered to fly back a smoother route when unfortunately one of my kids did have side effects from the motion.
I can’t wait to go again and maybe I will try there helicopters on the various different islands. It is an unforgettable experience and so worth the money. I wish we would’ve bought our DVD now!

Amazing views!
Headphones to hear pilot (and soundtrack)!
Lots of room inside for my tall kids and me!
Nature is so amazing!
Great way to see these views without hiking!

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/12/28

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

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

All Reviews for Recommended for Kids 5-7 in Kauai

Overall Rating

Reviews

Rush to get an edge seat!

Nice Adventure

Smith’s river cruise

Luau

A MUST IN KAUAI

Nice Family Show

Fern Grotto

Hula good time !!!!

Awesome beyond words!

Kids love feeding the pigs

Entertaining and Informative

Air Ventures Kauai Tour

Friendly staff.

Highly Recommend!

A highlight of our trip!

A lovely, peaceful boat trip along a beautiful river

Best tour we took in Kauai!

Good Trip!

Always my favorite!

Fun kayak trip

Not worth it.

beautiful peaceful and entertaining

Great view of Na Pali Coast and the entire island from sky

Orlando was awesome

Helicopter ride

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

Unforgettable experience and views!

Awesome experience.

Great family fun time.

Tired

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