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Once there, you’ll take a leisurely cruise down the scenic Wailua River, followed by a guided tour of the picturesque tropical gardens and cave at Fern Grotto. Your local guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned coach after disembarking, providing you with insightful commentary about the geologic history of the island on the way to Waimea. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Kauai lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – the Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto. Like a shimmering emerald ribbon, the river winds its way through the heart of the island, beckoning travelers to embark on a journey that promises both enchantment and adventure. Only accessible by boat or Kayak, the Fern Grotto is located about two miles up Kauai’s Wailua River, the only navigable river in the State of Hawaii. The grotto is a cave of lush ferns growing on the cave walls as a result of moisture seeping from the irrigation of sugarcane growing on the cliff plateau.
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It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby. Take a short walk along a paved path to view the Fern Grotto, which forms a natural amphitheater providing excellent acoustics for the small Hawaiian musicians group that will serenade you. Get off your ship and get on ours in Kauai, where we take you on a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto. Here, the Hawaiian Wedding Song is a natural match for this lush environment. Powered by a rear engines, boats that cruise the Wailua River are designed to be spacious and open-air, allowing you a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery as you cruise by.
Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto other tours and activities
Sales are final for tours starting within the next 72 hours.Please double-check your info before checking out. A cruise down the peaceful Wailua River is the perfect way to spend a day in Hawaii. The river is known as "the only navigable river" in all of Hawaii, and its fresh water pours down from Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. Please be advised that tour availability is based on the islands, dates and the ports cruise lines dock at. Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago.
Wailua River and Luau
The story behind Fern Grotto, a magical oasis on Hawaii's only navigable river - SFGATE
The story behind Fern Grotto, a magical oasis on Hawaii's only navigable river.
Posted: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Swimming opportunities and other water activities are not available during the tour. The focus is on exploring the Wailua River and Fern Grotto, learning about the island’s history, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Kauai. Fern Grotto is one of the most popular attractions on Kauai’s East Side.
The canyon provides visitors with breathtaking views and gorgeous vistas. Embark on the Scenic Wailua River Cruise to experience the best of Kauai’s tourist attractions and indulge in a memorable river boat ride through paradise. Enjoy the serene beauty and cultural wonders of the island as you visit the magnificent Wailua River and Fern Grotto. Enjoy the views of Hawaiian plants, trees, and flowers on this nature cruise of Wailua River. Depending on your cruise’s schedule, we offer a morning and afternoon tour. The overlook at Opaekaa Falls is another romantic stop that will surely secure your love of our Garden Island.
Fern Grotto Cruise Tour Details
You will have to look long and hard to find a cruise line more fair than that. This is one of the things that keeps us spending what travel funds we have with Viking. From one of the only green-sand beaches in the world to the southernmost point in the U.S., these are the top places to visit in Hawaii, according to a local. The Luau honors the traditions of Polynesia, and includes a delicious dinner with a wide variety of local delicacies, desserts, and cocktails. Following the feast, guests are treated to the lyrical sway of the Hawaiian Hula and the fiery emotion of the Samoan fire knife dance.
The driver of the boat had no enthusiasm in his voice and the visuals... Since you can no longer enter the Fern Grotto cave, this stop is no longer amazing as it used to be. Often referred to as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is over 10 miles long and as deep as 3,000 ft.
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We actually learned about things we saw from other pax once back on the ship. People come to Hawaii for the beach, and while Waikiki may technically have one, it often feels too crowded to relax. For a true beach day, pack up some snacks and gear and head all the way west to Yokohama Bay. (Or, stop by Aloha Poke and grab a bowl of fresh rice and cubed ahi tuna to enjoy on the beach.) It’s the furthest west you can go on Oahu, and about a 1.-5-hour drive from Honolulu. Upon arriving, you'll be met with a wide stretch of golden sand that's surrounded by mountains. As long as there’s no northwest swell wrapping around the island, the turquoise waters are inviting.
Smith’s Tropical Paradise
Watch for photo opportunities featuring tropical grasslands lining the river, and the majestic cloud-cover Mt. Waialeale in the background. You will also enjoy the overlook at Opaekaa Falls, another romantic stop that will surely secure your love of this Garden Island. Over 60 years ago, Walter Smith, Sr. and his wife Emily started this company on the Wailua River with a small rowboat and a borrowed outboard motor. Today, four generations later, the Smith family continues to welcome kama‘aina and malihini alike to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kauai and the Wailua River Valley.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Fern Grotto tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Hawaii’s Garden Isle. Join us on our open-air boat for an amazing journey down the Wailua River. During this smooth and peaceful two-mile river cruise, you’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and enjoy amazing views like the King’s Highway, sacred Mount Kapu, and the First Hau Tree.
Visitors can take a short hike through a 500-year-old lava field and view the fragile petroglyphs from a boardwalk. The Kauai tour usually takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes on a long, flat-bottom riverboat. While en route, you're likely to encounter kayakers, motorboats and water skiers.
Sharing Songs and Legends of the Wailua River Valley is a Family Tradition. In 1946, Walter Smith, Sr. and his wife, Emily, started our family business with a small rowboat and a borrowed outboard motor. Four generations later, we continue Grandpa’s tradition of sharing our love of Kauai and its rich cultural heritage.
Marvel at the lava flows of Kilauea, or savor the coffee that grows in the soil made fertile by millions of years of eruptions. We spent almost 2x the amount of time more time on the bus sitting than touring the various sites. I had spent several weeks in STP years earlier on business, bit if this has been my first - or only time in STP... It's well worth the $$$ in to use the private tours with the small vans or mini busses... Hawaii is one of the most coveted destinations in the world, but travelers often merely scratch the surface of what the state has to offer.
Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rain-forest atmosphere. While some best practices (like not walking too close to volcanoes) are obvious, be aware of lesser-known laws. For example, it's actually illegal to hike Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs. Learn about luau history, its traditions, and how to experience this unique Hawaiian celebration.
The grotto is a natural lava rock cave which is covered in hanging ferns and lush tropical foliage. The way the grotto is shaped allows it to act like a natural amphitheater. For this reason, you will often see Hawaiian musicians and singers playing beautiful music in the serene setting.
The spacious, open-air boats provide excellent views from either side during the trip upstream. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. A one-hour, no-host lunch stop will be held in Poipu Shopping Center or in Waimea, depending on the tour driver's discretion.
