Fern Grotto Tour Wailua River Cruise

A popular combination is the Smith's Luau and the Fern Grotto Cruise.
Enjoy a fantastic evening by combining your Fern Grotto Boat Tour with a beautiful garden-setting luau!

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE LUAU, you will be able to spend time strolling the garden before the luau and do not need to add the Garden Stroll to your purchase.  If you would like to visit the garden in the morning or early afternoon and are attending the luau later, you would need to purchase the Garden Stroll.

Explore one of Kauai's most scenic waterways on a Wailua River cruise to the famous Fern Grotto. The Wailua River winds through a lush part of Kauai's east side, surrounded by tropical vegetation and mountain scenery. Smith's boats have been carrying visitors along the river for generations, making this one of Kauai's classic sightseeing experiences.

Your journey takes you up the Wailua River aboard a spacious open-air boat while Hawaiian music, stories and island history add to the experience. After arriving near the Fern Grotto, you'll take a short walk through the rainforest to the natural lava-rock grotto, where tropical ferns and greenery cover the surrounding landscape.

The cruise is a relaxing choice for families, couples and visitors who want to experience Kauai's scenery without a strenuous activity. Guests can enjoy views from either side of the boat, learn about the Wailua area's history and culture, and may even have an opportunity to participate in hula during the journey.

If you would like to compare or reserve this experience, see the Smith's Tropical Paradise Wailua River Cruise for cruise details and booking options.

Weather and river conditions can occasionally affect access to the Fern Grotto itself. If conditions require a change, the crew may adjust the experience or visit an alternate area while the river cruise continues.

Fern Grotto cruises operate at scheduled times throughout the day, making them easy to work into a Kauai sightseeing itinerary. The cruise can also be paired with time at Smith's Tropical Paradise or an evening at Smith's Luau.

If you are coming from the north, take Highway 56 south through Kapaa toward the Wailua River. After passing Kuamoo Road, follow the signs for Wailua Marina State Park.

If you are coming from the south, take Highway 56 north from Lihue. Watch for the marina signs before crossing the Wailua River Bridge and turn into Wailua Marina State Park.

Garden Stroll optional add-on: If you are not planning on attending Smith's Luau after your Wailua River boat tour but would still like to explore the garden grounds, you can purchase a Garden Stroll admission ticket. If you are attending the luau, you will have time to enjoy the garden after check-in.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy Smith's famous Wailua River boat cruise
• Travel along one of Hawaii's best-known navigable rivers
• Spacious open-air boat with scenic views
• Hear Hawaiian songs, stories and island history
• Opportunity to participate in hula
• Enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the Fern Grotto