Kauai River Cruise – Smith Family Fern Grotto Tour

• • Wailua River Tour
• • Rainforest Nature Walk
• • One Hour 20 Minutes Tour
• • Departs from Kikiaola Harbor in Waimea

During the two mile river journey, you’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii — like the King’s Highway, sacred Mount Kapu, and the First Hau Tree. In addition, guests enjoy learning the hula during a lesson provided by a young hula dancer. Everyone gets into the act during the river cruise!

Smith’s famous Wailua River cruise boats are powered by an ingenious rear-engine system invented by Walter Smith, Sr. The spacious, open-air boats provide excellent views from either side during the trip upstream.

The Wailua River is known as “the only navigable river” in all Hawaii. The river’s fresh water pours down from Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. Lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island’s ali‘i, or royalty.

At the Fern Grotto landing, you’ll enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto.

The Fern Grotto is a geological wonder of Kauai. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rain-forest atmosphere.

The entire tour takes one hour and 20 minutes round-trip.

Boat tours depart daily from the Wailua Marina State Park at 9:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm.
Children 3 to 12 years old