Kauai Wailua River and Fern Grotto Excursion

Air-conditioned and licensed round trip transportation from near your Kauai cruise pier!
English speaking, local and trained Kauai shore excursion guides!
River cruise on Wailua River!
Visit to the Fern Grotto!
Photo stop at Opaekaa Falls!
All fees and taxes included!
Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy unique sights of Kauai and surrounding area!

Take a leisurely cruise up the Wailua River, Hawaii's only navigable river through ancient royal lands, to one of the island's most popular sites, the tropical Fern Grotto.

Departing from the cruise pier in Nawiliwili, you will drive for 20 minutes to the nearby Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii. The waterway stretches 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the nearby rainforest mountains, through lush countryside and forests until it reaches the coast.

You will board flat bottomed, covered boats for a scenic 25-minute cruise 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) up the river. The open-air boats provide excellent views of the passing scenery regardless of where you sit so keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready. Once the sacred land of Hawaiian royalty, you will feel you have traveled to a special place.

Along the way, you will hear more about the history and folklore of the island. On-board performers will entertain you with traditional songs, music and dance.

Upon arrival at the Fern Grotto landing, you will hike along a forest path to the natural amphitheater known as the Fern Grotto. The grotto was formed millions of years ago and over the years, tropical ferns have taken over the ceiling and walls of the grotto. Other native Hawaiian plants and exotic tropical flowers are mixed into this rain-forest setting.

After the visit to the grotto, you will hike back down to the dock and reboard your boat for the 20-minute trip back. Total time on the boat and at the grotto is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Back on your transportation, a photo stop is made at the overlook at Opaekaa Falls. This 151-foot (46 meters) waterfall flows over a wall of basalt into a hidden pool below. The falls got their name from the freshwater shrimp that used to populate the stream feeding the falls. Opae means shrimp and Kaa means rolling. Depending on recent rainfall upstream, the falls may be two separate cascades or join as one after a heavy rain. From here, it is a short drive back to your Nawiliwili Kauai cruise pier.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EXCURSION IS NON-REFUNDABLE!