Kauai North & East: Fern Grotto Cruise, Hanalei Bay & Lighthouse

Summary

River cruise to Fern Grotto, Hanalei Bay & Kilauea Point in a single day

You’ll drift up Kauai’s Wailua River by boat to Fern Grotto, feel mist on your face at Opaekaa Falls, spot seabirds at Kilauea Lighthouse Lookout, and wander Hanalei Bay’s beaches—all with a local guide and hotel pickup included. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and small surprises that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air on the Wailua River to smell so green—like wet leaves and a bit of sweet mud. We’d just climbed onto this open-air boat, and our guide (Malia, who knew every bend of the river) pointed out birds I’d never even heard of. Somewhere along the way, a local musician started playing slack key guitar. It was soft at first, then everyone got quiet—except for one kid who kept giggling at the ducks. The ride to Fern Grotto felt both slow and too short. When we stepped off for that little walk into the rainforest, I could actually feel how damp the rocks were under my hand. The ferns really do hang upside down like someone glued them there.

Opaekaa Falls was louder than I thought it’d be. You can hear it before you see it—just this low rush behind all the chatter. Malia told us “Opaekaa” means “rolling shrimp,” which made me hungry (and also made me wonder what shrimp sound like rolling). The lookout at Kilauea Point wasn’t open inside that day, but honestly? Standing at the edge with wind whipping my shirt and watching those red-footed boobies swoop over the cliffs felt more real than any postcard. There’s something about seeing wild birds just… do their thing while you’re leaning on a sun-warmed railing.

We stopped at Anini Beach for a bit—clear water, hardly anyone around except two older guys fishing and waving at us like we were neighbors. Hanalei Bay looked almost too perfect from up above, but down by the pier it smelled faintly like salt and sunscreen (someone’s radio playing old Hawaiian songs in the distance). I tried pronouncing Wai'oli Church’s name right; Malia smiled politely but I probably butchered it. The stained glass windows caught bits of sunlight and threw color across the pews. That stuck with me more than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kauai Northeast Shore and Lighthouse Tour

• Board river boat to Fern Grotto
• Walk through rainforest at Fern Grotto
• Enjoy Hawaiian music and hula dance
• Visit Opaekaa Falls viewpoint
• See Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse lookout
• View Anini Beach and calm waters
• Tour Hanalei Bay and Pier
• Visit Wai'oli Church in Hanalei

Top questions

How long is the Kauai northeast tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Fern Grotto cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Princeville to Kapaa; others meet at Smith's Boats.

Do you go inside Kilauea Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is only open on Wednesdays; otherwise you visit the Lookout.

What wildlife can you see at Kilauea Point?

You may see red-footed boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and tropicbirds.

Is lunch included on this Kauai day trip?

No lunch is included; food stops are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels with only short walks involved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off between Princeville and Kapaa (or meeting point at Smith's Boats), entry fees for all attractions on the route including Fern Grotto river cruise tickets, an entertaining local guide throughout your journey, comfortable air-conditioned transport in a luxury Sprinter or SUV depending on group size—and plenty of time exploring Kauai’s north and east shores before returning in comfort.