Kauai Wailua River & Fern Grotto cruise: 3.5 hours from the pier
Float the Wailua River while a guide shares songs and stories of ancient Hawaii
A 3.5-hour shore excursion from Nawiliwili Pier on Kauai takes you by air-conditioned vehicle to the Wailua River, where you board a boat for a two-mile cruise downstream to the Fern Grotto. The guide narrates the river's history as the sacred capital of ancient Kauai, you learn a hula lesson from a dancer on board, and the tour includes a stop at Opaekaa Falls overlook before returning to the ship. Port pickup and drop-off are included; children from age 3 are welcome.
3h 30m
Step-by-step itinerary
Wailua River Cruise and Sightseeing
- Visit Opaekaa Falls overlook
- Float down Wailua River
- Listen to Hawaiian songs and stories
- Learn hula dance lesson
- Explore Fern Grotto rainforest
The Experience
The excursion departs the pier at 2:30 pm and returns by 6:00 pm, leaving time to settle back aboard before the ship's evening departure. A driver picks you up at Nawiliwili Pier and takes you to the Wailua River dock in an air-conditioned vehicle. The Wailua River is Hawaii's only navigable river, fed by fresh water from Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. During the two-mile float downstream, your guide shares songs and stories tied to the lands along the banks—this was where ancient Kauai's royalty, the ali'i, were born and where the sacred capital once stood.
The boat carries you to the Fern Grotto, a geological formation millions of years old where ferns grow upside down from the roof and native Hawaiian plants mix with colorful tropical species to create a rain-forest setting. On the return journey upriver, a young hula dancer leads a brief lesson so you can try the movements yourself. Before heading back to the pier, the route includes a stop at the Opaekaa Falls overlook—a 151-foot waterfall that crashes into a hidden pool and is the most accessible waterfall on the island.
What’s included
- Professional guide in English.
- air-conditioned vehicle transport from and back to Nawiliwili Pier.
- the two-mile river cruise to the Fern Grotto.
- a hula lesson from a dancer on board.
- a stop at the Opaekaa Falls overlook.
Operated by Roberts Hawaii
Is this one for you?Book this if your cruise schedule needs a fixed return time—you'll be back by 6:00 pm with buffer before departure, and the boat-based format means you stay on the water the entire journey rather than splitting time between transport and the site.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
What is the Wailua River like to cruise on?
The Wailua River is Hawaii's only navigable river, fed by fresh water from Mt. Wai'ale'ale. The two-mile cruise is leisurely, and your guide narrates the history of the lands along the banks, which were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island's royalty.
What happens at the Fern Grotto?
The Fern Grotto is a geological wonder formed millions of years ago where ferns grow upside down from the roof. The site is surrounded by native Hawaiian plants and colorful tropical species that create a rain-forest atmosphere you walk through during the visit.
Do I get to learn hula on this tour?
Yes, a young hula dancer on the boat leads a brief hula lesson during the return journey upriver so you can try the movements yourself.
What is included in the price?
The excursion includes a professional English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle transport, port pickup and drop-off at Nawiliwili Pier, and the boat cruise itself. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.
What time does the excursion depart and return?
The tour departs the pier at 2:30 pm and returns at 6:00 pm, giving you time to get back aboard before the ship's evening departure.
Can children go on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome from age 3 and up. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Kauai Wailua River & Fern Grotto cruise: 3.5 hours from the pier
3h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 109 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.1059 reviews
