Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto

3 hours | Kauai (Nawiliwili) | L I H - 2 0 5
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Points of Interest

  • Wailua River & Fern Grotto
Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your riverboat at the Wailua Marina and set off for a relaxing cruise along one of the few navigable rivers in all of Hawaii. Skim across waters fed by rainfall from the slopes of Mt. Waialeale, the wettest spot on the Earth.

Glide past the sacred capital of ancient Kauai, once home to island royalty and arrive at your destination: the picturesque fern-fringed cave known as Fern Grotto. This beautiful natural amphitheater lies at the base of Maunu Kapu (forbidden mountain) and is the setting for a performance of favorite island tunes.

Marvel at the lacy, emerald green ferns that grow upside down from the side of the grotto. Accompanied by the melodies of local birds, a talented group of Hawaiian singers will perform an island classic: the "Hawaiian Wedding Song." Written by Charles King for his operetta, Prince of Hawaii, and recorded by singer Andy Williams in 1959, the song hit #11 on the Billboard Chart. Then, in 1961 Elvis Presley used it in his film, Blue Hawaii, forever associating its melodious tune with the romance of Hawaii.

Enjoy your return cruise along the Wailua River, then board an air-conditioned motorcoach for the next portion of your excursion. Join your driver/guide for a narrated sightseeing drive to see Opaekaa Falls. Located off the north branch of the Wailua River, this lacy 150-foot-high cascade is not accessible by river or trail. An overlook, however, off Kuamo'o Road provides an excellent and safe viewing area. The falls, framed by the Makaleha Mountains, flow year-round, unlike many waterfalls on the island that are dependent on heavy rains. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp" in Hawaiian. Apparently, in old days, shrimp could be found in the stream at the base of the falls.

Continue sightseeing through dramatic scenery on all sides. Lihue, the island's main town, Hanamaulu and the village of Wailua are just a few of the many island highlights on this active half-day excursion.

Special Notes:

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking or hiking shoes.

Paths around the Fern Grotto might be slippery. No inside visit to the Grotto is permitted.

Tour duration varies depending on the riverboat schedule.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship and transfer to marina

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
50
Travel time:
00:20
Steps:
5
Wheelchair accessible:
No

Scenic Wailua River Cruise and visit to Fern Grotto

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
130
Travel time:
01:45
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Transfer from marina to Opaeka'a Falls

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
50
Travel time:
00:10
Wheelchair accessible:
No

Photo stop for Opaekaa Falls

Time at site:
00:15
Inside visit:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
50
Travel time:
00:30
Steps:
5
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No