Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto Tour

Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

Smith's Tropical Paradise

Operates Monday through Friday.

schedule Duration: 1.5 hours

  • was $35.00

  • Now $32.36


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Wailua River Boat Tour to Fern Grotto


Enjoy a leisurely open-air boat tour up the Wailua River, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii! The river is fed by water pouring down Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. During the two-mile river journey, you'll enjoy Hawaiian music and listen to stories of the old Hawaii. The open-air boat offers views from both sides, so you can enjoy the river scenery throughout the ride. 

After the boat reaches the Fern Grotto landing, enjoy a short walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto, one of Kauai's top natural attractions. It is a true natural wonder. The natural cave was formed millions of years ago, and it is now completely covered by ferns and exotic tropical flowers.

Garden Stroll Add-On


A Garden Stroll admission may be added for guests who want to visit the Smith's Tropical Paradise garden grounds without attending the luau. The garden is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. However, guests who are attending Smith's Garden Luau will have time to walk through the garden after luau check-in and do not need to add the Garden Stroll for that same evening.

Wailua River Cruise Highlights


  • Enjoy Smith's famous Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto
  • Ride along the only navigable river in Hawaii
  • Relax aboard a spacious open-air boat with views from both sides
  • Hear Hawaiian songs and stories during the river journey
  • Learn about Hawaiian traditions and Kauai's river valley history
  • Short walk through a tropical rainforest area to the fern-covered Fern Grotto

Special instructions

  • Where and When:

    Tour departure times:
    9:30 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm
    Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Wailua Marina State Park, 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 View Map
    The boat tour takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
    The Garden Stroll (if you purchased this option) is available from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

    Important Notice – Wailua River State Park Entry Fee: The state of Hawaii is charging a $10 fee per car to park and a $5 fee per person (age 4 and up) for entrance to Wailua Marina (which is part of Wailua River State Park). Tour participants are responsible for these fees, which are collected directly by the state via credit card only at the park entrance (no cash accepted). This fee covers your visit to Wailua River State Park sites at the Wailua River Marina, as well as Opaeka'a Falls, Poliahu Heiau, Kaumuali'i Park and Wailua Falls.
    Driving directions:
    From the North (Hanalei, Princeville, Kapaa): Take Hwy. 56 South through Kapaa to the Wailua River. Go past Kuamoo road, over the river, and take the first right into the Wailua Marina State Park.

    From the South (Waimea, Poipu, Lihue): Take Hwy. 56 North from the Lihue airport. A mile after the Wailua Golf Course, watch for Marina signs and the beach on the right. Just before crossing the Wailua River bridge, turn left into the Wailua Marina State Park.

  • Restrictions:

    Vessel is not ADA accessible.

  • Special Notes:

    Tip: If you are going to the luau after the boat tour, select the 3:30 pm boat tour time.

  • Operation Days:

    Monday through Friday

  • Duration:

    1.5 hours

  • Equipment:

    Spacious, open-air boat is powered by an ingenious rear-engine system invented by Walter Smith, Sr.

Smith's Tropical Paradise - Wailua River Cruise Prices

  • River Cruise - Per Adult (13 yrs+)
    $35.00 $32.36
    Garden Stroll - Per Child (3-12 yrs)
    $5.00 $4.62
    River Cruise - Per Child (2-12 yrs)
    $17.50 $16.18
    Garden Stroll - Per Adult (13 yrs+)
    $10.00 $9.24

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