Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Overall Rating
4.46
Wailua Smith Boat Tour
Reviewed by: Janet, 2017/05/24This was a very throw back to the past type of experience. Simple fun, nice people, old fashioned hospitality. The river is in full sun, would not recommend kayak option..not enough interesting flora along the way. Hula and Hawaiian music on the boat ride fun. Fern Grotto was devastated in 1992 and a shadow of it's former glory. Guide gave good local information in an entertaining sort of presentation. I'd take grandma and grandpa or very young kids on this tour.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2017/05/21 |
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Lovely ride
Reviewed by: Chris P, 2017/05/20Smooth, interesting and all round pleasant ride to a beautiful place.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/05/17 |
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Early Bird Gets the Best Tour!
Reviewed by: Annette , 2017/05/09Who could pass up a tradition of Hawaiian tourism that has been in operation since 1947?! The Smith family was awesome. They were very friendly and kind. We were fortunate to be on the first boat of the day and in a small group. The morning was cool yet very comfortable. While we waited for our tour to start, the on-board talented trio of musicians were taking requests, joking and visiting with the passengers. Once on the river, the captain gave us an overview of the points of interests along the way as we passed stand-up-paddle boarders and kayakers enjoying the quiet river too. We were treated to a beautiful hula demonstration, native music and an improv hula lesson! After a short walk to the grotto, our "guide" explained some of the history and folk lore about the grotto, afterwards, they sang the Hawaiian Wedding song to us. It would be fun to go back again!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/02/25 |
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Beautiful!!
Reviewed by: ohiofirekids, 2017/02/11He most beatiful views I have ever seen!!....will definitely return!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/01/17 |
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Fern Grotto
Reviewed by: Linda, 2016/12/19The Smiths river boat trip to the Fern Grotto was wonderful. We loved the live entertainment, they were great.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/12/16 |
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Best Luau ever
Reviewed by: Linda, 2016/12/19We have been to Luau's on all the islands but none of them can compare to the Smiths. The place is gorgeous. We felt like we were walking around in Disneyland. The food, service and show was excellent!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/12/16 |
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Good entertainment
Reviewed by: Kansas620, 2016/09/08The staff and Captain were very nice. The musicians were outstanding! Loved the walk back to the boat, down the path through rain forest. A little disappointed in the viewing distance from the Fern Grotto. It was explained that in 2006, the area received torrential rainfall and suffered a mudslide. Since that time they had to built back the tour area, which means a viewing stage/deck, quite a ways away from the Fern Grotto itself. You can no longer go to the mouth of the cave, and pictures did not turn out well.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2016/09/02 |
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Beautiful!
Reviewed by: Deb, 2016/08/27Such a beautiful part of the island! We had a great time on the tour, our guides were amazing.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2016/08/04 |
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Nice relaxing ride on the Waimea River
Reviewed by: Jackie Benavidez, 2016/08/22We took the morning tour and really enjoyed it. We were entertained by musicians on our way to the Grotto and was even taught a simple hula dance. The Grotto was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the history lesson of the area. I would definitely take this tour again.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/08/18 |
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Fern grotto
Reviewed by: Tiff, 2016/08/09Enjoyed the relaxing boat ride. The ride back was extra fun with music and my crazy mom who got up and intertained everyone aboard. The workers seemed to enjoy it.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/26 |
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Boat ride and laua
Reviewed by: Bob D, 2016/07/23Lots of fun. Entertainment was great. Narrative was very informative. Grotto was awesome. We included the laua which was most fantastic. Food beverage and entertainment was great. My first laua and my best. Thank you for a great evening. All the staff were very friendly
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/20 |
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Poi
Reviewed by: Angie, 2016/07/04Extremely pleasant, and affordable. Beautiful, must see fern grotto. We ate our imaginary Poi.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/01 |
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Iz like performer
Reviewed by: Nhids, 2016/04/24This 1 1/2 hr activity is really good for those who doesn't have upper body strength to do kayak to get to grotto which is a beautiful mystical place. The whole family enjoyed very much the ride and the entertainment whose voice is the future IZ. The staff were all awesome! Thank you all for making our day great!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
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AMAZING! If you haven't booked a luau this trip Do THE CRUISE!
Reviewed by: Maren, 2016/03/14When we booked our trip to HI my husband had been 3-4 times already. I hadn't been at all. He convinced me not to book a luau. We really like food and figured we'd save the money for something else. Once we got to HI I was really-really bummed we didn't have a luau on the docket, and it was too late to book anything.
This cruise was amazing and once we did it we weren't so bummed about missing the luau. The cruise is so peaceful. The guide is a smith family member and his family owns the land surrounding the river. He knows so much about the land and has tons of stories he tells while you cruise up and down the river.
You stop at the fern grotto, which is so cool. It's a must see on any trip to Kauai. The musicians on the cruise play songs and play a special song to people who have just gotten married or celebrating anniversaries.
Then on the ride back the musicians play native songs. It's the next best thing to a luau.
Already did it once but will do it again!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2015/05/26 |
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Wonderful tour
Reviewed by: Melissa & Pat , 2016/03/10A must if in Kauai... Beautiful sights and a wonderful staff!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/09 |
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Fern Grotto
Reviewed by: Glen Hayden, 2015/10/25A great way to spend an afternoon. A slow relaxing ride up the river with a leisurely stroll through the tropical plants to the grotto. Once at the grotto the songs of Kauai serenade you while the beautiful and awe inspiring sites fill your senses.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2015/09/28 |
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Average boat tour
Reviewed by: Lucie, 2015/09/22This was 2 hour boat tour to Fern Grotto and back with live music. The tour was average, nothing special.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2015/08/24 |
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Best Laua Ever!
Reviewed by: Family of Five, 2015/07/16The Smith Family Laua will not disappoint! I've seen five Lauas and this was far superior to all others! Food and the show was amazing! The grounds of the facility were very beautiful and the tram ride showed all the land had to offer! Many photo opportunities! The Fern Gratto was beautiful and the musicians were great! Very pretty!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/13 |
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Must do
Reviewed by: Diane, 2015/07/13Driver picked us up so we didn't have to worry about drinking and driving, fun and informative boat ride to Fern Grotto with music, singing and dancing then delivered right on time to the Luau and brought back to our condo afterwards......Al fun, no worry
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/15 |
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Cruisin' down the river
Reviewed by: Bud & Babe, 2015/05/03Excellent! Good music, good stories, wonderful local flavor!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2015/04/08 |
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Awesome entertainment!
Reviewed by: Hulala, 2014/12/09I was not particularly excited about this excursion because the fern grotto is all dried up and you can't go in anymore. However the entertainment was great. I dont think they could have made the excursion better with all the story telling, music and dancing. It was alot more than i expected and it was a great start to the luau we saw after!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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relaxing
Reviewed by: TN traveler, 2014/12/04The Cruise Is On A River Not IN THE Ocean FOR Anyone Worried About attire. It is very laid back atmosphere so any clothes are appropriate. The staff where authentic and made you welcome. I combined with smith laaui.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2014/12/01 |
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Absolutely loved the cruise!
Reviewed by: Deb L, 2014/05/01The cruise up the river on the barge was well narrated and very enjoyable. A great deal of history and general information about the area was shared with us, and various landmarks were pointed out.
Once we reached the Fern Grotto, we were entertained by the Smith family as they played the traditional wedding song, and we were given additional information about the Fern Grotto itself - including it's history and how it was made famous.
The return ride on the barge included the entertainers joining us and continuing the music and dancing. Visitors were encouraged to learn to hula and taught various moves.
As someone who tends to get very seasick, I had no issues at all on the cruise. Not even in the slightest.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2014/04/15 |
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Fern grotto
Reviewed by: ZNmez, 2014/03/08The cruise was not too long, about two hours in total. The Wailua River is beautiful! The crew did a great version of the island "wedding song" while at the Fern Grotto. It was amazing to learn to hula from such talented dancers! Such a beautiful art!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Fun Experience
Reviewed by: Chere, 2013/12/28We learned about the island, how to hula, and took some amazing pictures. The Smiths were great
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2013/03/08 |
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Relaxing Afternoon on the River
Reviewed by: JamesD, 2013/09/28Truly enjoyed the smooth ride up river with explanation of the local culture and sites. Musicians and dancers obviously enjoyed their craft and were top notch. Very pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2013/09/09 |
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Fern Grotto Tour
Reviewed by: Dave, 2013/06/13The Smith's Fern Grotto tour was a good way to see the fern grotto and understand some of the history. There was a 20 minute boat ride to the fern grotto landing, time to take pictures, presentation of a Hawaiian Wedding song, complete with hula interruption and demonstration of various hula dances on the boat ride back. All in all - recommended tour.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2013/06/03 |
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Great Job
Reviewed by: Salt Lake City, 2013/02/14Smith tours did a great Job with the boat ride.
The grotto.
The entertainment was a nice touch and very well done.
Would recomment this trip to all
One of the good values exploring Kauai
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| Attended as: | Friends |
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Fern Grotto - June 2012
Reviewed by: ANDRA, 2012/07/01Loved the staff, they were great, fun, and informative. However, was not what I expected. I am not sure what would have made it a better experience. The Fern Grotto itself was beautiful, but there were too many people on the deck to enjoy it. Made it crowded and uncomfortable.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
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Great time!
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2010/06/04Our group enjoyed the music as we cruised the river. The scenery was outstanding and the staff provided good service.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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