Kauai Shore Excursion: Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

Get ready for the best Kauai cruise shore excursion through the most beautiful place on earth! This guided adventure takes you from the cruise ship pier through colonial Koloa Town to Spouting Horn, an iconic saltwater geyser, and along the Haupu Mountains to the Hanapepe Valley Lookout, where you’ll see stunning mountain views including Queen Victoria’s Profile and Fort Elizabeth. Travel through historic Waimea Town to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," where red earth tones meet lush greenery. Stop at Opaeka’a Falls Lookout, where water cascades 150 feet into a jungle gorge. Then relax on a serene Wailua River cruise to the sacred Fern Grotto before heading back to the cruise ship pier. Booking online is not only easy, it’s also cheaper than purchasing the tour through your cruise ship, so book now!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Designed for Cruise Ship Schedules: This amazing tour is designed exclusively for cruise ship passengers, so you won’t have to worry about missing your boat! Board the comfortable bus at the pier where you dock and leave the logistics to your tour guides.

Better Value Than Cruise Line Tours: Booking directly offers the same high-quality experience at a lower price than similar excursions offered through the cruise line and saves you money without compromising on quality or convenience.

Expert Local Guides: Enjoy fascinating insights into Kauai’s history, culture, and geology from experienced local guides who know the island inside and out. Their storytelling adds depth and meaning to every stop along the way.

Iconic & Diverse Attractions: From the breathtaking Waimea Canyon and Spouting Horn to the relaxing Wailua River Cruise and lush Fern Grotto, this tour gives you a well-rounded experience of Kauai’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Stress-Free, Comfortable Experience: Relax on an air-conditioned bus with panoramic views as you're guided through Kauai’s top sights with no need to navigate, plan routes, or worry about making it back to the ship on time.

How does it work?

Roberts Hawaii has designed this tour to coincide seamlessly with your cruise. You can board the bus at the pier when your ship docks, and be dropped off in the same place before your ship is scheduled to sail.

Tour highlights

• Koloa Town: Kick off your journey with some of the oldest historical buildings in Hawaii, where the state’s first successful sugar plantation made it a favorite port among whalers.
• Spouting Horn: Watch as this natural rock formation causes ocean water to spout, geyser-like, up to 50 feet in the air. Look for Hawaii’s famous rainbows in the mist.
• Queen Victoria’s Profile: As you pass through the Haupu Mountain Range, try to spot the famous British monarch’s likeness outlined in the rugged cliffs.
• Hanapepe Valley Lookout: Take in sweeping views of Hanapepe Valley, where taro has been cultivated for generations—one of many reasons Kauai is called the “Garden Isle.”
• Waimea Canyon: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this awe-inspiring landscape features red-brown cliffs and lush greenery shaped by ancient volcanic activity.
• Waimea Town: This historic seaport marks the first landing site of European explorers in Hawaii. Today, it blends tradition and innovation with sugar plantations, tech startups, and local eateries.
• Fort Elizabeth: Visit the remains of this Russian-built fort, the last of its kind in Hawaii, offering a unique look into an unexpected chapter of the islands’ history.
• Wailua River Cruise: Enjoy a peaceful journey down a freshwater river as guides share the songs, legends, and history of ancient Hawaii.
• Fern Grotto: Step into a lush rainforest setting where ferns, tropical plants, and flowers grow from the walls of a lava rock cave.
• Opaeka‘a Falls Lookout: Take in the view of this stunning 151-foot waterfall as it plunges into a hidden jungle pool below.

Local expert tips

• While some of the tour will take place on an air-conditioned bus or on a boat, you will also be able to walk around at many stops along the tour so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes
• It is a good idea to wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Guests should also bring plenty of water to drink as it can get quite warm during the day.
• Come with questions! Your bus driver and tour guide are full of information, stories, and experiences to share with you, so keep an open mind and be ready to learn.
• A stop for lunch is included, but it is still a good idea to have a hearty breakfast before pick-up.
• If you are bringing a camera or your phone to take pictures, and you will want to, it is a good idea to bring a carrying case or strap for them as you will be on mountainous overlooks and on a river where you will not want to drop your valuables.

How to get there?

Your tour begins right at the pier where your cruise ship docks. A Roberts Hawaii representative will meet you at the port, and the bus will pick you up directly from the designated cruise ship terminal so no additional transportation is needed.