Reviewed by: Warren Mitchell
This was a really nice time. The cruise was just long enough to relax, enjoy some Hawaiian culture and see the beautiful Fern Grotto. We never felt rushed and enjoyed everything at our own speed.
We didn’t realize how big the Kauai River is. We had always pictured it as being much, much smaller.
It was also very affordable and definitely worth the time and money.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/28 |
Reviewed by: Gregg M
If you are down for a decent workout plus an absolutely exceptional experience go on this excursion.
The kayak trip is breathtaking. You are paddling along more or less the Kauai jungle. Once you complete your paddle up it’s off to a beginner level hike.
The hike consists of a couple of water crossings and then being immersed in open cane like fields and then into dense rain forest. Then you begin to get peaks of the waterfall ahead.
The arrival at the waterfall is phenomenal. For us it was our first time to a Hawaiian waterfall and all the hype and what you expect to experience, well, it’s true! Bask in the beauty of the falls, go enjoy the water and feel it crashing about you, you won’t be disappointed. It was a bit chilly at first but once in it’s comfortable.
This is where you get lunch, the sandwiches were great, the cookies, those were delicious!
Once you get to spend the 45 or so minutes at the falls it’s time for the hike back. Take in the scenery, it’s truly breathtaking.
Once back at the kayaks it’s time for the 2 mile paddle back to the marina. Here’s our advice on the paddle, go easy heading out to save your energy for the paddle back. It seems there is always a head wind for the return trip, we’ve heard this from friends who did it in the Spring and we did it late June. Just expect a harder return paddle then out.
Our guide was Steve, so I can’t speak for the other guides. But he was a top notch guide. Shared great info on what we were seeing, the horticultural significance of the area and some Kauai history, you are traveling through where the Hawaiian Kings/Queens lived.
Couple of tips, if you are a mosquito attraction like my wife, bring some bug spray. Absolutely make sure you have a refillable water container, it’s hot and you are working. And, go do this excursion, hands down the most fun thing we’ve done on the islands.
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Noemi e Daniele
Fantastico giro in barca, lo consigliamo senza alcun dubbio! Lo staff gentilissimo e informato, anche con noi che, parlando poco l’inglese, avevamo meno mezzi per socializzare con gli altri partecipanti
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/24 |
Reviewed by: Sue
After a 44 year absence my husband and I returned to the Wailua River cruise with our oldest granddaughter. Much had changed and much was still the same. The boats are bigger and covered. The music was fun and enjoyable. The cave is less accessible than it was way back then but that was due to natural consequences and the family has worked hard to create a lovely walk and viewing area. We appreciated the wonderful family involved in all aspects of the trip and learned more about the area. It was a wonderful lead into our night at the Smith Family Luau which we also enjoyed and recommend!
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Karen
We all enjoyed the boat ride and the walk to the grotto. I missed being able to go inside like I did on my first visit years ago.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/01 |
Reviewed by: Alex
We enjoyed the tour overall but wish we had more time and one or two more stops around the Waimea Canyon. The tour takes in a few different spots across Kauai, but the real highlight is the Canyon. So it's a shame to only get a few different opportunities to stop and take photos. The tour picked us up and dropped us off promptly, and our guide Rosario told us a bit about the island and it's history, which we liked. The lunch provided was better than we expected. If we had the chance again, we would drive to the Waimea Canyon itself to explore it independently. If we had to take a tour again, we would consider this one as we felt overall it was good, if not perfect.
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Packages: | Kauai Waimea Canyon & Kokee Trail Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/14 |
Reviewed by: Izabella
The boat ride was an amazing experience:) I didn’t know the only way to experience the Napali coast was by boat or helicopter. The views were magical and we got to take a lot of pictures of the sea cliffs up close. The whole experience had a magical few to it. We were able to snorkel and see turtles and many different types of fish. I was nervous about snorkeling but it turned out fine as long as you wear a yellow belt and don’t get caught in the current. I was able to take a bunch of pictures of the coastline, I also felt a spiritual energy. The guides were very informative about the Hawaiian spiritual practices and the different types of burials that were preformed in that region. I think you define get your money’s worth by going on this cruise. Each view is spectacular and picturesque. Also the lunch provided was flavorful and the chips were the best.
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/27 |
Reviewed by: Wanda
Unfortunately most of the wonder has been lost. A relaxing ride on a river filled with kayakers.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/28 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/26 |
Reviewed by: R. Schaffer
The site is well kept and attractive. The boat is clean and roomy. There is entertainment one way and on the way back, information about the area and the River. At the Fern Grotto you have a short walk into the forest area and a view into The Grotto. I was hoping for more historical information and a closer look at the grotto.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/27 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/03 |
Reviewed by: Kelly
Such a great experience !
My husband and I went kayaking before we were married. Now we have two little ones and wanted to get to the beautiful Fern Grotto. I am so thankful for this trip that we could share is with our 3 and 1 year old. Thank you for having this opportunity
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/05/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/24 |
Reviewed by: JAV
It was very well run and a calming quick boat ride. We walked to see the fern grotto which was beautiful and our tour guide also helped sing a wedding song to us. It was cute. We had a chance to take pictures. A bathroom was available. We were sung to on the way back as well.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/05/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/22 |
Reviewed by: Wnrico
Wir haben die Zeit sehr genossen. Wir haben Delfine gesehen, durften die Kulisse der Napali Coast geniessen, waren Schnorcheln, sind in eine Höhle und unter einem Wasserfall durchgefahren. Die Gegend ist einfach traumhaft, der Ausblick auf die grünen Klippen, die Farben vom Wasser, die Abgeschiedenheit. Da könnte man locker den ganzen Tag verbringen.
Danke an die Crew von Kapitän Rob, das wir so etwas erleben nri
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/22 |
Reviewed by: Linda
We had Mark as a pilot and he was awesome! Very personable, informative, and had a great sense of humor. We got to see the whole island except for one canyon due to cloud cover. Would love to do it again!
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Packages: | The Big Kahuna Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/24 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/22 |
Reviewed by: Kenisha & Chris
This excursion was amazing. I enjoyed every part of it. The kayaking was a serene adventure, the hiking was fun and the waterfall was a sight to behold. Our tour guide was awesome and engaging. I definitely recommend this tour.
Aloha Kenisha and/or Chris,
Amazing is good enough for me. How can we do better?
Thanks for the kudos.
Hope to see you back again for more water falls and paddles.
A hui hou,
Micco/Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Joe Hartzell
This experience is well worth the time and effort. Sacred falls is beautiful and swimming under the falls is a once in a lifetime opportunity that should not be missed. Bring along some good wet shoes and be prepared for a fun kayak trip down the river, a beautiful hike to the falls and then the big payoff at the end. Steve did a great job, and this comes highly recommended.
Aloha Joe,
I am usually on top of our reviews, but yours fell through the cracks.
Anyway, better late than never to thank you for taking the time to share and give us a five star. 39 years later and we strive to keep improving and guides like Steve make the difference.
Thanks again…stay active and well.
Micco/Head Guide
…and yes bring good aqua shoes that you can afford to get muddy.
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/13 |
Reviewed by: LammyP
We did the 7:30am tour and am glad we got out before it got too busy on the trail. I had never kayaked before but our guide, Garrett or "G" was able to answer any questions I had and I was quickly put at ease.
The kayaking up to the trail was good and the river not too busy. The trail was around a mile or so. We knew from the pictures that there's a crossing over water but we weren't aware there were about 4 each way and that one was about hip height. It was fine, we were just taken aback a bit.
Some of the trail was muddy, some was boarded walkways and some was literally clambering over jagged rocks. Wouldn't be suitable for anyone with mobility issues!
We only had around 40 minutes at the sacred falls, which was a shame. A little longer would've been better.
A highlight was meeting a little shama thrush that G had befriended.
The trail back seemed muddier due to the amount of folk on the trail.
The kayak back was a little harder as we were going against the flow of the river, but overall it was an incredible experience.
Aloha Lammy,
You should write a guide book. Great review and gives potential clients an idea of what to expect on the river and trail.
We ...you are lucky to have Garrick sharing his particular brand of aloha. Garrett is great water man with a real handle on the natural and cultural history of the area, while keeping it all safe and fun.
We try to spend an hour by the falls, but that is always dependent on group and weather dynamics.
Your only error is paddling back you are actually paddling with the slow current, but it is paddling into the wind that can at time test your mettle.
Stay well and active and thanks for taking the time to share.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/11 |
Reviewed by: Jayme
Amazing tour with lava caves, hundreds of dolphins, sea turtles, a whale shark and gorgeous scenery! Best thing we did in Hawaii!
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/20 |
Reviewed by: LammyP
We thoroughly enjoyed this sightseeing tour, with driver & guide, Kaleo. He was helpful, informative and hilarious! Stories, quips and jokes all day long. We even learned how to pronounce "humuhumunukunukuapua`a"! We saw some highlights of the beautiful island of Kaua`i including the spouting horn blow hole and we were lucky enough to get a clear view of the waimea canyon, before the clouds rolled in! We had a tasty lunch at chicken in a barrell and sampled delicious coffee at the Kaua`i coffee plantation. The trail at the state park is very short and the order of the stops is different to that listed on the veltra site, but regardless we would 100% recommend this tour.
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Packages: | Kauai Waimea Canyon & Kokee Trail Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/12 |
Reviewed by: Gary & Becky
The cruise to the grotto was good. Interesting history of the Smith family discussed on river boat. Scenery is good and the grotto is in a very lush location. The folks are very nice and accommodating. We chose the river cruise to be at the Luau on time.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/08 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Krista
We enjoyed the views as well as the stories and entertainment. Great family!
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/05 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/03 |
Reviewed by: Lauren
Absolutely amazing tour, loved our crew. Absolutely amazing views and saw so many dolphins.
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/05/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/30 |
Reviewed by: Christine
This was a great tour and glad I chose the small airplane ride versus helicopter. Our tour guide was very informative and took note that most of us loved the waterfalls so it appeared he concentrated on this piece with extra attention. There was 6 of us in the group which was the entire plane. Two small children. Our 6 year old was extremely excited and loved the tour. She did get a bit warm in the plane towards the end. Glad we booked this tour!!!
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Packages: | The Big Kahuna Tour |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/08 |
Reviewed by: Melissa
My family enjoyed a wonderful day touring the Na Pali coast line. Captain Mike and his crew made their guests feel welcome, safe and part of the family. The bonus for me was the historic and cultural connection of the Mike and his crew to the land. We saw a mama whale and her calf up close. This excursion was the highlight of our vacation.
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/05 |
Reviewed by: なおチャン
特に、仲間の一人が船酔いになった際にも、一生懸命対応をしてくれた女性の乗組員には大変感謝しました。またクルーズの間に出された食事もおいしく満足できるものでした。ありがとうございました。
途中運よくホエールウォッチングも体験できました。そろそろ季節外れになる時期故、期待していなかったのですが、幸運でした。
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Patricia James
It was a great time. Really enjoyed it It was our birthday week and we had the best time. The boat ride, the songs, the hula dance was spot on.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Darrin
I was excited to experience the natural beauty of Kauai by kayak and hike. What I wasn't expecting was to learn so much about the history and culture of the Wailua Valley, Wailua River, and Sacred Waterfalls. Our entire group felt like the tour was more a group of friends than a standard follow the leader tour. This was in no small part due to our fantastic tour guide, Izzy. I'd recommend asking for her.
Aloha Darrin,
We love our clients and I personally married one.
Izzy does a particularly good job of guiding singles and families alike and making them all feel part of an extended family while at the same time keeping you safe without loosing the sense of fun.
Leaving you "thoughtful" with the history and culture of the area is considered as important as any facet of our tours.
Thanks for you kind words and will make sure to share with Izzy.
A hui hou,
Micco/Head Guide
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Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/04/15 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/07 |
Reviewed by: Bill
What a beautiful experience! Comfortable, clean ride up calm river to breathtaking rainforest. Knowledgeable staff was informative and entertaining. Finally a great value!
Would recommend to anyone coming to Kauai. Will do again.
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Packages: | River Cruise Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/10 |
Reviewed by: Esmeralda Lawson
Our tour guide and driver were phenomenal!! We enjoyed all the movie clips and locations.
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Packages: | Standard Tour: Pick-up from Airport, Lihue & Wailua Hotels |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/10 |
Reviewed by: Juliet
Beautiful tour! We saw the coast, rainbows, whales, and a beautiful sunset! The food is fantastic and the crew is incredible! Do NOT do this if you get at all sea sick though because it is a rough ride out. I would also recommend sea sickness medication before if you don’t want to chance it all. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet because you will!
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Packages: | Na Pali Sunset Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/10 |
Reviewed by: Flora T.
From beginning to end this was a wonderful experience! All the staff were amazing! We got to see incredible sites, snorkel, see dolphins and whales all in one day! Highly recommend this adventure!
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Packages: | Morning Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/04/11 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/09 |
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Wow Gregg…you should become a professional review generator. Let me know if you ever need a job.
Seriously thanks for generating an excellent review that give potential clients a real sense of what is involved.
Having Steve as the guide is just icing on the cake on the journey to the falls and yes he is definitely "top notch".
Thanks taking the time.
Stay well and active.
A hui hou,
Micco/Head Guide