-
![]()
United States DollarUSD -
![]()
Canadian DollarCAD -
![]()
Australian DollarAUD -
![]()
New Zealand DollarNZD -
![]()
Pound SterlingGBP -
![]()
EuroEUR -
![]()
Bulgarian LevBGN -
![]()
Brazilian RealBRL -
![]()
Chinese YuanCNY -
![]()
Croatian KunaHRK -
![]()
Czech KorunaCZK -
![]()
Danish KroneDKK -
![]()
Egyptian PoundEGP -
![]()
Hong Kong DollarHKD -
![]()
Hungarian ForintHUF -
![]()
Indian RupeeINR -
![]()
Indonesian RupiahIDR -
![]()
Malaysian RinggitMYR -
![]()
Mexican PesoMXN -
![]()
Moroccan DirhamMAD -
![]()
New Taiwan DollarTWD -
![]()
Norwegian KroneNOK -
![]()
Philippine PesoPHP -
![]()
Polish ZłotyPLN -
![]()
Romanian LeuRON -
![]()
Russian RubleRUB -
![]()
Saudi RiyalSAR -
![]()
Singapore DollarSGD -
![]()
South African RandZAR -
![]()
South Korean WonKRW -
![]()
Swedish KronaSEK -
![]()
Swiss FrancCHF -
![]()
Thai BahtTHB -
![]()
Ukrainian HryvniaUAH -
![]()
United Arab Emirates DirhamAED -
![]()
Vietnamese DongVND
Current Local Time:
Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities
Read the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an inquiry
All Reviews for Wailua River in Kauai
Overall Rating
Reviews
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Amazing Kauai Adventure
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/06/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/27 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Wonderful trip
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!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/06/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fern Grotto
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/06/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/01 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Step back into a 1960’s adventure.
Reviewed by: Wanda
Unfortunately most of the wonder has been lost. A relaxing ride on a river filled with kayakers.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/26 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Pleasant River Ride with Entertainment
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/03 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Such a great experience !
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
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/24 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Best part of our trip
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/22 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
The highlight of my trip!
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
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Really enjoyable morning.
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
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/11 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Worth the money!
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Good time!
Reviewed by: Krista
We enjoyed the views as well as the stories and entertainment. Great family!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/03 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Birthday Time
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/30 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Best Activity on the Kauai!
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
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/07 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Relaxing ride
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/10 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Great way to see Fern Grotto
Reviewed by: Krisio
This was a quick fun little trip. The staff was fun and informative.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/31 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Kauai River Cruise
Reviewed by: Kauai River Cruise
I really enjoyed the tour other than not being able to hear what the narrator was saying along the trail. He should have had a megaphone or microphone so we at back could hear what he was saying. I heard from other people he was describing the plants & trees along the way, which I heard nothing.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/16 |
シダの洞窟 観光遊覧船 ハワイ唯一の航行可能な川を行く！＜英語ガイド／半日＞
一人で行けないシダの洞窟に、エンターテインメント込みで楽しめました！
Reviewed by: ジャワティー
島でレンタカーを借りて、熟年夫婦でハワイ旅行しました。
今回は、オアフ島とカウアイ島。
カウアイ島では狙っていたシダの洞窟には観光遊覧船が気になっていて予約しました。乗船してからルアウ（古典的なフラ？）を見せて頂きながら、川を遡上し、洞窟まで行きました。洞窟では英語でゆかいな解説を聞けました。
帰りもみんなで一緒に歌を歌いながら楽しく戻ることができました。
フラのディナーに予定が合わず行けませんでしたが、こちらのツアーで雰囲気を味わえました。おすすめです。
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/04/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/21 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
First time. It was wonderful experience.
Reviewed by: Pat Tompkins
Very knowledgeable guides. Good entertainment. Really enjoyed.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/01 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Awesome
Reviewed by: Luvs Kauai
There was 2 couples in our party. We all though the tour was beautiful and well worth it.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/21 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Beautiful and Informative
Reviewed by: Me Ber
It was a fun time, informative and beautiful. The staff were kind and knowledgeable.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/16 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fantastic!
Reviewed by: Jrod
Entertaining and informative. Hula dancing and Hawaiian music. Spectacular view of Fern Grotto.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/15 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Once in a lifetime opportunity
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/13 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
So beautiful and the history is a plus
Reviewed by: Sue A S
Such a great experience!! Skipper Whitney the grandson of the original Smith was a delight! I will go over and over again just for the beauty and history!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/16 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Great tour!
Reviewed by: Guest
The tour guides were wonderful and the stories told were beautiful
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/08 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Sacred falls adventure
Reviewed by: Tenille
We had a great tour, and knowledgeable tour guide, Steve. The kayak and hike were beautiful and the water fall was sooo worth it! We did end up going ahead of our group when we were on our way back as we did have some slower paced people. But we found our way back easy. Would definitely go again!
Aloha Tenille,
Will let Steve know that you enjoyed the tour.
What is nice about our Wailua Rive tour to the falls is that by the time you might get tired paddling, there is the trail to the falls. Nice combination of paddling and hiking.
With the recent rains.the waterfall has been really gushing. Great picture.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
Until then....keep chasing waterfalls.
A hui hou,
Micco/Head Guide
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/03/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/27 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fun way to spend some time
Reviewed by: Joan
The staff were welcoming, informative, and entertaining.
The cruise was relaxing and comfortable.
The walk to the Grotto was convenient and beautiful.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/16 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Great family run business.
Reviewed by: CAS
The boat ride over to the fern grotto was easy and short. Heard some history,, took a short walk to the grotto where they sang a song and danced. It was beautiful. Ride back had music and hula dancing. It was a slow day for us and this for perfect in our plans. Relaxing calm ride with great people. Highly recommend………………………………………………………………………………………………………we had a short lesson on how to hula dance on our way back to the dock.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/13 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Outstanding!
Reviewed by: Catchit2000
Fun, enjoyed the music and narrative. Good history of the area
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/18 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Short but fun
Reviewed by: Hollie O
People are great, fun, a good afternoon on the water
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/12 |
シダの洞窟 観光遊覧船 ハワイ唯一の航行可能な川を行く！＜英語ガイド／半日＞
とてもリラックスできました
Reviewed by: ハワイ好き
まず、ハワイに（しかも小さなカウアイ島に）こんなに大きな川が流れているのが驚きでした。このツアーは７６年の歴史があるそうですが、創始者ウォルター・スミスの孫娘にあたる方がツアーガイドをしてくださり感動しました。雰囲気的にはアマゾン川を船旅してるような感じで、結構楽しめました。純粋に川だけのクルーズで（海には出ない）、船も全く揺れずに船酔いもありませんでした。小さな子供から高齢の方まで問題なく楽しめるツアーだとおもいます。
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/01/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/26 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
- Explore Hawaiian Islands
- Oahu
- Maui
- Big Island
- Kauai
- Lanai
Worldwide
Partnerships
Social
HawaiiActivities.com is part of VELTRA, the world leader in online tours & activities services
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