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All Reviews for Wailua Resorts in Kauai
Overall Rating
Reviews
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fern Grotto River Cruise
Reviewed by: Lisa G.
Our family of 8 ranging from ages 16-91 really enjoyed this excursion. Relaxing ride on the boat with beautiful live Hawaiian music and dancers was an extra treat. The Fern Grotto was beautiful. I would highly recommend this excursion.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/26 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Great tour very informative and funny!
Reviewed by: Annamarie
Great tour very informative. The people were so funny I would definitely do it again and recommend my friends and family.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/20 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Decent boat ride, Hawaiian music & Hula dance
Reviewed by: Kar
Decent boat ride, Hawaiian music & Hula dance. Walk to Fern grotto the best part of ride
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/18 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Where was wonderful
Reviewed by: Kathleen Oliva
Show was wonderful people were funny smart and very informative
Enjoy the boat trip in the drawer to that
Would definitely recommend it to others
Nice family run business
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/17 |
Kayak Kauai Hanalei River & Blue Lagoon Kayak & Snorkel Adventure
Kayak Kauai
Reviewed by: LarryJ
Great crew. They did underestimate the difficulty of the kayaking in the ocean to the snorkeling beach. Very tough for some in my group. Otherwise great day. Food OK.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | North Shore Departure Package (Pick-up at Princeville or Hanalei) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/12 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Amazing experience!
Reviewed by: Matt Olsen
This is our second time going to the Fern Grotto and it was just as beautiful and amazing as the first time we went 9 years ago. We booked online and it was very easy. We got to the check in site and they handed us a ticket with our name already on it and asked us to turn it in when we boarded. Right on time, they asked us to head down to the dock and board our river boat. Everyone that we encountered had a big smile and a kind word for us. They gave us a brief safety talk and we were off! Our guide going out there was very knowledgeable and talked to us about the history of the island. When we reached the Fern Grotto, they sang for us some beautiful songs and then we hiked a little way up to the grotto. We took lots of pictures and then made our way back! We were treated to some songs and beautiful hula dancing on the way back. The young lady on the microphone was so much fun! She was a jokester, and she had a beautiful singing voice. The ladies doing the hula dancing were just so beautiful to watch and you can tell they love what they do. Overall, it was a lot of fun and I highly recommend. I do recommend booking online as it will save you some time when you get there. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/11 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Great cultural experience
Reviewed by: Angie
Beautiful venue, dancing, music, and storytelling. All the performers were very talented. We enjoyed the show - it was a great way to spend our last evening in Kauai.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Show Only Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/11 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
River cruise
Reviewed by: Linda
Highly recommended, we really enjoyed the river cruise the view was beautiful and loved the walk to the cave
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/06 |
Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim
Fantastic tour-GREAT tour guide!
Reviewed by: Wilson Family
The kayak/hiking/waterfall tour was beautiful. Exactly what we were looking for. Tour guide Harrison was fantastic, very knowledgeable about the local flora/fauna, history. Harrison was cool with letting our 10 year old daughter double kayak with him (she didn’t want to ride with mom and dad!). Lunch sandwiches were very yummy. Tour guide even provided a chilled pineapple after the tour. Harrison made sure we all had transportation after the tour and actually went out of his way to drop us off at the beach across the highway in his own personal vehicle. 100% recommend and would use again!! Also-prepare to get muddy LOL
Aloha Wilson O'hana,
Harrison does it again, i.e. provides a classic effort, as he does on all his tours.
We are the only tour company on the Wailua that provides pretty good lunches; my favorite is the veggie.
Will share your kind words with Harrison…slowly; don't want it to go to his head.
Thanks for sharing and warning folks about the mud.
A hui hou,
Micco
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/30 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Best all around
Reviewed by: Kimberly Tan
We have been to several luaus on different islands. The total experience here from start to finish was excellent. The grounds are beautiful with a lot of great photo opportunities and the food was surprisingly delicious! The drinks were tasty and they kept them coming. The show was not only entertaining with traditional components but had a flare of different cultures that really added to the experience! Absolutely a must when choosing which luau to attend. I was worried when the price was significantly more affordable but wow was I ever so happy with my choice. Would definitely recommend!!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/05 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Awesome Day
Reviewed by: Kara
Great Experience getting to see the gorgeous river
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/10 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Great family activity
Reviewed by: cassandra15
Our family was a pretty big group with a mix of some older folks and young children so we chose to do this activity based on all the good reviews and it did not disappoint. We really enjoyed the hula dancing and singing along the ride. The time spent on the boat and walking to was not too long so it was perfect for our group.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Test Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fun and Beautiful
Reviewed by: Pam Hurst
We really enjoyed the Fern Grotto your. The boat ride was entertaining then walking into the grotto was breathtaking. It rained before we got there so it was fresh and a little humid all at the same time. Would recommend this tour.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/08 |
Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment
Fun river cruise!
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.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/06/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/28 |
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.
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
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 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Exciting Show
Reviewed by: Gage
Staff did a wonderful job. Beautiful lush garden setting. Tram and set up was wonderful. Just paid for the show -- best deal on the island. Seemed like a few dancers at different parts of the show forgot what they were doing. It was actually kind of laughable. Other than that, all-in-all it was a good time.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Show Only Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/22 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Highlight of our trip
Reviewed by: JAV
This was my first luau and I was impressed! We had a very nice cruise to the fern grotto first which seamlessly ended right before the luau entrance time began. The location from the dock to the entrance was also very close by. The whole evening was seamlessly organized. We had a time to get there, get cocktails, watch the unearthing of the pig, then get the buffet. They let people know when to go to the buffet so it wasn’t a swarm. Love the limited open bar as well! People also were handing out drinks on trays so the bar line wasn’t an issue. I am vegetarian and since I specified ahead of time they gave a separate plate as well for me. The plate seems to be suitable for vegans as well. I was so full! I like the high chair for my toddler because it has a good table for him that was also removable. There is also an orchid garden and other gardens to walk or take a tram around to see. The show was also spectacular. Great transitions and dancing! Mahalo for a great night!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/24 |
| 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: | 2023/05/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
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: | 2023/05/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/13 |
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: | 2023/05/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/11 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Great and affordable show for a family of 5.
Reviewed by: Pilar
Our family booked the show only option and we had a wonderful time!
The performance was really colorful and the live music was a plus. The place is really pretty and well kept. All the people there were really nice! I highly recommend the experience. (We didn't do the whole Luau since we are vegan and we figured the meal experience wasn't for us)
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Show Only Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/17 |
Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Smith’s Luau
Reviewed by: Janine V.
A beautiful property and well organized event. Everyone was friendly, the food was delicious and the show was spectacular! You can’t visit Kauai without attending Smith’s Tropical Paradise.
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/15 |
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 Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Well put together production!
Reviewed by: Gary & Becky
Great location for a Luau. On the beach, cultural events, beautiful sunset, good food, talented performers. Great show!
Helpful
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/05/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
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Aloha Larry,
We try to be candid in all our tours about the intrinsic effort and matching folks to the right tour.
Yesterday, clients on the same tour, felt while they did not need a guide to get to the snorkeling beach off Hideaways, that having the guide(s) made for a richer experience.
That said your review helps others choose the correct tour.
In spite the toughness…thanks for giving us 4 stars.
A hui hou,
Micco/Head Guide