Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto
IF
YOU ARE ATTENDING THE LUAU, you will be able to spend time strolling
the garden before the luau and do not need to add the Garden Stroll to
your purchase. If you would like to go to the Garden in the morning or
early mid-day and are attending the luau then you would need to purchase
the Garden Stroll.
The constant rains pouring off Mt. Wai'ale'ale make the Wailua River the only navigable river in Hawaii -- and at Smith's, they take full advantage of it! Using an ingenious rear-engine system invented by Walter Smith, Sr. himself, their open-air boats will waft you up the Wailua to the most beautiful and romantic place on the island: the incomparable Fern Grotto. Along the way, you'll have a front-row view of all the wonders that the Garden Isle has to offer. These lovely lands are so magical that they once served as the capital of ancient Kauai, and were reserved as the sacred places of the island's royalty.
Garden Stroll optional add-on: If you are not planning on
attending Smith's Luau after your Wailur River boat tour, but still
would like to see the amazing garden grounds, you can purchase a Garden
Stroll admission ticket. The Tropical Paradise is open daily from 8:30
am to 3:00 pm. (If you are attending the luau, you will have time to
walk through the garden after you check in for the luau.)
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy Smith’s famous Wailua River boat cruise
- Only river boat cruise in all of Hawaii
- Spacious open-air boat provides excellent views from either side
- Hear songs and stories of the old Hawaii
- Participate in hula dancing
- Enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto
Schedule:
- Boat departure times 9:30, 11:00, 2:00, 3:30
- Just be at the dock at Wailua Marina 15 minutes before departure
- Wailua River Cruise is a 1-1/2 hour leisurely excursion
Insider tips:
Not
planning on going to Smith's Luau but still want to see the amazing
garden grounds? Purchase a Garden Stroll admission by its self or add
it on to your Fern Grotto Cruise. The Tropical Paradise is open daily
from 8:30 am to 3:00pm. If you are attending the luau you will have
time to go through the gardens and grounds once you check in for the
luau.
- Where and When:
- Tour departure times:
9:30 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm
Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Wailua Marina State Park, 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 View Map
The boat tour takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
The Garden Stroll (if you purchased this option) is available from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Driving directions:
From the North (Hanalei, Princeville, Kapaa): Take Hwy. 56 South through Kapaa to the Wailua River. Go past Kuamoo road, over the river, and take the first right into the Wailua Marina State Park.
From the South (Waimea, Poipu, Lihue): Take Hwy. 56 North from the Lihue airport. A mile after the Wailua Golf Course, watch for Marina signs and the beach on the right. Just before crossing the Wailua River bridge, turn left into the Wailua Marina State Park.
- Requirements:
- No Requirements
- Restrictions:
- Vessel is not ADA accessible.
- Special Notes:
- Tip: If you are going to the luau after the boat tour, select the 3:30 pm boat tour time.
- Operation Days:
- Monday through Friday. *9:30am unavailable on Thursdays February 1 - May 1, 2025
- Duration:
- 1.5 hours
- Vendor:
- Smiths Tropical Paradise Luau
- Island:
- Kauai
- Capacity:
- Equipment:
- Spacious, open-air boat is powered by an ingenious rear-engine system invented by Walter Smith, Sr.