Shore Excursion: Waimea Canyon, Wailua River & Fern Grotto Tour
This Kauai excursion combines a visit to Waimea Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and a scenic ride up the Wailua River to the unique Fern Grotto where the ferns actually grow upside down.
Your day begins with a drive to Waimea Canyon. From your lookout at 3,400 feet you’ll experience an unsurpassed view of the 2,857 foot deep canyon and the surrounding countryside. The canyon’s size combined with the red and browns of exposed volcanic rock and the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation truly creates a magnificent sight.
After leaving Waimea Canyon, stop at a lava rock cropping known as the “Spouting Horn”. A natural salt water geyser that sprays plumes high into the air, which occurs when the surf is washed into a lava tube and sucked up through a hole in the coastal rock. The geyser may reach up as much as 50 feet depending on the surf that day, and provides photographers with an added challenge in capturing one of Poipu’s most scenic coastal shots.
Then, proceed to the picturesque Wailua River where you’ll board your river boat for a delightful cruise to the Fern Grotto. The grotto forms a natural amphitheater and provides excellent acoustics for the Hawaiian chorus to serenade you with the Hawaiian Wedding Song. It’s quite the romantic ending to your day exploring Kauai! The pathways at the Fern Grotto may be slippery, so please dress accordingly for this Hawaii cruise excursion.
*Prices shown are for current schedules only and may be subject to change.
-
- Koloa Town- From some of the oldest buildings in the state to rich history of Hawaii’s first and successful Sugar Plantation, discover how this main port of entry was a favorite among the whaling fleet.
- Spouting Horn* One of the most photographed spots on Kauai with ocean water spraying like a geyser up to 50 feet in the air.
- Queen Victoria’s Profile- Haupu Mountain range offers a profile of the British Queen Victoria.
- Hanapepe Valley Lookout* A picturesque view of the lush tropical valley that was once a Hawaiian taro farming community with some of the taro patches still being farmed today.
- Russian Fort Elizabeth- The last Russian Fort on the Hawaiian Islands.
- Waimea Town- This old seaport was the first landing site of European explorers. Today, it is home to the island’s last sugar plantation and located in the backyard of high tech companies and small businesses.
- Waimea Canyon* Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, was carved out by the Waimea River and the collapse of a volcano. The rich colors of the red soil and the lush greenery are a spectacular site to see.
- Opaeka’a Falls Lookout* A 151 foot waterfall crashing into a hidden pool.
- Wailua River Boat Cruise* Float down a fresh water river while being enchanted by songs and stories of ancient Hawaii.
- Fern Grotto* Discover the beauty of a tropical rain forest filled with lush native plants.
* denotes stop made
-
- Children under the age of 2 are FREE and must be seated on an adult’s lap. If you require a seat for a child under the age of 2, the above rate will be applicable.
- Lunch is not included. Lunch can be enjoyed aboard the ship and the afternoon tour will resume after lunch.
- Wailua River Boat Cruise fare included.
- A stop at Paradise Garden is made if Fern Grotto is closed.
- Wear walking shoes and dress comfortably.
- Due to circumstances beyond our control (i.e. traffic congestion, inclement weather, etc.) the routing and times are subject to change.
-
- Due to limited availability, we require that ADA vehicle reservations be made a minimum of 48 hours prior to date and time of service. Roberts will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of the disabled traveler.
- For electric wheelchairs or scooters: The combined weight of the wheelchair and guest cannot exceed 500 lbs, the maximum width of the wheelchair cannot exceed 29 inches.
- Not all stops on this tour are ADA accessible.
- Wailua River Boat Cruise is not ADA accessible. Guests unable to walk on their own will need to be assisted by someone in their own party to be carried in/out of the boat.
-
- Tour subject to cancellation if the minimum number of 6 participants is not met.
- Reservations may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to your first scheduled tour service, for a refund. No-shows and cancellations less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable.
- A 10% service fee & a 6% booking fee are withheld for any cancelled reservation paid by credit card.
BOOK TODAY!
Pricing:
Adult: $172.50 + taxes and fees
Child (2-12 yrs): $172.50 + taxes and fees
Availability and Schedule:
Available on Thursdays for PRIDE OF AMERICA cruise ship passengers only.
- Pick up time from the Pier: 8:30 AM
- Approximate return time from the Pier: 6:00 PM
- Tour Duration: 9.5 hours
Other Activities on Kauai You Might Like:
Hawaii Movie Tours on Kauai
Starting at $172.50
✅ Unique experience
✅ Transportation from/to Nawiliwili Harbor
✅ For NCL Pride of America Cruise Ship Passengers
Feel like a Hollywood star as you see and stop at famous filming locations on The Hawaii Movie Tours® on Kauai on this full-day shore excursion.
Island’s Best Luau
Starting at $178.00
✅ Featuring Smith Family Garden Luau
✅ Transportation from/to Nawiliwili Harbor
✅ For NCL Pride of America Cruise Ship Passengers
The island’s one-of-a-kind experience for dinner featuring the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes and local favorites as well as entertainment highlighting Polynesian culture.
Journey to Waimea Canyon
Starting at $92.00
✅ Transportation from/to Nawiliwili Harbor
✅ For NCL Pride of America Cruise Ship Passengers
Though it’ll be hard to tear your eyes away from the gorgeous Waimea Canyon on this guided Kauai cruise excursion, be sure to look around and enjoy the panoramic vistas and one of the best views of the western coast of the island.