Fern Grotto
Fern Grotto
3.5
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This fern-capped cave is a favorite wedding site.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
50 within 5 kms
Attractions
71 within 10 kms
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- SweetraUnited States223 contributionsA Pretty and Historic SiteWhen we arrived for our boat trip to the grotto, there were two busloads of people that arrived and went on their boat trip first. We were on our way 5 minutes later with a tour bus. It wasn't too bad as our boat was half empty. They told stories, played music, and sang and danced on the boat ride. The fern grotto was interesting and it was nice to hear the stories and of course more singing and dancing. From what they said, it wasn't as full and lush as it used to be. Still, it was very pretty. We were treated to some wild pigs squeaking and running around on our way back to the boat. That was fun. If you want to see the grotto, go for it. But it's not something that I would consider a must-see. We did not opt to do the luau as we had done an amazing one at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu and did not want to diminish the feeling.Visited February 2023Written 2 March 2023
- rccarl2018Tucson, Arizona6 contributionsVisiting Kauai from our cruise ship.We visited Kauai for two days from our cruise ship. Renting a car is by far the most cost effective way of touring the islands. Kīlauea Point NWR, Smith Family Luau and Waimea Canyon were the top stew. The only problem we had were that decent restaurant are hard to find and the snorkeling guide websites visiting Kauai are badly out of date.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 August 2023
- Kim SWisconsin348 contributionsWorth the $30 TicjetThe boat ride to the grotto was filled with history and stories of the River and family business. Once at the shore, it was an easy walk to the grotto where we had a quick entertaining show and more history. When we returned to the boat, we had musical entertainment on the ride back to the dock. Perfect way to see the grotto and learn more about Kauai.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
466 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
133
Average
127
Poor
61
Terrible
44
Bradley S
Honolulu, HI5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Tiresome shtick by captain
Inaccurate information.
Volume earsplitting
We felt trapped and miserable.
It was all just so sad.
As locals we were embarrassed to have brought visitors
Inaccurate information.
Volume earsplitting
We felt trapped and miserable.
It was all just so sad.
As locals we were embarrassed to have brought visitors
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim S
Wisconsin348 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The boat ride to the grotto was filled with history and stories of the River and family business. Once at the shore, it was an easy walk to the grotto where we had a quick entertaining show and more history. When we returned to the boat, we had musical entertainment on the ride back to the dock. Perfect way to see the grotto and learn more about Kauai.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marian C
Bainbridge Island, WA28 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A short walk off the boat to view the Fern Grotto, a place in the rainforest where ferns and other plants grow upside down! Relaxing and fun for all:-)
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rccarl2018
Tucson, AZ6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We visited Kauai for two days from our cruise ship. Renting a car is by far the most cost effective way of touring the islands. Kīlauea Point NWR, Smith Family Luau and Waimea Canyon were the top stew. The only problem we had were that decent restaurant are hard to find and the snorkeling guide websites visiting Kauai are badly out of date.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip597356
West Chester, OH197 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We had visited 20 years ago on our honeymoon, so we wanted to come back with the kids. While it is true that the boats are very old and you can’t get as close to the grotto anymore, it is a good mid-day activity for families wanting to get kids out of the sun for a couple hours. We went on a 2pm tour and the boat was only lightly loaded… about half full (maybe 20-30 people). The grotto itself definitely has seen better days… many of the ferns on the outside of the grotto are gone…they have planted a lot of lush plants around the grotto, but the grotto itself if not as impressive as it once was. Still, the commentaries are good and they do have hula entertainment, using traditional hula instruments. They also teach everyone the hukilau hula on the way back. We went to the Lydgate Park ahead of this for some shady running around for the kids, and this was another cool afternoon activity.
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loretta T
Bothell, WA210 contributions
May 2023
Not worth the money. The grotto has seen better days. The ride was just ok, and not very far. I wasn't impressed with the singing or dancing. We were there in March so our boat was not full. Once was more than enough.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A P
32 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Well, I wish I read the earlier reviews here on Trip Advisor, because the tour wasn't worth the $30 per person at all. First, the benches in the outdoor waiting area are filthy, the wood is rotten and covered in bird poo and dirt. It's best to stand out in the sun, but that may not be an option for those with trouble standing. The boats are quite rusty and very old. Despite the boat captain saying the boats had just been inspected, they had trouble right after we left the dock. This required asking people at the back of the boat to get up and move, so someone could go fix what seemed to be an engine or mechanical problem. The boat exhaust fumes were overwhelming the entire trip up and down the river. When we disembarked to see the Fern Grotto, a man was saying something (instructions, history?) but we couldn't hear him (along with everyone else in the back). They really need a megaphone bullhorn or something to ensure people can hear. When we finally reach the Fern Grotto, we all have to stand on a tiny platform to view it for 5-10 minutes. Then they proceed to start talking and singing, but we could not understand what was being said because they had nothing to amplify the sound. We head back to the boats for the return trip, and they sings songs for married people. So, it seems this tour is really for married people. Someone said that the song they sang at the Fern Grotto was a wedding song, so I guess that's the focus for this tour. The rest of us should avoid.
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
qzxyw
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was ridiculous. I very seldom leave reviews but I want people to know what to expect. They packed 2 large full boats onto a small wooden platform to view the grotto. Some people did not even fit, they had someone speak but most people could not hear. It could have been a good experience if they had broke this group into 4 separate groups.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jemi W
Greater Sydney, Australia67 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A pleasant afternoon and a wonderful whole boat with a trip to the fern grotto however there was quite a large group and the Guide started doing the commentary way before other guests had even walked into the grotto the hula dancer although she was very good was not very authentic as she wore a long cardigan
Written 16 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweetra
United States223 contributions
Feb 2023
When we arrived for our boat trip to the grotto, there were two busloads of people that arrived and went on their boat trip first. We were on our way 5 minutes later with a tour bus. It wasn't too bad as our boat was half empty.
They told stories, played music, and sang and danced on the boat ride. The fern grotto was interesting and it was nice to hear the stories and of course more singing and dancing. From what they said, it wasn't as full and lush as it used to be. Still, it was very pretty.
We were treated to some wild pigs squeaking and running around on our way back to the boat. That was fun.
If you want to see the grotto, go for it. But it's not something that I would consider a must-see. We did not opt to do the luau as we had done an amazing one at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu and did not want to diminish the feeling.
They told stories, played music, and sang and danced on the boat ride. The fern grotto was interesting and it was nice to hear the stories and of course more singing and dancing. From what they said, it wasn't as full and lush as it used to be. Still, it was very pretty.
We were treated to some wild pigs squeaking and running around on our way back to the boat. That was fun.
If you want to see the grotto, go for it. But it's not something that I would consider a must-see. We did not opt to do the luau as we had done an amazing one at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu and did not want to diminish the feeling.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen R
1 contribution
How easy would it be to get a taxi from the port to Smith Family grotto? I have tried a taxi service and for the 15min ride is extremely expensive.
Jemi W
Greater Sydney, Australia67 contributions
Sorry I can’t really help you as we had our own car and drove from our hotel to the grotto but honestly I’m sure it would not be that difficult to get a taxi
alwweb
Dublin, OH459 contributions
What are the transportation options from the cruise port to the Smith family boat launch area? I don't want to pay for a big tour that includes other things and we may not be renting a car for the day.
Pattyg1251
Los Angeles, CA73 contributions
Not sure I was staying at a nearby hotel. But I’m sure Taxi could get you there pretty inexpensively
shannlaw
Santa Barbara, CA
How long does it take to kayak to the fern grotto? And is it hard to do for kids?
sailor17n61w
Charleston, MO183 contributions
We started slightly up river at Kamokila Hawaiian village. From there, it was maybe ten minutes. If you start at the other kayak rental places at the mouth of the river, it will take you longer. There isn't much to see in that section so you're better off starting further up river; plus, it's a lot cheaper.
Diana K
Witney, UK203 contributions
Is it far from the car park to the boat ride, my husband has a stamina problem and can only walk about 200yds. Thank You
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA10,390 contributions
From the parking lot to the loading area is just a short walk (20 - 30 yards), with benches to sit on. He could sit there while you walk upstairs to the ticket office to get the tickets. However the benches are not covered and it does get very hot. As for the Grotto itself it is probably 400 yards round trip to the Grotto and back and as the other person said it slightly uphill to the grotto.
Elizabeth G
New York City, NY2 contributions
Can you get there by car on your own, or do I have to join a tour group
Leah v
Chehalis, WA79 contributions
You either have to take the tour by boat from the Smith family tour group or rent a kayak and paddle up the river yourself to see the Fern Grotto. You can not drive to it.
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Claim your listingFern Grotto - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fern Grotto
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Fern Grotto:
- Best of Kauai Tour by Land and River (From HK$1,515.39)
- Kauai Waimea Canyon and Wailua River Boat Tour (From HK$1,490.75)
- Shore Excursion: Wailua River and Luau Cruise with Polynesian Dinner and Drinks (From HK$3,004.43)
- Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Wailua River (From HK$5,203.69)
- Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto (From HK$771.73)
- Hotels near Fern Grotto:
- (2.40 km) Fern Grotto Inn
- (3.35 km) 17 Palms Kauai
- (3.39 km) Kauai Shores Hotel
- (4.26 km) Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
- (3.70 km) Shell Vacations Club Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy
- Restaurants near Fern Grotto:
- (0.59 km) Chef George Of Da Jungle
- (2.05 km) Smith Family Garden Luau
- (3.02 km) Russell's By Eat Healthy
- (3.69 km) Hukilau Lanai
- (3.47 km) Sleeping Giant Grill