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Kauai Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Boat and Fern Grotto Tour

470 Reviews 4.56 out of 5 stars Based on 470 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Kauai, USA

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

10 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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Overview

Enjoy a day brimming with scenic beauty, legends and history of the Garden Island. Journey down the meandering, tranquil Wailua River on an open air boat ride culminating at exquisite Fern Grotto where you'll be serenaded by the Hawaiian Wedding Song. Gaze at the vast expanse of Waimea Canyon from key lookout points on the ascent. The deep red cliffs were described by Mark Twain as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Visit sprawling Kauai Coffee Plantation and Spouting Horn Blowhole where sea water spectacularly jettisons through openings in lava rock.

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at specific Kauai Hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Wailua River Boat Admission
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Port pick-up and drop-off
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

For guests staying at a North Shore or Princeville hotel, the meeting point is at the Outrigger Waipouli Hotel in Kapa'a. Parking is available at the municipal parking lot near the Outrigger Waipouli Hotel.The tour times provided reflect the start and end of the tour, but not your exact pickup location and pickup time. Whether or not you've provided your hotel/lodging at the time of booking, you are required to contact the tour provider no less than (2) days prior to your tour date to receive your exact pickup time and location. The tour provider will advise you of the specific area at the hotel/lodging you should wait; for example, "at the front entrance." Please be there at least 5 minutes before your pickup time. Please allow a 10-15 minute grace period, as the driver will be picking up other guests in your area. If your hotel/lodging is not included on our pickup schedule, you'll be advised to meet at nearby location. Please note that we are prohibited by certain properties to pick up non-hotel guests and we do not pick-up at private properties such as Airbnb’s and residential areas.

What To Expect

Wailua River State Park

Board a spacious, open-air boat and cruise down Kauai's Wailua River encircled by miles of lush trees and tropical plants. Cool breezes lull you as the captain shares stories of ancient Hawaii when the river was flanked by multiple Hawaiian heiau (temples).
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Fern Grotto

Take a leisurely boat ride down the Wailua River to the famed "Fern Grotto" aptly named for the Boston Ferns dripping from the roof of a verdant cavern carved out of the mountain side.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Opaekaa Falls

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this 151-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide waterfall is one of the island's most accessible major waterfalls.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Koloa Town

Enjoy lunch on your own in historic Old Koloa Town, surrounded by its charming atmosphere.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Waimea Canyon State Park

Scenic views of the deep valley gorges with it's striking red soil covered in greenery...nicknamed the "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed from 4/14/25 through approximately 12/8/25 for slope and foundation repairs. We will substitute the closed lookout with a stop at Pu‘uhinahina Lookout, which offers a different but impressive view of Waimea Canyon. We’ll also make a few additional photo stops to give guests more time to enjoy the scenery.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Hanapepe Valley Lookout (Pass By)

Panoramic views of a valley covered in trees and wild green sugarcane. Hanapepe was one of the locations visited by famous explored Charles Wilkes in 1840.
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Kauai Coffee Company

The largest coffee farm in the United States, visit the Kauai Coffee Estate and sample a rich cup of famous Kauai coffee.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Spouting Horn

Crashing waves propel majestic jets of salt water through lava rock. One of the most photographed sites on Kauai.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Please contact the tour provider at minimum of 7 days prior to the tour date for ADA and all special requests.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: What should I wear on tour?

A: Many portions of the tour traverse uneven walking surfaces. Please wear comfortable attire and shoes. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring a light sweater or jacket. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-2360KAUAI

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.56
470 reviews

Average 4.56 out of 5 stars based on 470 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
347
4 stars
69
3 stars
34
2 stars
12
1 star
8

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Pick-up and drop-off at specific Kauai Hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Wailua River Boat Admission
  • Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Port pick-up and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Please contact the tour provider at minimum of 7 days prior to the tour date for ADA and all special requests.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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