Plan your visit
Plan Your Wailua River Visit
Everything you need to know about getting to the marina, paying state park fees, and boarding the riverboat.
Getting there
Drive to Wailua River Marina to begin your trip.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Smith's Family Fern Grotto River Cruise departs from Wailua Marina State Park. | 90 mins round-trip | $35 | Includes live entertainment, storytelling, and a short guided walk to the grotto. |
| Boat: Rent a kayak at Wailua Marina and paddle 2 miles upriver to explore the surrounding scenery (note: landing at the grotto is prohibited for independent kayakers). | 45-60 mins each way | $75-$105 for rentals | Self-guided option; you must pay State Park fees. Weekend rentals are prohibited by law. |
| Car: Drive via Hwy 56 to Wailua River Marina to catch tours or rent kayaks. | 15 mins from Līhuʻe, 5 mins from Kapaʻa | $10 parking | Parking fee applies to non-Hawaii residents and is credit card only. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The Wailua River is open year-round. April through September offers calmer weather. Brief tropical rain is possible at any time. Morning tours are often best to avoid afternoon trade winds.
What to bring
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Non-residents must pay park fees by credit card.
Have your card ready at the marina for the $5 entry and $10 parking fee.
How the day runs
How to structure your time at the river.
The standard guided trip to the Fern Grotto.
- Arrive at Marina
Pay your state park fees and check in 30 minutes early.
- River Cruise
Enjoy a 25-minute scenic boat ride upriver with live entertainment.
- Fern Grotto
Walk the paved path to the observation deck for the Hawaiian Wedding Song.
- Return
Cruise back down the river to the marina.
An active half-day trip to Secret Falls.
- Rental Check-in
Get your kayak, dry bags, and safety orientation.
- Paddle Upriver
Paddle for 45-60 minutes to the Secret Falls trailhead.
- Hike
Secure your kayak and hike 1-2 hours up the muddy trail.
- Return
Paddle back to the Wailua River Marina.
Practical advice for your visit
Preparation depends on your activity. For the boat tour, bring a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and bug repellent. The short walk to the grotto is paved but surrounded by jungle. See Packing Guide for a full packing list.
If you choose to kayak, you need a dry bag and water shoes with good grip. The hike to Secret Falls involves muddy trails and stream crossings. Remember that weekend kayak rentals are prohibited by law.
Easiest way to do it
Kauai: Waimea Town, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour
10 h 4.6 (590)
- Admission to Smith’s Wailua River boat ride to Fern Grotto
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off at select Kauai hotels from Poipu to Kapaa
- Live narration by a professional driver/guide
From$279per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where does the Fern Grotto boat tour depart from?
Boat tours depart from the Wailua River Marina. The marina is located at Wailua River State Park on Highway 56.
Is the Fern Grotto boat tour wheelchair accessible?
The path to the grotto is paved and flat. However, boarding the boat requires navigating a few steps. Ask the tour operator about specific accommodations.
Are there alligators in the Wailua River?
No. There are no alligators or crocodiles in Hawaii.