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Enjoy a full evening by pairing your Wailua River boat tour with a traditional Hawaiian luau in a beautiful garden setting. For dinner and entertainment after the river cruise, see Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau.
The Wailua River Cruise is a peaceful Kauai boat tour on the only navigable river in Hawaii. First, board a spacious open-air boat and begin a leisurely 2-mile journey up the Wailua River. Along the way, guests can enjoy river scenery, live music, cultural stories and views of Kauai’s lush tropical landscape.
At the Fern Grotto landing, guests take a short nature walk through a rainforest setting. The path leads to Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s well-known natural attractions. This fern-covered lava rock cave was formed long ago and is now surrounded by tropical plants, flowers and greenery.
This Wailua River Cruise is a great choice for visitors who want an easy scenic tour with music, history and a short walk to one of Kauai’s classic sights. For more paddling and river adventures, browse all Kauai kayak tours. You can also compare this cruise with the Waimea Canyon, Wailua River and Fern Grotto Tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise up the Wailua River
- Travel on the only navigable river in Hawaii
- Ride aboard a spacious open-air boat with views from both sides
- Stop at Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s top natural attractions
- Take a short nature walk through a rainforest setting to Fern Grotto
- Enjoy live musical entertainment on board
- Hear stories about Hawaiian culture and traditions
- Bring your camera for river, rainforest and Fern Grotto photo opportunities
Garden Stroll Optional Add-On:
If you are not planning to attend Smith's Luau after your Wailua River boat tour but would still like to see the garden grounds, you can purchase a Garden Stroll admission ticket. 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 check-in.
Special Instructions
Where & When
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.