Fern Grotto
Wailua River State Park, Kapa'a, Kauai, HI, 96746
A must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers, Kauai’s Fern Grotto is a fern-covered lava cave on the south fork of the Wailua River. Once off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty, the natural geological formation is now accessible, but only by boat as part of a river cruise. Boats dock at the Fern Grotto landing, where a short nature trail leads through the dense rainforest to the grotto viewing platform.
The Basics
A visit to Fern Grotto is included on most cruises on the Wailua River; enjoy a peaceful ride up the river, then take a short hike to the grotto. You can also combine a river cruise with a tour of Waimea Canyon, which may include south shore highlights like Koloa Town, the Spouting Horn, and the Cook Landing Site. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak and paddle to the Fern Grotto on your own.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wear good walking shoes as the trail to Fern Grotto can be slippery when wet.
Visitors are no longer allowed to walk into the cave itself and must view the grotto from a viewing platform.
Some Fern Grotto tours may be wheelchair accessible; inquire about accessibility in advance.
How to Get There
The only way to get to the Fern Grotto is by boat or kayak. The grotto is located about two miles (2.3 kilometers) up the Wailua River on the eastern side of Kauai, just outside of Lihue. The easiest way to visit is on a guided river cruise.
When to Get There
Fern Grotto tours are offered all year round. The weather in Kauai is warm throughout the year, making it a great place to visit in any season. You’ll find the biggest crowds from December through March, so the spring and fall are the best times to visit. Kauai is wetter than the other Hawaiian Islands; the rainest weather from November through March.
Fern Grotto Weddings
This fern-covered volcanic cathedral is incredibly romantic, so it is no wonder the Fern Grotto is a popular wedding venue. Many couples get married at this spot each year, often while being serenaded by local musicians’ renditions of the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” This is also a popular spot for engagements and vow renewal ceremonies.
Ways to explore
A visit to Fern Grotto is included on most cruises on the Wailua River. Enjoy a ride up the river on an open-sided boat for unobstructed views, then take a short hike along the vegetation-lined nature trail to the viewing platform, where there are often musicians performing traditional songs to demonstrate the cave’s excellent natural acoustics. You can also combine a river cruise with a tour of Waimea Canyon, which may include south shore highlights like Koloa Town, the Spouting Horn, and Cook Landing Site. Alternatively, rent a kayak on the Wailua River and paddle to the Fern Grotto on your own.
Accessibility
The Fern Grotto landing, where all passengers must disembark to visit the cave, is not wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
The scenic boat ride and paved nature trail to the grotto are suitable for all ages.
What to pack
Camera, sun hat, mosquito repellent
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers
Not allowed
You are not allowed to enter the grotto but can admire it from the viewing platform just opposite.
Amenities
Restrooms (on the boat landings), paved nature walk
Address
The grotto is located about 2 miles (2.3 kilometers) up the Wailua River on the eastern side of Kauai, just outside of Lihue. The only way to get to the Fern Grotto is by boat or kayak, both departing from the Wailua Marina in the Wailua River State Park.
Driving
From northern Kauai, take highway 56 south through Kapaa and cross the Wailua River, then take the first right into Wailua River State Park. From southern Kauai, take Highway 56 north and turn left into Wailua River State Park just before crossing the river.
Public transportation
There is no public transportation to Wailua Marina. To avoid driving, book a tour that includes transfers to and from the boat landing.
Best times to visit
Boat tours depart twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, but the first departure at 9:30am tends to be the least crowded.
Best days to visit
River tours generally run Monday through Friday, with some weekend departures in the busy summer season.
Best months to visit
Kauai gets most of its rainfall in the winter months between November and March, so visit in the summer for more predictable weather.
Special events
The viewing platform at the grotto often hosts musicians offering impromptu performances of traditional music and dance.
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