This Kauai excursion combines a visit to Waimea Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and a scenic ride up the Wailua River to the unique Fern Grotto where the ferns actually grow upside down.

Your shore excursion begins with a scenic drive up to the unforgettable Waimea Canyon. From your lookout at 3,400 feet, you experience an unsurpassed view of the 2,857 foot deep canyon and the surrounding countryside. The canyon’s size combined with the red and browns of exposed volcanic rock and the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation truly creates a magnificent sight.

After leaving Waimea Canyon, stop at a lava rock cropping known as the “Spouting Horn.” It’s a natural salt water geyser that sprays plumes high into the air when the surf is washed into a lava tube and sucked up through a hole in the coastal rock. The geyser may reach up to as much as 60 feet depending on the surf that day, and provides photographers with an added challenge in capturing one of Poipu’s most scenic coastal shots.

Then, proceed to the picturesque Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, where you board your river boat for a delightful cruise to the Fern Grotto. The grotto forms a natural amphitheater and provides excellent acoustics for the Hawaiian chorus to serenade you with the Hawaiian Wedding Song. It’s quite the romantic ending to your day exploring Kauai! The pathways at the Fern Grotto may be slippery so please dress accordingly for this Hawaii cruise excursion.