Tickets & tours
Find the best way to explore the river. Book a guided kayak trip, a paddleboard rental, or a relaxed river cruise.
Best valueExplore jungle forests and waterfalls while also connecting with the Hawaiian culture! This tour will take you on a trip back in time by visiting 3 ancient Hawaiian...
The most professionally-run SUP/kayak/surf shop on Kauai. Just minutes away from Wailua River. Rent for a couple of hours to multiple days, if not going to Secret Falls....
Most bookedDiscover the hidden beauty of Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls), Kauai’s most sought-after waterfall destination. Skip the hassle of parking, equipment rentals, and crowded...
Take a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto. Wailua River is known as "the only navigable river" in all Hawaii. The rivers...
From$109per person
Best for: relaxed sightseeing and cruise passengers
Top ratedRainbow Kayak Tours has been providing guided tours of the Wailua River for 20 years. Our experienced guides are well versed in the flora and fauna of the area, as well...
From$165per person
Best for: guided kayaking with experienced naturalists
Experience Kauai’s natural beauty and local culture in one day, with a local guide connecting the sights through island stories. Cruise the Wailua River to Fern Grotto,...
Prices shown are starting rates from booking platforms and may change based on dates or availability.
Enter your group and compare totals on both platforms. From-prices; children are priced as adults unless the listing gives a child rate.
Compare durations, prices, and activities to find your ideal river trip.
| Option | Duration | Viator from | GetYourGuide from | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| audio driving tour | 48 h | $20 | Compare | 4.3 (26) | independent travelers and road trips |
| paddleboard rental | 24 h | $64 | Compare | 4.7 (125) | independent paddlers and explorers |
| kayak and hike | 4 h 30 min | $135 | Compare | 4.8 (1,662) | active families and nature lovers |
| river cruise | 3 h 30 min | $109 | Compare | 4.1 (59) | relaxed sightseeing and cruise passengers |
| expert-guided kayak | 5 h to 6 h | $165 | Compare | 4.8 (848) | guided kayaking with experienced naturalists |
| wailua cruise combo | 10 h | $279 | Compare | 4.6 (592) | comprehensive island sightseeing day |
No, you can rent your own equipment. However, a guide helps navigate the river traffic and the muddy 1.5-mile hiking trail. Guided trips also handle the equipment transport for you. Read more about Guide or Rental.
No. Entry and parking at the state park are free for all visitors. You only pay if you rent equipment or book a tour.
You can rent a kayak and paddle there, or book a motorized open-air boat tour. Smith's Kauai has run the boat tours since 1946. These boats are the easiest way to access the grotto without physical effort.
From Viator
592 reviews of the wailua cruise combo on Viator
It's a great way to see areas you may otherwise miss. Fun facts, stories, and local legends keep you company while you drive.
Very thorough tour. I enjoyed the sites. I liked the narrator and the pace of the tour. It was also accommodating for those with mobility issues.
Fun DIY activity! Be mindful the waterfall hike is closed due to the hurricane and there’s a large barge that you share the river with.
