Waimea Canyon, Wailua River & Fern Grotto Tour (K1)

Full-Day Kauai Sightseeing Tour: Waimea Canyon, Wailua River & Fern Grotto

Duration:
Approximately 9 hours 45 minutes

Pickup Point:
Round-trip hotel pickup from select locations on Kauai

Cancellation Policy:
Cancel at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund. No-shows are charged in full.

Tour Overview

See Kauai’s most famous landscapes in one unforgettable day.

This guided island tour combines dramatic canyon views, lush valley lookouts, a peaceful river cruise, and classic Kauai coastline. You’ll visit Waimea Canyon — often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” — then travel down the Wailua River by boat to the legendary Fern Grotto. You’ll also stop at powerful blowholes, sweeping waterfalls, and charming small towns along the way.

You’ll have time for photos, time to explore, and time to relax.

Lunch is on your own in Old Koloa Town, where you can grab something to eat and wander through this historic plantation-era village.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced canyons, rainforests, rivers, and open ocean — the best of Kauai’s natural beauty in one route.

Key Stops & Highlights

Waimea Canyon
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon stretches more than 10 miles long, a mile wide, and drops over 3,000 feet deep. From the lookout, you’ll see layered red and green cliffs, rugged ridgelines, and dramatic valleys carved by time.

Pu‘uhinahina Lookout (Temporary Alternate Stop)
From April 14, 2025 through approximately December 8, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed for slope and foundation repairs. During this period, the tour will visit Pu‘uhinahina Lookout instead, which delivers a different — but still impressive — perspective of Waimea Canyon. Additional photo stops are also included to maximize your viewing time.

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
This 151-foot waterfall (about 40 feet wide) is one of Kauai’s most accessible viewpoints. The name “‘Ōpaekaʻa” means “rolling shrimp,” a reference to the freshwater shrimp that once filled the stream.

Hanapepe Valley Lookout
Take in panoramic views of a lush, green valley filled with trees and wild sugarcane. This area was documented in 1840 by American explorer Charles Wilkes during the United States Exploring Expedition.

Spouting Horn Blowhole
Watch ocean swells surge through a natural lava tube and blast seawater into the air. It’s one of Kauai’s most photographed coastal sights, and you’ll understand why when you hear the roar and see the spray.

Wailua River Cruise
Glide down the Wailua River on an open-air boat with live narration. This slow, winding freshwater river is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and peaceful jungle scenery.

Fern Grotto
At the end of the river cruise, you’ll step into a lush rainforest setting and walk to the Fern Grotto — a cave-like lava rock formation draped in hanging ferns. While you’re there, enjoy a live performance of the traditional Hawaiian wedding song in a setting that feels like a natural cathedral.

Old Koloa Town (Lunch Stop)
You’ll have free time to buy lunch on your own in historic Old Koloa Town. Browse local shops, grab something to eat, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of Kauai’s most charming plantation-era towns.

Transportation & Timing

• Round-trip transportation in air-conditioned comfort is included.

• Pickup is available from convenient locations across Kauai.
  If your hotel or rental isn’t on the list, you’ll be assigned the closest pickup spot.

• The tour begins with the first pickup at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 5:30 PM.

• Please reconfirm your pickup time and location 24 hours before departure by calling 808-246-0122.

Schedule:
Depart: 7:45 AM
Return: ~5:30 PM

What’s Included

• Round-trip transportation from designated pickup points

• Air-conditioned vehicle for comfort throughout the day

• Entry to Waimea Canyon Lookout* or alternate lookout (Pu‘uhinahina Lookout during repairs)

• Guided Wailua River boat cruise to Fern Grotto

• Live expert narration and storytelling from your guide

*Waimea Canyon Lookout is closed for repairs from April 14, 2025 through approximately December 8, 2025. During that period, alternate canyon viewpoints and extra photo stops will be provided.

What’s Not Included

• Lunch (you’ll purchase your own meal in Old Koloa Town)

Sample Itinerary

1. ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls – Scenic waterfall viewpoint

2. Wailua River / Fern Grotto Cruise – Open-air boat ride and rainforest walk

3. Old Koloa Town – Lunch break on your own and time to explore

4. Waimea Canyon Lookout (or Pu‘uhinahina Lookout during repairs) – Canyon views and photo stops

5. Waimea Town (Drive-Through) – Historic westside Kauai town

6. Kauai Coffee Company (Stop) – Learn about local coffee and explore the grounds

7. Spouting Horn Blowhole – Ocean geyser effect along the southern coast

Why This Tour Stands Out

• See Waimea Canyon, one of Hawaii’s most dramatic geological wonders

• View ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, a postcard-perfect 151-foot waterfall

• Cruise the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto

• Watch the ocean explode through the Spouting Horn blowhole

• Enjoy time in Old Koloa Town for lunch and local flavor

• Sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the driving, parking, and timing

This is the classic Kauai sightseeing day trip: canyon, rainforest, river, coastline, culture — all in one itinerary.

Check-In & Pickup Info

Please call 808-246-0122 at least 24 hours before your tour to confirm your exact pickup time and meeting location.

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothes and walking shoes

• A camera or phone for photos — there are many scenic stops

• A valid government-issued ID

Notes for Families

• Infants are allowed but must ride on an adult’s lap.

Health & Comfort Advisory

This tour includes travel on winding mountain roads.
If you are prone to motion sickness, this experience may not be ideal.

Pricing

• Adults (ages 12 and up): US $220 per person

  • Guests ages 12–17 must be booked together with at least one adult (18+).

• Children (ages 3–11): US $154 per child

  • A paying adult must be included in the reservation before adding a child ticket.

• Infants (ages 2 and under): Free

  • Must be booked with an adult ticket. Infants ride on an adult’s lap.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your tour at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. Cancellations made after that window — and all no-shows — are charged in full.

Exceptions by tour type:

• Maui Haleakala Sunrise Tour: This experience requires more advance planning. Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before departure to qualify for a refund.

• One Day Tours and One Day Tours with Helicopter: For these tours, you’ll receive a full refund only if you cancel at least 168 hours (7 days) before your confirmed airport meeting time.

Please note:

• If you choose to rebook a tour, that new reservation becomes final. Rebooked tours are not eligible for cancellation or refund.

• We are unable to issue refunds, full or partial, for tours, flights, activities, or venues that are interrupted or canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, including severe weather or other force majeure events.

• Inter-island flight schedules are controlled by the airline and may change. In some cases, the originally published airfare may no longer be available. Alternative flights may be offered for an additional cost, based on availability. Any added cost must be paid in full at the time of booking, is non-refundable, and is not commissionable.

Special situations:

• Requests for refunds due to serious, unexpected circumstances are not guaranteed. These requests are reviewed individually.

• For illness-related refund requests, each affected guest must provide a valid doctor’s note within 5 days.

• Some tours require a minimum number of guests to operate. If that minimum is not met, you may either:

  • Receive a refund, or

  • Move to a comparable tour or activity, if available. Please be aware that switching to a different option may involve additional cost.

Trip Protection

Trip Protection is an optional upgrade available only when you book directly through Polynesian Adventure — either on PolyAd.com or by phone with our reservations team. It is not available for bookings made through travel agents or third-party websites.

Key details:

• Trip Protection must be added at the time of booking.

• The cost of Trip Protection is non-refundable.

What it covers:

• With Trip Protection, you can cancel or reschedule your tour for any reason up to 1 hour before your scheduled pickup time.

• You’ll receive a full refund of your tour cost, minus:

  • The Trip Protection fee

  • Any applicable processing or booking fees

Important:

• If you choose to reschedule using Trip Protection, that new reservation is considered final. It cannot be cancelled again or refunded.