The State of Kauai’s Fern Grotto

The beautiful Fern Grotto.

Not so long ago it was one of Kauai’s most famous attractions.  A boat trip up the Wailua River on east Kauai carried visitors through an environment alive with historical significance and legendary splendor.  A lovely stroll on a jungle trail opened onto a beautiful sight.  Its entrance fringed by enormous hanging ferns, a secluded open cave provided an incomparable setting for weddings or simply contemplation.   Prior to 1935, a huge waterfall had dropped into the area.  In 1935 the local sugar company diverted the water for their crops, cutting off the waterfall’s flow and creating the Grotto.

Sadly, Hurricane Iwa in 1982 and then Hurricane Iniki ten years later caused some serious damage to the whole area.  The fatal blow came three years ago when more than 40 days of rain caused landslides that did irreparable damage to the ferns.

If the Fern Grotto remains on your list of things to see on your Hawaii vacation or perhaps a potential site for your wedding, cross it off.

But wait.  A boat trip on the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto area remains a really nice way to spend about 90 minutes when you visit Kauai.

Your tour boat captain will narrate the ride along the river, indicating points of interest, describing the flora and fauna along the river’s banks and relating tales of the significance of the river and surrounding areas (such as Mount Kapu) to early Hawaiians.  The trip features live Hawaiian music and hula dancers.

Today you can walk through tropical flora to a new viewing platform with railings that will allow you good views of the grotto.  The ferns are starting to grow back.  A small group of entertainers performs the Hawaiian Wedding Song, a  tradition in the Grotto, where almost 20,000 weddings took place.

The trip costs about $20.  If you’re interested, pick an agent from the Hawaii-Aloha Website or call 1-800-843-8771.  We’ll work it into your plans for you.

But don’t plan for a Fern Grotto wedding.  We can help you find a comparable site.  These islands are full of them!

Posted by Jim Winpenny

Related blog posts:
River Rats Visiting Hawaii Can Take Heart
See Kauai From Above on Your Hawaii Vacation
South Pacific is Being Revived on Kauai
The Many Faces of Poipu Beach
Related Podcast:
Enjoying Kauai
Kahili Ridge Hike on Kauai
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1 comment January 22nd, 2009

River Rats Visiting Hawaii Can Take Heart

If you’re a river rat – a lover of river activities such as sailing, speed boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing and tubing – you won’t find a whole lot of rivers in Hawaii on which to indulge your pleasure.  We have no rapids to shoot here; no white water for rafting.

These islands are loaded with waterfalls (about 100 of them have names).  Many of them are magnificent and several are accessible, but they’re fed by streams and springs from rain rather than by a “conventional” source such as the Great lakes-Niagara River feeding of Niagara Falls.

The Kaukonahua River on the island of Oahu is Hawaii’s longest at 33 miles, but it offers little in the way of activities other than hiking near its banks.

But there’s hope for you on the island of Kauai.  The Wailua River offers the only fresh-water skiing in the state.  It is, in fact, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii.  Several forks in the river lead to waterfalls and can be easily explored by kayak. About a quarter of a mile wide near its mouth, it’s also a very good setting for power-boat sports.  Usually smooth and warm, the Wailua attracts pros from around the world to train, play or compete on skis, wakeboards, scurfers and kneeboards.

Beginners and intermediates can have good fun here, too.  Tows are moderately priced, and passengers who don’t ski ride free.  The ski boat companies supply all the equipment.

And the tubing can be a special experience, even for tubing veterans.  A company based in Hanama’ulu offers tube rides down the Lihue Plantation irrigation ditch and tunnel system, which runs through some of the most beautiful land on the island with spectacular views of the ocean, coastline and valleys. Beginning near the top of Mount Waialeale (the wettest spot on earth), the waterway and ditch system winds through open canals, rushing flumes and mysterious tunnels.
       
The most popular river trip is to the sacred Fern Grotto.  A flat-bottom cruise boat will carry you 40 minutes up the river to that natural wonder.

So Hawaii is far from being “The Land of Rivers,” but river rats can find a place to play … and have a great time.

If you’d like to know more, pick an agent from our Web site home page, or call 1-800-843-8771.  We can help you squeeze some river fun into your Hawaii vacation.  And, of course, we can help you do everything you’d like – at the best possible rates.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

1 comment October 30th, 2008