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Lihue · Hawaii · United States
Shore Excursion Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto
Starting From
From $190.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
This excursion combines a visit to Waimea Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and a scenic ride up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. Your day begins with a drive to Waimea Canyon. From your lookout at 3,400 feet, you’ll 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”. A natural saltwater geyser that sprays plumes high into the air, which occurs when the surf is washed into a lava tube and sucked up through a hole in the coastal rock. The geyser may reach 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 where you’ll board your riverboat 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. This tour is only available for the passengers on the Norwegian Cruiseline.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Combines a visit to Waimea Canyon & scenic ride up Wailua River
- Stop at a lava rock cropping known as the “Spouting Horn”
- Picturesque Wailua River where you’ll board your riverboat
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
Denotes stops made: Koloa Town: From some of the oldest buildings in the state to the rich history of Hawaii’s first and successful Sugar Plantation, discover how this main port of entry was a favorite amongst the whaling fleet. Spouting Horn: One of the most photographed spots on Kauai with ocean water spraying like a geyser up to 50 feet in the air. Queen Victoria’s Profile: Haupu Mountain range offers a profile of the British Queen Victoria. Hanapepe Valley Lookout: A picturesque view of the lush tropical valley that was once a Hawaiian taro farming community with some of the taro patches still being farmed today. Russian Fort Elizabeth: The last Russian Fort on the Hawaiian Islands. Waimea Town: This old seaport was the first landing site of European explorers. Today, it is home to the island’s last sugar plantation and is located in the backyard of high-tech companies and small businesses. Waimea Canyon: Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, was carved out by the Waimea River and the collapse of a volcano. The rich colors of the red soil and the lush greenery are spectacular sites to see. Opaeka’a Falls Lookout: A 151-foot waterfall crashing into a hidden pool. Wailua River Boat Cruise: Float down a freshwater river while being enchanted by songs and stories of ancient Hawaii. Fern Grotto: Discover the beauty of a tropical rainforest filled with lush native plants. Bring home ample time for unique photos to add to your social media account.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Waimea
Sightseeing at Waimea Canyon State Park.
Continued
Waianae
Sightseeing at Waimea Bay, Hawaii.
Continued
Lihue
Hot Springs at Spouting Horn.
Continued
Lihue
Boating at Wailua River.
Continued
Lihue
Sightseeing at Fern Grotto.
Continued
Lihue
Sightseeing at Russian Fort Elizabeth.
Continued
Lihue
Nature Walks at Opaekaa Falls.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Wailua River Boat Cruise fare
Not Included
Lunch
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up at the cruise ship terminal. Please note this tour is currently available for NCL – Pride of America passengers only. Royal Caribbean will not be available until the Fall which is in October, pending the time at the port.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-06-05
4.00 / 5
The Canyon was stunning! I’m so thankful I got to see it! The river cruise was relaxing w some interesting info and a fun hula lesson. Fern grotto was cool and walking through the rainforest was quite memorable. … Our tour bus driver gave us some interesting detail about the island.. … The only drawback was the bus driver got political and rambled on at times about nothing to do with Hawai’i or the tour.
2025-04-17
5.00 / 5
Was a beautiful trip!
2024-03-15
1.00 / 5
What was advertised as a 9 1/2 hour tour was actually a 4 1/2 hour tour, an hour and a half dropped back off at the cruise ship followed by a three hour tour which included time dropping some of our second tour group off for their evening Luau. We could have planned our day so much better had we known. Our guide/driver was okay, nothing special. Next time we’ll rent a car and make better use of our time.
2024-01-24
5.00 / 5
The tour guide was wonderful, very informative and really added value to the excursion. He answered everyone's questions and looked after all tour members.
2023-09-25
5.00 / 5
Good experience
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