From the comfort of an open-air river boat, enjoy views of the tropical scenery along the Wailua River as you are taken upstream to the mystical Fern Grotto. During the leisurely river cruise, hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and enjoy learning the hula from a local dancer.

Step aboard and enjoy a 2-mile river journey on the Wailua River, which courses gently through the lush and verdant landscape. This area is sacred to Hawaiians as the birthplace of ancient Kauai's ali'i royalty. Hugging the river’s edge are a wealth of native Hawaiian plants and a bounty of exotic plants and palms—snap photos and keep your eyes peeled for island birds as you glide gently through the waters.

As you take in the magnificent surroundings, listen as the crew onboard shares Kauai's culture and legends—you can hear the stories of the King's Highway, sacred Mount Kapu, and the First Hau Tree. If you'd like, you can even give the graceful, swaying motions of the elegant hula dance a try.

Hop off the boat at the Fern Grotto landing and set out for a short nature walk on an easygoing trail. As you approach the grotto, marvel at the natural lava rock cave draped in a dense blanket of ferns. A group of musicians perform the slack key refrains of the Hawaiian Wedding Song as you take in this serene setting. After your visit to the fern grotto, head back to the boat for your return cruise through the Wailua River valley.