At our vacation rentals in Kauai, our guests love paddling along the Wailua River using our two-person complimentary kayak. Ten miles long, the Wailua River is Hawaii’s only navigable river and has plenty to offer for guests of all kinds. Read on to discover what you could explore while paddling down the Wailua.
Sacred Lands
This tranquil waterway meanders through a lava canyon and jungle landscapes where the sacred lands were once the setting of heiau (temples) and are the birthplace of Kauai’s ali’i (royalty). For many years the area was restricted only to royalty, but today it’s a popular attraction frequented by many visitors to the island.
Waterfalls
Tributaries feed the river as it slowly makes its way to the ocean. At the mouth of the river are several large rocks with ancient petroglyph carvings, and near the south end of the river is Wailua Falls. Two cascading streams drop 80 feet to the river below, and rainbows are often visible here in the morning. Also along the river is Opaekaa (“rolling shrimp”) Falls where the water pours into a hidden pool.
Natural Formations
The river ends at the Fern Grotto, a geological wonder where ferns grow upside down from the lava rock roof. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful tropical foliage add to the grotto’s rainforest ambiance. The grotto was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, but plant life has somewhat rebounded. A rock slide in 2006 has changed the way visitors view the grotto. It is no longer fully accessible, however, an observation deck allows visitors to enjoy its beauty from a bit of a distance. The Fern Grotto is still considered the most romantic spot on Kauai and numerous weddings are performed there each year.
Adventure
Wailua River is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts. Kayakers have their own “lane” on the right side of the river. Tour boats and water skiers enjoy the river’s calm waters on the left side of the river. Along the river are interesting spots to visit including a bird sanctuary, a traditional Hawaiian village, Secret Falls, and a pool for rope jumping.
After a day of paddling, come home and relax at our inviting Kauai vacation rentals. Tucked on the east side of the island in Kapaa, Fern Grotto Inn offers authentic old-style plantation cottages with island-inspired furnishings and modern amenities. Discover the Kauai vacation rental you’ve been dreaming of, surrounded by a lush landscape of fruit trees and located only a block from the beach. Please contact us to see how we at Fern Grotto Inn can help make your stay on the Isle of Discovery an unforgettable adventure!