Question about Fern Grotto on Kauai

Question

Is it possible to kayak up to Fern Grotto on your own? Can one dock one's kayak there? Or can one only go with a tour boat?

Answer 1

I just went there last year, and it was beautiful. I actually went by a tour boat that was only 10 minutes and you saw beautiful scenery all around you. The tour boat also had a live band that played hawaiian songs for you and the boat dropped you off right where the grotto begins.

Kayaking is also a possibility. When we were on the tour boat, we saw many kayakers around us.

Answer 2

It has been a long time since I have been to Kauai and even longer since I have been to the Fern Grotto but According to this site Kayaking is Allowed.

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/html/site...

Useful Information:

Fern Grotto is accessible via tour boats or kayak, however, the main boat dock at the grotto is reserved for the tour boats

Only river boat trip in Hawaii

Waialeale Boat Tours depart for the grotto every 30 minutes - cost is $15/person

Beautiful scenery along the river and at the grotto

Cruise trip up the river to the grotto takes about 40 minutes

Short, paved walk from the dock to the fern-draped grotto

Hawaiian musical entertainment provided at the natural amphither

Answer 3

My husband and I went to Kauai in February and actually got married at the Fern Grotto.  I'm pretty sure I remember reading (when I was studying up on the place) that you are not allowed to dock there.  I think the grotto and land around it is privately owned by the Smith family, and they do not allow it.  You can email them, though, and ask.

www.smithskauai.com

--->Good Luck!

PS:  The Fern Grotto is a must-see...it is gorgeous!  :)