Waimea Canyon & Fern Grotto - Roberts Hawaii

Ready to embark on a rugged adventure to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? We’ve packed your itinerary with colorful vistas and Insta-worthy destinations – yes, you’ll want to bring your camera or phone. You’ll begin with a drive past the uncanny likeness of Britain’s very own Queen Victoria seemingly etched on the Haupu Mountain range before being transported through a tunnel of 500 sweet eucalyptus trees towering more than 100 feet. After a leisurely drive through quaint Koloa Town, head to the Spouting Horn – one of the island’s most photographed spots where ocean water erupts through underground lava tubes.

Your final destination: the 3,600-foot deep Waimea Canyon. Formed by erosion caused by the Waimea River, the canyon is a grandiose array of red, brown and green hues, complimented by sparkling waterfalls and frequently visited by breathtaking rainbows. Take in the view at the Opaekaa Falls Lookout and venture into the Fern Grotto, a lush tropical rainforest once reserved for Hawaiian alii (royalty). The tour ends with the Wailua River, where you’ll take a break from the road and relax on a cruise surrounded by jungle landscapes. For those wanting to experience the beauty of Kauai, our Waimea Canyon and Fern Grotto tour is a must.

Highlights:

(* denotes stops made)

• Queen Victoria’s Profile – A large, naturally formed cliff-face resembling the facial profile of Britain’s Queen Victoria.
• Tunnel of Trees – A beautiful canopy of 500 Eucalyptus trees that were planted more than a century ago. Today, they tower more than 100 feet and make a natural gateway to the town of Koloa.
• Koloa Town – Old plantation stores make up much of this old town, creating a hallmark of Hawaii’s sugar plantation days.
• Spouting Horn* – One of the most popular natural attractions on Kauai, where the ocean water sprays several stories high into the air.
• Hanapepe Valley Lookout* – A picturesque view of the historical tropical valley that was once a Hawaiian taro farming community with some of the patches still being farmed today.
• Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park – Home to the last Russian fort in the Hawaiian Islands, built in 1817.
• Captain Cook’s Landing – The initial landing site of British discoverer Captain James Cook, the first European explorer to establish western contact with the Hawaiian Islands.
• Waimea Canyon* – Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, it was carved out by the Waimea River and the collapse of a volcano.
• Holo Holo Ku Heiau – A sacrificial stone foundation, a sacred site to the Hawaiians.
• Wailua River Boat Cruise* – Float down a freshwater river while being enchanted by songs and stories of ancient Hawaii.
• Fern Grotto* – A natural lava-rock grotto covered with hanging ferns and tropical foliage.
• Opaekaa Falls Lookout* – “Opaekaa” means “rolling shrimp,” which were once abundant in the stream. The most accessible waterfall on the island, this is also a star-studded filming spot where movies like Donovan’s Reef, Lt. Robin Crusoe, USN, and Seven Women from Hell were filmed.