The Wailua River is the only stream in the state of Hawaii that is navigable by a craft larger than a canoe or kayak. It is, therefore, locally popular for flat water sports like water skiing and paddling that are more difficult in the large Pacific swells. A handful of companies offer river tours and boat rides. You can enjoy all that the Wailua River has to offer, as well as some peace and seclusion, when you stay at one of the nearby guesthouses.
Fern Grotto Inn
Named for a fern-adorned, lava-rock cave located upstream on the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto Inn offers four small cottages adjacent to the Wailua River but only a short walk from the beach. Each of the cottages has its own kitchen facilities, so you can make the choice between exploring the Garden Isle’s culinary offerings or enjoying your privacy on the lanai, watching the sun set over the river. All the accommodations on the property are separate from each other, with manicured green lawns and tropical gardens in between.
