Fern Grotto Inn

This was our first visit to Hawaii and we couldn't have found a better property to stay at. Secluded, quiet and well maintained. The River Cottage was so well equipped with kitchen ware, microwave, full oven, refrigerator and even Alexa for listening 🎧 to music at night on our Lanai. Paul the property manager was gracious and the cottage was immaculate. From this property, you are only five minutes by car away from Smith Family Farms where there is a 30 acre botanical garden and luau that runs several days a week. Reservations are a must. There is also the Fern Grotto cruise that is a wonderful hour and a half journey with entertainment that is well worth your time and definitely affordable. We plan on going back in 2026. It felt like our home away from home and about 15 minutes away from the Lihiue airport.

I loved my time at Fern Grotto Inn. Everything was perfect...location, amenities, cleanliness, and the staff add extra special touches to make their guests feel welcome. There are tons of choices on the island, but this one is special. Choose this local gem. You will not regret it! I hope to return soon!

Our stay was perfect! The cottage was so nice. There was nice music playing when we walked in with fresh flowers throughout and it was the cleanest place we have ever stayed. The location was perfect and whatever we may have forgot or didn't even know we needed the Fern Grotto already had it included. There were so many amenities from umbrellas, life jackets, kayaks, coolers, beach towels and so much more. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer. We will definitely be back and would never think of staying anywhere else. Thanks Fern Grotto!

The Ohana house at the Fern Grotto Inn was perfect. Very roomy for the four of us. Loved the large kitchen and dining room. We enjoyed the free kayaks and had a pleasant ride down the river. Very convenient having coolers, ice water and chairs for our use. The Fern Grotto Inn was recommended to us and we would highly recommend to others.

We stayed in the River cottage and loved it! It was clean and nicely decorated. We loved the towel swans decorating the bed and fresh flowers everywhere! They thought of everything to make our stay easy and comfortable - from providing coffee, filters and kitchen supplies to beach towels, ice chests (and ice!), kayaks, snorkels and SUPs! And the grounds were lovely too! The location was convenient for excursions to north shore and Poipu area.

Coco A has everything you need, including coolers, beach chairs, bikes and kayaks to borrow and use. 5 minute walk to a city beach for the sunrise or bike to Lydgate beach (less than 10 minutes) for swimming and spending a relaxing day. High quality bed, kitchen and bath including soft towels and extra for the beach. Your own private grassy yard with comfortable hammock.

The inn is in a beautiful setting along the Wailua river. The room was very comfortable and clean. The kitchenette was perfect for breakfast and lunch. We used the kayaks which are provided for a great trip on the river. The location is convenient, close to restaurants and a 5 minute walk from Wailua beach.

The room and outdoor space was perfect for relaxing after exploring Kauai, while the location of the facility allowed us to travel to different areas of the island at our leisure. Mahalo to the amazing hosts and we look forward to returning to the Fern Grotto Inn!

For couples who want privacy and to support a smaller business and still have amenities and touches of a more expensive place, Fern Grotto is your place. Located right on the Wailua River and easy for access to Kapaa and North or South Kauai this place was perfect. We used their kayaks to kayak to the secret falls without having to pay for a kayak tour, we used beach chairs, beach towels and coolers every day for our adventures to the rest of the island and we enjoyed the peace and tranquility so much. Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh flowers, a personalized note in a lovely watercolor keepsake card, and some treats in the fridge for us.

This was a first-time trip to Kaua'i for us, so we took our time researching places to stay that fit our lifestyle and Fern Grotto did not disappoint. The cottages (ours was "River") are old plantation-style homes thoroughly updated to be clean, private, modern and well-appointed. River was perfect for two but did not feel small--the open and inviting layout, big bath, bright (and practical) kitchen, comfy living area and large screened-in lanai all worked together to make it feel like a real home. The grounds are lush and lovely, birds and flowers in every corner, easy private parking, complimentary launderette... and we haven't even talked about the amazing Wailua River and nearby Lydgate Beach park! If you love to head out and go freshwater kayaking or a nice family-style beach, Fern Grotto is in the middle of it all. Just minutes from Lihue airport, it's easy to reach and is close to Kapaa, a great old town to explore, shop, eat, dine at sunset, grab some poke or smoked chicken... your Fern Grotto "base" was a great place to return to after the day's island adventures. Housekeeping and owners gave excellent communication, advice and recommendations, especially nice for first time Kauai visitors. We loved our stay and hope to return one day.