A late afternoon/evening combination that includes a cruise up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto and a Polynesian dinner and South Pacific experience at the island's most popular luau feast.
An early afternoon departure from your cruise pier in Nawiliwili will bring you to the shores of the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, approximately 20 minutes from the pier. The 20 mile (32 kilometers) waterway curls its way from the nearby mountainous rain forest, through the tropical countryside until it reaches the coast.
You will board flat-bottomed, covered boats for a scenic 25-minute cruise up the river to land once considered sacred by Hawaiian royalty.
From the landing, you will hike along a forest path to the Fern Grotto, a natural amphitheater in the forest. Formed over millions of years, the grotto walls and ceiling are covered by tropical ferns. You will also see other native Hawaiian plants and exotic tropical flowers along the path through the rainforest.
After your grotto visit, return to the dock and motor down river to the tropical setting of the famous Smith Family and enjoy a traditional luau! Here, you will be met with a traditional Hawaiian greeting before taking time to explore the 30 acres (12 hectares) tropical park by tram or on foot. The Imu ceremony, where the evening's main course is removed from the underground oven where it has been slowly cooking all day, will begin the feast experience.
Enjoy local traditional music as you enjoy a Mai Tai cocktail, glass of beer or wine as you await the mouthwatering treat you have waiting for you. Other beverages are also included in your open bar.
The Feast buffet includes slow-cooked kalua pork, beef teriyaki, chicken adobo and sweet and sour mahi-mahi as the main courses. Side dishes include Hawaiian sweet potato, Poi, Lomi salmon, namasu salad and many other side dishes. These are followed by a selection of tropical desserts. There is also an open bar included with your dinner feast that includes Mai Tai cocktails, beer, white or red wine, standard well drinks, (rum and coke, gin and tonic, vodka), as well as juices and sodas.
Dinner is followed by a colorful performance in the nearby amphitheater that includes music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and other South Pacific locals. Music is provided by drums, Polynesian-style ukulele, and mouth flutes. Folkloric performances will include flaming torches, knives and perhaps even a volcano.
Please note that from November to January, the luau will be held at the Courtyard Marriott.
After the show, you will rejoin your transportation for the short drive to your Nawiliwili cruise pier.
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