The Hana-Waianapanapa Trail follows a portion of the ancient “Kings Highway” from Pailoa Bay in Waianapanapa State Park to Kainalimu Bay in a shady heliotrope grove northwest of Hana Bay.

The scenic hike follows the jagged, windswept coastal cliffs, crossing lava flows above caves, underground tunnels and irregular islets. The hiking trail also passes blowholes, sea arches, tidepools and an ancient Hawaiian temple.

The word Wai’anapanapa translates into “glistening waters” in Hawaiian. But these warm waters once ran deep red when King Ka’akea brutally murdered his wife, Popu’alaea, in this cave where she was hiding from him. When he discovered her in the Waianapanapa Caves, he was filled with so much rage that he viciously killed Popualaea.

Every year during the spring, millions and millions of red shrimp reappear in the fresh water of this Maui cave. The legend says that the glistening waters of Wai’anapanapa turn red as testimony to that tragic ancient bloodshed that occured many years ago.

Directions:
The caves can be found off Highway 360E (Hana Highway). Just beyond mile maker #32, you will turn left onto the paved road. You’ll find Wai’anapanapa State Park at the end of this road. The cave is situated next to the black sand beach.

For a truly unusual Hawaii adventure, you can’t beat the allure of a scenic boat cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns.  The Fern Grotto is only accessible via a short boat trip up the Wailua River.  Along with the cruise boats, kayakers, motor boats and water skiers also make the journey.

The memorable trip up the historic and sacred Wailua River will take about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat. To keep the crowds moving, boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes.

During the short cruise to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands which line the river in addition to the cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

Once you arrive at this famous Kauai destination, visitors to the fern grotto will receive a serenade by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this lush, natural amphitheater are incredible and will greatly enhance the singing and guitar accompaniment.

Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, visitors will view a cave cloaked with ferns and cooled by the mists of a waterfall.

Viewing the Fern Grotto wasn’t as simple as it is now. There was a time when the Grotto was off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty. But for more than 50 years, riverboats have provided tours of the site. The Grotto and nearby Paradise gardens are a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Another way to see the Grotto is to rent a kayak and paddle up the river on your own.

Directions :
Take Highway 56 north towards Wailua.  Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing bridge).