Visit Fern Grotto on Kauai only if you have nothing else to do
Written: May 19 '01
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Pros: Trip to Fern Grotto is very easy and interesting in a touristy sort of way
Cons: Ferns are still recovering from hurrican damage several years ago
The Bottom Line: The Fern Grotto, Kauai is only recommended if you have a few spare hours to fill up. Time on the beach would be cheaper and probably better spent.
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| judithnorman's Full Review: Hawaii |
The title of this article is based on advice we got from other tourists and is totally true. As it turned out we did have a morning on Kauai before our departure home with "nothing else to do" and decided for $15.00 each it was something we might as well do try.
In all honesty, our tour was probably most affected by the fact that, on a boat that can carry 150 passengers, our 9:30 AM trip consisted of only 6 (and two of those were Japanese with their own interpreter). Given the fact that our tips had to be divided between the boat's pilot, 3 musicians and a dancer, it is not hard to understand that they wouldn't be straining themselves on this run.
The pilot did a nice job with his talk on the way to the grotto (wish I could have given my entire tip to him). Upon docking we had a short walk to the grotto itself. There the guide gave short talk to the 4 of us making it very clear how boring he found our company. Not being a biologist, I cannot comment on the condition of the ferns. Definitely not as spectacular as I would have expected but better than any I see in NW Indiana. Our guide did tell us about the weddings performed in the grotto complete with hundred of burning candles and I could see it as a wonderful site for such an event. We were then treated to our guide's rendition of the Hawiian Wedding Song while we visited the Grotto itself (he was definitely NOT Don Ho but what can you expect for $15.00)
We then made the short walk back to the boat where 3 musicians and a dancer entertained us on the return trip. Again it was just a so-so event which none of them worked very hard at (but even assuming a $5.00 tip per person and divided by 5, 4 people hardly inspire much effort).
The Grotto and the walk were pretty but this trip is definitely only worth doing if you have a couple of hours to kill and a few bucks you don't want to take home with you.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
judithnorman
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Member: Judith Norman
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 5 members
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