Fern Grotto Inn in Kapaa

The Fern Grotto Inn made our stay in Kapa'a very enjoyable. Our unit was compact yet comfortable, and the kitchenette was well-appointed with small appliances and cookware. The owner, Paul, was a gracious host, and we loved the gardens surrounding the cottages. Very convenient to the shops and restaurants in Kapa'a.

The place is located on the eastern part of the island with ease of going north or south to fully explore the island. It has an overall off the beaten path atmosphere. We stayed in the Garden cottage and it was plenty for us as we were mostly out and about. The garden cottage also provided a great view of the Wailua river! Hawaii is going to be expensive regardless, but this provided a more palatable solution. Room was very clean! For the most part, the place is really quiet, but if people are talking in the courtyards or adjacent state park it's pretty easy to hear in the room. Maybe some of the other cottages are different since the Garden is in the center. You also hear the chickens clucking about. You get used to it, but you do hear them in the early morning (sometimes it was 2-3 am). Check in and check out was super easy. We utilized the washer and dryer w/ soap to do some laundry as we spent a week and a half there. We also used the grill to BBQ some food which was nice.

The house was very clean, the gear well-maintained, and our experience was 10/10. They even ground the coffee and left flowers for us. It was a wonderful experience and we've already recommended the place to our friends. The location is also perfect, as you are near the middle-point between the north and south halves of the island.

Very cozy stay, we made use of the kayaks, but it was too rainy to go to the beach, still, a great amenity to have beach chairs, much more economical than having to rent them.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Fern Grotto Inn which is well located for excursions all over the island and surrounded by a beautiful garden with direct access to the Waimea river (Kanus available). The studio (Coco B) was tastefully and functionally furnished and well equipped and maintained. If I get another opportunity to travel to Kauai I would chose this accomodation again.

I didn't want to leave. Usually, even at the finest resorts, I am anxious to get back to my own home. But Fern Grotto felt like a wonderful new home. I loved waking to the roosters and new spider webs spun during the night and the ever emerging blossoms on this plant lover's mecca. Housekeeping was exactly right: spotless, small points of beauty placed around the room, everything we could ever think of on the ready. We stayed in three different units: all were wonderful and unique. Yes, there is a bit of traffic noise somewhere outside the wall of palm trees and verdant bushes, but it faded quickly. We could take three steps outside the resort area and push a kayak into a secret corridor and float out into the Wailua River whenever we wanted to and head down to the secret falls. Everything was modern, but charming. Such a sweet place to be with a family. Our 16 mos old grandbaby loved toddling after the roosters and chickens and the stray gray cat and the snails and the visiting toads at dusk.

Comfortable, secure and pleasant. Out the doorstep is a short walk to the beach to greet the sun rise. Bikes available for a wonderful bike lane along the ocean. Kayaks for paddling up the river to the Grotto. Nice mountain hikes nearby. Beachfront Mamahunes and Lava Lava bar/restaurants are nearby and just a 20 minute walk away.

The cottage we had for two weeks was very comfortable with a very functional and high quality kitchen, private yard, and had many other unexpected amenities. The location was convenient for exploring all parts of the island and had many nearby dining and shopping options. We used the freely offered kayaks on the adjacent river, snorkeling gear, beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, etc. we will stay here again when we return to Kauai. The aloha culture is still strong.

This was a fantastic place to stay. You are close enough to town to walk to amenities and beaches but it’s a very private and quiet location. The grounds and cottages are very beautiful and well maintained. We stayed at the river cottage which is very roomy with everything you could need. The lanai we used every morning and evening for meals and to wind down from the day’s adventures. It’s a great base camp to avoid the crazy traffic in town. We were able to use their free kayaks and launch right from their property to paddle to the secret falls which was an added bonus. They also have bikes you can use for free. We soo enjoyed our time here and would definitely stay here again. If a nice relaxed, quiet stay in Kauai is what you’re looking for, this is the place!!

I wanted to stay here because of Fern Grotto's location on the river with access to the Inn's SUPs, kayaks, and bikes. I absolutely got the outdoor access and activities I wanted, but I also really loved the house/room/accommodations. Coco A had a private backyard with hammock and table (and the outdoor house, sink, and rags were REALLY handy after a few of our muddier hikes), and we loved having a small kitchen and living room. The bed was comfortable, and the little extras made us feel welcome. I would absolutely stay at the Inn again!