Fern Grotto, Kauai, HI |
This past year my husband and I had the pleasure of re-visiting one of the most beautiful and romantic places we have ever experienced, the Fern Grotto, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. There was a time when the Grotto was a sacred place only to be seen by Hawaiian royalty, but for the past 50 years, visitors have been allowed to travel to the site by river boat. Unusual tropical ferns grow upside down
from the roof of a lava rock grotto, which was formed millions of years ago, a true geological wonder. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rain-forest atmosphere, which is cooled by the remains of an ancient waterfall. The concave rock formation forms a natural amphitheater, which is the location of many wedding ceremonies.
Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
The Fern Grotto is part of the Wailua River State Park and access is by boat on the Wailua River. More than 60 years ago, Walter Smith, Sr. started taking visitors up the river on a small rowboat, powered by an outboard motor. Seeing the need for something better, he came up with the idea of a rear-engine system river boat, which is used by the Smith’s family Wailua River tours today. The spacious, open-air boats provide excellent views from either side during the trip upstream. The Wailua River is known as “the only navigable river” in all of Hawaii.
Smith's Family Tours, Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
The river’s fresh water pours down from Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. The land along the river makes up the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the was the birthplace of the island’s royalty. The two mile ride up the Wailua River is a peaceful one in which tropical foliage and wildlife can be explored.
Rear-engine System River boat, Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
Along the way, kayaking tours can be seen, as well as an ancient Hawaiian Village.
Kayakers along Wailua River Kauai, HI |
The Kamokila Hawaiian Village is a 4 acre reconstructed ancient Hawaiian village along the
banks of the river. The village consists of thatched huts and houses, including an ancient canoe house, chief's assembly and doctor's house. Story
boards and artifacts are located around the grounds to explain ancient Hawaiian life. Our destination is just a few minutes away.
Kamokila Hawaiian Village Along Wailua River Kauai, HI |
Once docked, a short walk through the tropical rain forest leads visitors to the beautiful Fern Grotto. Already, the memories started to come back.
Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
There is an abundance of both indigenous and introduced tropical plants along the walk, including Hawaiian Ti Plant, Torch Ginger, Shampoo Ginger, Bird of Paradise, philodendron, bamboo and a variety of palms. Magnificent aerial roots came down from the trees above.
Fern Grotto, Kauai, HI |
A non-invasive form of clumping bamboo can be seen along the path. This type of bamboo exists in many of the gardens on the island.
Clumping Bamboo, Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
Tropical plants surrounded the walkway from all directions. Red Torch Ginger is a popular plant on the island. This beautiful flower is grown for its ornamental value.
While following the path, even more beauty can be admired. Grown for its ornamental value, Beehive Ginger can grow to over 6 feet in height with one foot long leaves.
Red Torch Ginger, Fern Grotto, Kauai, HI |
Beehive Ginger, Fern Grotto, Kauai, HI |
Shampoo Ginger, Fern Grotto, Kauai, HI |
Near the end of the path is Zingiber zerumbet (Awapuhi). It is named Shampoo ginger, or 'awapuhi kuahiwi' and may be recognized as the name of a familiar brand of shampoo made by Paul Mitchell. Awapuhi was introduced to Hawaii by early Polynesians and includes earlier uses with the leaves being used as flavoring for foods and rhizomes and leaves being used for medicinal purposes.
Path through rain forest to Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
In 1992, the Fern Grotto was nearly destroyed when the island of Kauai was hit by Hurricane Iniki. Most of the ferns hanging from the grotto were torn from the rocks and the grotto is still rebounding. We were pleased to see that much of the vegetation had returned over the years and the grotto still remains one of the most popular and beautiful spots on the island. Even though visitors can no longer stand inside the grotto, today it can be viewed from the designated observation deck.
Hawaiian Wedding Song, Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
In April of 2006, the grotto was hit again by severe rains that caused rocks to fall from the ceiling onto the viewing area below, causing the area to have to close. The Grotto was reopened in 2007 following artificial reinforcement of the rock walls and installation of ramps to access to the area.
Hawaiian Wedding Song, Fern Grotto Kauai, HI |
Aerial Roots Fern Grotto Kauai, HI
|
While standing in silent awe, we could not get over the beauty of this magical place. It was as we had remembered, with cascading aerial roots and three to five foot long tropical ferns descending from the roof of the grotto. Close to the platform were Hawaiian Ti Plants, believed to bring good luck.
It started to gently rain, which seemed to make the grotto even more magical. We were signaled by the tour guide that is was time to go. I could have stood there all day.
For more information on the Fern Grotto visit Smith's Family Tours, Hawaii.
Linking with Our World Tuesday, Floral Friday Photos and Image-in-ing Photo Link-Up.
As Always...Happy Gardening!
As Always...Happy Gardening!
What a wonderful visit! We've been to Maui a few times, but we've never island hopped. I might have to for this!
ReplyDeleteIt is a delightful and magical place Robin. Kauai is nicknamed the "Garden Island" so to a gardener, it is true paradise!
DeleteOh wow, I'd just love to see that. Some of the plants are familiar from a recent trip to Cairns, which I guess is not that surprising really. Although perhaps this part of Hawaii gets even more rain!
ReplyDeleteYour trip to Australia looks amazing! I just looked this up...Hilo, Hawaii is the wettest city in the US, receiving more 130 inches of rain per year while Mt. Waialeale on Kauai is the 2nd wettest spot on earth, receiving more than 460 inches of rain per year. Cairns, Australia receives 390.2 inches of rainfall yearly...pretty close!
DeleteHow incredible Lee! I have never seen anything like those Sword ferns. All the foliage and flowers look prehistoric. What an amazing trip this must have been.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing Jennifer, and brought back so many memories from when we first visited there in 1982. The Sword Ferns grow upside down and reach a length of three to five feet long in the ceiling of the grotto. The whole area does feel like it is from a time long ago.
DeleteWhat an awesome stroll, Lee. You're lucky to visit such incredible place of ferns. I've never seen so bright red fern flowers and grotto is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed the Fern Grotto Nadezda. It was enjoyable writing about it and reliving the whole experience! It is an amazing place.
DeleteI visited this beautiful island many years ago. Loved it. Your trip share much of the beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog :)
I am glad this brought back memories for you and that I stumbled upon your blog to enjoy all your beautiful photography!
Delete