Fern Grotto Inn came through Hurricane Lowell with no damage: all nine units are open, with Wailua River kayaking right from the property.
Garden Cottage is a studio for two with direct views of the Wailua River. Built in 1952 and remodeled in 2021, it has hardwood floors, a four-poster queen bed that faces the river, and a tiled shower for two. Mango, starfruit and citrus trees grow on the grounds.
THE STUDIO
• Four-poster queen bed
• Direct Wailua River views
• Kitchenette with breakfast bar
• Split air conditioning
• Tiled shower for two, and a bidet
• WiFi, Alexa, hair dryer, earplugs and in-room beach towels
• Coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil to get you started
• One parking space
• Two gas grills in the common garden
INCLUDED WITH EVERY STAY
Guests share complimentary gear, first come, first served: three kayaks (two doubles and one single), four bikes, two paddleboards, snorkel sets, boogie boards, beach chairs, coolers, mats, umbrellas, beach toys and life jackets. A double kayak alone rents for $95–150 a day in Kapaa; here you launch from the property, and the paddle to Secret Falls starts right off the grounds. Two guest laundry rooms are free to use, with detergent provided.
LOCATION
Wailua Beach is one block away. The protected lagoon at Lydgate Park is a 15-minute walk. Kapaa Town's restaurants and shops are about five minutes away by car, or an easy ride on the coastal bike path.
ABOUT FERN GROTTO INN
Nine units in five buildings on the banks of the Wailua River, with more than 1,500 five-star reviews and a feature in Lonely Planet. Paul has managed the inn since 2004. You'll arrive to fresh flowers, a handwritten note and a local guidebook.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Self check-in from 3pm; check-out by 11am
• Children are welcome. The guest who books must be 21 or older, and children under 2 don't count toward the 2-guest limit
• Quiet hours are 9pm to 8am
• The grounds are kept dark at night on purpose so migrating birds aren't disturbed. Every key chain carries a small flashlight
• Smoke-free indoors, with a designated outdoor smoking area in the garden
• Out of respect for the privacy and comfort of everyone staying with us, we're not able to accommodate parties, events or gatherings, including get-togethers with friends or family invited onto the property