Nothing!

The property was like an oasis! We loved relaxing here and using the bikes to explore the local area. The facilities were great and there were lots of ways you could explore the local surroundings (bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkels etc). The property was well equipped and there were bbqs to use and lots of outside space to relax in. We also really appreciated the laundry facilities! Couldn’t recommend more.

Stayed in August 2025

It was a bit difficult to open/close one of our closet doors and the water pressure wasn't great in the kitchen sink, but those are my only two minor complaints :) Everything else was perfect and we would definitely stay here again!

We stayed in Coco C and absolutely loved everything about our time here! We had the prettiest view from our room. We chose to only spend 1 day at a resort during our time on Kauai (and the rest of the week at Fern Grotto) and we’re so glad we did :) We were out exploring most of the time anyway, but coming back here every night felt like having our own private oasis in this tropical paradise. All of the little details are what set this Inn apart from others and we loved having tons of free gear (snorkels, coolers, frozen water bottles, kayaks, beach chairs, etc.) available to us. It was also great to be able to do laundry for free whenever we needed. Loved the location and how close it was to Lydgate Beach and the Wailua River. There were plenty of coffee shops and food places nearby. Loved that it was less than a 5 min drive to Coconut Marketplace, Lava Lava Beach Club, and other great places. If we’re ever lucky enough to visit the island again, we will for sure be booking here again! Thanks to Paul & Lila, we had a wonderful honeymoon week <3

Stayed in July 2025

There was nothing we didn’t like about the property, though we’d recommend offering an easier way to communicate for non-US mobile numbers.

This was a fantastic stay on our visit to Kauai. We really appreciated the flexibility with early and late check-in—it made our stay so much easier. The chocolate snacks and music left for us were such a thoughtful touch, and we felt truly well looked after throughout our visit. Having access to snorkelling and kayaking equipment was a great bonus, as was a fridge full of bottled water and free laundry. Housekeeping were amazing and did such a fantastic job.

Stayed in May 2025

Wonderful property with all the toys you would want on Kaua’i. Comfortable and spotless. Free parking. The Garden Cabin had absolutely everything you could need with personal, special touches that made us welcome. And Paul, the manager was available and really helpful. A great stay on the island!

Stayed in January 2025

Everything was perfect.

Beautiful and quiet. Great location. Fantastic room. Comfortable bed and I’m someone who has trouble sleeping. I got a great 5 nights sleep. Would definitely stay again. Loved it!

Stayed in December 2024

The TV was a little small but I know I'm not alone in saying I didn't go to Hawaii to watch TV! I loved my stay here.

It was so very cozy feeling. The kitchen and dining room were such cool rooms to be in. The location of this Condo was perfect for my stay, it's a good mid point on the road that wraps around Kauai.

Stayed in October 2024

Not a single thing! We’re coming back!

solitude, beauty, comfort, conveniences, natural surroundings, staff

Stayed in October 2024

We had a such a relaxing stay at Fern Grotto Inn! The cottage was stocked with everything we could possibly need, in terms of beach and cooking ware. The host was nice and very responsive. We had a beautiful view of the canal and Wailua River. It was also great being able to use one of the property’s kayaks to go out on the river any time we wanted. The location was perfect: close to the airport (10 minutes) and central to either the northern or southern shore sites (about 1.5 hour in either direction).

Stayed in July 2024

Kauai is a very humid environment and it was difficult to get anything to dry. Not sure there is anything to be done about that but if there are local tips, it would be great to share them with guests. Otherwise, while it is no issue to go a week without housekeeping when you're staying in a more home style environment, it would be good to have a proactive way to remove damp towels that add up.

Location and staff were excellent. They experienced some unexpected weather the week before our arrival but made unbelievable progress to get things back up and running. Little details in Coco B were very thoughtful like fresh flowers everywhere. The bed was the most comfortable bed I've slept on in any hotel/inn/B&B style environment.

Stayed in April 2024

Chocolates and beverages and flowers . Washer and Dryer facilities were nice.

Stayed in April 2024

Traffic noise.

The Ohana house was extremely clean and well stocked. It had a large kitchen and outdoor grill . The grounds were beautiful and well maintained. We took advantage of the kayaks, chairs and ice chests.

Stayed in April 2024

Current bridge construction works nearby (on main highway) could be noisy at times.

Lovely, and very well equipped cottage so you can prepare your own meals etc. Was also great to have bikes and kayaks, and BBQs to use. Close to airport and Kapaa town.

Stayed in March 2024

The room was comfortable and private. Very clean and convenient to nearby activities and restaurants.

Stayed in March 2024

The only issue was the lighting in the kitchen area was very dim. The lightbulbs should be switched out for a higher wattage or under cabinet lighting installed. It was very difficult to see while cooking. The dining room lights were bright but doesn't do much for the kitchen prep area. There is also no dresser however there is a wardrobe for hanging clothes. There should be one in the other room for extra storage for things like bathing suits, shorts , socks etc.

Location was perfect . Very central to everything. The property was well maintained and very clean. No bugs and we were on the ground floor. The host thought of everything even water bottles stored outside for coolers. The door was open and keys were on the table for us on arrival. The canal for kayaking was a bonus. Easy to get into as water was only waist deep if you fell in (as I did when I got in the boat) and the landing made of fake grass made it easy to pull kayak in and out. There is a secret waterfall 2 miles out and many tours on the canal so you can just follow. All lifejackets , beach chairs etc provided. There is a convection microwave which is to be used as an oven. A bit tricky if you have never used one. All laundry pods, dishwasher pods/dishwashing liquid was provided for us which was another bonus.

Stayed in February 2024

The only thing that is a drawback is the road noise from the highway. Unfortunately there is nothing to remedy that. And that will not stop us from returning.

We enjoyed the privacy and bungalow aspect of our residence. We also appreciated the amenities — the bicycles and the kayaks as well as the beach gear. The grounds are lovely. The bungalow was well-appointed with a full kitchen, comfortable bed and modern bathroom.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

Easy access , very clean, location on the river for easy access for canoes and paddle boards, use of bikes, quiet Garden vibe. Decided not to have a car so we walked and biked to grocery store, beach and parks.

Stayed in January 2024

I liked the fact that the have kayaks and beach gear on site for free

Stayed in July 2023

This was our second time at Fern Grotto. Paul is a very polite and thoughtful host and his staff is very friendly. We stayed in Garden cottage which was recently renovated. Perfectly charming and a great location. Well stocked and beach gear is always available.

Stayed in March 2023

nothing

beautiful cottage and garden setting. free use of kayaks, bikes and snorkeling gear. well appointed kitchen.

Stayed in March 2023

Such a delightful place, had everything we needed for a 5 day stay on Kauai! Location is excellent, close to restaurants and shops and we could explore the north and south shore of the island easily and conveniently. We stayed in the Coco D unit and for two people it was the perfect size, equipped with everything we were looking for, enough to make some snacks and prepare some simple meals for our adventures. We stayed there during Christmas and had a lovely time! The proximity of Lydgate beach was amazing! We saw the most amazing sunrises just minutes by car from the Fern Grotto Inn! There are free kayaks at the property to explore Wailua River. There is really everything at this property, all the beach and snorkeling gear you would need. And the garden is beautifully landscaped with many hidden nooks and seating area to hang out. Easy parking, right in front of the entrance to the unit. The contact less check-in and check-out was perfect. We arrived really late, but Paul made sure we can check in without issues. We even had fresh fruit, flowers and cold drinks and chocolate waiting for us upon arrival. Very responsive and helpful staff! Lovely hand written note to welcome us! We very much enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this property!

Stayed in December 2022

The quality of the setting, the room, and the experience was outstanding. A nice quiet inn is a great contrast to the cookie cutter resorts. Conveniently located at a midpoint of the island and right on the river, we could easily access Kapaa, and both the north and south coasts were a reasonable drive. Floating the river on the inn's kayaks was a great day experience. The room was well put together and charming. The staff had clearly put a lot of thought into amenities large and small that made the trip very convenient.

Stayed in October 2022

Access to the beach required a short walk down a busy street and across a busier one. Not a big deal unless you were counting on using the nearest beach frequently.

We stayed in Coco B a studio type condo. It was perfect for my husband & I. There are islands of outdoor seating through the property. There is a star fruit tree right outside where you can pick ripe fruit! The landscaping was beautiful, providing private nooks throughout. It was very peaceful and quiet-except for the roosters, lol. The staff there has thought of everything! We arrived to find beer and chocolates in the fridge, ice cream in the freezer, coffee and spices, flowers through the condo, towel swans on the bed, laundry products at the laundry sheds—there were more amenities than we knew! Bicycles and kayaks are available for use by guests, with a kayak launch just a few steps away! Also in the kayak area are snorkels, fins, coolers, water shoes-pretty much anything you may have forgotten or need for an excursion!

Stayed in October 2022

Had the most amazing stay at Fern Grotto Inn. It's a very cozy property with different sized guest houses and cottages. I stayed in CANAL A (Perfect for one person or 2 max). I was welcomed / greeted with a beautiful tropical floral arrangement. There were hibiscus flowers all over the room. The provided me a fresh lei on one of the towel arrangements, that I got to wear around my 1st day there. The place was so immaculate and clean! It was cleaner than my own house! It made me feel so good! Housekeeping prepared a welcome card and note with phone #'s for calls and txts. There was a kauai guidebook on the coffee table. They also had a binder with alot of tips, local recommendations and guides. The mattress is nice and firm, pillows are of a good quality. You will get wonderful sleep there. The plumbing worked well. The hot hot showers were amazing. It is on a removable shower head (just like I have at home) that is so convenient. You do have to take out your own trash, but they provide the trash liners under the bathroom sink. Paul and housekeeping happened to be on site when I arrived. They greeted me so warmly. I was having pain in my knees, and needed help with my luggage. Paul was so kind and helped me out. Cottage A was a charming studio. With a queen sized bed. There is absolutely everything you could need. Paul even prepared 2 beers, 2 water bottles and a box of chocolate in the fridge. It has both a fan and A/C wall unit that works very well! The kitchenette is stocked with everything you could need in terms of appliances, cookware, utensils, houswares, and even tupperware and ziploc bags. The cottage was well stocked with towels, bug spray, sunblock, extra blankets, etc. It was so thoughtful. Oh and the property has free laundry for the guests. They even provide laundry soap. It was outstanding. Such a huge blessing.

Stayed in October 2022

master bedroom furniture could use some updating..

All of the included amenities, cleanliness and hospitality.

Stayed in September 2022