75+ Years of Aloha on the Banks of the Wailua River
A Place Unlike Any Other
In 1942, as the Pacific War reshaped the world, a Japanese widow and her two children were building a home on a quiet bend of the Wailua River in Kauai. The lumber came from dismantled WWII supply ships. Before she could move in, she and her children were sent to an internment camp — a painful chapter of American history, written into the very walls of what is now the Ohana House.
She came home after the war. She saw what she had — a lush, irreplaceable piece of Kauai — and she started building more. The cottages you stay in today are those same buildings, born from that same soil. Renovated, yes. Reimagined, somewhat. But the bones are original, and the story is real.
Eighty years later, Fern Grotto Inn is still welcoming guests from around the world — and still one of a kind.
"While some things have certainly changed at Fern Grotto Inn, the land and cottages themselves retain their storied past and look forward to a bright future."— Paul, Proprietor · Fern Grotto Inn
How It All Began
Ohana House was the first property to call these lush grounds home. Originally built in 1942 using lumber from dismantled supply ships during WWII, the Ohana House was constructed for a Japanese widow and her two children.
During the construction of her home, due to a heightened paranoia towards Japanese-Americans, the widow and her children were sent to an internment camp to wait out the rest of the war. A painful chapter of American history, written into the very walls of the Ohana House.
After the war ended, she was welcomed to her new home — now called the Ohana House. A few decades later, her son became the Chief of Police of Kauai, a remarkable chapter in the story of this property.
Seeing the undeniable beauty and business opportunity of her incredible slice of Kauai, she began building the other properties you now see at Fern Grotto Inn and renting them out as transient vacation rentals.
All 9 cottages were renovated most recently in 2021 — updated with air conditioning, modern kitchens, and fresh interiors, while preserving the original plantation-era character and materials that make Fern Grotto Inn truly one-of-a-kind.
Fern Grotto Inn continues to welcome guests from around the world, earning 1,500+ five-star reviews on Google, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. 75 years in, the story is still being written.
Our Property
In our sun-drenched cottages, you could spend your entire vacation relaxing in the fresh, island-inspired interiors. But with a tropical oasis as your private yard, you'll want to spend just as much time outside. Fire up the gas grill, paddle the Wailua River, or take a bike out on the 10-mile Kauai coastal path — all from your doorstep.
What We Stand For
We've preserved the original character of these 1940s plantation cottages — real history, real materials, real Kauai. Not a resort replica.
Our proprietor Paul is always just a phone call away. We're a small, personal operation — not a faceless property management company.
The lush tropical grounds of Fern Grotto Inn have been tended with love for over 75 years. We take care of Kauai's natural beauty.
Kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, snorkeling gear, beach chairs — all complimentary. We want you exploring Kauai, not paying for equipment.
Come Stay With Us
We have 9 unique cottages waiting for you — from the historic Ohana House to cozy studio retreats. All on the banks of the Wailua River, one block from the beach.
By the Numbers
Location
4561 Kuamoo Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746
On the Wailua River · East Shore, Kauai
The Property
9 cottages · Built 1942–1955 · Renovated 2021
1 three-bedroom house · 1 one-bedroom · 7 studios
Distances
1 block to Wailua Beach · 5 mi from LIH Airport
35 min to Poipu · 40 min to Hanalei · Direct river access
Gear Included
4 bikes · 3 kayaks · 2 paddleboards
Snorkel gear · Beach chairs · Towels · Coolers · Umbrellas
Reviews
1,500+ five-star reviews
Google · Airbnb · TripAdvisor · VRBO
Permit
TVNC 1070-4340-4341-4342
Licensed vacation rental · Kauai County
As Seen In
Lonely Planet
Featured as a recommended property on Kauai — one of the few vacation rentals highlighted in the world's best-known travel guide.
TripAdvisor
Ranked the best-rated vacation rental in Kapaa on TripAdvisor, with hundreds of verified five-star reviews spanning more than a decade.
Claudia Travels
"None were quite as unique or as enchanting as our home-away-from-home at Fern Grotto Inn." — Featured review by travel writer Claudia Laroye.
Go Hawaii
Listed as a standout vacation rental on Kauai's east side — recognized for its authentic character, lush setting, and exceptional guest experience.
Revealed: Kauai
Featured in the guidebook series trusted by independent travelers to Kauai — highlighted for location, value, and the rare charm of a historic inn.
This Way to Paradise
Spotlighted in this Kauai travel resource as one of the island's most distinctive places to stay — praised for its grounds, hosts, and sense of place.
Trusted by 1,500+ Guests
