Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar
Overall Rating
4.70
Great 1st time Luau experience!
Reviewed by: Heather, 2021/10/01The Smith Family grounds were beautiful from the moment you walk in. Everything was so visually appealing and everyone was so nice. They take you around the entire grounds in a trolley so you can see everything beforehand. Plus you have time to walk around after the trolley ride. We enjoyed it all even the rain, the unveiling of the pig ceremony, the dinner entertainment, the explanation of the luau dance moves, the Smith Family, the dinner, and the luau show. We would definitely return. I believe it is a must see, especially for those who have never been to the Smith Family Luau before. Keep up the great work Smith family.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2021/09/24 |
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Wonderful time
Reviewed by: Wesley Wallace, 2021/08/28Had everything we could have wanted and more so much food and booze. Gorgeous location, lots of beautiful birds and flowers everywhere. Friendly staff, show was super fun and so unique
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/06 |
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Smith family luau
Reviewed by: Stoebner, 2021/07/09Very well organized. Beautiful gardens. Loved the peacocks. Food was delicious and plentiful as were the complimentary drinks. Show was very entertaining and educational as several cultures were represented. Highly recommend adding this to your must-do list while in Kauai.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2021/07/07 |
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A fantastic experience. A well run family business who welcomed its guests and made you feel part of the family sharing their culture and traditions.
Reviewed by: Dennis Urbanski, 2021/06/26A fantastic experience. A well run family business who welcomed its guests and made you feel part of the Smith family sharing their culture and traditions.
Walter “Kamika” Smith was a great host and extremely gracious to my family providing a personal glimpse into his family’s history.
Mahalo Kamika,
Dennis, Madeline, Adeline and Grayson Urbsnski
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/03 |
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Smith’s Family Luau
Reviewed by: ABCD, 2020/03/14Great show for the whole family. Would highly recommend it.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/19 |
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Smiths Luau
Reviewed by: ABCD, 2020/03/14It was a great experience. One of the best that we have attended.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/19 |
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Best Luau EVER!
Reviewed by: Barbara Garcia, 2020/02/21What a great Luau! It has the down home feel of family since it’s all the Smith Family clan putting it on. It is located on a beautiful site by the Wailua River with beautiful gardens and birds to walk amongst. The food was fabulous and more than you could ever eat. An open bar. Who does that?! The dinner entertainment was great and then the show!! Best show around. Beautiful theatre and stage and not just any old Hawaiian dances but something from every culture that created the Islands and all with a story to tell. Just can’t say enough! They even walk you out to the parking lot to say Aloha❤️ LOVED IT❤️❤️
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
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Spectacular Show
Reviewed by: SCarolina, 2020/02/11My husband and I came to Kauai for my 50th birthday. This show was truly the highlight of our entire trip. It was worth every dime. This show provides a true Hawaiian experience from the food, the show, tour of the property, and the fern grotto river tour.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/13 |
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Fun Kauai Luau
Reviewed by: DrJPaulWede, 2019/12/01My wife and I had a fun and entertaining experience at the Smith Family Luau. Transportation by bus was prompt from the Nawiliwili cruise pier. We were greeted with shell leis and had a quick tram tour of the gardens. My wife absolutely loved taking photos of the gardens flora. After the tram ride we watched the roasted pig be unearthed from the underground cooking pit. Then we went to the large pavilion where pre-dinner cocktails were served. I saw the crowd and said to myself “oh brother”, but the bartenders had a system set up that made the lines move quickly and getting drinks was no problem. We we called up by tables for the buffet, which also moved quickly, and the authentic Hawaiian fare was delicious! During this time we were entertained with Hawaiian music and dance. After the delicious food and drink, we walked over to the amphitheater to view the evening dance entertainment. As it was well after dark, the stage was lit and had a live band playing most of the dance numbers. We were treated to native Hawaiian, Tahitian, Philippine, Japanese, and Maori dances. After the show, we made our way to the buses and back to the pier. The entire experience took about 4 hours.
Recommendations include wearing bug spray, especially for the outdoor show, and if you would like a leisurely, extensive tour of the gardens, get there before 5 o’clock, to beat the crowds and the sunset.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Veltra. When we got to the site, the operators mistakenly charged us for transportation, which had already been paid in the original purchase. As we were a “captive audience” at the time, I went ahead and paid it again, and would sort it out later. The next day, I received an email from Veltra stating that they caught the error, and would refund the amount to my credit card. A few days later, I received the credited amount. I didn’t have to lift a finger. Now that’s proactive customer service!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/04 |
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Fabulous Luau on Kauai
Reviewed by: Kim in PA , 2019/11/09Our only opportunity for a Luau was on Kauai when our ship overnighted. This was an excellent choice. Optional transportation from cruise ship, be prepared for long lines, was a great add on. You arrive in plenty of time to explore all the gardens with time to spare before the Imu Ceremony. Lots of time to find a seat in the pavilion before your table is invited to the buffet line. After you are done eating, make your way to the theater to get a good seat for the show. It's a good show, but goes on a bit too long. Make your way back to the parking lot to board your bus for the short ride back to the cruise terminal.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/30 |
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Great night full of delicious food and a fun show
Reviewed by: Ashton, 2019/09/25The gardens here are so beautiful and I loved getting the time to be able to walk around at our own pace after taking the tram around before the events started. Getting to see the Imu ceremony was one of the best parts to me, it was very neat to be able to see how they cook the pig! The food was delicious and they had a nice variety to choose from and the fire knife portion of the show was amazing! We had a great time.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
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Best Luau!
Reviewed by: MikeC, 2019/09/08This was our third time attending the Smith Luau.
The whole venue/event is first class starting with the tour of the beautiful grounds and gardens.
That is followed by the ceremony of removing the pig from the cooking pit and the history surrounding that.
After a short break, its time for the luau buffet which has incredible salads, pork, chicken, etc... and an open bar with a nice selection of drinks available and their mai tais, of course.
During the buffet, there is live entertainment on a stage for all to see. If you're lucky, Kameka Smith will be there and he is very entertaining and has a pretty darn good voice.
After the buffet, everyone walks to an outdoor stage and is treated to an hour plus long theatrical production featuring fire, drummers, dancers, live music and a historical narration of the origins and history surrounding Hawaii. The show alone is worth going for, but throw in the gardens, the delicious food, constant entertainment and its the BEST.
PS - Don't forget to say hello to Auntie Cecilia. She met Elvis 4 times!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/30 |
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Smith's Family Luau
Reviewed by: Judy, 2019/09/01The entire evening was so great because we had time to relax on the beautiful grounds and take pictures before dinner. The dinner was first class with so much food. The employees were so attentive and spoke to us often. The entertainment is of course very professional. This is a treasure to have these traditions kept alive. Thank you so much. We were sad when it ended.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/28 |
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Amazing!
Reviewed by: Dee, 2019/08/25The food was delicious but very little time to eat! We were seated in a table where we were the last to be fed which was ok but thought they would give us more time to eat & drink. The garden is beautiful and enjoyable! The Smith's Luau was a great choice.
The Show was great too!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2019/07/30 |
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Amazing!!!
Reviewed by: Bethany Matlock, 2019/08/11This was such a great time!! Awesome food!! Awesome show!!! Just an all around perfect time. We will for sure come again and recommend to everyone we know. The family is very hospitable and professional. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family. Mahalo!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/08 |
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Fun had by all!
Reviewed by: Virginia / Missouri, 2019/08/04Greeted with Aloha and smiles.
We have been many times to this luau. We enjoy it every time. Food is good, and if you don’t get full it’s your fault. Plenty of alcohol too. Every thing included in price. You learn a little history at the show.
The Smith family is very attentive. They are the definition of Aloha!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2019/07/12 |
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Wonderful experience!
Reviewed by: Natalia, 2019/08/04Beautiful property, wonderful food, and a very entertaining show.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/01 |
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A great time!
Reviewed by: Rebecca J, 2019/07/28Our family of four had a great time! Everyone was friendly and helpful. The event lasted 4 hours from start to finish, and is the best luau that we have been to so far. We would definitely go back!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2019/07/25 |
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Best Luau ever!
Reviewed by: Karen, 2019/07/21The grounds are amazing at the Smith Family luau! The food are delicious and the after dinner show is awesome, the best luau ever!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/07/02 |
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Smith's Luau
Reviewed by: Tom & Sharron, 2019/07/13This was a return trip and we were not disappointed. The Smith family does a great job on their property, the food is AWESOME, and the entertainment is first class. I would highly recommend you try them out!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/07/08 |
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Smith Family Garden Luau with a Toddler
Reviewed by: Patty, 2019/05/09This was a good experience all the way around! Ordering tickets was easy through Veltra. Check in was seamless.
The 10 min tram ride around the beautiful grounds was just long enough to give an overview of the area but not so long that a 3 year old would get bored. They allowed time before dinner to walk around and get the wiggles out. The food was good and they even marked the gluten free dishes. There was another break before the show to run around and use the restrooms (even had a golf cart to transport there & back). The acts were exciting enough, and short enough to keep the toddler entertained and the fire dancer was great! Only drawbacks: cell service almost non-existent (hard to connect with late arrivers), lots of waiting to get in because of the photo line-maybe do it after tram ride).
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2019/05/06 |
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Great Family Fun
Reviewed by: Nevin, 2019/04/07The Smiths family luau was very well organized. They took care of all the guest and made you feel very welcomed. The food was very delicious and the show was very well done with incredible dancing and special effects. You not only go there to have a good time, but you learn the history of the island and all it has to offer. I would rate this as a Superior experience.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2019/04/04 |
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Best Luau Experience
Reviewed by: Noble, 2019/03/04Our whole party of six was pleasantly surprised by the Smith's Family Garden Luau. We have been to other luaus and this rates as the best so far. The grounds are beautiful! The food and service was excellent! The staff were very friendly. The dinner entertainment was nice and the after dinner show was very good and informative of Hawaiian cultural history.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/03/01 |
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Wonderful experience!
Reviewed by: Karri, 2019/02/23This was my first trip to Hawaii and my first Luau. The Smith family did an amazing job. The food was delicious and the show was outstanding. Highly recommend!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2019/02/22 |
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Smith's family luau
Reviewed by: Peggy , 2018/12/03We had a fantastic time at the luau. Delicious food and a fabulous show. This is a must do on Kauai. The gardens are also beautiful and includes a guided tram ride thru them. Great service. Loved the transportation to the luau and home.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/11/30 |
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Smith Family Luau
Reviewed by: Uma, 2018/09/06Amazing place, hospitality and food!! Enjoyed the spectacular show they had!! Great dancers and ambience!!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/03 |
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It was a great time!
Reviewed by: TLS, 2018/09/03Very nice and friendly staff. Great food and excellent show.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/31 |
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Nice surprise
Reviewed by: Mikaela, 2018/08/29My idea about a Luau was...some food and a little bit of Tahitian dancing on a hotel property...This is what we saw year after year walking on Kaanapali beach - Maui .
Smith Family Garden Luau IT IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT- worth attending. They are very well organized and offer you a unique experience!
1. You get greeted by a local girl and boy who are offering a lei and at this point you get a group picture taken- nice touch- no pressure to buy it,
2.They offer you a tour of the garden and after that you have time to wander by yourself- 50 min- until they do the pork ceremony.
3. You are invited to your table- parties 6 or more have assigned seats- very thoughtful. They have a neat system to invite you to get the food without overcrowding the area. BTW- plenty of good food and drinks.
4. During the meal they entertain you : a little bit of dancing and singing and they invite people from the crowd to teach them how to dance. It was really neat !!
4. After the meal you are invited to an outdoor theater for an 1 hour show. It was A REAL show...lights, music...put together very professional! Enough seats for everyone, you can seethe scene from every seat . At the entrance you can pick up your photos.
I think it is the only Luau worth attending :)
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/08 |
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Best luau ever!!!!
Reviewed by: Jessica Sturholm , 2018/08/04Best luau ever! Food was amazing! Drinks were strong! ❤️
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/01 |
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An authentic Polynesian evening in Kauai
Reviewed by: Darcy, 2018/06/06On our last night on the island, my friend and I went to the Smith's Luau, and it was one of our most memorable times on Kauai. It was not only informative, but entertaining as well. You can tell that this family owned and operative business is run with love and a true appreciation for Hawaiian culture.
The tram ride took us along the huge gardens, and was a great way to get a quick view of the area. I loved that they have a herd of goats! The babies were just so cute! It was also close to where they were doing the imu or underground oven ceremony. Picture time!
The food was plentiful and really tasty. I loved that they had entertainment (music and dancing) while we ate, and the only thing is that I would personally skip the fruit punch. It was just too sweet! But the food, man! I had two full plates and would have had more, but would have ended up rolling out of there.
Our night concluded with some fantastic performances, and although they weren't the most polished, they were filled with sincerity and a love of hula that can't be matched. You can tell that they truly enjoy being on that stage and it is just so moving. Really happy we went :)
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| Attended as: | Friends |
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Mahalo for taking the time out of your vacation to join our family at the luau. Keeping our culture alive for future generations is an important aspect of our family business. We have some hope that the next generation will want to continue the tradition. Aloha...