Reviewed by: Mamacreamz
This is a wonderful tour. The boat is comfortable and a mild ride for all ages. The waterfall and fern grotto are beautiful. You receive history of the area and enjoy Hawaiian song and dance. There is time to walk around and enjoy the beauty
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/08 |
Reviewed by: ABCD
Great show for the whole family. Would highly recommend it.
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/19 |
Reviewed by: ABCD
It was a great experience. One of the best that we have attended.
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/19 |
Reviewed by: Staci
Jay was our guide and he couldn't have been more awesome. He's a local and a bit of a botanist so he was very knowledgeable and truly happy to take us on the tour. The kayak to the hike was fairly easy for two inexperienced kayakers as we were flowing down stream. The hike was fairly easy for non-experienced hikers. We went during the rainy season so it was very muddy, so it was a bit slick in spots, but that's part of what made it fun. The waterfall was astounding. So tall and powerful. Well worth the hike to see it's beauty. The lunch provided was enjoyable. The kayak trip back was a bit of a challenge as you're going upstream, but once you hit a nice flow, it becomes much easier. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone visiting the island looking for a little adventure!
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| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/18 |
Reviewed by: lk
“Doc” was our guide and we had a great time kayaking and hiking to the sacred falls. It’s an all day trip so plan for it and it’s not for people who can’t handle the long bike and kayaking. Prepare to get muddy! Definitely unforgettable!
Aloha Ik,
It is nice to have a "Doc" in the crowd when you are hiking to the Sacred/Secret Falls.
We are blessed to have Doc lead our Wailua River paddle and hike tour as he juggles other commitments in life.
Thanks for reminding folks that there will be mud. We are fond of saying, "embrace the mud"! More mud ...the stronger the falls is.
Thanks for you kind words and 5 star review and for making it possible for us all to share the beauty of Kaua'i with others.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide.
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| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/11 |
Reviewed by: makobook
There are hardly any Japanese people here.
But there is Hawaiian music and hula, so I never got bored. It became a wonderful memory.
殆ど日本人はいません。
でもハワイアンミュージックやフラがあり飽きません。素敵な思い出になりました。
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/03 |
Reviewed by: Barbara Garcia
What 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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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
Reviewed by: lorna brewer
the folks involved were friendly, informative and fun.
the scenery was lovely and the grotto very unique
the music on the way back and the dancing was great and even got to practice ourselves
the weather could have been better but no control over that
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
Reviewed by: Dan
Great time. Good solid adventure and not too much exertion for relatively fit mid-40s husband and wife. Water was cold in February but probably feels nice in summer. Josh was a great guide- lots of interesting history and knowledge along the way. Be sure to hike in the puddles, as odd as that sounds. It has the best footing and you are going to get muddy and wet anyway.
Aloha Dan,
Glad you enjoyed your Wailua River Secret/Sacred Falls tour with your guide Josh. Thanks for your wise council on the trail. I think more folks have gotten injured trying to avoid puddles instead of just plowing through them and resigning themselves to wet shoes and mud.
Your guide, as all our excellent guides at Kayak Kaua'i, bring a real love to what they do and there to keep you informed, entertained and safe.
Stay paddling and hiking. Until our paths cross.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/10 |
Reviewed by: SCarolina
My 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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| Packages: | Smith's Luau & Fern Grotto River Boat Tour Combo |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/13 |
Reviewed by: Michael
If you are looking for some great Napali Coast views from the water, look no further. This tour was the complete package with a good amount of time for snorkeling, marine life watching (dolphins, whales, sea lions), and some good ole laid back sailing. You will start in Port Allen and travel north west up the famed Napali coast. With food and refreshments along the way this is a great afternoon of sailing and taking in the sights. The water can get a little choppy out there so if you are prone to sea sickness I would recommend taking something a few hours before departure. If not it is nothing a couple of beers won't fix! I took hundreds of photos and am having even a tough time deleting the duplicates! If you have the time one day in Kauai, I would highly reccomend this tour.
Thank you so much for joining us and for sharing your great review! Mahalo and Aloha
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
Reviewed by: Terrible Trío
Had an awesome time. Crew was friendly and the singers were great!
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/07 |
Reviewed by: SAGER
Amazing views and relaxing. Truly enjoyable! Great for everyone
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/07 |
Reviewed by: Shaza
Gorgeous views in that island
Drive is easy and welcoming staff there
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
Reviewed by: June
We had a wonderful time. Very enjoyable smooth ride in the river. The foliage was very pretty. Easy walk to the grotto. It was fun before when you could go up in the grotto. Enjoyed the singers and hula dancer. Would definitely recommend it.
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/15 |
Reviewed by: Klaus
The show was excellent and very entertaining. held in a big open tent which was a little cold when the rain started during the evening.
The food came in large boxes and was made hours before and lacked heating and taste.
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| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/02 |
Reviewed by: Lois Bloom
We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and narrative. Disappointed that we couldn’t go to cave,just on platform for a look.
Did this tour years ago and got to sit up in caves and was more impressive..
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/12 |
Reviewed by: Lisa Fleishman
Smith family knows how to do everything with style class and professionalism.. always a great family time. Everyone knows how to make you feel apart of everything
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mike E.
This was a great experience for my wife, our 16-year old daughter and me! And our guide, Tyler, was extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the various interesting things we experienced along the river and the trail leading up to the waterfall. We highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Kauai!
Yes, the trail is muddy, but you just have to, in Tyler's words, "Embrace the mud" and not worry about it and your experience will be much enhanced. And the falls at the end were magnificent -- my daughter and I swam up to the base of them and the winds had spray had to be hurricane-force.
My only advice is to book the early-morning tours, before the crowds begin showing up. That way, you will have the trail (and the falls) mostly to yourself, and the mud won't be as bad.
This was a great experience and is highly recommended. Thanks Tyler!
Aloha Mike,
Nice review and correct, if you come with the mind set that it will be muddy, you will have better time.
We are blessed to have Tyler working with us.
Morning tours are definitely nice, but ending the day on the river is not too shabby either.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for making it possible and for your kind words.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/01 |
Reviewed by: MoniqueS
The boat was interesting. The hula dance experience on the way back improved the overall tour. It was hard to enjoy the Fern Grove because you are crowded with many people.
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/30 |
Reviewed by: Joyce
The whole experience was fantastic! Adam, our guide, was super friendly and great to talk to. He was very knowledgeable.
For those planning this, the kayak trip was a little work so be prepared for that. My husband and I thought we were in great shape but we struggled a bit. It’s 2.5 miles of fast, no break, paddling. The hike was super fun. Again, be prepared to work a little. You will hike in ankle deep mud in places. It’s slippery so the walking stick (supplied) was a big help. We saw a
lot of people struggle.
The waterfall was breathtaking. Eating lunch there was surreal. Definitely worth doing!
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| Packages: | Wailua Waterfall Kayak |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/19 |
Reviewed by: Lesli Takasugi
This was our first time visiting the lovely Fern Grotto, and we had a wonderful time. The crew were so sweet, especially with our daughter who got into one of the local plants that made her cry and tongue swell. They performed hula and sang beautifully, playing to the children on board. We highly recommend this short river boat ride for families with young kids.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/19 |
Reviewed by: Sherri
Very entertaining. The seating during the show were very uncomfortable, however.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/20 |
Reviewed by: David
Beautiful all tge way to the waterfall. Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the plant life.wear water shoes !! Or shoes ur willing to throw away. Worth every penny.
Aloha David,
Thanks for you 5 star review.
Glad you enjoyed the tour and thanks for making folks aware that some sort of shoes, like water/aqua shoes are a good idea.
Happy Holidays....and thanks for takin the time to share and letting our guides are doing a good job and keeping you informed.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Sacred Falls Paddle & Hike Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/07 |
Reviewed by: DrJPaulWede
My 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!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/12/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/04 |
Reviewed by: JRJ
Food at this luau was the best we have ever had., but no view of ocean. Evening was spent on side of resort inside a large tent. Thought we would have ocean views. Had to walk around to the back side of the resort to view the ocean. Dancers were average but entertaining.
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| Packages: | VIP Seating |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/03 |
Reviewed by: Irene M
We were originally not going to attend a luau but decided last minute to do so as this was recommended by locals as a must do experience. The family and staff were wonderful, absolutely loved talking to the Aunties. The food was good with a variety to choose from. The show incorporated different dances representing the different backgrounds in Hawaiian culture in addition to the Polynesian beginnings. The gardens were beautiful. Definitely recommend this luau as you get not just food and a show but a chance to walk through the gardens with a tram tour to start and also to talk to the friendly staff. They all have such wonderful stories and experiences to share!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Kim in PA
Our 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.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/30 |
Reviewed by: Debbie
A very nice peaceful river ride. Enjoyed the history discussion on cruise.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2019/11/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/05 |
Reviewed by: Ashton
The 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 |
| Posted on: | 2019/09/25 |
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Aloha Staci,
Glad you enjoyed your recent paddle and hike on our Wailua River Sacred/Secret Falls tours.
Jay is a local boy who has proudly been sharing the beauty of Kaua'i with friends, locals and visitors alike; he "walks the talk".
You're description of the tour is great. The more mud...translates for a more forceful waterfall.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us and others your experience.
Keep paddling and hiking.
A hui hou,
Micco
Head Guide