Reviewed by: Clifford Rock
We flew to Honolulu and then spent 6 days on a cruise to Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. The highlight of our trip was the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour. The Eco-Star helicopter is one of the best helicopters available. It is relatively quiet, very comfortable, and the view from any seat is fantastic. Our pilot had flown helicopters for more than 20 years, was an excellent guide, and you could tell that he loved his work - if you can call it that. Kauai is so diverse, from the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", to the fantastic waterfalls including the "Jurassic Park" waterfall, the spectacular Napoli coast with its towering cathedral cliffs, and the beautiful beaches. It is the best way to experience all that the "Garden Island" has to offer in an hour. Then, you can decide what you want to visit from ground level. Blue Hawaiian also offers a video of your flight showing both the passengers and the phenomenal scenery, so that you can relive the experience over and over again.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/24 |
Reviewed by: Philip Hales
After being driven around the Paradise Garden we were left to wander and take pictures until the rising out of the pit of the roasted pig - the Imu. The aroma was mouthwatering, and shortly thereafter we were led to the food area, and invited to take our seats. The food was brilliant and plentisome, I doubt many would have left not feeling truly sated.
After the feast, we walked to the theatre (shame that it rained, but it did not dampen our spirits) we were presented with a show of dancing from a range of Pacific countries. The dancers (in the rain) put on a brave face and gave us a great evening. Certainly recommend this to anyone thinking of visiting a Luau.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/05/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/06 |
Reviewed by: Aussie Helen
Fantastic flight with pilot Scott--unbelievable canyon and coastline,superb colours of red and green,breathtaking scenery! Into the crater in the wettest place on earth, Also saw where puff the magic dragon lives! Worth every penny $
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/21 |
Reviewed by: Nhids
This 1 1/2 hr activity is really good for those who doesn't have upper body strength to do kayak to get to grotto which is a beautiful mystical place. The whole family enjoyed very much the ride and the entertainment whose voice is the future IZ. The staff were all awesome! Thank you all for making our day great!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Aussie Helen
Absolutely amazing flight with pilot Scott! You would never imagine the Canyon and coastal cliffs to be so breathtaking!! And we even went into the crater!!--wettest place in the world--worth every penny!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/21 |
Reviewed by: Cheryl M
We had a great time! Juan, our tour guide, was fabulous! What a wonderful time. Everyone on the bus was entertained as well as having a good time. We were exhausted by the end of the day and it was worth it!
Highly recommended. Everyone in your party will get to be a sightseer and have a driver to do the work!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/19 |
Reviewed by: Kim Wood
We loved our afternoon river cruise! The entertainment was great and the fern grotto was breathtaking! Staff members were warm and very inviting! We will recommend this activity to others!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/17 |
Reviewed by: Dru
I really feel like this river cruise is special, you get to see and hear how this culture has evolved.. The singing is fantastic and the commentary is great as well. Such a nice family!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/17 |
Reviewed by: Rita & Alan
Our guide - Rosario - was well informed and jovial. As there were only 7 of us on the trip Rosario was able to spend more time showing us interesting points on the island. The Canyon itself was beautiful although the River Cruise was a bit naff
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/03 |
Reviewed by: Penny
Wonderful time very peaceful. All the people were very friendly like family.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/25 |
Reviewed by: EKBmom
We loved the luau. The food was great and the show, with all the history was wonderful. I highly recommend the Smith family luau.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/16 |
Reviewed by: DHK
My wife and I took her mother on this scenic cruise. The were very friendly and attentive to all their guests. The pilot did a great job noting the points of interest. The singing and dancing during the cruise added a nice entertaining local flavor.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Cynthia Leas
Our guide , Jacque Cousteau, (Jack Custer) was great! He was so knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy sharing with us. My grandson and I learned a lot and had fun. My only complaint was having to drive from Waimea Plantation Cottages to the Sheraton to meet the tour, while Princeville guests WERE picked up. When I signed up for the tour online, it said we would be picked up. The day before, I got a call saying we would have to get ourselves to the Sheraton.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Della
Smith family makes you feel like ohana. Best luau on island.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Smith's Luau & Fern Grotto River Boat Tour Combo |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Della
Was awesome to return to fern grotto after 44 years. Well done!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/04/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/30 |
Reviewed by: Jerry Kraft
We had a wonderful time at the Smith Luau. The site is amazing and utterly beautiful; the connection to Kauai history is impressive and impeccable. We enjoyed visiting and getting to know the other people at our table, even though they were strangers. The food was fantastic, varied and perfectly prepared. We loved the fact that nothing felt rushed or skimpy. The presentation in the theater was exceptionally well performed and really captured the variety of island cultures that have created this Pacific paradise. There was absolutely nothing about this evening that I would have made any different.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/28 |
Reviewed by: Penny
I've been to 3 others and this is the best and most professional we have been to. They are the most friendly and family like,very personal. Ready to go again. Everyone was awesome.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Smith's Luau & Fern Grotto River Boat Tour Combo |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/25 |
Reviewed by: SHARON
Great evening, great people, great food, great show. Thank you! It was worth it!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/16 |
Reviewed by: Maren
When we booked our trip to HI my husband had been 3-4 times already. I hadn't been at all. He convinced me not to book a luau. We really like food and figured we'd save the money for something else. Once we got to HI I was really-really bummed we didn't have a luau on the docket, and it was too late to book anything.
This cruise was amazing and once we did it we weren't so bummed about missing the luau. The cruise is so peaceful. The guide is a smith family member and his family owns the land surrounding the river. He knows so much about the land and has tons of stories he tells while you cruise up and down the river.
You stop at the fern grotto, which is so cool. It's a must see on any trip to Kauai. The musicians on the cruise play songs and play a special song to people who have just gotten married or celebrating anniversaries.
Then on the ride back the musicians play native songs. It's the next best thing to a luau.
Already did it once but will do it again!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/05/26 |
Reviewed by: Sam
Overall me and my wife had a great time at the Luau. The gardens were really nice to walk around in and see all the different types of plants and trees. The show was really nice, they showcased dances from the different cultures that make up Hawaii. The only thing that my wife didn't like was the food. I personally didn't think it was too bad. Definitely a good experience for anyone visiting the island!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/04 |
Reviewed by: Melissa & Pat
A must if in Kauai... Beautiful sights and a wonderful staff!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | River Cruise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/09 |
Reviewed by: Melissa & Pat
Highly recommend this tour!! Absolutely beautiful, staff was also amazing.. 10 stars
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/07 |
Reviewed by: Sam
This is a great way to start your stay on Kauai as it takes you to a lot of different locations on the island. Wendy was a great tour guide, she was very informative and funny. She knew a lot of facts about the movies and where they were filmed as well as the island in general. Highly recommended!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Tour: Pick-up from Poipu Hotels |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/03/01 |
Reviewed by: Paula
Highky recommend this tour, our pilot was the best, we loved the tour it was beautiful to see Kauai from the air, we were able to see the waterfalls, the scenery is breath taking. All I can tell you is book this trip ASAP. And I highly recommend purchasing the YouTube video of your trip you will love it and you can send it to all your friends and family. They will certainly be jealous. If this is on your bucket list, just do it...it's worth it.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Kauai Air Van Airplane Sightseeing Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/16 |
Reviewed by: Linda T
Excellent! We enjoyed both river boat grotto tour & luau. Great Experience with good food and lively, talented entertainment. Family oriented! Friendly wonderful people!
Highly recommended.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Smith's Luau & Fern Grotto River Boat Tour Combo |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Brisk
Before Saturday, the only way you're going to get Sharon in a Helicopter if she was half dead on our way to the hospital. Our flight was excellent, very smooth, beautiful clear day. She was excited and would even do it again. The video of our trip was an added bonus only glitch being the audio portion did not work so you couldn't hear my clever comments. <grin>
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/27 |
Reviewed by: David
Very organized, professional and friendly. I am in a wheelchair and appreciated all the help from tram to buffet line - everything. We went on river cruise next day and it was awesome. Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Tropical Paradise Garden Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/26 |
Reviewed by: hideochi
If you can't speak English, the enjoyment of this event is halved. All pamphlets, venue guides, and notices within the venue are in English. About 95% of the participants are Western tourists, making it difficult for Japanese tourists to enjoy.
Next, while the content of the event follows the tour guide's description, the imu ceremony only involves taking out the pig that has been steamed underground beforehand, which lacks a sense of presence. As for the luau, I think the food offerings are poor, and the dining area is cramped and overcrowded.
Finally, the hula dance, fire show, and other performances from various countries on the outdoor stage were impressive in terms of the stage setup compared to similar indoor events, but the content itself was lacking in emotional impact. In particular, the dances from China and Japan seemed to be choreographed by someone who had no understanding of those cultures.
Overall, I believe that improvements are necessary to enhance tourist evaluations.
本催しは、英会話ができないと、参加しても面白さは、半減する。
パンフレット、会場案内ガイド、会場内掲示板すべて、英語です。参加者も、欧米系観光客で、ほぼ95%であり、日本人観光客が、楽しむことは、難しい。
次に、本催しの内容は、ツアーガイド内容通りであるが、イムの儀式は、事前に土の中で、蒸してある豚を取り出すところだけであり、臨場感に欠ける。次に、ルアウですが、料理の内容が、貧弱なことと、食事場所が狭く、詰め込みすぎだと思う。最後に、野外ステージで行われた
フラダンス、ファイヤーショー、その他各国の踊りですが、野外ステージは、大掛かりな作りになっていて、屋内の同種行事より、好感が持てたが、内容的には、感動が少なかった。特に、
中国、日本の踊りは、まったく、中国、日本を知らない人が演出したのではと思える錯誤的内容でした。
全体的に、もっと改善しないと、観光客の評価をあげられないと思う。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン(2019年12月31日まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/03/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/26 |
Reviewed by: Kwilks
Loved, loved, loved this tour. We got to see so much of Kauai only accessible from the air. Brody was an excellent pilot and very informative. This was the highlight of our trip!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Eco-Star [50-55 min] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/02/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2016/02/19 |
Reviewed by: みっちゃん
I had trouble finding the meeting place. I couldn't communicate at all in Japanese. Since it's a reef and not sand, beginners should be careful not to hurt their feet. I was satisfied to enjoy the surfer's dream, Poipu Beach.
集合場所が分かりにくくて困りました。日本語は全然通じません 砂ではなくリーフなので初心者の方は足を傷つけない様注意して下さい。サーファー憧れのポイプビーチで楽しめて満足しました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | グループレッスン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2016/02/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/12/11 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.