Where to Stay Near Kauai Luaus: Best Hotels by Location

Attending a Kauai luau is a magical way to experience Hawaiian culture, music, and cuisine. But matching your accommodation to the right luau location can make or break the evening—balancing convenience, comfort, and cost. Here’s your definitive guide to hotels near Kauai Luau, centered around two standout experiences: the Smith Family Garden Luau and Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation.

• Family-owned for four generations, set in a lush tropical garden beside the Wailua River—accessible, authentic, and intimate.
• Begins early evening; gates open at 7:30 pm (seasonally adjusted).

• Hosted in the elegant setting of an old sugar plantation, featuring a gourmet buffet, open bar, and fire‑knife performances.
• Many combo packages offer transportation from nearby hotels.

• Kauai Shores Hotel (0.9 mi): Oceanfront, two pools, beachfront restaurant. A top-rated, family-friendly choice.
• Fern Grotto Inn (0.2 mi): Quaint, riverside cottages with kayak access. Highly praised for hospitality.

• Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (1.4 mi): Full-service resort with beach access and restaurants. Also home to Luau Ka Hikina.
• Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay (0.3 mi): Beachside, family-friendly, with pool and easy parking.

• The Kauai Inn (2.3 mi): Local, characterful inn with free parking, breakfast, and nearby groceries & eateries.
• Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons (3 mi): Timeshare-style accommodations, spacious and quiet.

• Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa (2.4 mi): Beachfront with pools and gym. Popular with families.
• Kauai Palms Hotel (1.7 mi): Budget-friendly motel with free Wi‑Fi and parking.

• Walkable options in Kapaa (Kauai Shores, Fern Grotto Inn) are ideal for avoiding post‑luau driving.
• Drive-required stays near Kilohana Plantation need a rental car or rideshare; safe to plan for an evening return.
• Free shuttle/package deals: Some packages (like Kalamaku Deluxe) include pick-up/drop-off from select hotels—check with the provider.
• Luau timing: Smith’s begins around 7:15–7:30 pm, Kalamaku evenings start around 6 pm—align your travel and lodging accordingly.

• Wailua River Cruise + Smith’s Luau combo: Includes river cruise and luau ticket; often requires you to reach the river yourself, but some providers offer optional shuttles.
• Kalamaku Deluxe Experience: High-end package with gourmet dining and included hotel pick-up.
• DIY bundle: Stay near airport (e.g. Kauai Inn), rent a car, drive to plantation, attend Luau Kalamaku with dinner booking.

1. Book early: Rates often run $300+/night on Kauai—Tip Top Motel in Lihue remains one of the few sub‑$200 options.
2. Accessibility: Both Smith’s and Kalamaku luaus are wheelchair-accessible.
3. Schedule awareness: Check availability—Smith’s runs weekdays; Kalamaku operates Mon/Tue/Fri only.
4. Match luxury to logistics: A high-end resort might be further away, requiring transport; a cozy inn saves time but may offer fewer amenities.

Finding the right spot to crash after a magical luau doesn’t have to be tricky. Whether you’re walkable to the Smith Family Garden Luau or hopping a short ride to the elegant Luau Kalamaku, the best stay is one that blends comfort, location, and aloha vibes. Book early, pick a spot that suits your luau experience, and soak in every moment of this Kauai tradition!