Kapaa Luaus
Our Favorite Kapaa Luaus
Why Kapaa?
“Situated on Kauai’s breezy east side, the lush town of Kapaa is a hub for unique shopping and beachy accommodations. The area is surrounded by noteworthy attractions, like the Wailua River State Park, Sleeping Giant hiking trail, countless waterfalls, and beaches. Kapaa is both a hub for tourism and Hawaiian culture, manifesting most palpably in luaus.
Smith Family Garden Luau • Luau Ka Hikina
Smith Family Garden Luau
The Smith Family Garden Luau is a bona fide family affair. Walter Smith Sr first started the Smith Garden Luau in 1946. Over 50 years later, the Smith family is still at the helm, and their aunties, uncles, cousins, and neighbors make up most of the cast and crew. Located in the Smith Tropical Gardens in Wailua River State Park, this luau honors Hawaii’s many heritages, showcasing dances from the Pacific and Asia.
The Smith Garden Luau has all the features you would expect from a top-notch luau: an imu unveiling ceremony, an extravagant feast, and a memorable show in a stunning location. But it’s the production’s undeniable Hawaiian hospitality that makes Smith Garden Luau one of the best Kauai luaus.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a shell lei— often handed out by sweet Grandma Smith herself. The luau celebrations kick-off with an imu unveiling ceremony, MC’d by general manager Kamika Smith or his father. After the ceremony, enjoy a generous feast featuring secret Smith family recipes like Cousin Gary’s teriyaki beef, sweet and sour Mahi Mahi, kalua pork, Chinese fried rice, Lomi Lomi salmon, and other delights.
The performances at the Smith Family Luau embody Hawaii’s melting pot of cultures. The luau features dances from China, Japan, and the Philippines, as well as Pacific Island cultures. Luau days differ seasonally. Choose from “show only” or dinner and show tickets.
Luau Ka Hikina– Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Luau
The newest of Kauai luaus, Luau Ka Hikina, is located just steps from the sand at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort. The luau takes place in the resort’s newly constructed Halau Hoʻokipa building— a sleek, 4,500 square-foot open-air pavilion with expansive ocean views. Experience the best of Kauai with a locally sourced feast, cultural activities, and hula kahiko (ancient hula).
Luau Ka Hikina’s venue alone is worth writing home about— the elegant thatched-roof pavilion is perched feet from ancient royal surfing grounds on Kauai’s Coconut Coast.
Festivities commence with an impressive torch-lighting ceremony, followed by enchanting hula kahiko choreographed by award-winning hula master Leilani Rivera Low. The show also celebrates Tongan, Tahitian, Maori, and Samoan dances.
Luau Ka Hikina’s enticing feast honors Kauai’s bounty, featuring a mouthwatering spread of locally-sourced fares and Hawaiian favorites. Meanwhile, tropical drinks like mai tais flow from the open bar until the show starts. Luau Ka Hikina is hosted every Tuesday and Thursday (occasional shows added). Seating for general admission ticket holders is first-come, first serve, so arrive early!
We hope this helped you narrow down your possible luau options for Kauai’s Kapaa Area, and wish you all a lovely adventure and aloha experience on The Garden Isle. Remember to reserve your luau spots early, and share your experiences with us! Mahalo for reading, and a hui hou.
KAUAI LUAU COMPARISON CHART
We’re proud to call ourselves experts on Kauai luaus. We’ve put together a list of our favorites, complete with side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right luau for you!
KAUAI LUAU COMPARISON CHART
We’re proud to call ourselves experts on Kauai luaus. We’ve put together a list of our favorites, complete with side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right luau for you!
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