There are more than a few options in Kauai to attend a Luau – no surprise. That said, my sister Lisa deserves kudos for always finding the best and most fun things to do and see when we travel. For Luau’s she compared reviews, details of what’s included, location, viewing websites and knew Smith’s was the hands down the choice for our Luau experience.

Started fifty years ago and spanning four generations, the Smith family has curated more than a Luau experience for guests.

At 5 p.m. we boarded a tram for a narrated tour of their 30 acre botanical and cultural garden in the heart of the historic Wailua River Valley. We learned about the many types of trees, plants, flowers, fruits, and nuts growing in abundance on the property. After that, we were free to wander the meandering paths surrounded by tropical splendor, a small lake with mountains as a backdrop and peacocks, chickens, roosters and other birds roaming about adding to the atmosphere.

At 6:00, the Imu Ceremony was held explaining the cooking method called Kalua. Photos are courtesy of my sister.

At 6:30 began the Luau feast and remarkably for someone who photographs her food, (particularly whilst traveling) I literally took not one photo. I can only attribute this to my overwhelming appetite and anticipation. It was DELICIOUS.

At 8:00 we moved to the spacious open-air, torch-lit Lagoon Amphitheater for the Rhythm of Aloha Show which incorporated music and dance performances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Philippines, New Zealand, and Japan.