Voted the #1 lū’au on Kaua’i, the Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au offers a beautiful evening embracing Hawaiian traditions and culture. You’re probably here because you’re researching the best things to do on Kaua’i. I know it can be overwhelming! Especially with so many things to do and many companies offering similar experiences.

But I see many people ask if a lū’au is worth attending. The answer is absolutely yes! It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself into the Hawaiian culture and really feel the Aloha spirit. And the Smith’s Family Lūʻau is a perfect mix of beauty and tradition to make for a wonderful evening. It’s no wonder it’s Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au is named the best lū’au on the island!

So read through this post for more information, or check out my Instagram reel here, to see why you need to visit Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au on your next visit to Kaua’i!

Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au

The Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au is located on Kaua’i’s East shore. Situated on 30 acres of lush, green gardens, there are beautiful views everywhere you look. From the moment you pull onto the grounds to park, you are welcomed with Aloha spirit. The friendliest staff wearing beautiful Aloha wear greet you as walk in. After checking in at the desk, continue into the grounds and receive a beautiful shell lei. This is a nice touch since the shell lei’s make a great souvenir to take home.

Take in the beautiful greenery and views while you wait to take a photo with your group/family. After your photo, you have the option to hop onto a narrated shuttle tour or walk the grounds. The shuttle ride is a short tour around the grounds while the driver explains various sites and Hawaiian traditions.

The shuttle drops you off next to the imu pit where the evening begins with the imu ceremony. There is plenty of time to wander around on your own and take some pictures of the beautiful grounds and views. Admire the peacocks, chickens, geese, and variety of other birds.

Seats are not reserved, so this is also a good time to go pick a spot for dinner. If you’re comfortable, leave something to save your seats. If you are in a party of 10 or more, you have a table reserved for your group.

Traditional Imu Ceremony

The evening starts with the blowing of the conch shell. Traditionally, this signals the start of a ceremony, or as the Smith’s family says, “the start of a party”. Two men pull the pig from the imu pit while Mr. Smith explains how they cook the pig. He also explains the history of the Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au and talks about Hawaiian traditions. It adds to the cultural experience being able to see this.

When the ceremony ends, the bar opens and most guests disperse to wander around some more or head to their seats. You are able to continue watching as they finish pulling the pig and ask some questions.

Dinner

Once you find the perfect table, sit and talk with your neighbors. The conch shells are blown again to signal that dinner is ready. Dinner is served buffet style so wait at your table until someone comes to call your table up. With six lines, it moves quickly and you don’t have to wait too long. There are servers standing close by to oversee and constantly check and refill any items that run low. So don’t worry about missing out on anything!

There are so many food options at the buffet and lots of traditional Hawaiian or Polynesian plates to try. Make sure you try some poi! Mr. Smith explains during dinner what poi is and why it’s traditional to Hawaiian plates. There is so much food that I always end up needing to go back for some things I couldn’t fit on my plate the first time.

Then Mr. Smith comes on the microphone to entertain everyone during dinner with stories, singing, and hula dancing. As dinner wraps up, Mr. Smith invites you to learn a couple hula moves.

Rhythm of Aloha Show

After dinner, walk over to the Lagoon Theater for the Rhythm of Aloha Show. The path is lined with torches and creates a beautiful atmosphere. As you near the theater, all the photos taken earlier are set up available for you to purchase. This is a great souvenir from your beautiful evening at Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au.

Then head into the amphitheater to pick a seat. There really isn’t a bad seat to enjoy show, but if you want to pick your perfect seat then walk over a little early. I’ve sat in the front row and in the back row and I enjoyed both seats.

The Rhythm of Aloha show features traditional dances of the Hawaiian islands as well as from Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, China, Japan, and the Philippines. The show lasts until about 9pm and is beautiful to experience. Enjoy stories passed down from their ancestors of the islands. Admire the dancers vibrantly colored outfits.

Tips

Book your experience in advance! The Smith’s Family Garden Lū’au is ranked the number one lū’au on the island which means they sell out.

Arrive early so you don’t miss anything or feel rushed. It is so beautiful that you want to have time to walk around and enjoy the grounds.

Wear your beautiful Aloha wear or light breathable attire, but make sure you pack a light sweater. The evening breeze can be chilly and it often rains here on Kaua’i.

Pack or wear bug spray! There is lush vegetation and multiple ponds which means there are mosquitos.