beth_fitz

We are taking our 75 year old aunt to Kauai in April and want to take her to a luau (we've been to luaus on other islands before but not Kauai) and want to know what one is the best and most economical (if one can meet both criteria). Thanks!

Jujubeetravel

The one that gets the most reviews is Smiths Luau. See link below.
(http://www.smithskauai.com/)

I haven't been there myself but have been to kauai many times and that is the main one people seem to like. There are lots of reviews about this on Tripadvisor.com as well.

suze

Have not been myself, but Smith's does seem to be the one most often recommended.

govisithawaii

Smiths is mentioned frequently. The Kauai Revealed guide calls it the best on the island.

Another one that I'd like to check out is the Surf to Sunset Luau at Sheraton Kauai as they serve traditional luaus as well as modern Hawaiian fare. It's a oceanfront luau where as the Smith Luau is a garden setting.

You'll find a compilation of all the Kauai luaus here with a comparison of costs, settings, days (not every luau operates every day of the week), etc. There are also links to reviews. Please note that days and costs are frequently subject to change and all the data compiled in the following link was accurate as of the end of November 2007. http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/11/29/kauai-luaus/

jamaltay

Smith's is by far the best luau on Kauai.

albertabob

I'm kind of surprised that the Princeville Luau is not being considered by anyone. I must admit, I was skeptical before going. I had been to Smith's - and totally enjoyed it. Princeville was considerably more expensive ($99. each), but I had heard and read that their show had steadily improved. I did NOT like their line up format....kind of reminded me of a cattle run...but once you were in, the bar was open, you're near the water and the food....the food was amazing - definitely the best kalua port I have ever had. Everything, including the desserts, was just a little better than any other luau I've been to. I found most of the staff to be helpful, although some were a little on the "snooty" side!!! All in all, though, we were very pleased with our choice. Other than the Imu Kalua Pork, there was fresh Mahi Mahi with lemon butter sauce, grilled marinated chicken with citrus scented demi, broiled ginger, soy and lemon grass marinated beef, pancit noodles with vegies, beef poke, grilled salmon salad and roasted vegetable salad (this was REALLY good). Desserts were numerous but the best was the ginger creme brulee, chocolate mac nut mousse tart and rice pudding from the imu.....yummmmm

makai1

aloha beth... if at all poss don't miss the traditional hula w/ a chanter at the Princeville Resort... in the Living Room at 6:30pm on Sunday nights... get there early & enjoy some pu pus and cocktails while lounging in the sofas.

Sunset on the outside patio to follow usually proves to be a highlight. The views are spectacular!!

Aloha... enjoy.

beth_fitz

Thank you everyone. I was also told that the luau at Kilohana Plantation was good, anyone been there?

sjakubik

We went to Smith's last night and it was fun (see more of my comments in my earlier post this evening). Get your aunt up on stage to dance the hula; she would love it.

beth_fitz

We will be going to Smith's for their luau. Two of the three of us have been to a luau but this will be auntie's first ime so I want it to be good so I will take everyone's recommendations about Smith's. It is also about $30 cheaper than the one at Kilohana Plantation/Gaylord's.

Thanks again everyone for your comments....2 1/2 weeks before we leave!