Smith's Tropical Paradise - Hawaii Restaurant
#18 of 82 Restaurants in Kapaa Polynesian

Smith's Tropical Paradise

4.3(227 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Smith's Tropical Paradise, offering the best Hawaiian experience in Kapa'a. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Tradition of Ohana in Kapaa

Stepping into the lush gardens of Smith's Tropical Paradise feels less like arriving at a tourist destination and more like being welcomed into a family backyard. Located along the Wailua River, this multi-generational venue has served as a cornerstone of Kauai culture for decades. The air here carries the heavy, sweet scent of plumeria and the faint, salty breeze drifting off the nearby east shore.

An Evening Under the Stars

The experience is anchored by a traditional imu ceremony, where guests gather to watch the kalua pig being unearthed from an underground oven. The sound of rhythmic drumming vibrates through the damp evening air, signaling the start of the pageant. You will find yourself surrounded by stone statues and verdant foliage that make the expansive grounds feel surprisingly intimate. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii or a returning guest, the storytelling through Polynesian dance—covering Tahiti, Samoa, and beyond—remains the highlight.

What to Expect When Visiting

Expect a sprawling, buffet-style feast that prioritizes volume and variety, including staples like fresh poi, lomi salmon, and haupia. While the open-air seating provides a beautiful view of the botanical landscape, be prepared for the tropical humidity and an occasional light island drizzle, which only adds to the authenticity of the outdoor setting. The pace is lively and energetic, making it an ideal choice for families with children or large groups looking for a quintessential Kauai activity. Parking is plentiful, though the gravel paths winding through the gardens can be a bit uneven, so comfortable footwear is a smart choice for navigating the walk from the entrance to the main stage.

Amenities & Features

Location

174 Wailua Rd, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-1455

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 227 community reviews
J

Jeff CarterGoogle Maps

Recently

My wife and I chose Smith’s Tropical Paradise as the place to start the next chapter of our lives, and it could not have been more perfect. From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful, beautiful, and genuinely special. The tropical scenery creates an atmosphere that feels straight out of a dream — lush greenery, relaxing island vibes, and the kind of setting that instantly puts you at ease. What made this place unforgettable wasn’t just the scenery, though — it was the feeling. The staff and everyone involved made us feel welcomed, cared for, and celebrated throughout the entire experience. You can tell they truly love what they do, and it shows in every detail. Our wedding day here became one of the greatest memories of our lives. Every photo looked incredible, every moment felt magical, and the entire experience was everything we hoped it would be and more. Whether you’re visiting for a getaway, an event, or especially a wedding, this place leaves a lasting impression on your heart. We’ll forever be grateful that Smith’s Tropical Paradise is part of our story. Highly recommend to anyone looking for beauty, relaxation, and unforgettable memories in Kauai. 🌺🌴❤️

I

Ivan BrentGoogle Maps

Recently

Oh my goodness! This place was beyond amazing! Beautiful and magical. The history and stories were incredible! We absolutely loved this place! We did the river tour then the luau such a magical experience for our family! The wife had to drive home because the bottomless cocktails crept up on me! Lol

H

Haley DonovanGoogle Maps

Recently

So incredibly thankful for Momi for fitting us in for an elopement in the gardens. It was an absolute dream to marry my best friend in such a beautiful spot. Hope to return to Smith’s in the future for the gardens and luau!

E

Evan ShayGoogle Maps

Recently

Beautiful grounds with plenty of well kept native Hawaiian plants. The peacocks, doves, chickens and ducks are quite friendly and will spend a lot of time by your side, especially if you have food to feed them! Quite enjoyed the evening stroll from each garden to another. A must do on a visit to Kauai. Paired with Luau and show will make for a memorable evening!

R

Rafat HusainGoogle Maps

Recently

Smith's Tropical Paradise in Kauai is a renowned destination, especially when paired with the Smith Family Garden Luau, which offers an authentic Hawaiian experience. The place is surrounded by lush scenery and local charm. Tropical Paradise Garden, featuring Asian and Pacific plants, replicas of native huts, and exotic plant species are unique features. We enjoyed lavish dinner followed by traditional Hawaiian entertainment, including hula dancing, Tahitian drum dances, and a fire knife warrior performance. You will savor Hawaiian flavors like kalua pork, chicken adobo, and mahimahi fish, accompanied by an open bar with tropical drinks. Overall, Smith's Tropical Paradise and the Smith Family Garden Luau offer a unique and enriching experience, allowing us to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture and traditions.

A

Alice ZhouGoogle Maps

Recently

Beautiful garden with several areas, peacocks and native birds just walking around and plenty of native tropical flowers like plumeria and hibiscus. I almost got a heat stroke from the heat. Ticket to get in is $10. It's very quiet and spacious and barely anybody there. It's very clean and well kept.

G

Gillian RowleyGoogle Maps

Recently

We had our wedding ceremony at Smith’s Tropical Paradise and it was perfect! The view was beautiful. We did the elopement package and had 15 guests. It was only $375 dollars, plus they allowed us to bring in beer for an extra fee. We hired a separate elopement planner so we didn’t use the photographer or officiant provided by Smith’s. This was a great option though if you are eloping and want something affordable and private. The venue also has a paved path if you have guests with mobility issues. I highly recommend Smith’s Tropical Paradise for your wedding!

T

T TrojanGoogle Maps

Recently

The property is beautiful and the service and energy was high. The food was varied and very tasty. I have food intolerances, so was a little nervous, but I ate a full plate and had no issues. The show was amazing. Over all, I would give them a 10 out of 5 stars if I could. It was an amazing evening!

B

Becca SGoogle Maps

Recently

Best luau on the island! This is my third luau on Kauai and the others pale in comparison. If you are looking for a Hawaiian cultural experience, with explanations followed by a full theater experience where the many cultures that have influenced the islands are celebrated, then this is the place for you. The food was excellent. You get to watch the unearthing of the pig (oma) then enjoy him and several of his friends on the buffet line. Many food choices and six buffet lines so it went quickly. Full drink menu included alcohol and soda. Wonderful staff filling and refilling coffee and water. I am vegan, and one of the staff brought me a special dinner of tofu stir-fry. All of the buffet dishes were clearly marked and there were several vegan dishes there as well (not just the poi!). Entertainment while you eat, then the grand show at an open air theater. Totally awesome. My grandson was suitable impressed by the show with fire and lights, drums and dancers. Not to be missed!

A

Adolph AlvarezGoogle Maps

Recently

First rate entertainment! The venue was just so breathtakingly beautiful I almost forgot we were at a luau. The staff was polite and accommodating, the food was super delicious, and the host was great. He really seemed to love hosting all the several hundred folks there in attendance. The hula performances themselves were fabulous with a really great sound system. Great fun!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Smith's Tropical Paradise

Common questions from diners about Smith's Tropical Paradise in Kapaa.

They specialize in Polynesian and Hawaiian cuisine.

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