Smith’s Tropical Paradise: Garden or Luau? A Visit-Planning FAQ
Choose a daytime Smith’s Tropical Paradise garden visit if you want to stroll among tropical plants at your own pace. Choose the evening Smith Family Garden Luau if you want garden time followed by a meal and performances. The luau includes access to the gardens before dinner, so you may not need a separate daytime visit.
What can you see during a daytime garden visit?
Smith’s Tropical Paradise is a 30-acre garden park within Wailua Marina State Park on Kauai’s east side. You can wander over a mile of pathways through bamboo, tropical fruit trees and flowering plants. The grounds also include a Japanese-themed garden island, replicas of Polynesian and Filipino huts, and birds including peacocks.
A daytime visit suits you if the gardens are your main interest or you want to keep your evening free. Smith’s also describes the grounds as a place for an afternoon picnic.
What does the evening luau include?
The full luau evening begins with time to explore the gardens, followed by an imu ceremony, music, a feast and the Rhythm of Aloha show. The performances feature traditions from Hawaii and other cultures, including Tahitian dance and Samoan fire knife dance.
Choose this option if you want dinner and entertainment as part of your visit. Smith’s recommends reserving early because some dates sell out several weeks ahead.
When does the garden open, and when is last entry?
Smith’s official garden page lists hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. Plan around the entry cutoff rather than the closing time: arriving shortly before 4 p.m. would be too late to enter for a daytime visit. Confirm operating days for your chosen date through Smith’s garden page or by calling 808-821-6895.
What time should you arrive for the luau?
Smith’s lists the luau welcome time as 4:45 p.m. from November through February and 5 p.m. from March through October. The seasonal change moves the evening program 15 minutes earlier in winter. The Rhythm of Aloha show is listed at 7:45 p.m. from November through February and 8 p.m. otherwise.
Check the official luau schedule and available dates when reserving. Allow time for arrival before the welcome begins so you can use the garden portion of the evening.
Can you attend only the show?
Yes. Smith’s offers show-only reservations if you already have dinner plans. Gates for those tickets open at 7:15 p.m. from November through February and 7:30 p.m. otherwise. Select the ticket option that matches your plans rather than using the full luau’s arrival time.
Are garden admission, the luau and boat activities separate?
Yes. Daytime garden admission, the luau and boat activities are separate activities. The full luau includes its pre-dinner garden access, but you should book any boat activity separately and check its own schedule and inclusions.
State park entrance and parking requirements are also separate from the Smith’s activities. Review the official admission information and your checkout details so you know what is handled with your reservation and what is paid at the park.
How can you plan a Kapaa Bike Path ride around your visit?
Treat a Kapaa Bike Path ride as a separate outing. For a luau day, plan your ride earlier and leave time to return the bike, get ready and travel to Smith’s before the seasonal welcome time. For a daytime garden visit, leave enough room in your plan to arrive before the 3 p.m. last-entry cutoff.
Hele On Kauai offers beach cruiser and electric bike rentals near the Kapaa Bike Path. Use the Hele On Kauai booking link to arrange your ride, and confirm your rental return time before fitting it around your Smith’s visit.
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