Smith’s Tropical Paradise

Kapaa, United States

3.8

20 reviews

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Description

Specialties

A 30-​acre botanical and cultural garden is hidden alongside the Wailua River. There are meandering pathways that take you past lagoons teeming with fish, into the middle of a calming bamboo forest, across the path of scented gingers and under the branches of exotic fruits. During the day, it’s a perfect location for a quiet and romantic picnic and at night, the torchlit gardens offer one of Kauai’s favorite luau featuring an international pageant entitled, «The Rhythm of Aloha.» The luau is held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. The luau gardens open at 5:00pm with time to stroll through the gardens. At 6:00pm, we share the history and excitement of the Hawaiian «imu» cooking method at the imu ceremony followed by drinks, dinner and then the pageant at 8:00pm. Gates open at 7:30pm for those who are interested in joining us only for the evening pageant.

History

Established in 1946.

Smith’s Motor Boat Service Inc. was started in 1947 by Walter Smith, Sr. with a small rowboat and a borrowed outboard motor, offering visitors a trip up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. From these small beginnings, the company has grown to include a fleet of 12 river boats including two boats used exclusively for weddings; in 1985, the family opened a 30-​acre botanical and cultural garden where luaus are held. Outside of the visitor industry, the family owns a light industrial park in Kapahi that contains a number of small businesses including the Kauai Athletic Club, Manny’s Auto Repair, Kauai Artesian Water and Menehune Food Mart.

Meet the Manager

Kamika S.

Manager

Kamika was asked to rejoin his family business in 2002 to help with planning for the future of the company and the succession into the next generation. There are currently three generations of Smith’s working in the family business. Kamika was honored as the National SBA Family Business Champion of the year in 2005.