Reviewed by: Peggy - World Traveler
This was amazing !!!
The Smith family really know how to put on a show!
Pros: Great food, awesome gardens, great fun time, plenty of time to have fun and take pictures. Easy fun experience. Great for ANYONE! Lots of peacocks to take photos with. Great staff. The after show was AMAZING cultural world tour far beyond my experiences at othe Luau's. It could easily compete with a Lav Vegas show!! You have to see to believe! Iwon't share more to avoid giving too much away. Smith's is one of the best Luau in Kauai. Even my teenager had a ball ! She was grinning ear to ear. PRICELESS!
Con: Its a really BIG CROWD becauses they seat so many, there's lots of people you eat with etc but not overwhelming. Just alot.
What to take with you. SunGlasses, mosquito spray, camera of course, easy dress (Where something comfy, pretty or fun). Hawaii dress or whatever. Its easy and nice.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This was our first vacation to Hawaii. The Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau was our first luau (and let me say the only luau we will ever go to). This place is amazing. The greeting with the shell lei's by the staff in their outfits felt very welcoming. The tram ride around the grounds was short, but very sweet. The food was excellent and authentic. The music during dinner was fun and entertaining, BUT the music and dancing during the luau ceremony was awesome! I went out and bought a book on the Fire Goddess Pele because of it. Would suggest this to anyone!!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Carl O
We thoroughly enjoyed this informative and beautiful cruise. The Captain shared much information and was very entertaining. On the way back, the entertainment was excellent. Good time!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: The Harris Family
We had a great adventure. Mark was great. Our kids really enjoyed this adventure. They said it was the best adventure of our trip!
Thank you Mark!
Sandi Harris
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Fran
The Fern Grotto and the Tropical Paradise Luau was excellent.
No short cutting
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Brian
We were contacted for an "upgraded" tour at no additional cost and accepted. We were slated for a catamaran but the upgrade got us a zodiac boat. We were supposed to have 1 hour of snorkeling with the tour and with the upgrade to recieve a nicer lunch.
The trip out was bouncy but tolerable. Saw the coastline, caves and spinner dolphins which was a treat. Got the tour of the old Hawaiian and the lunch was very good.
Things deteriorated when there weren't enough snorkles for all the people! (They were two short) We were told we'd have only 30 minutes to snorkle the reef which just wasn't enough time (no explanation for the shortened snorkeling time). The trip back was brutal in the zodiac once past Barking Sands. High chop, winds and bouncing on the edge of the zodiac was particularly rough (understatement). The driver did the best he could to minimize the bouncing but we found out that the afternoon winds made the trip we expereinced very typical. It was very,very unplea
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
I was generous with my stars considering our unseasonably bad weather day on the seas. This was certainly not any fault of the team, but be mindful that weather can play a factor in the enjoyment. Biggest negatives of the weather:
choppy seas prevent some of the potential exploration
cloudy skies prevents the sun from heating you up as you get wet/cold from splashing water
We're pretty adventurous and rugged so the weather only notched down the enjoyment 1 level, but one person got sea sick on our trip and I am sure their enjoyment was a ZERO.
Weather aside, a great way to see the wonders of the Napali Coast and of course do some snorkeling. My wife was a first time snorkeler and she had a great time swimming with the fish and TURTLEs. Sadly no dolphins during the dive but we saw some on the boat trip.
If you've done a tour of the coast, this is not the best time spent for snorkeling, but a great combination tour and snorkeling adventure...so good value for your precious
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Carl & Barbar O
The main reason we went was because Barbara wanted to go snorkeling. Kailee is an amazing instructor! Barbara had the best time of our time on Kuaui. After the snorkeling and refreshments, Kailee showed us where the sea turtles were and we even saw a few. She pointed out several landmarks and answered every question we asked about plants, animals and life on the Islands. We really had a great time!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Peggy - Global Traveler
20 years ago this was a really great trip as you were able to go inside the cave and the water fall there was more than a trickle. Since the Iniki Hurricane in the 90's that is no longer possible. The landslide that happened ended the cave tour part and ended the waterfall being as it was.
I would recommend this to any one who has just landed in Kauai, older couples perhaps, who have never seen a fern grotto of any kind. For kids it is boring. Heard that a few times :)
As for a wedding... I would honestly not recommend this particular trip as it is average or just okay. The boat trip up and back in the boat was the best part. For wedding parties I would honestly recommend arranging something with the Smith Family or one of the local Resorts and doing it as part of a Luau. That would be better. Hawaii Activities can help you find many other events that would be better for a wedding. They rock!
This is a nice easy trip and okay to see. But if you have limited
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Pretty basic tubing ride, no rapids or anything like that, just float down a drainage ditch basically, the staff even calls it the ditch. Kinda stunk, like sewer, or cows or something...Probably great for kids, but for over $100 per person, not the best activity for the money...
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Michelle
This was our families first time in Hawaii and I have always thought it would be great to be met with a lei greeting. I googled it on line and several companies came up but Hawaiin Activities stood out as one of the best, and we were not disappointed. It was easy to go on line and order and the options on what you wanted was great. When we arrived in Kauai, and walked through the doors the lady was standing there with a sign in her hand with our names, dressed in a lovely Hawaiin dress with all our leis lined up on her arms. No one knew I had arranged it and it was such a great way to end a long trip. The kids loved it as did my husband and I. Once we were given our official welcome, the lady was so great at helping us get our luggage and directing us to where we needed to go. Would highly recommend this to anyone who is both new to the island or coming back again. The leis lasted for days, very well made, funny heavier than I expected and smelled great. Can not thank Hawaiin Activiti
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Carl O
We really enjoyed the Lei Greeting upon our arrival in Lihue. It really helps to settle you in after that long flight. As first timers, our contact took pictures for us and pointed out where to get to the car rental shuttles. it's always nice to find a friendly face in the crowd when traveling.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Richard
This is our second time with this company. We had a ball. It's very exhilarating. The staff has always been fun, upbeat and professional. I'm sure we'll do this again when we come back in 2014.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: The Aussies
This was so much fun, great people and a great time. Just make sure you wear clothes that you don't care if they get dirty, because they will!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Dave
We had a great time. Learned a lot about the area. The guides were fun. we will recommend this to our friends
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: T & S
A wonderful time, even better than imagined. Highly recommended!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Brian
I took my 2 daughters Skyla 11 and Kaylee 9. It was an amazing experience! Kailee is an excellent instructor and guide. The entire trip was enjoyable and educational. My little one was able to hang out on the surf board as she grew tired of swimming and enjoy the entire experience. Unfortunatley the water was a little to unpredictable to venture out to the sea turtles, but Kailee drove us to a spot where we were able to view them from the van in large numbers. I would definetly reccommend this to anybody visting Kauai!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The staff were all very friendly and informative. Our pilot was excellent! What a beautiful trip. Seeing the canyon and the Napali Coast from above is just spectacular.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: David and Donna Kirk
Great food, beautiful area and great enternainment
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: tony
Fun! I went with my 15-year-old daughter, and neither of us had done Snuba before. The guides were wonderful-- interactive, informative, good-humored. I'd recommend going on a trip earlier in the day when the tides are gentler and there are generally more fish to see (we went at 1:30).
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Oli Lewington
Not only is the zip course beautiful, fun and exciting, it's made hundreds of times better by the staff. We were accompanied by Misty and Alan, both of whom gave us great banter along with awesome local knowledge and support for the more nervous of the group.
They included everyone, made us as a couple feel welcome within a larger group of people who already knew each other and made the whole experience one to truly remember.
I'd recommend it to anyone - even if you're scared it it, it's a must-do on Kaua'i!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Brian
Our two guides did a good job for safety and general preparedness however we could not hear some of the comments and information from the non-driving guide. The van was noisy and hard to hear his comments especially when he talked toward the windshield rather than back to the passengers.
The air-conditioning in the van was poor in the back rows and little air flowed which made the ride to and from the zip lines uncomfortable.
Several in our family group had never zip lined and were very, very apprehensive (my wife, daughter in law and her 10 yr old daughter). The tall long haired guy put them at ease as best he could and mentally supported them. They all managed to make the first run and then loved it. The runs were short and tame enough to allow them to "conquer" their fears and really enjoy the experience and want to do more.
The overall zip line experience was actually very good and beautiful but the whole experience could have been outstanding with attention to the ite
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: SAEZELL
This excursion was fun, but staff at office was very rude. Acted like we were a burden to even help. Very short and snobby. Especially blonde lady. No one even smiled at us. I have never been on an excursion so unorganized and unfriendly. Our guide was nice enough, but no instructions for snorkeling. My sister had never snorkeled and he just gave us our masks and left us to snorkel on our own while he went spear fishing. As we were kayaking he got way ahead and never stopped and checked on the group. I was very disappointed. I have been on several excursions and the staff has always been wonderful, but not this one. I would NOT recommend this company to anyone!!!!!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Peggy - World Traveler
We had never done anything like this before and after this, EVERY VACATION we do will have ziplining !!!
Just off the charts.
It is GOREGOUS scenery between the zip lines.
You are very high up now how do you get there? You drive to the tour place and they will bus you to the starting zipline from there is mostly hiking from zip to zip.
So.... I would say that if you are in hearth healthy, have no knee issues and you are in reasonable shape or at least say 10 or 11 yrs old, okay with heights, this may is a great activity for you. Why.. well its ALOT of hiking! Up and down paths along side the mountain to get to each zipline. But that's what Kauai is all about after all. I am not a work out fanatic and I did just fine but I do elipse every other day so.... just take that into consideration.
It was fantastic and fun. The guides rocked and catered to every person. They were responsive, educational, helpful and funny. They also start you out on a "Bunny" line
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Harris Family
We had a great experience. Our kids just loved it. Nathan was great with our kids. He shared a lot of great information with us. We really enjoyed meeting him.
Thank you Nathan for the great time!
Sandi Harris
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: SD Taz
Had a great time!!!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Charlie S
My wife and I had a wonderful experience in Kauai when we did the snorkeling activity. Our guide and instructor, Paul, was great to be with, had a very unique personality, and was just a lot of fun. He is very knowledgable on all aspects of local lore and took us to great locations where we were able to see many different species of tropical fish and even green sea turtles. My wife is not a good swimmer and our other guide Kailee helped her to enjoy the experience fully. We had a great time and would do it again next time.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This was a great attraction to take! I was told the best way to see Kauai was by air, but was not crazy about taking a helicopter ride, so this was a great alternative. The pilot, Paul, was great and very informative! The weather wasn't the best (rained some), but we still got to see alot and Paul made sure that if it was raining in one area, we went around it to see it from the back side or another angle. It was great! There was six in my group and we all said we would do it again!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This was a good experience for us with all the flora, fana and great entertainment. The Smith family reals goes all out to make you feel welcome. The food was enlighting with all the Hawaiian specialties. I tried them all. Overall the activity was very pleasurable and I would recommend it to everyone who goes to Kauai. Aloha!!!!!!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Cassidy
My husband and I took Na Pali Coast Snorkel Cruise June 29th and had such a wonderful time! The scenes are breathtaking and we do not have enough great things to say about the Na Pali explorer staff. We were given incorrect info by the concierge at our hotel and the staff worked with us so that we were still able to experience the tour we signed up for. The boat staff was wonderful and friendly which made the whole experience very enjoyable and entertaining. We learned some Hawaiian history from the staff and we were able see dolphins and sea turtles during our cruise. Overall the cruise exceeded our expectations and I would definitely recommend the Na Pali Explorer snorkel cruises to anyone!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
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