Kauai for 40th Wedding Anniversary

Question

Going to Kauai in March for first time for our 40th wedding anniversary. Staying 10 nights in Koloa. Looking for recommendations for a restaurant for our anniversary night. Pretty much open to all cuisine. Also, recommendations on a luau. We have been to Maui and Big Island but never did a luau. Mahalo!

Answer

Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary! Kauai is a beautiful choice for celebrating such a special occasion. With 10 nights in Koloa, you'll have plenty of time to explore the island and enjoy some memorable meals and experiences. Below are some recommendations for a memorable anniversary dinner and luau experience:

Anniversary Dinner Recommendations:

Koloa has several excellent dining options that will provide a romantic atmosphere for your special night. Here are some top recommendations for a memorable anniversary dinner:

The Beach House: Located right on the water in Poipu, The Beach House offers stunning ocean views and a delicious menu featuring fresh seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. The sunset views are spectacular, making it a fantastic choice for an anniversary dinner. The ambiance is casual but still romantic, perfect for a special night.
Gaylord's at Kilohana: Set in a historic plantation estate, Gaylord's offers a beautiful setting with a mix of plantation-era charm and modern elegance. The restaurant specializes in Hawaiian-inspired dishes and has a fantastic wine list. Their outdoor dining area is surrounded by lush gardens, providing a romantic and serene atmosphere.
Plantation Gardens Restaurant: Located within the Kiahuna Plantation, Plantation Gardens provides a stunning setting with tropical gardens and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the historic setting adds a unique touch to the dining experience.
Red Salt at Koa Kea Hotel: For a more upscale experience, Red Salt offers contemporary cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its elegant setting and impeccable service, and it also boasts ocean views. Perfect for an anniversary dinner if you want something more refined.
Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai: If you're looking for a more luxurious, special experience, Tidepools offers a romantic, outdoor dining experience set in a lagoon surrounded by koi fish and waterfalls. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired seafood and steak dishes, and the ambiance is truly one-of-a-kind.

Luau Recommendations:

Since you’ve never attended a luau before, Kauai offers some great options for an unforgettable evening. Here are a few highly recommended luaus on the island:

Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau: This is one of the most famous luaus on Kauai and offers an unforgettable experience. Located in Wailua, Smith’s Luau takes place in a beautiful tropical garden with a traditional imu (underground oven) ceremony, followed by an incredible buffet dinner. The setting is serene, and the cultural performances are both entertaining and educational. The evening includes hula dancing, fire-knife performances, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Luau Kalamaku: Held at the historic Kilohana Plantation, this luau is known for its impressive stage production, which tells the story of Kauai’s history through music and dance. The event begins with a traditional imu ceremony, followed by a buffet dinner. The venue also offers a beautiful plantation setting, which adds to the overall experience. This luau is perfect if you want a bit more of a theatrical performance.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau: The Grand Hyatt Kauai offers a high-end luau experience with beautiful oceanfront views and a great mix of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian entertainment. The event features traditional Polynesian performances, hula dancing, fire-knife dancing, and an incredible buffet dinner with a variety of dishes. This is a great option if you're looking for a luxurious and scenic luau experience.
Poipu Beach Athletic Club Luau: For a more relaxed and intimate luau experience, the Poipu Beach Athletic Club offers a smaller, family-friendly event with traditional Hawaiian food, music, and hula. It’s a great option if you're looking for something a little less formal but still very authentic.

Additional Tips for Your Anniversary Trip:

Here are a few tips for your 40th-anniversary trip to Kauai:

Sunset Views: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a beautiful Kauai sunset. Many of the restaurants and resorts in Poipu offer amazing sunset views. Consider taking a sunset sail or a helicopter tour for a breathtaking perspective of the island.
Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive along the coast to Hanalei Bay or explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon. Both are great for romantic moments and capturing beautiful photos.
Spa Day: Treat yourselves to a relaxing spa day at one of Kauai’s luxury resorts, like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, where you can indulge in couples’ massages and spa treatments.

Enjoy your anniversary celebration in Kauai! It's an ideal location for a romantic getaway, and I’m sure you’ll create lasting memories. Mahalo for asking, and I hope this helps you plan an unforgettable trip!