After setting up many weddings, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is: “Where can we go for dinner after the wedding?” Here are some of my favorite places for newlywed couples to celebrate.
Luaus on Kauai
For couples with a smaller wedding looking for a Luau, there’s a family Luau that’s a little less commercial at a fabulous restaurant called Mediterranean Gourmet (www.kauaimedgourmet.com). On the website, click on entertainment for information about Luaus on Tuesday nights at 6:00p.
I have personally eaten at this restaurant with my wife and it was truly wonderful. It’s a stone’s throw away from the beach and is more old fashioned. It’s further up north by Tunnels … a hidden gem.
For a more high end experience, there is the St Regis in Princeville (www.stregisprinceville.com).
For areas on the east side, the luau that is probably the most famous and open the most to accommodate your schedule is Smith’s Tropical Paradise (www.smithskauai.com). They have a shifting schedule throughout the year, so check the website for times and days. No matter what time of year you are coming, it’s a wonderful experience. They are the largest on the Island. Some 30 acres to walk around and enjoy, not to mention all the Mai Tais you can muster. I have done several weddings on the Smith’s property as well, and it is a nice venue for a wedding on some beautifully lush property, followed by a nice luau to finish your day.
For those staying on the south side around Koloa and Poipu, the Grand Hyatt (grandhyattkauailuau.com) has a fantastic Luau. Their property is truly gorgeous. The staff are all very accommodating. I’m organizing a wedding coming up shortly with the ceremony on the beach, and then we’ll travel around their lovely property with waterways and bridges and plumeria trees for photos, followed by their Luau. It is a great venue for your wedding day. Their Luaus are on Sundays and Thursdays.
The last Luau I want to mention is the Kalamaku (www.luaukalamaku.com) at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, close to the airport. These Luaus are on Tuesdays and Fridays. For tours and dinner at the plantation, visit: www.kilohanakauai.com. They have a museum, train rides and more. They make a special rum on their property as well.
Romantic Dinners
For a simpler “just us” couples dinner, here are some of my favorite restaurants.
Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant
Postcards Cafe
BarAcuda Tapas and Wine
Timing Your Reservations
If you are planning a sunset wedding, with the beautiful Kauai lighting, followed by a romantic dinner, it can be hard to know when to plan the start time for your wedding. Please mention this as we talk and I’ll be happy to help you select a time that gives you the best sunset light and plenty of time to make it to your dinner reservations. As an idea, winter sunset weddings usually start at 4:00-5:00p, summer sunsets are much later. If you want to take everyone to the Luau, we’ll just need to start a bit earlier.
Something Truly Amazing — Waterfront Dinner with a Personal Chef
Finally, you might want to forget the restaurants and have dinner right next to the water with our special “on the road” chef. Our Romantic Wedding and Candlelight Dinner on the Beach package includes this service, or ask to customize one of our other weddings this way.
Here is a sample menu:
- Appetizers: Grilled Crab Cakes with Sweet Chili Sauce; Barbecued Shrimp Cocktail with Sea Asparagus Tips; Pan Grilled Scallops with Tomato Rissoto; Stir Fry Minced Chicken with Vegetable and Black Bean Sauce
- Salad: Kauai Greens with Tomato, Roast Peppers, Mango, Balsamic Vinaigrette; Caesar Salad with Toasted Croutons and Parmesan
- Entrees: Grilled Fresh Hawaiian Fish with Limu Caper Butter Sauce; Fresh Herbed Breast of Chicken with Tropical Fruit Salsa; Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi with Wasabi Soy Ginger Sauce; Grilled New York Steak with Garlic Chip Butter
- Dessert: Mango Creme Brulee; Fresh Berries with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Blessings on all your plans. Until we meet again. Alooooha!!
Kent Chastain
Owner/photgrapher
