Smith's Garden Luau

They brought me my own plate of GF food. Most of the food line was also GF, so there was plenty of food!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Everything on the menu is GF! Tacos were great.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I put gluten/wheat allergy in the notes when booking. I always say allergy so people A. Understand and B. Take it seriously. Most don't know what celiac/intolerant means.

At the start of the event, I got a text saying to tell a staff member I had a special, gluten free meal reserved and they would bring it to me to avoid potential cross contamination in the buffet line. I went through the buffet with my kids and several things were labeled gf, but since I'm quite sensitive to xc, and had another option, I decided not to chance it.

Staff brought me a salad and poi, and then another plate with veggies, meat, and plain white rice. I was slightly bummed that no desserts were gf. I noticed some things marked gf in the buffet line were not on my plate, not sure what that was about, but it made me glad I didn't try any. Most of the food was seasoned and not as bland as previous reviews state. It wasn't great, but it was fine. I did not get sick.

Only downside was that I had to talk to multiple people and finally show one of them the text, before they brought me food. The last one apologized for the confusion. No big deal, though, since it was made right in the end.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

The buffet signage indicated what was gluten free which included at least half of the items. Awesome experience.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Was blown away by the experience here. I had indicated when I booked it that my husband was celiac, but when they sent a text a couple days before to double check for food allergies, I responded that he couldn't have gluten. They texted back asking "is it a sensitivity or is he celiac?" which I appreciated and made me feel confident they understood the difference! Once we got there and were seated, the owner (the guy who was emceeing for the night) made a point of coming over to our table to check in with my husband and let him know he would be getting his own special plates (one of all the GF salad options, one of all the GF entrees/sides). It was brought out right at the same time our table was called up to the buffet line. The fish and chicken (which both had non-compliant sauces/seasoning in the buffet) were given alternate seasonings/sauces. All desserts (except for a coconut cake at the end of the line that was being served by an attendant) were GF so he was able to go up and get his own.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Went here for the experience not expecting to have much to eat. I was wrong! While the options were somewhat limited, and I wasn't 100% confident about cross contamination, they made sure we had a FULL plate. We were given salad without the macaroni. Then given a heaping plate of unseasoned chicken, rice, mahi, and pork. (I went up to the buffet for mashed potatoes and poi) Desert was at the buffet and you had to ask specifically for Haupia and Rice Pudding (both were AMAZING).

My only complaint was the lack of sauce and seasoning for the main dishes. It was a little bland and was very dry... Main takeaway: **Bring your own sauce!**

I'd say 8/10 for gluten free dinner, 10/10 for the show itself.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

It was a beautiful night and a fun luau. I was glad I didn’t have to worry about getting sick. However, the food was BLAND. Apparently they thought GF meant no seasoning at all. I was disappointed.

My husband had a great non-GF meal. If we went again, I’d stash my own seasoning in my purse.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Great job with celiac. They asked up front and brought me everything on a separate plate, including dessert. Only downside was none of the food was seasoned so it tasted pretty plain.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

They did an amazing job! My son and I both have Celiac we informed them in advance they sat us by the 1st table closest to the Buffett. They walked us through the line before it opened to show us what we could have (items we could have were labeled GF). Then our table any anyone else with Celiac went through the line first to avoid cross contamination with utensils. For items that had sauces that we could not have they brought the GF equivalent on those items such as fish, chicken etc. directly to the table for us. The shredded pork was the best I ever had. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly and gardens were beautiful to walk around. Luau show was fantastic! If you have Celiac don’t miss this opportunity to attend a Luau!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not only was my daughter allowed to go up first to the buffet line to serve herself first from the gluten free items there, but she was also brought a plate from the kitchen of gluten free equivalent items to those on the buffet line. Good variety with excellent taste

Celiac friendly?

Yes

There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said but I had to add to their 5 stars. I wish I could give more. This luau feels like being at a family BBQ. They would not allow anyone to go through the line until I was done and brought a platter of some items I could not have from the buffet. Oh how I wish I could have tasted the teriyaki beef though. :). Not to be missed if you are in Kauai, fantastic experience beginning to end.

Dedicated gluten free kitchen area. Took us up to the buffet first to avoid cross contamination. Brought us out fish and chicken from the kitchen. Took really good care of us.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The Smith family takes celiac very seriously. When I made my online reservation I received a personalized response with regard to gluten with instructions of what to do when we got there. They had a reserved sign for us and we were the first table served. As others noted, first they took me through to let me know what was safe. When it was time to eat they had me go through first and held all others off until I was through the line and by the time I got back to the table the hostess had brought me a separate plate with rice, chicken and fish to fill in the things i couldn’t eat on the buffet. Everything was good and I felt very comfortable.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing! Those with celiac go through the line first. They also get an additional huge plate of meat, rice and veggies. Any additional servings are brought out as requested. They are very educated and aware. We had 2 in our party with celiac. I highly recommend it!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The BEST gf experience in Hawaii so far! They took such good care of me, and the food was great! It was so nice to just relax and enjoy.

This was an amazing experience! We could eat so many items and everything was delicious! We have Celiac and are dairy free. They even had us go first so there could be no chance of the food getting mixed. I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They did a fantastic job accommodating our celiac party members. Terrific food, service and entertainment.

Great service and delicious food! They take you through the buffet line first and everything is label with allergen info. Then they bring you a whole separate plate with fish, chicken, and rice. Such a wonderful experience! I highly recommend!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fantastic food! They walk you through the line to know what is safe. Even offer to allow us to go through the line first. They delivered gluten free plates of food as well. Very friendly staff and very accommodating

I cannot say enough about the Smith Family!!! Amazing hospitality and dedication to keeping me gluten free. I booked online and then sent me an email within 24 hours of booking that told me what was gluten free on the buffet and asked me to tell an employee when I arrive that I was gluten free. I was given special seating and a number of people knew me by name. They took me through the buffet linens before the food was out to show me what I could eat. I was able to go through the buffet first. Everything was labeled gluten free. If that was not enough, they then brought me a separate plate of rice and fish and chicken that was prepared gluten free because the varieties on the buffet were not. They told me if I wanted seconds, Please ask one of the hostesses to get more from the kitchen and not to chance the buffet line. It was amazing!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing!!! Food is labeled GF! Lots of options. They even made me chicken and fish without sauce separate from the buffet.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They made me a special GF plate & I felt safe eating there. Didn’t get sick!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They definitely took care of our party. Three people with celiac disease in our party. We got to the buffet first so that there would be no cross-contamination, and the gluten free items were clearly marked. I mostly ate the kailua pig anyways. Very tasty. Email ahead and tell them your needs.

We chose this luau specifically because they're Celiac-friendly. I spoke with them upon booking, and they sent me an email with the accommodations for GF. When we arrived they told me what to expect and during the Hawaiian prayer they allowed us to serve ourselves first from the buffet. They then followed up with a plate from the kitchen with two entrees. My 3yo has Celiac and I do not, but I order GF so she can sample from my plate and to keep my hands and mouth from getting contaminated. I did make a round at the end for gluten items and I have to say, the best items were all gluten free. The pulled pork was amazing, as were the desserts and sides.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was very impressed after talking to one of the workers and mentioning that I have Celiac- she seated me at a special table and requested a separate plate for me and that I'd be the first to walk through the buffet. Very accommodating and friendly!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was so excited to go to a luau on the island and I am so glad I chose Smith's. They went above and beyond to accommodate my gluten and dairy allergies. They walked me through the entire buffet line when I got there and all the food had labels. I knew what was gluten free, what had dairy, they even had labels if things contained nuts, sesame, and other common allergies. The only meat I could eat was the pork so they even brought me out my own seperate plate with steamed rice, chicken, and fish. Everything I tried was amazing, I didn't get sick, they had bottomless mai tais, and even the show was phenomenal. I would definitely go again!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was blown away by their service. Despite there being hundreds of guests, they greeted me upon arrival and walked me through the buffet. They absolutely understood celiac. mahalo!

So fun!!!!! Great evening out in Kauai! Shredded pork was so good and everything was clearly marked. Guava salad dressing was addictive. Everyone was so nice. I will definitely be back!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

SO amazing! My husband and I went in August 2015. We were pretty nervous because it's buffet style. We talked to the people when we entered, and not only did the owner personally take us through the line to make sure we knew what was safe, he let us go first, so no cross contamination, and made sure meat was specially prepared just for us, so it wasn't even on the line. Mahalo!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

this was a great place. everyone was friendly and all the food was labeled with gluten free, or if it contained eggs,nuts etc... very allergy friendly.

I called ahead and told them about my celiacs, they prepared a plate just for me, was awesome and they also let me go first in their buffet before anyone could cross contaminate it. all the food is labeled in their buffet for allergies. by far the best service and attention to detail. just got to ask for James or Ingred when you get there and they set it up for you. don't forget to call ahead though if not you might not get a plate made just for you.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My rating is for the food and handling of GF - they did an awesome job with it. Before the day, they sent an email listing what I could eat on the buffet and letting me know they would ensure we had a plate brought out of gluten free items to compliment what I could get on the buffet. Honestly, I was stuffed just from the buffet food because the pork was so good!! They really did an awesome job with the GF options. As to the show...that was not my cup of tea.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

we booked online which gave us the same discount as aaa. by doing it a few days in advance, and putting the soy and gluten allergy in the notes, they called us and clarified was it one or both of us,because they make a white rice and grilled chicken and fish that are safe, then I could still get whatever I wanted off the buffet, pork, fruit, sweet potatoes,salad were all safe, unless you're one who is worried about what they may have grabbed with the tongs. they told me who to talk to when we sat down, and when she saw me come back from buffet line, she brought my dinner, nice and warm still!

This place was fantastic. We contacted them prior to booking our reservation and they emailed us a menu of all the gluten free items they offer. They told us to let them know upon arrival that we have gluten allergies and they would take care of the rest. One of the hostesses walked us through the buffet line prior to the food service and let us know the gf option available. We were each also given a plate with rice, fish, chicken and stir fry vegetables that were all prepared gluten free. The extra plate and all the food we were able to eat from the buffet were delicious. We were able to enjoy a great meal and no one got sick....it was wonderful!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I ate here before I had to go gluten free and it was great. Went again this year. ..I have more than gluten as health issues. We requested gluten free on our reservation. They called the night before our reservation to discuss the food. They told me that I would get a special plate as well as the luau since most of the food was not gluten free. They served fish and chicken on a plate of plain rice. I also had the pork, salad, and fresh fruit for dessert. The food was better than I remember.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Best Luau food on the island! Food isn't labeled GF but the staff is so caring that they will walk you through the buffet and point out what is GF.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place was amazing!! I called before I made the reservation to make sure they could accommodate a Celiac. They were more than willing to make my food however I needed. I then received an email letting me know who to contact when I arrived to go over my needs. I then received a phone call to let me know who my server would be and more instructions on who to contact an etc... When we arrived the hostess knew I was a celiac when we checked in and gave me more directions on who to contact. When we found Kemekee he showed me the buffet and knew everything that was GF and not. When I explained how sensitive I was and how some of the food was next to gluten, he had the kitchen prepare my food....I was assigned a server named James and he would bring me whatever I wanted...they went over the top to make sure my experience was top notch...I can not say enough good about this place!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes