If you are traveling to Hawaii, you have to consider having dinner at a luau.
Your trip to Hawaii will be even more memorable with moments that fully represent Hawaii and Polynesia.
Some of those luaus are held in Waikiki, so you can just walk there and get fully immersed in one of the most “Hawaiian” things on your trip.
Here are some of the places where you can experience the best luaus in Oahu, so pick the one that is most suitable for your trip.
- Best Luaus in Waikiki / Honolulu
- Best Luaus in North Shore
- Best Luaus in Leeward Coast
- Best Luaus in Windward Coast
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Best Luaus in Waikiki / Honolulu
| Waikiki Starlight Luau | Aha’aina | Queens Waikiki Luau | Diamond Head Luau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Hilton Hawaiian Village | The Royal Hawaiian Hotel | International Market Place | Waikiki Aquarium |
| Venue Type | Open Air Grass Surface | Open Air Grass Surface | Semi Open Air Grass Surface | Open Air Grass Surface |
| When | Sun-Thu 17:30-20:15 | Mon 17:30 – 20:00 | Sun, Tue, Sat 17:00 – 20:00 | Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri 17:30 – 20: 00 |
| Pricing | Adult: $170 – Child: $110 – Infant: Free | Adult: $200 – Child: $149 – Young Child: $20 – Lap Child: Free | Adult: $107 – Child: $87 – Infant: Free | Adult: $159 – Youth: $139 – Child: $89 – Lap Child: Free |
A typical luau can last for 2-3 hours including pre-show activities, and you might be like many of us who want to save as much time as possible for all the other activities you have planned.
Fortunately, there are a few luaus within Waikiki, including the one at International Market Place that just started this year.
Hilton Hawaiian Village – Waikiki Starlight Luau
The first one of the list is “Waikiki Starlight Luau” at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Conveniently located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, I would say this luau currently has the best buffet of all luaus in Waikiki.
This luau is held every Sunday to Thursday night on the Great Lawn of the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village – located off of the lagoon. The Polynesian show named “Voyage Across the South Seas” is their program.
Venue – Open Air/Lawn
This luau used to be held at a rooftop of the Mid-Pacific Conference Center in the resort, but not moved its location to the Great Lawn, right by the lagoon.
At the sunset, you get a good view of the luau as the sky turns orange with silhouette of palm trees by the lagoon and the ocean.
Pre-show Activities
Before the show, you can enjoy various cultural activities such as lei-making and Polynesian tattoo, so you can be immersed into “Hawaii”.
You will be taught dance and poi-ball, and have some fun while they have a hula contest with customers going up to the stage.
Food
In addition to traditional Hawaiian cuisine, there are also extensive international foods such as fried rice and sushi rolls.
Above all, it is always nice to have a good Luau within Waikiki, without taking much time to commute.
Pricing
- Golden Circle Seating – Adult: $170, Child: $110, Infant: Free
- Diamond Premiere Seating – Adult: $210, Child: $150, Infant: Free
| When | Sun-Thu 17:30 – 20:15 |
| Access | 2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| More Info | Hilton Hawaiian Village – Waikiki Starlight Luau |
| Reservation | Waikiki Starlight Luau – showclix |
The Royal Hawaiian – Aha’aina
If you want to avoid a long commute, but still want to enjoy a nice view, Aha Aina at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel might be the one for you.
It is a little expensive compared to other luaus, with price ranging up to $200+, but you can stay in Waikiki and enjoy high quality entertainment with the ocean and the Diamond Head in the background.
Venue – Open Air/Lawn
This luau is held at the Ocean Lawn and pays homage to “Helumoa”, the land now beneath the resort, which was the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty.
Having a luau right in from of the sea of Waikiki with Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach in the background sounds like a perfect way to celebrate your vacation in Waikiki, doesn’t it?
Pre-show Activities
The pre-show consists of traditional Hawaiian time-honored activities such as kapa-making (cloth made of pounded bark), poi-pounding, and na lawai’a (tending of fishing tools).
Food
They currently serve three course meal, not a buffet which is popular among other luaus. It is a bummer that you cannot fully enjoy the feast of typical Hawaiian Luau.
Pricing
- Standard: Adult – $200, Child: $149, Young Child: $20, Lap Child: Free
- Premium: Adult – $220, Child: $169, Young Child: $20, Lap Child: Free
| When | 17:30 – 20:00 Every Monday |
| Access | 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| More Info | Aha Aina Luau Official |
| Reservation | Aha’aina by The Royal Hawaiian |
International Market Place – Queens Waikiki Luau
Conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki, the International Market Place offers a luau called “Queens Waikiki Luau”.
This is one of, if not the most affordable luau on the island charging only $107 for the back row seating.
Venue – Semi Open Air/Lawn
As I just said, this luau is held inside the International Market Place’s Queen’s Court.
I know what you are thinking. “Yeah yeah, a luau inside a shopping center. It’s a mini-luau.”
No. It is a full-fledged luau show with interactive cultural activities, traditional Hawaiian food, and lots of performances that lasts for 3 hours.
Yes, fire knife dance inside a shopping center.
Pre-show Activities
Through their interactive activities, you can learn to twirl fire knives, use flower pom poms and poi balls, and they do a great job at keeping everybody involved in the activities and feels a part of the show.
Food
Their buffet menu covers all the must-eat luau menu like Kalua Pork, BBQ Chicken, and Lomi Lomi Salmon and desserts like Coconut Cakes, and Fresh Pineapples.
This luau just started this year, but is a great option as it is one of the few luaus you can conveniently access within Waikiki.
Pricing
- Back Row Seating – Adult: $107, Child: $87, Infant: Free
- Middle Row Seating – Adult: $127, Child: $107, Infant: Free
- Front Row Seating – Adult: $157, Child: $137, Infant: Free
| When | Sun, Tue, Sat 17:00 – 20:00 |
| Access | 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| More Info | Queens Waikiki Luau Official |
| Reservation | Admission to Queens Waikiki Luau |
Waikiki Aquarium – Diamond Head Luau (Temporarily Closed)
“Diamond Head Luau” (also referred to as “King’s Luau”) is a luau show held in the ocean front courtyard of Waikiki Aquarium at the end of Waikiki.
This luau also offers Hawaiian cultural experiences through activities like hula lessons, ukulele lessons, lei-making, and Polynesian tattoos.
You can see the sunset over the Waikiki ocean, and a relaxing time colors the night on the beautiful island of Oahu.
It is also a unique advantage of this particular luau that you can visit the aquarium before the show.
Pricing
- Adult: $159
- Youth: $139
- Child: $89
- Lap Child: Free
| When | Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri 17:30 – 20:00 (Temporarily Closed) |
| Access | 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| More Info | Diamond Head Luau Official |
| Reservation | Diamond Head Luau Official |
| Transportation | Available |
Best Luaus in North Shore
| Ali’i Luau and Hā: Breath of Life show | Toa Luau | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Polynesian Cultural Center | Waimea Valley |
| Venue Type | Semi Open Air Concrete Floor | Semi Open Air Grass Surface |
| When | Mon-Sat 17:00 – 21:00 | Mon, Tue, Wed 17:00 – 20:30 |
| Pricing | Adult: $184.95 – Child: $147.96 – Young Child: Free | Adult: $115 – Child: $95 – Young Child: Free |
In north shore, the most famous luau is the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Combined with the night show “HA: Breath of Life”, Ali’i Luau is easily the biggest, most sophisticated cultural entertainment on the island.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Ali’i Luau
Hā: Breath of Life show
The Polynesian Cultural Center near the North Shore offers one of Hawaii’s most famous luaus and the largest Polynesian show on the island.
The quality in performance, food, and venue is top-notch. Some people say that PCC luau is touristy, but I would say it is sophisticated and professional.
Full-day Experience
Unlike any other luau packages in this article, Ali’i Luau and the Breath of Life night show comes with a full-day experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center. To be more precise, you get free 3-day pass to the “villages” in the center.
It is a lot more than a few activities you go around and try for some 30 minutes, so you can check out this article if you are interested.
▶︎ Food and Shows! A Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Venue – Semi Open Air/Concrete Floor
The luau and the night show have dedicated venues for each, free of wind, rain and noise.
Both venues are built like an amphitheater, where the seats get higher the further you get, allowing everyone to have good views of the stage.
Food
Food is great with lots of variety, and comes with a free, delicious, non-alcohol Pina Colada smoothie served in a real pineapple. Alcohol is not served inside the center.
Show
The “Ali’i Luau”, focuses on the works of Queen Liliuokalani, including the famous “Aloha ‘Oe”. Good thing about this Hawaii-centered show is that you get to enjoy variety of hula and Hawaiian music throughout the show.
“HA: Breath of Life” show that follows Ali’i Luau is where you see other Polynesian dances and fire knife dance. This show is performed by more than 100 casts, and no other show on the island takes place in a large theater that can hold 2,700 people.
You can learn more about Ali’i Luau in this article.
Pricing
- Ali’i Luau Package – Adult: $184.95, Child:$147.96, Young Child: Free
- Super Ambassador Luau Package – Adult: $242.95, Child:$194.36, Young Child: Free
| When | Mon-Sat 17:00 – 21:00 |
| Access | 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762 |
| Official Website | Luau & Diner Options |
| Packages | Polynesian Cultural Center Official |
| Transportation | Available |
Waimea Valley – Toa Luau
Up on the North Shore, a family-owned luau called “Toa Luau” is held in Waimea Valley.
Toa Luau has everything you need from a luau, but it is also intimate, interactive, and friendly. Many people say this luau is more authentic than other luaus.
Venue – Semi Open Air/Lawn
Its location, Waimea Valley, is one of the things that make Toa Luau unique.
Due to its lush valleys, abundant resources, free-flowing streams and geographic location, Waimea Valley was home to many people of the Kahuna class (experts in their field of study) throughout history.
The show is held under a covered pavilion, so you don’t have to worry about rain.
The tickets to the luau also includes admission to Waimea Valley. So it is recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours before your luau check-in to explore the valley, Waimea Falls and the botanical gardens.
Pre-show Activities
You can enjoy the cultural activities and traditional demonstration of Umu and Kava ceremony.
Food
The food is all-you-can-eat, but is not a buffet. Instead of you having to go get food, staff will bring the plates for you, which is very convenient.
Pricing
- Silver – Adult: $115, Child: $95, Young Child: Free
- Gold – Adult: $145, Child: $125, Young Child: Free
- VIP – Adult: $175, Child: $145, Young Child: Free
| When | Mon, Tue, Wed 17:00 – 20:30 |
| Access | 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| More Info | Toa Luau Official |
| Reservation | Toa Luau at Waimea Valley |
Best Luaus in Leeward Coast
| Paradise Cove Luau | Ka Wa’a Luau | Chief’s Luau | Germaine’s Luau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Ko Olina Resorts | Aulani Resort | Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii | — |
| Venue Type | Open Air Sand | Open Air Lawn | Open Air Grass Surface | Open Air Sand |
| When | Everyday 17:00 – 21:00 | Everyday 17:00 – 21:00 | Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 17:30 – 20:30 | Tue-Sun 17:30 – 21:30 |
| Pricing | Adult: $125 – Youth: $105 – Child: $90 – Young Child: Free | Adult: $179 – Child: $99 – Infant: Free | Adult: $155 – Youth: $135 – Child: $110 – Infant: Free | Adult: $135 – Junior: $115 – Child: $95 – Young Child: Free |
In leeward coast, or around the “Ko Olina” area on the southwest side of the island, there are a few luau options too.
Most popular ones would be the ones at Ko Olina resort and Aulani resort.
Ko Olina Resorts – Paradise Cove Luau
Paradise Cove Luau is held at Ko Olina Resort on the west side of Oahu, 40 minutes by shuttle bus from Waikiki.
This luau is one of the largest in the luau show on the island and is very popular.
Venue – Open Air/Sand
The Paradise Cove’s venue is located right by the water of Kau’la Bay.
It is pretty nice that they can afford to host all these activities outdoor, which can be very difficult in the luaus, for example, in Waikiki area.
Since it is on the west side of the island, you will be enjoying the pre-show activities and the actual show while the sun is setting behind the main stage.
Pre-show Activities
During the pre-show, you can learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian lei, get temporary Polynesian tatoos, or test your skills at Hawaiian games like spear throwing and dart sliding.
They also have demonstration of climbing palm trees and traditional underground oven cooking, and you can learn the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii in the “Hukilau on the Beach” activity.
Food
Ticket includes complimentary Mai Tai Punch (alcohol or non-alcohol).
If you just want to try luau food but are not sure if you will like it, don’t worry. In addition to traditional luau food, they have some American food options like fried chicken, salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad, corn, etc.
Pricing
- Hawaiian Luau Package – Adult: $125, Youth: $105, Child: $90, $Young Child: Free
- Orchid Luau Package – Adult: $150, Youth: $135, Child $110, $Young Child: Free
- Deluxe Luau Package – Adult: $210, Youth: $185, Child: $160, $Young Child: Free
| When | Everyday 17:00 – 21:00 |
| Access | 92-1089 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| More Info | Paradise Cove Luau Official |
| Reservation | Paradise Cove Luau |
| Transportation | Available |
Comparison with Aulani Luau
Compared to the Ka Wa’a luau held at the Aulani Resort which is just 10-minute walk away, this one is considered more traditional with more pre-show activities, and has a better venue right by the beach with no tall buildings around.
Aulani Resort – Ka Wa’a Luau
In Ko Olina area, Aulani the Disney Resort also offers their luau called “Ka Wa’a”.
The “Ka Wa’a” luau features the legends and lore of ancient Hawaii, and tells the story of the canoe voyage of ancient explorers who reached the shores of Ko Olina.
As you already know, Disney is no stranger to great storytelling and entertainment.
Venue – Open Air/Lawn
Hālāwai Lawn in the Aulani Resort is the venue for this luau. It is a well-maintained lawn right outside of Ewa tower, so it is very convenient if you are staying at Aulani, and you don’t have to get worried about getting your feet sandy.
Pre-show Activities
There are also pre-show activities including traditional arts such as flower arranging and paʻi ai taro pounding, so you can have some fun even before the 3-hour Disney-quality entertainment.
Food
The luau comes with a three-course plated bento dinner featuring Hawaiian favorites like pulled pork, island fish, steak and chicken, rice and taro, and a plated trio of desserts.
Although having bento instead of a buffet is one of the measures that this resort took due to the special occasion under COVID-19, people who have visited seem to be satisfied with the good food in the 2 compartment bento box and the desserts.
They also have allergy-free options, and sign language interpretation (call (844) 284-7644)
Pricing
- General Seating – Adult: $179, Child: $99, Infant: Free
- Preferred Seating – Adult: $199, Child: $119, Infant: Free
| When | Everyday 17:00 – 21:00 |
| Access | 92-1185 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| More Info | KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa |
| Reservation | KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa |
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii – Chief’s Luau
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is popular for water attractions such as a flowing pool and water slide.
A luau show is also held here, surrounded by towering cliffs and the blue sea. The MC by world-renowned Polynesian entertainer Chief Ciel is very popular.
A demonstration of ignition and a dance experience with customers on stage will be exciting.
Of course, you can also experience Hawaiian activities such as hair bands and tattoos made from palm leaves.
Pricing
- Paradise Experience – Adult: $155, Youth: $135, Child: $110, Infant: Free
- Royal Experience – Adult: $195, Youth: $165, Child: $155, Infant: Free
| When | Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 17:30 – 20:30 |
| Access | 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795 |
| More Info | Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii – Chief’s Luau |
| Transportation | Available |
| Reservation | Chief’s Luau |
Germaine’s Luau
Germaine’s Luau boasts a 40-year history, taking good care of good old Hawaii.
This luau, which was selected as the best luau in the United States, is one of the luau that has the most local vibes.
The shuttle bus guide is very cozy, but the excitement of the show is at the highest level.
Of course you can enjoy it without problems even if you are not a native English speaker.
Venue – Open Air/Sand
Germaine’s Luau is held at a dedicated open air venue right by the ocean.
Pricing
- The Original Luau Package – Adult: $135, Junior: $115, Child: $95, Young Child: Free
- Plumeria Luau Package – Adult: $175, Junior: $150, Child: $140, Young Child: Free
| When | Tue-Sun 17:30 – 21:30 |
| Access | 91-119 Olai St, Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| More Info | Germaine’s Luau |
| Transportation | Available |
| Reservation | Germaine’s Luau |
Best Luaus in Windward Coast
Sealife Park – Ka Moana Luau
Sea Life Park is famous for activities like playing and swimming with dolphins, but the luau show that takes place after the park closes is also popular. This is also one of the few luaus held on the beach.
Luau admission also includes admission to Sea Life Park which is valid for 1 year.
Venue – Open Air/Lawn
A great location surrounded by the sea and mountains gives you a different side of Hawaii than the popular tourist spots you might always see.
Pre-show Activities
At this luau also, you can also make palm leaf headbands, experience hula and ukulele lessons, and watch the traditional luau classic, the Imu ceremony.
Pricing
- Moana Classic – Adult: $129, Youth: $109, Child: $89, Lap Child: Free
- Moana Splash – Adult: $149, Youth: $129, Child: $109, Lap Child: Free
- Moana Celebrity – Adult: $199, Youth: $179, Child: $159, Lap Child: Free
| When | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 17:00 – 21:00 |
| Access | 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795 |
| More Info | Ka Moana Luau Official |
| Reservation | Ka Moana Luau |
| Transportation | Available Parking also available for $10 (cash only) |