Complete guide to luaus on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
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| Guide Series: Hawaii Luau Guide |
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Headed to O'ahu? Then a luau should be on your to do list! Not sure what a luau is exactly, then be sure to read What Is A Luau. We'll cover all of the basics there including the different types of luaus, what type of food you can expect, and even how to handle Tipping. In this guide, we'll show you all of the major luaus on the island of O'ahu.
Paradise Cove is located in the Ko Olina Resort, right next to the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and a very short walk from Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa. For other places in Ko Olina, it's a short ride on the complementary resort shuttle if you don't want to walk. This is one of few luaus not on the property of a resort hotel (though it's still within the master resort property of Ko Olina).
It's hard to believe that Germaine's has been in this spot, right next to Barbers Point Beach Park, since 1976 (they started at Sea Life Park Hawaii a few years earlier). Back then, the west side of O'ahu wasn't developed at all like it is today.
Even today, the only major resort in this area is the Ko Olina Resort. So how did Germaine's survive for decades without a hotel attached to it? Simple, they put on a good show. Many say that this luau feels more authentic than those at a resort. If you're looking for that famous Aloha Spirit, don't mind the drive (or using a shuttle service), and want something off the beaten path then this is a good option for sure. More at: Germaine's Luau
A mega resort like the Waikiki Starlight Luau should have a luau to match, and it does. This is probably Waikiki's (see Waikiki Guide) most popular luau. This is a good bet for anyone staying in the Waikiki area as you can walk here, take TheBus, or call a cab (or uber, etc) if needed. It's an open air luau (as most are but in Waikiki that's a bit harder to find) and includes Hula, fire knife dancing, food, and games like the pineapple toss and conch shell blowing challenge. More at: Waikiki Starlight Luau
Pre show entertainment includes games for the keiki (kids), canoe rides on their beach (which is Lanikuhonua (Paradise Cove) Beach and not a private beach), spear throwing challenges, and more. The show itself is pretty standard and very good. This is a great option for anyone staying in the Ko Olina Resort but they also bus people in from Waikiki. More at: Paradise Cove Luau
The Ali'i Luau is located inside the Polynesian Cultural Center and a good option if you plan to spend a full day at the PCC (and you should). The show is a good mix of Hawaiian history and culture with modern day fun and food. It's hard to recommend this show if you're not planning a day at the PCC because it's a bit of a drive from most hotels on the island. But if you do go, you'll also want to stay for Ha: Breath Of Life. More at: Ali'i Luau Buffet
Chief Sielu Avea heads up the cast at this popular dinner show. What was once located at Sea Life Park Hawaii is now permanently located at Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii in the city of Kapolei on Oahu's west side. Chief is a popular character and has been entertaining guest for decades now. Although a waterpark seems like an odd location, this gives those on the west side more luau choices than ever before. Guests staying at the Ko Olina Resort are just a 5 minute drive away. More at: Chief's Luau
This luau and dinner show is located at the Waikiki Aquarium on the southeast end of Waikiki (see Waikiki Guide). This family friendly luau focuses on cultural activities such as Hula lessons, lei making, weaving, ukulele lessons, tattoo, and more. More at: Diamond Head Luau
Ka Wa'a is a luau located at Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa and is a good show for those staying at this amazing resort. It's surprising to think that when Aulani opened they didn't have a luau at all. The closest was the (now closed) Aulani Starlit Hui but that wasn't a traditional luau and dinner. For years the best option for Aulani guests was the Paradise Cove Luau a short walk across the street but Disney decided to do its own thing (which was probably not a great day for the Paradise Cove Luau people).
Expect the usual luau items of a modern luau with some Disney twists. While pretty much all luaus are family friendly, expect this one to be the most family friendly of them all. If you're a fan of all things Disney, this is your luau. More at: Ka Wa'a - A Luau at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aha Aina means gathering for a meal and this one is held every Monday evening on the Ocean Lawn of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort with Royal-Moana Beach @ Waikiki and the scenic Diamond Head State Monument as a background. More at: Ahaaina, a Royal Celebration
This one is a traditional Hawaiian style luau with a magical twist and dinner located at the Waikiki Beachcomber By Outrigger. The show was created by Merlin Award-winning illusionist John Hirokawa, and offers guests a night of stunning illusions, dramatic special effects, amazing sleight-of-hand and professionally choreographed Polynesian entertainment. More at: Magic of Polynesia Dinner Show
The Ka Moana luau and dinner buffet is located at Sea Life Park Hawaii and features an award winning production and show along with hands on experiences with lei making, Hula lessons, coconut headband weaving, and ukulele lessons. More at: Ka Moana Luau
Legends in Concert Rock-a-Hula is a family friendly, live musical show and concert experience. It's hosted at the Royal Hawaiian Theater at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. You can purchase tickets for just the show or for the show and buffet dinner. More at: Legends in Concert Rock-a-Hula
The Hale Koa Luau is a Hawaiian style luau show and dinner at the Hale Koa Hotel (Military Hotel) but is for military people only. The Hale Koa Hotel (Military Hotel) is an Armed Forces Recreation Center so all events require a valid Active / Retired U.S. Military / DoD ID card or sponsor to attend. This open air show is located outside in their dedicated Luau Garden, enveloped in lush, tropical foliage and set under the stars. Come early to enjoy their pre-luau activities, watch a coconut tree climber, see the poi ball swingers, or craft your own lei or wreath. More at: Hale Koa Luau
This luau show and dinner is located at Waimea Valley on the north shore of O'ahu. Luau highlights include Hawaiian cultural presentations, a delicious luau buffet dinner, and a spectacular Polynesian show. Your luau ticket even includes same-day admission to Waimea Valley so be sure to arrive early to enjoy the gardens and see Waimea waterfall. More at: Toa Luau
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