Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
When we lived on Oahu we lived a short walk away from a very popular luau. Whenever visitors were in town, we’d book tickets, head over, and enjoy the buffet food and mai tai drinks. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about the best luaus in Hawaii.
We have gotten to see firsthand the varying levels of quality and experience you can receive.
If you’re eager to enjoy a luau, we have a list of the best luaus in Hawaii, which will hopefully be worth your time and your money.
Whether it’s your 1st or 21st time visiting Hawaii, we have some great resources for you!
– Never been? No problem, plan your trip like a pro with our first timer’s guide
– Use our Where to Stay database for the best resorts and vacation rentals
– Figure out if you’ll need a rental car and where to book with our recommendations
– Find more amazing tours and activities on the island you choose.
Lūʻau Facts
Before we get into the list of the best luaus in Hawaii, here are some facts that will help you understand what to expect at a luau and decide whether it’s the best Hawaii Experience for you.
History of the Lūʻau
Before the 19th century, the kapu system was in place which was a set of religious laws and restrictions on society. Kapu translates to forbidden or set aside as sacred. A luau in the modern sense was not possible as men and women were forbidden to dine together. Also, women were not allowed to eat certain Hawaiian dishes like reef fish, pork, or bananas.
Ancient Hawaiian feasts of celebration were called aha’aina. These were focused on traditions and ceremonies and observed the kapu system. These special occasions were a large part of Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures for centuries.
In 1819, King Kamehameha II ended the kapu system. To celebrate the end of the system, he held a large aha’aina with men and women to eat and celebrate.
The word luau (lou-ow) translates to young taro tops. Luau was a traditional dish served at aha’aina celebrations and consisted of chicken or squid baked in coconut milk or taro. By 1850, the word came to mean the celebration as it was served at the feast.
The modern-day luau has been influenced by advertisers to include more of a focus on eating traditional Hawaiian food and dancing and less on ceremony like aha’aina. But, you will hear some beautiful Hawaiian chants at a modern luau.
If you’re curious about the Hawaiian language, check out our article on pidgin phrases!
What to Expect at a Lūʻau
There are two main components of a luau: the feast and the entertainment. Most luaus follow the same format, which includes arrival and pre-show entertainment, a dinner (buffet, family style, or plated), and then the main luau show. Luaus typically last 2-3 hours, though we’ve included one on our list that is a full-day affair.
Traditional luau food
Luau food includes traditional Polynesian canoe crops and new dishes brought by missionaries, whalers, and plantation workers from all over the world. For example, a luau will always include poke, poi, kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and lau lau. Learn more here about these dishes.
One of our favorite parts is the unearthing of the pig from the imu (underground oven).
Luau entertainment
On the entertainment front, most luaus feature dancing from a mix of Polynesian islands. Fire-knife dancing is a Samoan tradition, not Hawaiian. It is fun to see the various dancing from each Polynesian nation. But some luaus, like the Old Lahaina Luau, is strictly Hawaiian in dancing, food, and storytelling.
Here are luau traits to pay attention to when booking.
- Price – luaus range from $115 to $280 plus taxes and fees. Most luaus will cost you $180 per person.
- Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing – if you want to see fire dancing, then check out a Polynesian show.
- Food – the more expensive luaus will be table service with some showcasing a chef’s skill. Larger luaus will be buffet service.
- Drinks and co*cktails – in our experience, table service luaus include an open bar with co*cktails, beers, and wine. Large luaus will include drink tickets and a cash bar. Expect long lines at the bar for large luaus.
- Location – beachfront, sunset views, small grass lawn at your resort, amphitheater performance at a luau venue, parking lot at a waterpark are all possible locations to choose from.
- Activities – partake in coconut husking, a hula lesson, lei making, spear throwing, and other cultural activities before or during the dinner show. The large luaus typically include a fun assortment of activities for you and your kids.
Related articles:
How to Wear a Lei
Hawaiian Waikiki Catamaran Sail: Better Than a Luau
The 24 Best Beaches in Hawaii: Your Beach Bucket List
What to Wear to a Lūʻau
Luaus don’t have dress codes but this is a celebratory affair! Take the chance to dress up in something festive. Don an aloha shirt if you have one or just come in your vacation wear best. This is a great night and you’ll be taking a lot of pictures, so make this fun.
Be sure to add a luau outfit to your packing list!
How Much Does a Hawaiian Lūʻau Cost?
Luaus typically cost between $100 and $300, which includes your food, drinks, and entertainment. Alcoholic beverages may be an additional cost, depending on the luau you select. This price does not include gratuity, which is very much appreciated by the servers and bartenders.
Is a Lūʻau Worth Visiting?
It depends on what your expectations are. Luaus can be a great experience that is a memorable part of your vacation. Or, they can be a disappointment and something you wish you hadn’t done. But the key is to know what you expect and what you’ll enjoy.
If you go to Vegas for the shows, then a luau is up your alley so find your type and book early! If you’re not worried about the price and want to just enjoy an evening show, you’ll probably love a luau.
But if you’re on the fence, here are some reasons most people end up feeling disappointed. For the high price, they expect that the food will be better. But these luaus cater to 100+ people, often buffet style, and include traditional dishes, so this probably won’t be the best meal you have on the island. If you expect a gourmet meal with an expensive ticket price and you don’t care as much about the entertainment, a luau might not be the right activity for you. But don’t worry, we’ve included some alternatives at the end of this article.
Want to browse some of the other best activities on the islands? We have you covered with .
The Best Luaus in Hawaii
Read on for the best luaus in Hawaii, organized by island. But first, a quick note on pricing: we didn’t include prices here as we’ve seen prices surge and change pretty frequently. We’ll update prices regularly, but the price listed here may vary slightly from the current purchase price.
Best Lūʻaus on Maui
Explore these 4 luaus on Maui to find the right one for you. See our 5 Best Maui Lauas for more details and a bonus luau.
Old Lahaina
Unofficially thought of as the best luau on Maui, Old Lahaina Luau delivers pretty much everything you could hope for in a luau. Located on the beach in historic Lahaina, Old Lahaina Luau has a spectacular location for its sunset show.
We are excited that they have opened again after the Lahaina Fire.
Highlights include:
- Five-course menu including imu roasted pork, Maui style fish, BBQ chicken
- Seating choice of table and chairs or traditional seating
- Premium open bar
- Flower lei and tropical drink greeting
Why we love it: The location of this show can’t be beaten. Combined with the good food and pre-show activities, this luau is a big luau experience with a small, intimate feel.
Location: Lahaina, Maui
Length: 3 hours
Price: $230
Tales of the Kapa Moe
Another option on West Maui is Tales of the Kapa Moe, located at the Ritz-Carlton Maui in Kapalua. This luau shares stories of some Gods and goddesses of Hawaii, told from a historical and ancestral perspective.
Highlights include:
- VIP and standard Ohana seating available
- Buffet style with a wide range of options: build your own poke bar, keiki buffet, dessert station, and vegetarian/vegan/GF meals can be prepared if you mention it in your booking.
- Drinks, gratuity, and service charges are included in the price
- Free self parking at the Ritz-Carlton
Why we love it: the Ritz-Carlton excels at providing an authentic Hawaiian experience thanks to their Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Nae’ole.
Location: Kapalua, Maui
Length: 3 hours
Price: $249
The Feast at Mokapu
Located at the Andaz Hotel, it is hard to find fault with this luau. It’s a premium price (possibly the most expensive on Maui), but they do provide an exceptional experience. There are fun activities before the luau begins and then you settle in for the show. Somehow, it all feels very intimate. One thing to note is that they do mixed reservations at the tables, so you won’t be dining with your party alone.
Highlights:
- Premium and classic seating available
- Unlimited bar for both ticket levels
- Complimentary photo
- Beachfront
- Pre-luau activities like fake tattoos and lei making
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a luxury luau, this one is really special. The location at the Andaz hotel is magical, even after the sun goes down. While you’re at a hotel, this somehow adds to and enhances the vibe of the evening.
Location: The Andaz Hotel, Wailea
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: $280 for standard seating
Te Au Moana Wailea Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a beautiful location, exceptional service, no buffet lines, and more, this luxury luau in Wailea has you covered. The Wailea Beach Resort really does create a special atmosphere on a lawn overlooking the ocean. Food is served family style and the show is staged with a stunning sunset backdrop. One thing to note is that they do mixed reservations at the tables, so you won’t be dining with your party alone.
Highlights:
- Premium and standard seating available (5 and under are free!)
- 3 course meal, family style so no buffet line to wait in!
- Excellent ocean-view location
- Open-bar
- Pig roast in an underground oven (emu)
Why we love it: This is a premium priced luau and it actually feels premium. The location, size, service, and food are top notch.
Location: Wailea Beach Resort, Wailea
Length: 3.5 hours
Price: $240 for standard and $275 for premium
Keep planning: Maui Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Maui, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. Maui is a wonderful island for families!
Best Lūʻaus on Oahu
Toa Luau
Coming on the scene in 2021, Toa Luau has become one of the best luaus on Oahu. And a great price. Located in Waimea Valley on Oahu’s north shore, you can experience fun Hawaiian activities like games and coconut husking and then sit back for the excellent show and good food. This luau is good for families as they have a 1:00 PM show so you can get back to Waikiki before bedtime.
Choose from three luau packages and show times (1 PM and 5 PM). Tickets include drink tickets and then a cash bar.
Highlights include:
- Cultural activities
- Entrance to Waimea Valley Botanical Garden and waterfall swim included
- Kava ceremony (traditional Polynesian drink)
Why we love it: Waimea Valley alone is worth a visit so the location. The activities and Polynesian show make this one a lot of fun for the family.
Location: Waimea Valley, North Shore Oahu
Length: 3 hours
Price: starting at $115 for the 1 PM show
Chief’s Luau
This is the big fire dancing show on Oahu brought to you by World Fire Knife Dancer Chief Sielu. Chief’s Luau is popular for the entertaining MC. Laughs, fire-knife dancing, and dancing are all top-notch in this Polynesian show.
This luau has the drawback of being located 45 minutes west of Waikiki at a waterpark. But transportation options are available and don’t let the waterpark scene ruin your experience. The food is also not as good as other Oahu luaus.
Highlights include:
- Fire-knife dancing
- Kukui nut lei greeting
- Gates open at 5 PM for interactive Hawaiian activities
- All-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet
Why we love it: This luau is a fan favorite for its production quality. This is one of the few luaus where the jokes and story-telling are as entertaining as the dancing.
Location: Kapolei, Oahu
Length: approximately 4 hours
Price: starting at $148
Polynesian Cultural Center
If you search for a luau on Oahu, the first one that always gets mentioned is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a popular favorite for a reason. This isn’t just a luau, it’s a full-day experience. You can spend the day enjoying activities in the six Polynesian Island villages. After that, head to your luau and have dinner. Then, end your day with the evening show. You can purchase tickets for one part of the day or all three, it’s your choice!
Highlights:
- A full day of activities in six different Polynesian Island villages (ex: basket making, bow and arrow shooting, fake tattoos)
- A separate luau and buffet dinner and the food is quite good – Ali’i Luau vs Gateway Buffet: How to Decide
- An evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 performers
Why we love it: We were skeptical when we first arrived (it can feel a little like Disneyland), but this was truly an immersive day. You can spend the entire afternoon enjoying cultural activities and then opt to stay for the luau and evening show. The food is great and plentiful and everyone is exceptionally friendly! You can read our full review of the Polynesian Cultural Center here!
Location: Laie, Hawaii
Length: 8.5 hours
Price: starting at $195 for the Ali’i Luau
Book the Polynesian Cultural Center
Queens Waikiki Luau
This is a solid recommendation for anyone who wants to experience a luau without having to leave Waikiki. While it’s not a luxury luau (it’s located in the middle of the International Marketplace Mall), the price reflects that. But the service, entertainment, and experience are great. Plus, you can choose to upgrade to front row seats if you want to be closer to the action or get a better deal by choosing a table in the back. You won’t get a sunset view but you will have a great night out.
Highlights:
- Convenient location in the middle of Waikiki at the International Marketplace
- 3 ticket levels based on seating location, number of drinks included, and lei type
- Fireknife dancing
Why we like it: If you are looking for a budget-friendly luau option without leaving Waikiki, this is the one for you. Plus, you usually don’t have to book out weeks or months in advance like you do with many of the other luaus in Hawaii.
Location: International Marketplace
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: starting at $109
Keep planning: Oahu Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Oahu, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. Plus you can plan an Oahu visit without a car!
Best Lūʻaus on the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island)
Welcome to the best luaus on the Big Island. Here are our three favorites but we have three more for you in our 6 Best Big Island Luau review. Find the right one for you based on location, price, and highlights.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Drive up the Kohala Coast to the luau on the jaw-dropping Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach. The Mauna Kea Resort luau is popular for the traditional Hawaiian food and the intimate setting. You will hear ancient Hawaiian stories mixed with Polynesian dancing.
Highlights include:
- Table-service
- Traditional, gourmet Hawaiian cuisine
- Sunset at Kauna’oa Beach
- Complimentary mai tai
Why we love this luau: the beach location and food are excellent here. The price tag and lack of an open bar is disappointing.
Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast of the Big Island
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: starting at $130 for the show only
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
Located at the Royal Kona Hotel, Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is best known for its traditional Hawaiian hula dancing and spectacular Samoan fire-knife dancing climax. Take in stories of how the Polynesians set out to discover the islands of the Pacific.
Highlights include
- All-you-can-eat buffet and full bar
- Oceanfront seating overlooking Kailua Bay
- Fire-knife dancing finale
Why we love it: The location on Kailua Bay and the show make this a popular luau. A common review is that the food taste doesn’t match the quality of the show.
Location: Royal Kona Hotel, Kailua-Kona
Length: 3 hours
Price: $170
Feast and Fire Luau
A newer luau to the scene, the Feast and Fire Luau is located at the Kona Outrigger Resort. Though it’s new, it has garnered some great reviews, especially for it’s outdoor location. But in the event of rain, you’ll be moved to an inside location that isn’t nearly as magical.
Highlights include:
- Pre-luau activities with Hawaiian craft demonstrations and hula lessons
- Open bar with beer, wine, and mai tai’s
- Private and general seating available
- Buffet dinner
- Fire dancing
Why we love it: if you’re not big on sharing a table with people you don’t know, the private seating option here is key.
Location: Kona Outrigger Resort
Length: 2-3 hours
Price: $165 for general seating
Keep planning: Big Island Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to the Big Island, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. The Big Island is known for amazing coffee tours!
Best Kauai Lūʻaus
Smith’s Garden Luau
50 years ago, Grandpa started the Smith Family Garden Luau. The whole family gets involved to share recipes on the gorgeous grounds of the Wailua River Valley. This luau has 4.7-star review on Google which is the highest we have seen. They must be doing something right with their traditional Hawaiian buffet and hula show.
Highlights include:
- The Rhythm of Aloha Show
- Buffet luau dinner
- Shell lei greeting
- Narrated tram ride across 30 acres on the sacred Wailua River Valley
- Tickets for children and teenagers are heavily discounted!
Why we love it: this is a great way to visit the beautiful Wailua River Valley during the day and see the grounds come alive with torches and hula show.
Location: Wailua River, Kapa’a
Length: 3 hours
Price: $140
Kilohana Plantation – Luau Kalamaku
Luau Kalamaku centers on a theatrical show of a family voyaging across the Pacific from Tahiti to Hawaii. Located in a large outdoor pavilion, the theater show with Tahitian drumming, Samoan fire dancing, and Hawaiian hula make for an immersive experience.
Highlights include:
- Open bar and full buffet
- Theatrical luau
- Explore 60-acre plantation
- Fire dancers and fire poi ball twirlers
Why we love it: The plantation grounds where the luau is located are beautiful and Henry loved going on the plantation train ride.
Location: Lihue, Kauai
Length: approximately 3 hours
Price: starting at $159
‘Auli’i Luau
Located on one of the best beaches on Kauai, the ‘Auli’i Luau aims to produce a show as spectacular as its background. The native Kauaian strives for authenticity in the performance which is held 2-3 nights per week.
Highlights:
- Beachfront location on spectacular Poipu Beach
- The choreographer and director is a native of Kauai
- Online waitlist makes signing up easy
- Premier and standard seating are available (premier is closer to the stage with a separate entrance line)
- Open bar and buffet dinner
- Fire-knife dancing
- Shared tables so you’ll be sitting with other attendees if your party doesn’t fill a table
- Note: the booking link below is for standard tickets only. If you’re interested in premium seating, please get in touch with the luau directly. Thanks for booking via our site as it helps us write more reviews!
Why we love it: Poipu Beach is a spectacular setting, so it makes this luau feel incredibly special. And having a native Kauaian as a choreographer and director is pretty incredible.
Location: Sheraton Kauai, Poipu
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: $190 for standard seating
Keep planning: Kauai Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Kauai, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. You’ll love Kauai’s food trucks!
Lūʻau Alternatives
If you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii and you can’t get into a luau, we say don’t sweat it. We have a list below of alternative cultural and entertainment activities. For a deeper cultural experience, try one or more of the following activities:
- Hawaiian outrigger canoe ride
- Guided tours from local guides are a great way to learn local culture, history, and island life. Explore our favorite guided tours here: Hawaii’s Best Tours
- Visit a museum – Bishop Museum (Oahu), Maui Historical Society (Maui), Hawai’i Museum of Contemporary Art (Big Island), and Kauai Museum to name a few
- Traditional Hawaiian food can be found at some restaurants and on many resort menus. Waiahole Poi Factory or Ohana Grill on Oahu are two of our favorites.
- Heiau (temple) – national historical parks are all over the islands with the Big Island having the most. Visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau for a well-preserved example of Hawaiian temples and history.
- Hula dancing lessons are available at resorts and at shopping centers.
- Hula shows are available at most malls and outlet centers for free. We love going to the Shops at Wailea for free shows on Maui. During our Oahu trip, we visited the Royal Hawaiian Center most evenings for the free show.
Here are 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience if you’re looking for more inspiration. You can even try these Hawaii volunteer programs.
Free Download!
Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!
We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!
where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.
Love this list? Save it for later and follow us on Pinterest for more!
