A luau is a wonderful introduction to Hawaiian culture and a great enhancement to your vacation to the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii has a long and beautiful tradition of welcoming visitors to the islands, and you will feel the spirit of hospitality when you attend a luau. Listen to authentic Hawaiian music, watch a hula performance, and try the delicious local food. Whichever island you go to, be sure to check out the very best luaus in the area.
Best Luau In Hawaii On Each Island
Oahu
Aha’aina
Located at the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Aha’aina (a feast of food, mele (song), and hula) is their weekly open-air luau that includes a buffet dinner, hula dancing, and music show. It is the only oceanfront luau in Waikiki Beach and pays homage to Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty that the hotel is located on. Feast at several food stations that include a Poi and Poke section, island fruits, salads, Hui Hui grill, Kiawe wood, aboveground Kalua big carving station, and dessert. The luau takes place every Monday from 5:30pm to 8:00pm and consists of three acts: a welcome, the feast, and storytelling.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
Paradise Cove
Guests are greeted with tropical Mai Tai drinks and traditional Hawaiian music before strolling through the Hawaiian Village to participate in various games, arts and crafts. After the Shower of the Flowers, where tree-climbers shake palm trees until flowers fall down, guests are invited to feast off an extensive menu that combines traditional Hawaiian dishes and more contemporary, modern eats. As the sunset approaches, an ensemble of award-winning performers entertains with an unforgettable display of Polynesian songs and dances.
Address: 92-1089 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, Hawaii
Maui
Old Lahaina Luau
The most popular luau in Maui, Old Lahaina Luau starts with a lei greeting followed by island crafts and demonstrations that include Imu earthing of the Hawaiian underground oven, poi pounding and kapa making. Tropical drinks are served throughout the evening, and guests feast on a generous buffet of traditional Hawaiian foods such as taro wrapped pork, chicken long rice, and Lomi Lomi salmon. The evening ends with an award-winning production of legendary music and hula that takes visitors on a journey through the history of Hawaii and its people.
Address: 1251 Front Street, Lahaina, Hawaii
Kauai
Smith Family Garden Luau
Located on a lush 30-acre botanical garden with fruit orchards, bamboo forests, peacocks and walking paths, the Smith Family Garden Luau has hosted visitors for over 50 years. The experience includes a deluxe feast, hula dancing, Tahitian drum dances, and a fiery Samoan fire knife dance. A complimentary shuttle service is available from hotels and condos located in the Wailua area.
Address: 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Hawaii
Aulii Luau at Sheraton Kauai Resort
Kauai’s only oceanfront luau, the Aulii Luau at the Kauai Sheraton features a Polynesian buffet and traditional dancers accompanied by a beautiful Hawaiian sunset and tiki torches. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian songs that tell stories about the natural beauty, history, and gods of the islands, while dining on a premium menu that includes Kalua pig, taro rolls, steamed sticky rice, and local style potato macaroni salad. Located on Kauai’s Poipu Beach, this luau offers visitors lush foliage, beautiful ocean views, and cool trade winds with occasional rainbows.
Address: 2440 Hoonani Road, Koloa, Hawaii
Big Island (Hawaii)
Island Breeze Luau
Located on the newly renovated oceanfront grounds of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Island Breeze Luau offers guests a torch-lit evening of Hawaiian cuisine, drinks, authentic Polynesian activities, and fun-filled performances. The evening starts with a lei greeting and picture taking, followed by a choice of activities that include weaving coconut fronds, learning how to open coconuts, hula, and getting a Polynesian tattoo. While indulging in an elaborate Hawaiian buffet, attendees will be entertained by Fijian and Maori war dances, hula dancing, and a Samoan Fire knife dancer. Luaus take place on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights.
Address: 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.