Luaus are a celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The stories, songs, and dances seen at the shows also incorporate the traditions of Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and more.
The word “luau” refers to a gathering, or feast. In its simplest form, a luau could be a backyard barbecue. However, in Hawai‘i tourism, they manifest themselves as a cultural show, with audiences of various sizes. All include storytelling and dancing (such as hula and fire-dancing), an all-you-can-eat buffet (centered around a pig roast), and some sort of bar arrangement (sometimes open, sometimes cash). Audience participation is often a part as well.
Table of contents
- What is the best Luau for … (adults, families, food, etc.)
- List of ALL Luaus on O‘ahu
- What to expect from a Luau
- Luau tips or how to pick the right Luau
- Free hula performances
Table of Contents
- What is the best Luau for … (adults, families, food, etc.)
- List of ALL Luaus on O‘ahu
- What to expect from a Luau
- Luau tips or how to pick the right Luau
- Free hula performances
What is the best luau for…
To help you on your way we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Luaus on Oʻahu below:
The Queens Waikiki Luau is currently the most affordable luau on Oʻahu, with prices for adults starting at $109/person. The Toa Luau is a good second because it offers free entrance to the Waimea Valley botanical gardens while costing only a few $USD more.
The Diamond Head Farm to Table Luau has a (very healthy!) obsession for fresh and local ingredients, making its food offerings the best among the local Luaus.
Chief’s Luau is a great choice for adults because of the quality of the show and the food.
Both the Luaus at Germaine’s and at Paradise Cove have wonderful coastal locations making for great (sunset) photo opportunities.
Chief’s Luau features a combination of cultural knowledge, fire-knife dancing, and emcee skills for a reasonable price, making it a great value (but not the cheapest) Luau.
The Ka Waa Luau at Disney’s Aulani Resort is a great family Luau because it incorporates a lot of pre-luau cultural activities for kids – lei making and poi making among them – and like all Disney productions, the production value is top notch and the focus is on the storytelling and characters.
List of Luau shows on O‘ahu
There are many luaus that take place around O‘ahu. Big picture, they’re very similar; yet each has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, we break down what you can expect.
| Name | Availability | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief’s Luau | Wednesday + Sunday | Kapolei | $140 to $224 |
| Toa Luau | Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. | Waimea Valley | $135 to $195 |
| Aha Aina Luau | Monday + Thursday | Royal Hawaiian Hotel | $240 to $260 |
| Aliʻi Luau | Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., Sat. | Polynesian CC | $140 to $190 |
| Paradise Cove Luau | 7 days/week | Koolina | $150 to $240 |
| Germaine’s Luau | Tue., Wed. Thu., Fri., Sat. | Barber’s Point | $156 to $198 |
| Ka Waʻa Lua | Wednesday + Saturday | Disney’s Aulani Resort | $175 to $204 |
| Waikīkī Starlight Luau | Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Sun. | Hilton Hawaiian Village | $185 to $225 |
| Ka Moana Luau | All days except Saturday | Aloha Tower | $129 to $199 |
| Queens Waikiki Luau | Tue., Thu., Sat., Sun. | Waikiki, Honolulu | $109 to $149 |
| Farm-to-Table Luau | Mon., Wed., Fri. | Waikīkī | $189 to $249 |
| Mauka Warriors Luau | Sun., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri. | Kapolei | $139 to $199 |
Chief’s Luau
Chief’s Luau might have received the most international attention of any luau in Hawai‘i. Headed by the infamous Chief Sielu Avea, it has been filmed for shows on the Oprah Winfrey Network, Comedy Central, and Oxygen. Chief’s combination of cultural knowledge, fire-knife dancing, and emcee skills result in a lot of fanfare.
When? Sunday and Wednesday
Where? Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawai‘i (Kapolei)
Shuttle available? Yes.
Price Range: $140 (basic) to $224 (royal package)
Website: Chief’s Luau.
Toa Luau
The Toa Luau is a family-run and (relatively) small operation which operates in Waimea Valley on the North Shore. This means that, even thought they are a bit far from Honolulu, the setting of the show is gorgeous.
When? Monday, Wednesday (all year); Tuesday (June to August); Friday (January to May)
Where? Waimea Valley (the North Shore)
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $135 (silver) to $195 (VIP)
Booking website: Toa Luau or see below
Combine with: entry to the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens is included with the Luau ticket, so try showing up a few hours early to explore the botanical garden and, if you feel like it, to take a swim under the waterfall towards the back of the gardens.
Video: The following testimonial uploaded by the Toa Luau themselves showcases some of the cultural activities organized together with a glowing review:
Aha Aina Luau
Though it is one of the most expensive luaus, it’s reflected in the quality of the food, service, and entertainment. Its venue, the Royal Hawaiian, was the second hotel ever built in Waikīkī, all the way back in 1927, so the Aha Aina takes its history and culture seriously. A smaller audience puts you closer to the show, and the open bar doesn’t hurt either.
When? Monday and Thursday
Where? Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $240 (regular) to $260 (premium)
Website: Aha Aina Luau
Aliʻi Luau
Run by the Polynesian Culture Center (PCC), the Aliʻi Luau offers some of the highest quality performance and production quality. There are trade-offs, though:
- The Polynesian Cultural Center is about an hour’s drive from Waikīkī, so it makes sense only when combined with a longer visit to PCC.
- There is no alcohol served at PCC, as it is run by the Mormon Church.
When? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Where? Polynesian Cultural Center
Shuttle available? Yes.
Price Range: $140 (basic) to $190 (including transport from Waikiki hotels)
Website: Aliʻi Luau
Video: You can get a good impression of the experience with this video for the Aliʻi Luau made by the Polynesian Cultural Center:
Paradise Cove Luau
It’s a little bit of a drive – 45 minutes from Waikīkī – but Paradise Cove’s oceanfront location on the west side of the island puts you in prime position for the sunset. Paradise Cove tends to be a more mellow experience, with romance and relaxing taking center stage.
When? Everyday.
Where? Koolina
Shuttle Available? Yes
Price Range: $150 (basic) to $240 (deluxe)
Website: Paradise Cove Luau
Video: the following review by Youtube user Peter Von Panda gives a good overview of the whole Paradise Luau experience:
Germaine’s Luau
Another west side luau, Germaine’s venue has a small beach on its premise that makes for a wonderful sunset and great photo opportunities, especially if you’ve dressed up for the occasion. High energy, it’s all about having fun at Germaine’s.
When? Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Where? Barber’s Point
Shuttle Available? Yes
Price Range: $156 (basic) to $198 (deluxe)
Website: Germaine’s Luau
Ka Waʻa Luau
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly environment, look no farther than the Ka Waʻa Luau at Disney’s Aulani Resort. The show incorporates a lot of pre-luau cultural activities for kids – lei making and poi making among them – and like all Disney productions, the production value is top notch and the focus is on the storytelling and characters.
When? Wednesday and Saturday
Where? Disney’s Aulani Resort
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $175 (basic) to $204 (VIP)
Website: Ka Waʻa Luau
Video: The following video by the Disney Parks Blog introduces the Luau and highlights some of the delicious menu items:
Waikīkī Starlight Luau
Set on a rooftop, the Starlight Luau is unique in that you are surrounded by the tall buildings of Waikīkī as you watch the show, which some city-lovers may find magical.
When? Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Where? Hilton Hawaiian Village
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $185 (general, called “golden circle”) to $225 (premier)
Booking website: Waikīkī Starlight Luau
Ka Moana Luau
Ka Moana features the beautiful scenery of the Windward Side, held across from the Makapuʻu Lighthouse on the mountainside in Waimanalo. It’s been applauded for its dancing and showmanship; however, because it’s on the east side, there’s more risk of rain than the shows in Waikīkī or on the west side.
When? All days except Saturday.
Where? Sea Life Park (Waimanalo)
Shuttle Available? Yes.
Price Range: $129 (classic) to $199 (celebrity)
Website: Ka Moana Luau
Video: The following video gives an impression of the Ka Moana Luau through short interviews with the staff and some luau highlights:
Queens Waikiki Luau
Queens Waikiki Luau is very conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki at the International Market Place. It offers what you would expect from a luau show: pre-dinner cultural activities, local food, and a polynesian show including fireknife dancers.
When? Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Where? The International Marketplace in Waikiki, Honolulu
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $109 (back row seating) to $149 (front row seating)
Booking website: Queens Waikiki Luau.
Diamond Head Farm to Table Luau
Known for sourcing its food locally, the Diamond Head Luau combines a great location along the water near Kapiolani Park with a smaller audience and an obsession for fresh ingredients in its food.
When? Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday
Where? Adjacent to Waikīkī Aquarium
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $189 (regular) to $249 (premium)
Website: Diamond Head Farm to Table Luau
Video: The following promotional video made by the Diamond Head Luau shows some of the highlights of their Luau (including fire dancers!).
Mauka Warriors Luau
Like most luau shows on Oʻahu the Mauka Warriors Luau has everything you would expect: food, dancing, and music, plus something extra: a focus on Hawaii’s forgotten battle history, warrior culture, and martial arts. They teach ancient martial arts during the pre-dinner cultural activities and incorporate bits of history and battle reenactments throughout the evening performance.
When? Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Where? Coral Crater Adventure Park (Kapolei).
Shuttle Available? Yes. Complimentary round-trip shuttle service is available from select Koolina locations. Round-trip shuttle service is available from select Waikiki locations for $30 per person.
Price Range: $139 (general) to $199 (premier)
Booking website: Mauka Warriors Luau
Video: The following promotional video made by the Mauka Warriors Luau shows several luau highlights:
What to Expect From a Luau on Oʻahu
Attending a modern-day luau is a one-of-a-kind, fun, entertaining, and delicious experience that celebrates Hawai‘i. What better way to learn about the Hawaiian and Polynesian people in good company? There are however a few things that are good to know about attending a luau:
1: A Luau typically lasts two and a half to three hours
Prior to dinner and the show, smaller, family-friendly cultural demonstrations, crafts, and games occur on the luau grounds, so families should arrive early to let the little ones partake. Most luaus will also feature an imu (underground oven) ceremony and conclude with fire-dancing, so try not to leave early!
2: Luaus usually accommodate a couple hundred people
Which means that you’ll most likely be sharing a table with strangers. Premium packages that include preferred seating get you closer to the stage, but not your own table.
3: Prices for most luaus will be more than $100 a person
Premium tickets will cost more. Child tickets are (ballpark) three quarters the price of an adult ticket.
4: Parking may not be included in the price of the ticket
So make sure to factor the price of parking into your decision if cost is important to you. Some Luaus offer shuttle transportation to and from Waikīkī.
5: Most luaus offer both basic and premium seating/packages
And some go as far to offer “drinks only” tickets. Premium seating typically includes extras, like a lei greeting and a priority buffet line. Check with each luau for what their basic and premium tickets offer.
Related: Luau shows on Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island
Lūʻaus are so typical to Hawaiʻi that you can find them on any of the main islands. If you are also visiting other islands and would rather visit a Luau there, you should have a look at the following guides for our recommendations:
Things to consider when choosing a Luau
Luaus vary in size, but most accommodate a couple hundred people. What distinguishes one from the other is the quality of the dancing, the cultural integrity, the setting, and the food.
Before choosing which luau to attend, consider what you want to get out of the experience. Are you looking for the one with the best dancing and cultural integrity, or are you more interested in one that’s on the beach, during the sunset, with an open bar?
Many luaus land somewhere in between, but being honest about what you want will help you narrow down the field. Below, we provide a rundown of the luaus on O‘ahu.
Free Hula Performances
Hula is a form of dance that is accompanies by a chant or song. Hula was first developed here on the Hawaiian islands and is a way of story telling: hula dancers portray the words being sung/chanted with a complex hand motions and a graceful dance motions.
Written language did not exist in Hawaii before contact with the western world and hula played an important role in keeping history, genealogy, mythology, and culture, alive. Dancing hula was a way to express culture and had an important place in society. Nowadays hula has become a worldwide symbol for Hawaii culture, and visitors can enjoy Hula performances while they are visiting our Hawaiian islands – as part of a luau or at one of the following free locations:
- The Kilohana Hula Show (website) all days except Friday and Saturday at 9:30-10:30am in the Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater in Kapi‘olani Park.
- O Nā Lani sunset stories (website) in the International Market Place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6-6:45pm in the International Marketplace central courtyard.
- Hula Kahiko (website) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 5:30-6:30pm in the Royal Hawaiian Center central courtyard.
- Kū Haʻaheo (website) on Tuesdays at 4:30-6:00 pm in the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza – called “Kū Haʻaheo”