Oʻahu has about a dozen luaus right now, and they run from roughly $115 a head at a Toa Luau matinee up to $254 for Aha Aina at the Royal Hawaiian. They are not the same show at different price points. The buffet, the fire-knife dancing, the production polish, and the drive all change depending on which one you pick. The right choice comes down to who you are bringing and what you want the night to feel like.
Most run about 2.5 to 3 hours, with pre-show cultural activities, a buffet, and hula before the fire-knife finale, so the differences sit in the details. Ka Waʻa at Aulani is the easiest one to bring young kids to. The Polynesian Cultural Center has the strongest production, if you will trade alcohol and a long North Shore drive for it. Sort out your priorities first, then match the luau to them.
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 Toa Luau matinee is the cheapest way in, with adult Silver seats from $115, and the ticket includes entry to the Waimea Valley botanical gardens. Germaine’s Makai package on the west side is close behind at $128. The Queens Waikiki Luau, long the budget pick at $109, now starts at $139.
The Diamond Head Luau Feast is built around a multi-course, locally sourced menu, which makes its food the standout among Oʻahu luaus.
Chief’s Luau is a great choice for adults because of the quality of the show and the food.
Germaine’s sits on a small private beach near Barber’s Point, and with Paradise Cove now closed it is the west-side sunset pick for photos.
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.
Prices, details, and map locations below last verified June 2026.
| Name | Price | Availability | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Mauka Warriors Luau (Details ↓) | from $83 (show only) | Sun, Tue to Fri | Kapolei |
| 2Toa Luau (Details ↓) | $115 to $195 | Mon, Wed (seasonal Tue/Fri) | Waimea Valley, North Shore |
| 3Germaine's Luau (Details ↓) | $128 to $242 | Tue to Sat | Barber's Point (west) |
| 4Ka Moana Luau (Details ↓) | $129 to $199 | Sun to Fri | Aloha Tower, Honolulu |
| 5Queens Waikiki Luau (Details ↓) | $139 to $169 | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | International Market Place, Waikīkī |
| 6Chief's Luau (Details ↓) | $152 to $244 | Sun, Wed | Kapolei |
| 7Ka Waʻa Luau (Details ↓) | $175 to $204 | Wed, Sat | Disney's Aulani, Ko Olina |
| 8Waikīkī Starlight Luau (Details ↓) | $185 to $225 | Sun, Tue, Thu (+ Fri firework) | Hilton Hawaiian Village |
| 9Diamond Head Luau Feast (Details ↓) | $189 to $249 | Tue | Aloha Tower, Honolulu |
| 10Aliʻi Luau (Details ↓) | $198 to $294 | Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat | Polynesian Cultural Center, Lāʻie |
| 11Aha Aina Luau (Details ↓) | $254 to $280 | Mon, Thu | Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikīkī |
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: $152 (Aloha) to $240 (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: $115 (Silver, 12:30pm matinee) to $195 (VIP, 5pm show). The matinee is the cheapest adult luau ticket on the island.
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: $254 (regular) to $280 (premium); a premium-seating upgrade runs $25 more
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: $197.95 (Aliʻi Lūʻau Package, gold seating) to $293.95 (Super Ambassador, platinum seating). Waikīkī transport is a separate add-on, not bundled into the base price.
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 (permanently closed)
Paradise Cove closed for good on December 31, 2025, after 47 years on the Ko Olina coast. It was the west side’s classic sunset luau, more mellow and romance-focused than the big production shows. For a similar oceanfront-sunset feel now, Germaine’s near Barber’s Point is the closest match.
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: $128 (Makai) to $242 (Plumeria); round-trip transport from Waikīkī is $35 per person
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
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, Tuesday, and Thursday (doors 5:30pm), plus a separate Friday Firework Luau on the Great Lawn
Where? Hilton Hawaiian Village
Shuttle Available? No.
Price Range: $126 (show only sesating) to $295 (premier)
Booking website: Waikīkī Starlight Luau
Ka Moana Luau
Ka Moana now runs at Aloha Tower on Honolulu’s downtown waterfront, having moved from its old Sea Life Park home in Waimanalo. The oceanfront setting and the dancing draw consistent praise, and the central location makes it an easy add-on to a day in town.
When? Every day except Saturday, doors at 5pm.
Where? Aloha Tower, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu
Shuttle Available? Yes. Parking: valet $10/car.
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: $139 (back row seating) to $169 (front row seating)
Booking website: Queens Waikiki Luau.
Diamond Head Luau Feast
The Diamond Head luau left its Waikīkī Aquarium home and reopened at Aloha Tower as the Diamond Head Luau Feast, a smaller, food-forward show built around a multi-course, locally sourced menu. It now runs one night a week.
When? Tuesdays only
Where? Aloha Tower, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu
Shuttle Available? Transport add-on offered at booking.
Price Range: $189 (regular) to $249 (premium)
Website: Diamond Head Luau Feast
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: from about $83 (show only) to $146 (general seating) to $199 (premier seating)
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
The word luau means feast, and a modern Oʻahu show delivers on it: an all-you-can-eat buffet built around a pig roast, an open or cash bar, hula, fire-knife dancing, and hands-on cultural activities, usually packed into about three hours. The stories and dances borrow from Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and beyond, not just Hawaiʻi. A few things are worth knowing before you book:
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: Most luaus now run $115 or more per adult
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”