7 Best Big Island Luaus by Resort Location (2026)
The Island of Hawaii (Big Island) has many luaus to choose from, a bit overwhelming if you ask me. Let us share the top luaus on the Big Island so you can pick the right one for your vacation. After living in Hawaii for five years, we have the pleasure (and disappointment) of attending a lot of luaus!
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Activity Overview
We have made going to Big Island luaus a tradition on our recent trips to Hawaii. In August, we visited the Mauna Kea Luau and The Sunset Luau in Waikoloa. Our expectations are high as we review these luaus for your Hawaii vacation.
A Polynesian luau is a dinner show at its finest. You should be awed by the dancing, entertained by the MC, captivated by the stories, and satisfied by the delicious food.
Since a luau may be your most expensive dinner out on the Big Island, let us help you choose from the best Big Island luaus. You can book your luau with confidence and ease using our booking links below. We earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for being so supportive!
Jordan’s Quick Take on Big Island Luaus: The production value and experience at Big Island luaus are hard to beat. We share seven luaus; that is a lot. Erica and I do this so you can pick a luau near your resort. Save time driving and enjoy a night near your Airbnb or hotel. You can’t go wrong with this list!
Want to cut to the chase? Here are quick links to the best Big Island luaus. All of these are excellent.
1. Luau at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort (full review), general and premium seating. Running since the 60s, this luau has an excellent buffet and location, and it’s worth the luxury price. Price: $256
2. Hawai’i Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid, Sat evening (some Wednesdays), best family luau. Price: $214
3. Sunset Luau on A-Bay is a great location at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. It has an open bar, excellent buffet, great sunset spot, and free parking for those staying at the Waikoloa Hilton Village or Waikoloa vacation rentals. Read our full review here: Waikoloa Sunset Luau Review. Price: $209
4. Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast: Check calendar for availability. Price: $230
5. Island Breeze Luau in downtown Kailua-Kona at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. Sun, Tue, & Thu. Price: $183 for ‘Ohana Package
6. Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort in downtown Kailua-Kona: Mon, Tue, Wed, & Fri. Price: $190
7. Feast and Fire Luau at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort, Mon & Thu. Price: $185 for general and $225 for premium. Open bar at a great price. Very authentic luau!
Aloha! I’m Jordan,
Co-founder of The Hawai’i Vacation Guide with my wife Erica. After living on both Maui and Oʻahu, we’ve turned our passion for the islands into a resource that cuts through the tourist noise. We share genuine experiences—from snorkeling spots to hikes—and connect travelers with authentic Hawaiian culture and ʻāina (land). Our mission is simple: make your Hawaiian adventure both seamless and meaningful.
Thanks for joining us on the journey—aloha and happy travels!
Best Big Island Luau Video
We’ve visited luaus on each island to bring you the best! We cover Big Island luaus at the 17:30 mark in the video below.
We share more Big Island luau review videos down below.
Kohala Coast Luaus
These Big Island luaus are located on the Kohala Coast. If you’re staying in Waikoloa or one of the many fine resorts and vacation rentals along this coast, these luaus will be a short drive.
The luau at Mauna Kea is the furthest north. It is 10 miles (17 minutes) from Waikoloa Beach and 33 miles (40 minutes) from downtown Kailua-Kona.
1. Lū‘au at 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 its traditional Hawaiian food and the intimate setting. You will hear ancient Hawaiian stories mixed with Polynesian dancing. They have both general seating tickets and premium seating tickets.
We attended this luau in August, 2026. What set it apart from other Big Island luaus was the luau dinner. We caught a chef picking local herbs in the hotel’s garden before dinner. They grilled fresh steak, had numerous tables with fresh fish and seafood, and had something for everyone.
The show and sunset location were excellent, too. If you’re staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, book this luau early! Our drawback is that, for the premium price, we would expect an open bar. But open bars are rare for a Big Island luau!
Read our full review here: Mauna Kea Luau Review.
Highlights include:
- Table-service
- Traditional, gourmet Hawaiian cuisine
- Sunset at Kauna’oa Beach
- Complimentary mai tai and hosted bar
Why we love this luau: the secluded location on the point with banyan, kiawa, and monkeypod trees overhead, the excellent live band, the sunset view, and #1 was the food! The price tag and lack of an open bar are disappointing.
- Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (click for directions)
- Length: 3 hours
- Days Available: Tuesdays and Fridays
- Price: starting at $256
2. Hawai’i Loa Lū‘au at Fairmont Orchid
Also located on the Kohala Coast (but not as far up as the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel) is the Hawai’i Loa Lu’au at the Fairmont Orchid. This luau is known as the best family luau on the island.
This Polynesian luau is all about the story. Follow a family from Tahiti as they journey to Hawaii, with the lively beat of the toere drum. The luau is popular for its smaller venue, excellent food, and Samoan fire dancers, who are always a hit.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Open bar, but can get long lines and limited drink options
- Traditional hula dancing to live music
- Traditional Hawaiian food plus local favorites
- Play traditional games before the show
Why we love this luau: The luau is well-regarded for its dancers’ and entertainers’ performances. We recommend you arrive early, as the Fairmont Orchid is a beautiful resort on a lovely part of the coast.
- Location: Fairmont Orchid (click for directions)
- Length: 2 to 3 hours
- Days Available: Wednesday and Saturday
- Price: starting at $214
3. Sunset Luau at Waikoloa Marriott Resort
Conveniently located at the Waikoloa Marriott Resort (see our full hotel review here), the Sunset Luau is the luau to book for jaw-dropping sunsets over A-Bay. The open bar, great food, and fire knife dancing have put this luau on our list.
We attended this luau in August of 2026. We enjoyed staying at the Marriott Waikoloa, so we’ll be back!
It has the best location of any luau we’ve done on this island, a live band and an MC who genuinely made us laugh, and an open bar, which is rare for a Big Island luau. We sat in General seating and never once wished we’d paid for Premier.
A big reason why we share this luau is the location. The luau is at Waikoloa Resorts, near the area’s best beach. Driving, or taking a taxi or Uber, to this luau is convenient for those staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Mauna Lani Resort by Auberge, or in vacation rentals in Waikoloa. They have free parking for luau guests!
Read our full review here: Waikoloa Beach Sunset Luau Review.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet, which was delicious!
- Open bar from doors open to 7:00 PM
- Traditional hula dancing and fire knife dancing
- Traditional Hawaiian food plus local favorites. A kids’ menu is available.
- Premium tickets include a lei greeting, front-row seating, first access to the buffet, and a special dessert.
Details for the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott:
- Location: Waikoloa Marriott on A-Bay (click for directions)
- Length: 3.5 hours
- Days Available: Monday and Wednesday only!
- Price: $209 for general seating and $261 for premium seating
4. Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani Resort
We are big fans of the Mauna Lani Resort, as featured in our review video here. If you’re staying at the resort or a vacation rental in Mauna Lani, this luau is for you!
This is another Island Breeze Productions luau, so you can expect excellent performers, an original show, and great food.
The biggest downside is that this luau is only available on Friday nights. Seasonally, they also offer Monday nights. I hope you’re visiting the Mauna Lani on Fridays.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Lei greeting with all tickets
- Complimentary drinks with an Ohana Package (standard)
- Open bar with the Ali’i Package (premium)
- Traditional hula dancing and fire knife dancing
- Traditional Hawaiian food plus local favorites
Details for Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani:
- Location: Mauna Lani Resort (click for directions)
- Length: 3.5 hours
- 5:30 pm – Check-In Begins
- 5:45 pm – Preliminary Activities
- 6:00 pm – Dinner Service
- 7:00 pm Hale Hoaloha Performance Begins
- Days Available: Friday and seasonally on Mondays
- Price: $220 for the Ohana Package and $270 for the Ali’i Package
Learn more and shop the two ticket prices at the button below.
Keep exploring the Kohala Coast:
- Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island
- The 15 Best Things To Do In Waikoloa
- Stargazing on the Kohala Coast
Kona Area Luaus
We feel the luaus around Kailua-Kona are the most classic on the island. Plus, they are conveniently located in Kailua-Kona or just south at the Outrigger Kona Resort. The Outrigger Kona Resort is 7.5 miles or 15 minutes south of downtown Kailua-Kona.
5. Island Breeze Luau in Downtown Kona
Located in downtown Kailua-Kona on the beautiful Kamakahonu Beach, He ‘Ohana Kakou luau is a favorite Polynesian luau for the whole family. The luau features a Royal Court presentation that we thoroughly enjoyed.
We attended this luau in February of 2024.
The history, location on sacred Hawaiian ground, and storytelling were our favorite parts of this luau.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet and full bar
- Open bar
- Fire-knife dancing finale
Why we love it: The Kailua-Kona location is convenient, the cove setting is spectacular, and the open bar is included. They did an excellent job with the performance, and the buffet was diverse. They even had a kid section with burgers and mac and cheese.
- Location: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (click for directions)
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Days Available: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Price: $183 for the ‘Ohana Package and $220 for the Ali’i Package
6. Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at Royal Kona Resort
Located at the Royal Kona Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is best known for its traditional Hawaiian hula dancing and spectacular Samoan fire-knife dancing climax. Hear stories of how 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 Kailua Bay location and the show make this luau popular. A common review is that the food doesn’t match the quality of the show.
- Location: Royal Kona Hotel (click for directions)
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Days Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Price: $191 for general and $239 for VIP Admission
7. Feast and Fire Luau at the Kona Outrigger
A relatively new luau, the Feast and Fire Luau is located at the Outrigger Kona Resort. The luau excels as an authentic luau that highlights traditional Hawaiian lei making and activities.
This luau is rare as it includes an open bar. Most Big Island luaus are cash bars with a complimentary drink on arrival.
Although it’s new, it has earned strong reviews and awards from 2022 to 2026, especially for its outdoor setting. But if it rains, you’ll be moved to an indoor location that isn’t nearly as magical. They have a large on-site conference center.
The menu features slow-cooked Kalua pork, taro rolls & sweet butter garnished with Hawaiian alea’a sea salt, and fresh local fish. Malasadas for dessert! Enjoy a local Portuguese favorite: sugar and cinnamon-dusted malasadas.
The luau and dinner show offers a full bar with beer, wine, and our signature Mai Tais.
Highlights include:
- Pre-luau activities with Hawaiian craft demonstrations and hula lessons
- Open bar with beer, wine, and mai tais
- 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. This is a wonderfully authentic luau on a gorgeous property.
- Location: Outrigger Kona Resort (click for directions)
- Length: 2-3 hours
- Days Available: Monday and Thursday
- Price: $185 for general seating and $225 for preferred seating
Keep exploring Kailua-Kona:
The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go)
Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Tried and Tested: The 6 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel (or Dive) in Kona
Big Island Luau FAQs
Are the luaus outside?
Yes, rain or shine, all these luaus are outdoors in the beautiful Hawaii weather. They will continue with the show if the rains come, so be mentally prepared. They do their best to keep you comfortable. The only exception is the Feast and Fire Luau as noted above.
Are luaus worth it on the Island of Hawaii?
It depends on your expectations. Luaus can be a great experience, 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 to 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 just to 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. Given the high price, they expect better food. 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 for the steep cost and don’t care much about entertainment, a luau might not be the right activity for you. But don’t worry, we’ve included some alternatives below.
What is the best Big Island luau for families?
While all luaus on the Big Island are family-friendly, one stands out. The Hawai’iloa Lū‘au at Fairmont Orchid is a great show for kids. The activities before the show are great, the outdoor location is beautiful, fire-knife dancing is always a hit, and the price point is decent, all making this a great family-friendly luau.
Is it better to go to a luau on the Big Island or Oahu?
While both islands have great luaus, the Big Island is the better option. You can find a good luau that is conveniently located near your vacation rental or resort, so you don’t have to travel too far.
While Oahu has excellent luaus, some of the best are located away from where most people stay, so you’ll need to spend extra time and effort getting to and from your luau. For example, Toa Luau is incredible, but it’s located on the North Shore of the island. If you’re staying in Waikiki, the drive to the luau will take you approximately an hour. Same with the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is located on the North Shore, so it is a 60-minute drive away.
Check out the list of our favorite luaus on Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands.
What to Expect at a Big Island Luau
A luau has two main components: the feast and the entertainment. Most luaus follow the same format: arrival and pre-show entertainment, a dinner (buffet, family-style, or plated), and the main luau show.
Luaus typically last 2-3 hours.
Traditional Luau Food
Luau food includes traditional Polynesian crops and dishes introduced by missionaries, whalers, and plantation workers from all over the world. For example, a luau will always include poke, poi (pounded taro root), kalua pork, Lomi lomi salmon, and lau lau.
One of our favorite parts is the unearthing of the kalua 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 a Hawaiian one. It is fun to see the various dances from each Polynesian nation. But some luaus, like the Old Lahaina Luau, are strictly Hawaiian in dancing, food, and storytelling.
Big Island Luau Alternatives
If you are a first-time Hawaii visitor and can’t get into a luau, we say don’t sweat it. Below is a list of alternative cultural and entertainment activities. For a deeper cultural experience, try one or more of the following activities:
- Take a Hawaiian outrigger canoe ride
- Visit a museum, like the Pacific Tsunami Museum (Hilo) or Hulihe’e Palace (Kona)
- Hula dancing lessons are available at resorts and at shopping centers.
- Hula shows are available for free at most malls and outlet centers.
- National Historical Parks like Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
If you are interested in our other favorite Big Island activities, check out our full list of Big Island tours & activities. From a private waterfall swim to manta ray night snorkeling, we cover the best of the best.
Get The Big Island Itinerary
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Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).
