The 6 Best Big Island Luaus by Location (2023)
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
Expectations are high when you book a night out for a luau. 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.
As a luau may be your most expensive dinner out on the Big Island, let us help you pick the best Big Island luau for you. 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 your support!
Before we dive in, a quick note on pricing. We include prices here but we’ve experienced prices change often in the past year. We’ll update prices regularly, but the price listed here may vary from the current purchase price when you click the booking button.
Big Island Luaus – Kohala Coast Resorts
These Big Island luaus are located on the Kohala Coast. If you’re staying in Waikoloa or in one of the many fine resorts and vacation rentals along this coast, these luaus will be a convenient drive for you.
Luau at Mauna Kea is the farthest north luau. It is 10 miles or 17 minutes from Waikoloa Beach and 33 miles or 40 minutes from downtown Kailua-Kona.
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.
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 beach location and food are excellent here. The price tag and lack of an open bar are disappointing.
- Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (click for directions)
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Days Available: Tuesdays and Fridays
- Price: starting at $130
Hawai’iloa 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’iloa Luau 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 the smaller venue size, and excellent food, and the Samoan fire dancer is always a hit.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Open bar, but can get long lines and limited drink options
- Traditional hula dancing
- Traditional Hawaiian food plus local favorites
- Play traditional games before the show
Why we love this luau: the luau is well-regarded for the performance of the dancers and entertainers. 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: Saturday
- Price: starting at $198
Legends of Hawai’i Lū‘au
Conveniently located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Legends of Hawai’i Luau is a large luau that is lively and full of entertainment. The food gets better marks than the performance which is rare for a luau!
The top luaus on the Kohala Coast are the Hawai’iloa Luau and the Mauna Kea Luau. Legends of Hawaii Luau is not as well regarded due to the size of the audience and performance which leaves some asking for more. But, as the previously mentioned luaus have limited days available then this luau is a good option if a Big Island luau is on your bucket list.
They do their best to arrange the seats so everyone gets a view but views can be blocked if located in the back. This may be a luau that you want to opt for the Ali’i seating to be closer to the stage and to have first access to the buffet and the bar.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Traditional hula dancing and fire knife dancing
- Traditional Hawaiian food plus local favorites
- Coconut husking lesson
Details for Legends of Hawai’i Lua’au:
- Location: Hilton Waikoloa Village (click for directions)
- Length: 2 hours
- Days Available: Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday
- Price: starting at $190
Big Island Lū‘au – Kailua-Kona
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.
Island Breeze Lū‘au – He ‘Ohana Kakou
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 presentation of the Royal Court. The history and storytelling are a favorite of this luau.
Highlights include:
- All-you-can-eat buffet and full bar
- Open bar
- Fire-knife dancing finale
Why we love it: The location on Kailua-Kona is convenient and the show makes this a popular luau, plus the open bar included. For the price, some don’t feel the show and the food match the expectations.
- Location: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (click for directions)
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Days Available: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Price: $177
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
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. 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 (click for directions)
- Length: 3 hours
- Days Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Price: $178
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 its 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 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.
- Location: Kona Outrigger Resort (click for directions)
- Length: 2-3 hours
- Days Available: Monday and Tuesday
- Price: $200 for private seating and $160 for general seating
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.
Are luaus worth it on the Island of Hawaii?
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 for the steep cost 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 below.
Best Big Island luau for families
While all luaus on the Big Island are family-friendly, there is one that 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 if given the choice, going to a luau on the Big Island is a 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 have to spend extra time and effort to get 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-minutes away.
Check out the list of our favorite luaus on Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands.
What to expect at a luau?
A luau has two main components: 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 the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu 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. Prices have increased this year.
- 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 Cocktails – in our experience, table service luaus include an open bar with cocktails, 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, and amphitheater performance at a luau venue 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.
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. We have a list below 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 at most malls and outlet centers for free.
- National Historical Parks like Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
And if you are interested in all of our other favorite activities on the Big Island, be sure to 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.
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