The Best Luaus in Hawaii: Our Honest Picks for Maui, Oahu, Kauai & Big Island
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We’ve been to a lot of luaus. When we lived on Oahu, we could walk to Paradise Cove Luau, and since then we’ve worked our way through the best luaus on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island with our kids in tow. Some were the highlight of the trip. A couple we wouldn’t do again.
If you only want the short answer: the best luau in Hawaii is the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. It’s the most authentically Hawaiian show in the islands, the food is good, and the oceanfront sunset setting is hard to beat.
If you’re on Oahu, go to Toa Luau or make a full day of the Polynesian Cultural Center. On Kauai, the Smith’s Family Garden Luau is a 50-year-old family operation that still feels like one. On the Big Island, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau wins on food and setting.
Below you’ll find our quick picks, then full reviews of all 14 luaus organized by island, with what each costs, pros and cons, and who it’s best for. Further down, we cover what to expect, what to wear, what a luau costs, and whether a luau is worth it.
Hi! I’m Erica,
Co-founder of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. I’ve lived on Maui and Oahu and travel the islands regularly with my husband Jordan and our kids, Henry and Edith. From planning unforgettable island-hopping adventures to paddling out on my SUP during whale season, I know what it takes to craft the perfect Hawaii vacation.
Our Top Hawaii Luau Picks at a Glance
| Lu‘au | Island | Best for… | Price (approx.) | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Lahaina Luau | Maui | Most authentic Hawaiian show | $230 | Our overall #1. Oceanfront, all-Hawaiian program, five-course meal. |
| Maui Sheraton Luau | Maui | Staying in Ka’anapali, want a sunset experience | $209 | Best Ka’anapali luau for show, food, and sunset ceremony |
| Feast at Mokapu | Maui | Luxury, intimate feel | $283–$363 | Priciest on Maui and worth it if budget allows. |
| Te Au Moana | Maui | Families staying in Wailea, luxury | $225 -$325 | Family-style meal, no buffet line, great sunset. |
| Toa Luau | Oahu | Best value, families, authentic | from $145 | Waimea Valley setting, 1 PM show, waterfall swim included. |
| Ka Moana Luau | Oahu | Staying in Waikiki, great price | $129-$199 | Best production; food is the weak spot. |
| Polynesian Cultural Center | Oahu | Full-day cultural immersion | from $168 for Ali’i Luau | Six villages plus luau plus evening show. |
| Rock-a-Hula | Oahu | Budget, staying in Waikiki, modern music | from $137 | In Waikiki, easy to book late; Elvis and Moana music! |
| Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau | Big Island | Food and beach setting | from $256 | Table service, gourmet Hawaiian menu; no open bar. |
| Voyagers of the Pacific | Big Island | Kailua-Kona location | $191 – $239 | Newer luau at the Outrigger Kona; open bar. |
| Waikoloa Sunset Luau | Big Island | Staying in Waikoloa Resorts, good price, great sunset | $209 | So much fun with the emcee, great sunset, and delicious buffet |
| Smith’s Family Garden Luau | Kauai | Families, value | $150 | Multi-generation family luau |
| Luau Kalamaku | Kauai | Theatrical Show | from $200 | Plantation grounds with a train ride, rum tasting, and more |
| ʻAuliʻi Luau | Kauai | Beachfront setting | $210 – $245 | On Poipu Beach; Kauai-born choreographer. |
Hawaii Luau FAQ
Which Hawaiian island has the best luau?
Maui, and specifically the Old Lahaina Luau. It’s the only major luau that keeps the program entirely Hawaiian rather than pan-Polynesian, and the sunset setting on the water is the best in the state. Maui luaus have the best oceanfront locations, have open bars, and provide an overall high-quality experience.
Oahu has the most choice and the best value (Toa Luau), plus the Polynesian Cultural Center if you want a full day. Kauai and the Big Island each have two or three good options, but if the luau is a priority, plan it for Maui or Oahu.
What is the most authentic luau in Hawaii?
Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. Most luaus mix Samoan fire-knife dancing, Tahitian drumming, and Maori poi balls into one show. Old Lahaina sticks to Hawaiian hula, ‘oli (chant), and storytelling from Hawaii.
On Oahu, Toa Luau and the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Aliʻi Luau are the most culturally grounded. The Smith’s Family Garden Luau feels like a big, family reunion. That’s truly what makes a Hawaii luau feel local.
Is a luau worth it?
Yes, we think they’re worth it, but don’t stress about doing one on your first visit to Hawaii.
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. 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 with an expensive ticket price 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 at the end of this article.
How much does a luau cost in Hawaii?
Most luaus cost $130 to $365 per adult, ranging from about $129 (Ka Moana in Honolulu) to $283 (Feast at Mokapu premium seating) for this list. You can expect to pay $150 to $180 for a general seating luau ticket.
Ticket prices usually include dinner, the show, a lei greeting, and at least some drinks. Luxury luaus include an open bar, and larger ones offer drink tickets and a cash bar. Add 4.7% general excise tax, often a service fee, and a tip for the servers. Children’s tickets typically run 40–60% of the adult price, and kids 5 and under are free.
The most affordable luaus are on Oahu. Due to competition and larger luaus (big production theaters), you will find the best ticket prices and cash bars.
Do I need to book a luau in advance?
For Old Lahaina Luau, yes; it sells out weeks and sometimes months ahead. Book the Feast at Mokapu, Te Au Moana, and the Polynesian Cultural Center at least two to three weeks out in high season. Queens Waikiki Luau and Chief’s Luau are the easiest to get into on short notice.
Jordan and I have been on over 150 tours in Hawaii. We share our experience and recommendations here: Our Favorite Tours & Activities.
The Best Luaus in Hawaii
Read on for the best luaus in Hawaii, organized by island.
First-time Hawaii travelers, watch our video below on the best luaus in Hawaii by island. You can see what to expect, what visitors wear, and see a bit of the best shows on the islands. We are always amazed by the performers!
Best Lūʻaus on Maui
Explore these four luaus on Maui to find the right one for you. See our Best Maui Luaus for more details and more luaus.
If you’re traveling with kids, jump over to the Best Maui Luau for Kids and thank me later!
1. Old Lahaina Luau on Maui
Unofficially considered the best luau on Maui, Old Lahaina Luau delivers pretty much everything you could hope for in a luau. Located on the beach in historic Lahaina, Old Lahaina Luau has a spectacular location for its sunset show.
We are excited they’ve reopened after the Lahaina Fire.
Highlights include:
- Five-course menu including imu roasted pork, Maui-style fish, BBQ chicken
- Seating choice of table and chairs or traditional seating
- Every seat is excellent, and everyone pays the same price per seat; there is no premium or general seating at the Old Lahaina Luau.
- Premium open bar
- Table service and friendly servers
- Flower lei and tropical drink greeting
Why we love it: The location can’t be beaten. Combined with the good food, table service, and pre-show activities, this luau feels like a big luau with a small, intimate feel.
Location: Lahaina, Maui
Length: 3 hours
Price: $230
2. Sheraton Maui Nui Luau: Best in Ka’anapali
Another option on West Maui is in the center of the Ka’anapali Resorts. We consider this the best luau in Ka’anapali, and this area has stiff competition. Visit for a beachfront luau that wowed us with the food and the location.
Read our full review here, plus a video sharing our experience: Sheraton Maui Luau Review.
Highlights include:
- The Sheraton Maui Nui Luau lasts about 3 hours. The luau starts between 4:30 and 5:30 PM, depending on sunset, and wraps up between 7:30 and 8:30 PM.
- The luau is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
- This luau is an ideal location for those staying in West Maui. Located at the Sheraton Maui in Ka’anapali. Walk from your Ka’anapali Resort or parking is $2 at the Sheraton.
- Drinks at the included open bar are available all night long (other luaus end early)
- Everyone receives a fresh flower lei necklace
- Activities! Pre-show activities include hula lessons, Hawaiian games, Polynesian tattoos, and Hawaiian crafts
Why we love it: The beachfront location, the excellent hula and Polynesian dancing, the activities, and kids five and under are free! It has an intimate feel for a Ka’anapali luau. Plus, a great price for a Maui luau!
Location: Kaanapali, Maui
Length: 3 hours
Price: $209
3. The Feast at Mokapu in Wailea, Maui
Located at the Andaz Hotel, it’s hard to find fault with this luau. It’s a premium price (possibly the highest on Maui), but they do provide an exceptional experience.
Fun activities kick off before the luau, then you settle in for the show. Somehow, it all feels very intimate. One thing to note: they mix reservations at the tables, so you won’t be dining with your party alone.
Highlights:
- Premium and classic seating are available
- Unlimited bar for both ticket levels
- Complimentary photo
- Beachfront
- Pre-luau activities like fake tattoos and lei making
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a luxury luau, this one is really special. The Andaz Hotel location is magical, even after the sun goes down. Being at a hotel somehow adds to and enhances the evening’s vibe.
Location: The Andaz Hotel, Wailea
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: $283 for classic seating, $363 for premium
4. Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a beautiful location, exceptional service, no buffet lines, and more, this luxury luau in Wailea has you covered. The Wailea Beach Resort creates a special atmosphere on a lawn overlooking the ocean.
Food is served family-style, and the show is staged with a stunning sunset backdrop. One thing to note: they mix reservations at the tables, so you won’t be dining with your party alone.
See our full Te Au Moana Luau Review for details, or check availability below.
Highlights:
- Premium and standard seating available (5 and under are free!)
- 3-course meal, family style, so no buffet line to wait in!
- Excellent ocean-view location
- Open-bar
- Pig roast in an underground oven (imu)
Why we love it: This is a premium-priced luau, and it actually feels premium. The location, size, service, and food are top-notch.
Location: Wailea Beach Resort, Wailea
Length: 3.5 hours
Price: $225 for standard and $325 for premium
Keep planning: Maui Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Maui, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. Maui is a wonderful island for families!
Best Lūʻaus on Oahu
Explore these four luaus on Oahu to find the right one for you. See our Best Oahu Luaus for more details and more luaus.
Our two favorite Oahu luaus are on the North Shore. See Toa Luau vs Polynesian Cultural Center to see what is right for you.
Paradise Cove and Germaine’s Luau did not make our list. First, Paradise Cove closed a few years ago. I had visited that one three times when I lived in Ko Olina. It made me not love big luaus like that, with long lines.
Germaine’s is a similar experience. Plus, I don’t find it worth the drive from Honolulu for Germaine’s. We share other great luaus that are closer for you!
5. Toa Luau on Oahu’s North Shore
Coming on the scene in 2021, Toa Luau (full review) has become one of the best luaus on Oahu. And at a great price. Located in Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore, you can enjoy fun Hawaiian activities like games and coconut husking, then sit back for an excellent show and good food.
This luau is great for families, with a 1:00 PM matinee show so you can get back to Waikiki before bedtime.
Choose from three luau packages and two show times (1 PM and 5 PM). Tickets include drink tickets and a cash bar.
Highlights include:
- Cultural activities
- Entrance to Waimea Valley Botanical Garden and a waterfall swim included
- Kava ceremony (traditional Polynesian drink)
Why we love it: Waimea Valley alone is worth a visit so the location. The activities and Polynesian show make this one a lot of fun for the family.
Location: Waimea Valley, North Shore Oahu
Length: 3 hours
Price: starting at $145 for the 1 PM show
Want more details? Read our full Toa Luau Review.
6. Ka Moana Luau in Honolulu
This is the ideal luau for those staying in Waikiki! It is affordable and oceanfront, in the historic Aloha Tower!
If you want a classic Hawaiian luau without the premium price or a long drive out of town, start here. This luau is perfect for those staying in Waikiki. And we love the affordable price and 10% discount!
This luau’s drawback is that it’s a large venue. They keep it feeling intimate with a wonderful staff and a lawn area, but it’s still a large group. Hence the great price.
Read our full review: Ka Moana Luau: Oceanfront, Affordable Luau in Honolulu (10% Off!)
If you’re looking for a smaller luau in Honolulu, check out the Diamond Head Luau, which is also at the Aloha Tower.
Highlights include:
- Located in Aloha Tower, a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride from Waikiki
- Locally sourced buffet dinner
- Hula, Māori war dance, fire-knife dance, pre-luau activities, oceanfront views, and a great time in Honolulu!
Why we love it: This luau is a fan favorite for its production quality. While we usually don’t love big luaus, you can’t beat the price and location/venue in Honolulu.
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Length: 3 hours
Price: starting at $129
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
If you search for a luau on Oahu, the first one that always gets mentioned is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a popular favorite for a reason. This isn’t just a luau, it’s a full-day experience. You can spend the day enjoying activities in the six Polynesian Island villages.
Afterward, head to your luau for dinner. Then, end your day with the evening show. You can purchase tickets for one part of the day or all three; it’s your choice!
Highlights:
- A full day of activities in six different Polynesian Island villages (ex: basket making, bow and arrow shooting, fake tattoos)
- A separate luau and buffet dinner, and the food is quite good – Ali’i Luau vs Gateway Buffet: How to Decide
- An evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 performers. You can get front-row seats with an upgrade (read our review of the Super Ambassador Luau package).
Why we love it: We were skeptical when we first arrived (it can feel a little like Disneyland), but this was truly an immersive day. You can spend the entire afternoon enjoying cultural activities and then opt to stay for the luau and evening show. The food is great and plentiful, and everyone is exceptionally friendly!
You can read our full review of the Polynesian Cultural Center here!
Location: Laie, Oahu (North Shore)
Length: 8.5 hours
Price: starting at $168 for the Ali’i Luau
Click below for discounts. We have a direct booking link with the PCC, so you’re guaranteed the best rate!
The Polynesian Cultural Center may seem out of the way, but there’s quite a lot to do in Laie! If you’re debating between the two best (and farthest) Oahu luaus, we’ll help you decide with our Toa Luau vs Polynesian Cultural Center comparison.
8. Rock-a-Hula in Waikiki
We were hesitant to put this on our list until we attended. We can’t ignore the incredible production value and how ideal it is for those looking for Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, but with a modern twist.
The Rock-a-Hula is located in the heart of Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Center, in its top-floor amphitheater. But the night starts with a Hawaiian feast in a more intimate setting. Under a thatched-roof open-air pavilion, you’ll dine at tables adorned with fresh-cut local pineapples while sipping tropical drinks and enjoying live ukulele and hula performances.
Read our full review: Rock-A-Hula Waikiki: Where Hula and Elvis Share the Stage
You’ll enjoy a journey through the evolution of Hawaiian music and dance from the 1920s to today, brought to life by local performers and singers, hula and Tahitian dancers, a live band, and traditional Hawaiian instruments. Unlike a typical luau, the show also features more contemporary favorites, such as IZ’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana (a hit with kids). A thrilling Hawaiian fire dance caps off the evening.
In a unique twist on the classic luau format, the show also highlights Elvis’s special connection to Hawaii, from his hit film Blue Hawaii to his record-setting Aloha from Hawaii concert.
Highlights of the Rock-a-Hula in Waikiki:
- Convenient location in central Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Center, near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
- Fireknife dancing
- Live theater show featuring Hawaiian music, dance, and a thrilling fire performance
- World-class Elvis tribute artist celebrates the rockstar’s special connection to Hawaii
- Michael Jackson tribute performer with iconic hits and signature dance moves
Why we love it: If you are looking for a budget-friendly luau option without leaving Waikiki, this is the one for you. Plus, the tribute performers and fire-knife dancing make for a can’t-miss experience.
Location: Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki
Length: 4 hours
Price: starting at $137, 3 packages available
Keep planning: Oahu Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Oahu, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. Plus, you can plan an Oahu visit without a car!
Best Lūʻaus on the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island)
Welcome to the Big Island. Here are our three favorites, but we have four more for you in our 7 Best Big Island Luau review. Find the right one for you based on location, price, and highlights.
9. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau
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 the traditional Hawaiian food and the intimate setting. You will hear ancient Hawaiian stories mixed with Polynesian dancing.
Read our full review here: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau Review (plus video!)
Highlights include:
- Best luau buffet on the Big Island, grilled steak and seafood table
- Table service for drinks
- Traditional, gourmet Hawaiian cuisine
- Sunset at Mauna Kea Beach, manta ray observation area after the luau
- Complimentary mai tai
Why we love this luau: the beach location and food are excellent here. The price tag without an open bar is disappointing.
Location: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast of the Big Island
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: starting at $256 for general seating
10. Voyagers of the Pacific Luau in Kona
Located at the Royal Kona Hotel, 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.
The Royal Kona Hotel’s location puts it within walking distance of downtown Kailua-Kona. Their location is also wonderful for sunset. It sits right at the resort, tucked next to the pool area and beach cove.
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’s taste doesn’t match the show’s quality.
Location: Royal Kona Hotel, Kailua-Kona
Length: 3 hours
Price: $191
11. Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott
We’ve been to a lot of luaus across the islands, and the Big Island has always been the hardest one to recommend. The Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott changed that for us. We attended this luau in August, 2026.
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.
Dive in for what to expect and our video here: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Sunset Luau
A drawback is that it is next to the pool and central to the resort, so it gets a lot of gawkers and people walking by. A minor issue is that it doesn’t feel secluded.
Highlights include:
- Open bar with beer, wine, and mai tais
- Premium and general seating available
- Buffet dinner
- Fire dancing
- They don’t call it The Sunset Luau for nothing!
Why we love it: A perfect resort luau if you’re staying in Waikoloa Resorts. We enjoyed the fun emcee, the live band, and the fire-knife climax.
Location: Waikoloa Beach Marriott
Length: 3.5 hours
Price: $209 for general seating
Keep planning: Big Island Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to the Big Island, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. The Big Island is known for amazing coffee tours!
Best Kauai Lūʻaus
In our Best Kauai Luau reviews, we go into far more detail on these Kauai luaus. Or, dive down below for a brief write-up on our favorites.
12. Smith’s Family Garden Luau
Grandpa started the Smith’s Family Garden Luau 50 years ago. The whole family gets involved to share recipes on the gorgeous grounds of the Wailua River Valley. This luau has a 4.7-star review on Google, which is the highest we have seen. They must be doing something right with their traditional Hawaiian buffet and hula show.
Highlights include:
- The Rhythm of Aloha Show
- Buffet luau dinner
- Shell lei greeting
- Narrated tram ride across 30 acres on the sacred Wailua River Valley
- Tickets for children and teenagers are heavily discounted!
Why we love it: This is a great way to visit the beautiful Wailua River Valley during the day and see the grounds come alive with torches and a hula show.
Location: Wailua River, Kapa’a
Length: 3 hours
Price: $150
13. Luau Kalamaku in Lihue, Kauai
Luau Kalamaku centers on a theatrical show of a family voyaging across the Pacific from Tahiti to Hawaii. Located in a large outdoor pavilion, the theater show with Tahitian drumming, Samoan fire dancing, and Hawaiian hula makes for an immersive experience.
Highlights include:
- Open bar and full buffet
- Theatrical luau
- Explore 60-acre plantation
- Fire dancers and fire poi ball twirlers
Why we love it: The plantation grounds where the luau is located are beautiful and Henry loved going on the plantation train ride.
Location: Lihue, Kauai
Length: approximately 3 hours
Price: starting at $200
The Gold Package has seats closer to the stage.
14. ‘Auli’i Luau in Poipu
Located on one of the best beaches on Kauai, the ‘Auli’i Luau aims to produce a show as spectacular as its background. The native Kauaian strives for authenticity in the performance, which is held 2-3 nights per week.
Highlights:
- Beachfront location on spectacular Poipu Beach
- The choreographer and director is a native of Kauai
- Online waitlist makes signing up easy
- Premier and standard seating are available (premier is closer to the stage with a separate entrance line)
- Open bar and buffet dinner
- Fire-knife dancing
- Shared tables, so you’ll be sitting with other attendees if your party doesn’t fill a table
- Note: the booking link below is for standard tickets only. If you’re interested in premium seating, please contact the luau directly. Thanks for booking via our site; it helps us write more reviews!
Why we love it: Poipu Beach is a spectacular setting, making this luau feel incredibly special. And having a native Kauaian as a choreographer and director is pretty incredible.
Location: Sheraton Kauai, Poipu
Length: 2.5 hours
Price: $210 for standard seating
Keep planning: Kauai Travel Guide + some quick resources:
Visit during the best time to go to Kauai, find a great place to stay, plan out things to do, and relax on the best beaches on the island. You’ll love Kauai’s food trucks!
Lūʻau 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:
- Hawaiian outrigger canoe ride
- Guided tours from local guides are a great way to learn local culture, history, and island life. Explore our favorite guided tours here: Hawaii’s Best Tours
- Visit a museum – Bishop Museum (Oahu), Maui Historical Society (Maui), Hawai’i Museum of Contemporary Art (Big Island), and Kauai Museum to name a few
- Traditional Hawaiian food can be found at some restaurants and on many resort menus. Waiahole Poi Factory or Ohana Grill on Oahu are two of our favorites.
- Heiau (temple) – national historical parks are all over the islands with the Big Island having the most. Visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau for a well-preserved example of Hawaiian temples and history.
- Hula dancing lessons are available at resorts and at shopping centers.
- Hula shows are available at most malls and outlet centers for free. We love going to the Shops at Wailea for free shows on Maui. During our Oahu trip, we visited the Royal Hawaiian Center most evenings for the free show.
Here are 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience if you’re looking for more inspiration. You can even try these Hawaii volunteer programs.
History of the Lūʻau
Before the 19th century, the kapu system was in place, which was a set of religious laws and restrictions on society. Kapu translates to forbidden or set aside as sacred. A luau in the modern sense was not possible as men and women were forbidden to dine together. Women also could not eat certain Hawaiian dishes like reef fish, pork, or bananas.
Ancient Hawaiian feasts of celebration were called aha’aina. These focused on traditions and ceremonies and followed the kapu system. These special occasions were a large part of Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures for centuries.
In 1819, King Kamehameha II ended the kapu system. To celebrate the end of the system, he held a large aha’aina with men and women to eat and celebrate.
The word luau (lou-ow) translates to young taro tops. Luau was a traditional dish served at aha’aina celebrations, consisting of chicken or squid baked in coconut milk or taro. By 1850, the word came to mean the celebration as it was served at the feast.
Modern-day luau has been influenced by advertisers to focus more on eating traditional Hawaiian food and dancing, and less on ceremony like aha’aina. But you’ll still hear beautiful Hawaiian chants at a modern luau.
If you’re curious about the Hawaiian language, check out our article on pidgin phrases!
What to Expect at a Lūʻau
A luau has two main components: the feast and the entertainment. Most luaus follow the same format: arrival and pre-show entertainment, dinner (buffet, family style, or plated), and then the main luau show. Luaus typically last 2-3 hours, though we’ve included one on our list that 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 worldwide. 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 dances from each Polynesian nation. But some luaus, like the Old Lahaina Luau, are strictly Hawaiian in dancing, food, and storytelling.
Here are the luau traits to watch for when booking.
- Price – luaus range from $115 to $280 plus taxes and fees. Most luaus will cost you $180 per person.
- 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, a small grass lawn at your resort, an amphitheater performance at a luau venue, and a parking lot at a waterpark are all possible locations.
- 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.
Related articles:
- How to Wear a Lei
- Hawaiian Waikiki Catamaran Sail: Better Than a Luau
- How Much Do You Tip at a Luau? Tipping in Hawaii Guide
What to Wear to a Lūʻau
Lūʻaus don’t have dress codes, but this is a celebratory affair! Take the chance to dress up in something festive. Don an aloha shirt if you have one, or just come in your best vacation wear. This is a great night, and you’ll be taking lots of pictures, so have fun.
Be sure to add a luau outfit to your packing list!
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Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!
We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!
