Aloha, adventurer! Welcome to your ultimate guide to Oahu Luaus. As the sun dips beneath the radiant Pacific, immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Hawaii by taking part in an unforgettable luau. From the heart-thumping beats of traditional Polynesian music to the tantalizing aromas of delectable Hawaiian cuisine, a luau is more than just a party—it’s an experience that captures the essence of island life. In this guide, we’ll explore the magic of the best luaus Oahu has to offer, ensuring your Hawaiian adventure is one to remember. So, lei up, and let’s dive in!
Toa Luau
Most Affordable in Oahu
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Waimea Valley (North Shore)
3 ½ Hours
Botanical Garden Lawn
200
Toa Luau is the most value-packed luau in Oahu! Enjoy free admission to Waimea Valley and take part in a variety of hands-on activities. They offer two shows, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, giving you the flexibility to choose a start time that suits your schedule. The afternoon luau is perfect for families with young children, as it concludes at a family-friendly time. The intimate venue setting ensures a personal and welcoming atmosphere, making you feel like part of our local Samoan ‘ohana. Experience the excitement of a 4-star fire dance and engage in pre-show activities such as a nature walk, traditional cooking demonstrations, and Polynesian games. The delicious buffet features seven different dishes and you can also learn about traditional Samoan cooking techniques. Don’t miss the chance to witness a Samoan umu and participate in a kava ceremony. Whether you’re a family, couple, or group of friends, our luau is the perfect choice for an enjoyable and memorable time together.
Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park
Most Cultural Pre-Show Experience
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Sea Life Park, Makapuu (East Oahu)
3 ½ Hours
Sea Life Park Backyard Lawn
600
Prepare to be amazed by talented performers in one of the most cultural pre-show activities you’ll ever witness while enjoying the scenic views of Makapuu Beach. The 4 Stars Fire Dance show will leave you in awe, with the mouthwatering buffet offering 14 different dishes to savor. But that’s not all – your ticket includes admission to Sea Life Park, giving you the flexibility to visit on the same day or at another time.
Before the show, explore the vibrant and fascinating world of Polynesian culture with the exciting lineup of cultural activities and performances. Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Polynesian tattooing, witness the intricate process of coconut weaving, or learn how to strum beautiful melodies on the ukulele. Get hands-on with Kupe’e making, experience the traditional use of hula implements, and marvel at the skill of fishnet throwing. Also, don’t miss out on the mini-performances, including coconut tree climbing and coconut demonstrations, dinner hulas, and the sacred Imu Ceremony. The prices are affordable, so you can have an incredible experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time traveler, couples seeking a romantic evening, families with kids of all ages, or a group of friends ready for an unforgettable night, Aloha Kai Luau Caters is for you!
Mauka Warriors Luau
Oahu’s Newest Luau
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Hawaii Country Club (West Oahu), Approximately 25 miles from Waikiki
3 ½ Hours
Golf Course Lawn
370
Experience Oahu’s newest and most thrilling luau. This luau offers a truly distinctive and interactive experience with a unique show storyline and a wide variety of hands-on activities before the dinner and show. With a stunning mountain and ocean view of Waikiki/Honolulu, you can even catch a glimpse of Diamond Head in the distance. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable 5-star fire dance experience and indulge in a buffet featuring 14 different dishes. While the buffet may not have an extensive variety, the food is undeniably tasty and beautifully presented.
Guests can participate in pre-show activities such as trying a temporary Polynesian tattoo, learning how to cook Polynesian food, testing their skills with Maori games, hula dance classes, and even tasting kava. Mauka Warrior’s luau is perfect for first-time travelers, couples, families with kids of all ages, and groups of friends. As a special treat, all guests will receive complimentary professional photos directly to their phones after the show. Transportation from Waikiki is available for your convenience. You won’t want to miss this captivating and memorable event.
Paradise Cove Luau
The Largest and Most Popular Oceanfront Luau
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Ko Olina (West Oahu)
4 Hours
On the Beach / Oceanfront
1200
Set on a sprawling 12-acre private estate, this luau offers an enchanting setting with a lush green lawn, a pristine white sandy beach, and majestic palm trees swaying in the breeze. Prepare to be mesmerized by the impressive 4-star fire dance performance and feast on a sumptuous buffet featuring 15 different dishes, showcasing the flavors of Hawaii. Before the main show begins, engage in thrilling pre-show activities. Learn the art of lei making, basket weaving, ti leaf braiding, and even try your hand at tattoo painting. Guests can also join in traditional Hawaiian games, witness a captivating coconut tree climbing demonstration, and marvel at the stunning “Shower of Flowers” spectacle. That’s not all, everyone can participate in a hukilau fishing demonstration on the beach and witness the fascinating imu underground oven ceremony accompanied by enchanting Hawaiian music and hula.
Paradise Cove Luau offers a Deluxe Package, which guarantees you “front row center” seating or the exclusive “Royal Box” seating. While the Royal Box is located further back from the main stage, it offers a prime elevated platform view behind the tables in the center section. This is a must-visit for first-time travelers, couples seeking a romantic evening, families with kids of all ages, and groups of friends looking for a truly memorable experience. And don’t worry about transportation; they’ve got you covered with convenient transportation from Waikiki.
Chief's Luau
Most Interactive Experience
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Wet’n’Wild, Kapolei (West Oahu)
3 Hours
Lawn
500
Chief’s Luau is the ultimate luau on Oahu with an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Witness impressive knife dancing performances and be captivated by a 10-minute grand finale featuring up to eight fire knife dancers performing together as a group. Hosted by the renowned Chief Sielu, a professional comedian and world-champion fire-knife dancer, this luau offers a unique interactive experience. Chief Sielu’s wit and humor engage the audience throughout the night, making it the most engaging luau on the island. Perfect for honeymooners and couples celebrating their anniversary, Chief Sielu invites them to the stage for a special song while the ladies receive flowers from an elevated platform behind the tables in the center section.
In addition to the incredible entertainment, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet with 13 different dishes. Transportation from Waikiki is also provided for convenience. Before the luau begins, pre-show activities are offered such as learning how to weave headbands and baskets from coconut leaves, witnessing a coconut carving demonstration, and exploring the local artisan marketplace. This luau is recommended for couples, families with older kids, families with no kids, and groups of friends. While smaller kids are welcome, other shows may be more suitable for their enjoyment due to the variety of kid-friendly activities available.
Waikiki Hilton Starlight Luau
Waikiki’s Only Rooftop Luau
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, Waikiki
3 Hours
Lagoon Front Lawn
425
With resort-quality dining, the only rooftop location in Waikiki, and panoramic views of the beach and lagoon, this is an unforgettable evening. Enjoy the mesmerizing performances of four skilled Fire Knife Dancers, along with live Hawaiian and Polynesian musicians. The talented dancers will showcase traditional Hawaiian hula, the lively Tahitian ‘ori, and the thrilling 4 stars Samoan fire knife dance.
But it’s not just the entertainment that makes this luau special. Indulge in a mouthwatering buffet featuring 15 different dishes, carefully prepared using locally sourced island ingredients. Plus, kids will love the special kids’ friendly buffet designed just for them. Before the show and dinner, don’t miss the chance to join a group hula lesson and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Whether you’re a couple, a family with older kids, a group of friends, or a solo traveler, this luau is perfect for you. Smaller kids are welcome too, but they may enjoy other shows more with a greater focus on kid-friendly activities. Experience the top-rated Waikiki Starlight Luau and create lasting memories of your time in Hawaii.
Rock-A-Hula Waikiki Luau
Waikiki's Largest Polynesian Luau Show
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Royal Hawaiian Theater, Waikiki
3 Hours
Indoor Theater
750
Indulge in high-quality food while enjoying Waikiki’s largest show production. With a convenient location in the heart of Waikiki, you won’t have to travel far for this amazing experience. Immerse yourself in the high-tech production of the show, featuring incredible performers and state-of-the-art technology. After the dinner and show, embark on a “Hawaiian Journey” through time, as talented performers take you on a musical and dance-filled trip from the 1920s to today. Witness mesmerizing hula dancers, Tahitian drummers, fire knife performers, local musicians, and an unforgettable Elvis tribute artist as your host for the evening.
No need to worry about the unpredictable island weather, as Rock-A-Hula takes place in an indoor venue, perfect for rainy days. Don’t miss out on this budget-friendly luau experience that guarantees a memorable evening, rain or shine!
Germaine’s Luau
Traditional Backyard-Style Luau
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Ewa Beach (West Oahu)
3 Hours
On the Beach / Oceanfront
800
What sets Germaine’s Luau apart is the feeling of being in a backyard Hawaiian family party. Enjoy a laid-back, casual atmosphere and indulge in delicious food from the buffet featuring 14 different dishes. The well-stocked cash bar is a guest favorite. As the performances begin, you’ll be taken on a captivating journey across Polynesia through music, stories, and dances. The highlight of the night is an exhilarating 4 stars Samoan fire knife dance that will leave you in awe.
Not only can you watch the show, but you can also be a part of it! Germaine’s Luau provides numerous opportunities for audience participation, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the festivities. Make sure to catch the grand entrance of the Royal Court of Polynesia and witness the traditional kalua pig being unearthed from an underground imu.
Aha Aina Royal Hawaiian Luau
Most Luxurious Experience
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Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki
3 Hours
Oceanfront Lawn
400
Located at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this intimate beachfront venue offers breathtaking views of Diamond Head. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, once known as Helumoa and frequented by ancient royal courts and modern-day royalty seeking recreation. Indulge in elegance and sophistication as you stroll through the hotel and arrive at the grand oceanfront lawn. Before the show, engage in pre-show activities such as traditional kapa making, poi pounding, and tending to fishing tools. From there, you’ll be treated to a feast for the senses with refined food, table service featuring 10 different delicious dishes, and a mesmerizing 4-star fire dance performance. Discover the pinnacle of luxury and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Aha Aina at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
The Best All-Day Experience
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Laie (North Shore)
8 ½ hours
Activities: Cultural Park, Show: Outdoor Theater
1000
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a 42-acre open-air park with six island villages featuring traditional activities and performances from Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Marquesas, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Tahiti. The Gateway Buffet Package allows travelers to explore the Pacific islands in three parts: visit the 6 island villages, enjoy the buffet dinner with live music entertainment, and attend the “Ha: Breath of Life” evening show.
Each village features its own stage and activity area, where talented performers showcase music, dance, and interactive workshops. Visitors can learn about different cultures found throughout Polynesia with cultural presentations, arts and crafts workshops, and demonstrations from local practitioners. With performances happening on a rotating schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all six villages in a single day. Guests can also find an array of food vendors at the Hukilau Marketplace before their day begins at 12:30 PM; visit the Statue of Hamana Kalili of Laie for a photo op; take a tram ride tour around Laie; watch the movie “Hawaiian Journey”; explore the Ukulele Experience Gallery; take a guided canoe ride; or see Iosepa’s double-hulled canoe. And, when it’s time for a delicious meal, indulge in a buffet with an impressive selection of 39 different dishes.
Experiencing the Magic of Oahu Luaus!
The rich cultural experience offered by Oahu luaus is an unmissable highlight of any trip to the island. You’ll be treated to a feast of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, captivating performances that tell stories of the islands’ history, and an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie that is unforgettable. Take the plunge, and you’ll return home with not just a full stomach, but a full heart, brimming with the aloha spirit that makes Hawaii so special. It’s more than just a party; it’s a foray into the beating heart of Hawaiian culture that promises memories to last a lifetime.