9 Best Luaus in Oahu: Which is the Most Authentic? [2023]
Are you looking for the best luau in Oahu?
With so many options available throughout the island – from Waikiki to Honolulu, Waimanalo to North Shore, and even on West Oahu hidden beaches – it can be overwhelming to decide which luau is the most authentic or offers the best experience.
I, too, found myself struggling to find the most reliable Oahu luau reviews, ultimately resulting in my decision to experience several of the top-rated luaus in Oahu during my trip.
In a rush and need a quick decision? Rock-A-Hula Luau is the best luau in Waikiki. Don’t mind a car ride? Then Paradise Cove Luau is the best luau in Oahu with authentic food, games, and activities!
That’s why I want to share my guide with you, so you can find the best luau in Oahu that fits your needs without the hassle of endless research. Whether you’re with your family, friends, or significant other, this guide will help you choose the perfect luau experience for your vacation.
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Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
✔️ Authentic Hawaiian luau food, plenty of vegetarian options
✔️ Best Luau in Oahu for Families: luau ticket covers full-day activities, including admission to cultural theme park, canoe ride, luau buffet, and night show with amazing fire knife dancing
✔️Free luau for kids under 4 years old
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Waikiki Luau with Rock-A-Hula Show
✔️Best Luau in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu: Prime location in Royal Hawaiian Center by Waikiki Beach
✔️Fantastic hula dance lesson & show with fire knife dancing, fused with a high-energy rock and roll performance
Chief’s Luau
✔️By Chief Sielu, a comedian and world-champion fire-knife dancer
✔️Located in Wet ‘n’ Wild water park, voted as the Best Family Attraction on Honolulu Magazine
Paradise Cove Luau
✔️Walkable if you stay in Ko Olina at Aulani Disney Resort, Marriott, or Four Seasons.
✔️Award-winning luau with Hawaiian games & activities
What is a Hawaiian Luau?
Luau is a festive celebration that has deep roots in Hawaiian culture and tradition. It typically involves a feast, accompanied by music and dancing, and is held to mark special occasions and milestones.
In the 19th century, King Kamehameha II broke the tradition of having man and women eat separately and threw a massive luau that was open to both men and women, setting the stage for the modern interpretation of the event.
While luaus are still held by locals to celebrate personal and family events, the term “luau” has also come to refer to events that are geared towards tourists seeking to experience the culture and traditions of Hawaii.
These luaus often take the form of an all-you-can-eat dinner accompanied by Polynesian food, entertainment, and cultural performances, and are held at hotels, resorts, theme parks, or private beaches.
How to Pick The Best Luau in Oahu
If you’re looking to have the best luau in Oahu, it’s important to do your research in order to find the right option for you. Here are some guidelines to consider as you search for the perfect luau on the island.
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💡Consider the Location
First, consider the distance of the luau from your accommodation. This can be especially important if you have a packed itinerary the next day or if you’re traveling with kids who may not have the stamina for a longer journey.
Another factor to consider is the location itself. Look for luaus that are held in scenic or historic locations, as these can provide a more authentic and memorable experience.
For example, some Oahu luaus are held on private beaches, theme parks, or at historic sites, which can add to the ambiance of the event, such as:
🌟Chief’s Luau: located in Wet ‘n’ Wild water park, voted as the Best Family Attraction on Honolulu Magazine
🌟Polynesian Cultural Center’s Luau: located in the cultural theme park with a variety of interactive exhibits, canoe rides, and night show. Luau ticket includes admission to Polynesian Cultural Center during the day
🌟Toa Luau: located in Waimea Valley and includes admission ticket to Waimea Falls.
🌟Ka Moana Luau: located in Sea Life Park Hawaii and includes admission ticket to the aquarium
💡Check the Food Menu
The food served at a luau is an integral part of the experience, as it allows guests to taste traditional Hawaiian dishes and learn about the culture and history of the islands.
When checking the food menu, look for luaus that offer a variety of dishes that are both delicious and authentic. Some traditional Hawaiian dishes to look for include:
Kalua pig: this is one of the most famous Hawaiian foods that is widely served in Oahu luaus. Kalua pig is the whole pig seasoned with sea salt and wrapped in banana leaves, then roasted in an underground pit called an imu.
Poi: this is a traditional Polynesian staple food. Hawaiians make poi by pounding boiled taro roots and mixing with water until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. It tastes rather bland by itself so I prefer adding it to the kalua pork or Huli chicken for more flavor.
Lomi salmon: this is a side dish in Hawaiian culture that looks like salsa. Hawaiians break smoked salmon into small pieces, then mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, and other small condiments.
Poke: this dish can be served either as an appetizer or a main course when added with rice. The cubed bite-sized pieces of raw seafood are marinated in soy and served with garnishments like green onions and sesame seeds.
Huli huli chicken: this chicken dish is deliciously flavored with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and wine.
Haupia: this coconut-based custard cube is a traditional Hawaiian dessert. It somewhat tastes like coconut pudding and is not too sweet.
In addition to the main dishes, a good luau should have a range of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian and vegan dishes.
By choosing a luau with a diverse and delicious food menu, you can be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable culinary experience as part of your luau celebration.
💡Consider Entertainment Options
A good luau should offer a range of entertainment options to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the event. Some common entertainment options at luaus include hula dancing, fire shows, and cultural performances.
Hula dancing is an integral part of Hawaiian culture and is a beautiful and expressive art form that tells stories through movement and song.
A fire show, often performed by Samoan dancers, is a mesmerizing display of skill and courage that involves spinning and juggling fire torches.
Cultural performances may include traditional music, chanting, and other activities that showcase the history and traditions of Hawaii.
In addition to these main entertainment options, you may also want to consider luaus such as Paradise Cove Luau or Polynesian Cultural Center’s Luau that offer additional cultural activities like hula lessons or craft workshops.
These activities can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture and can be a fun and interactive way to participate in the luau experience.
Best Oahu Luaus in & near Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
If you’re staying in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and don’t want to venture too far for a luau experience, these are great luaus to consider.
1. Waikiki Luau with Rock-A-Hula Show
Rock-A-Hula Luau Buffet and Show is the best luau in Wakiki and offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a traditional Hawaiian luau with a high-energy rock and roll performance.
Located in the heart of Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Center, Rock-A-Hula Luau offers an unforgettable evening of entertainment, delicious food, and cultural immersion.
The evening begins with a warm aloha greeting and a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting, as you are welcomed into the tropical paradise of Rock-A-Hula Luau. You will be escorted to your seat at a beautifully decorated table, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner that features an array of local Hawaiian delicacies, such as Kalua pork, poke, and fresh island fruits.
As the show begins, and you will be transported back in time to the golden age of rock and roll. The performers take the stage with high-energy performances of classic rock and roll hits from the 1950s through the 1980s, accompanied by dancers and state-of-the-art multimedia effects. The show features tributes to some of the biggest stars in music history, including Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.
The Rock-A-Hula Luau Buffet and Show is a unique and exciting way to experience the magic of Hawaiian culture, combined with the energy and excitement of rock and roll. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or simply looking for a fun and unforgettable evening of entertainment, this is an experience not to be missed.
Waikiki Luau with Rock-A-Hula Show
✔️Best luau in Waikiki
✔️Prime location in Waikiki Beach
✔️Fantastic rock & roll hula show
2. Ka Moana Luau in Sea Life Park
Ka Moana Luau is a popular oceanfront luau experience in east Oahu, about half an hour from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. A nice thing about Ka Moana Luau is that all the dinner packages include an admission ticket to Sea Life Park Hawaii. You can choose to either visit Sea Life Park on the day of your luau or come back on another day.
Sea Life Park closes at 4 PM while Ka Moana Luau starts at 6 PM, but you can entertain by the beach with several cultural activities including ukulele lessons, traditional dance, and temporary tattoos.
There are three types of packages at Ka Moana Luau:
Classic Ka Moana Luau: includes general seating, shell lei, one standard drink ticket, luau buffet dinner, and admission to Sea Life Park Hawaii
Splash Ka Moana Luau: includes seating with better viewing than the Classic package, shell lei, one standard drink ticket, buffet dinner, and admission to Sea Life Park Hawaii
Celebrity Ka Moana Luau: VIP seatings, fresh flower lei, Mai tai welcome drink, two premium drink tickets, buffet dinner souvenir photograph, and admission to Sea Life Park
A roundtrip shuttle to the luau from Waikiki Beach is available for $25 per person.
🌊It’s not uncommon for this to be sold out months in advance. Reserve your spot at Ka Moana Luau now!
3. Queens Waikiki Luau Show
Queens Waikiki Luau Show is conveniently located in Honolulu, only a few minutes’ walk from Waikiki Beach. Unlike other luaus that hold anywhere from 300 to 700 people, Queens Waikiki Luau only holds up to 32 people. It provides an intimate setting that will make you feel more like you’re joining an authentic local Hawaiian luau rather than a commercial one. If you stay in Waikiki and don’t want to go out of the area for a luau experience, Queens Waikiki Luau is definitely worth considering!
👑Check Prices for Queens Waikiki Luau Show here!
4. ‘Aha ‘Aina, a Royal Hawaiian Luau
‘Aha ‘Aina, a Royal Hawaiian Luau has a hard-to-beat location at the famous beachfront Royal Hawaiian Hotel, right at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. From the ocean lawn, you will have the perfect views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. It is a great luau option for people who stay at Waikiki Beach and do not want to spend two hours getting to and from the other popular Hawaiian luaus in Oahu.
⚜️Check Prices for ‘Aha ‘Aina Royal Hawaiian Luau here!
Best Luaus in West Oahu, Hawaii
West Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches on the island. Here are some great luaus to consider on the west side of the island, especially if you’re staying at Aulani Disney Resort, Marriott, or Four Seasons in Ko Olina and want to minimize the transportation time.
5. Chief’s Luau
Chief’s Luau is hosted by Chief Sielu, the original world champion fire-knife dancer and Polynesian comedian. It is a popular luau but is currently only available on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Wet ‘n’ Wild Park. The schedule may change depending on the season, so it’s best to check the latest schedule on the ticket website.
Before the luau party begins, you will enjoy interactive luau activities related to Polynesian & Hawaiian culture, such as taking Hawaiian hula lessons, getting a temporary Polynesian tattoo, learning spear throwing, fire making, lei making, and coconut headband weaving.
You will then watch the Imu ceremony as the Kalua Pua’a being unearthed from the underground oven, before taking part in the all-you-can-eat-buffet and watching Chief Sielu Luau Show.
🔥 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Chief Sielu’s fire-knife performance – book Chief’s Luau’s tickets now!
Chief’s Luau
✔️By Chief Sielu, a comedian and world-champion fire-knife dancer
6. Germaine’s Luau
Located on a private beachfront, Germaine’s Luau offers a traditional luau with a Hawaiian-style dinner, tropical drinks, Polynesian performances, and a thrilling fire knife dance.
Visitors to Germaine’s Luau are greeted with a warm welcome, complete with leis and Mai Tais. The luau takes place on a beautiful beachfront property, where guests can take in stunning views of the ocean while enjoying the festivities.
The traditional Hawaiian feast includes a variety of dishes, including Kalua Pig, Teriyaki Beef, Chicken Long Rice, and Haupia (coconut pudding). However, I find that the vegetarian options are limited, so if you’re a vegetarians, I recommend you go with Polynesian Cultural Center luau instead.
The entertainment at Germaine’s Luau is excellent. The show features talented musicians, hula dancers, and fire knife dancers, who showcase the beauty and energy of Hawaiian culture. The performers invite guests to join in on the fun, with hula lessons and other interactive activities.
💦 Check Prices for Germaine’s Luau
7. Paradise Cove Luau
Paradise Cove Luau is an award-winning luau held at the beach of the luxury Ko Olina Resort on Oahu’s west coast.
If you’re staying at Aulani Disney Resort, Marriott, or Four Seasons in Ko Olina, you would be able to walk easily to the luau.
You can start the night with a visit to the Hawaiian Village replica at Paradise Cove Luau and take part in arts and crafts demonstrations or enjoy a variety of traditional Hawaiian games such as spear throwing, rolling stone disks, and dart sliding.
Paradise Cove Luau
✔️Walkable if you stay in Ko Olina at Aulani Disney Resort, Marriott, or Four Seasons.
✔️Award-winning luau with Hawaiian games & activities
Best Luaus in Oahu North Shore
Oahu North Shore is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities such as surfing, snorkeling with sea turtles, and hiking. It’s also home to a number of cultural attractions and best luaus in Oahu.
8. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii. And it’s no wonder why – the luau tickets not only include a delicious dinner, but also admission to the Islands of Polynesia theme park with a variety of interactive exhibits, a royal luau celebration, and a spectacular night show – totaling 8 hours of entertainment.
Although it is a long ride from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu, I find Polynesian Cultural Center luau to be the best luau in Oahu in terms of value for money!
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
✔️A variety of authentic Hawaiian luau food with plenty of vegetarian options
✔️ Best Luau in Oahu for Families: luau ticket covers full-day activities, including admission to cultural theme park, canoe ride, luau buffet, and night show with amazing fire knife dancing
✔️Free luau for kids under 4 years old
9. Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
Toa Luau includes an entrance fee to Waimea Valley, where you can explore lush botanical gardens, hike to Waimea Falls, and swim in the natural pool at the bottom (life jackets provided). After an afternoon of exploring, you can sit down for dinner and watch traditional Polynesian fire dancing and cultural performances while tasting Hawaiian specialties and sipping tropical cocktails.
🏞️ Check Prices for Toa Luau Here
What is included in a Hawaiian Luau in Oahu?
A Hawaiian luau in Oahu typically includes the following elements:
Lei Aloha/Lei greeting: lei is a Polynesian garland made of flowers, leaves, shells, nuts, or seeds. It is a sign of welcome, congratulations, or commemoration and creates a special feeling and bond between individuals. Depending on the luau dinner package that you choose in Oahu, you will receive a lei greeting with a flower lei or a shell lei.
Traditional Hawaiian Food: popular Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig, poi, poke, and Hawaiian desserts.
Beverages: there are alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks available depending on the luau dinner package you choose
Polynesian dances: traditional hula performances or hula lessons from different Polynesian islands such as New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Fiji.
Fire show: the impressive fire knife spinning show by the brave islanders from Samoa
Transportation: a shared shuttle from Waikiki to the luau may be included in your luau package or may come with an additional charge of $20-$50
Photo: Have your picture taken with the islanders in colorful hula outfits. Depending on the luau package you choose, it may be included or come with an additional charge of $20-$35
Best Luaus in Oahu FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best luaus in Oahu, Hawaii.
❓Are luaus in Oahu worth it?
Luaus can be a costly experience, with tickets often ranging from $100 to $250 per person. While this may seem expensive, luaus are definitely worth it when you consider the value of the experience as a whole.
Luaus include not only an all-you-can-eat dinner but also a unique entertainment night show that is only found in Hawaii. By considering the luau as two separate activities – dinner and entertainment – the cost may not seem as steep.
Furthermore, a luau offers the opportunity to try interesting and unique Hawaiian dishes that may not be available at regular restaurants. This can be especially appealing for those who are interested in trying new and unusual foods.
Additionally, attending a luau allows you to sample a variety of dishes without committing to a full portion at a restaurant, which can be helpful if you are unsure about whether you will like a particular dish.
Overall, while attending a luau can be a costly experience, it offers a unique and memorable cultural experience that can be worth the investment.
❓What is the most authentic luau in Oahu?
For the most authentic luau food in Oahu, visit Polynesian Cultural Center and taste a variety of Hawaiian traditional dishes. If you’re looking for engaging activities like hula lessons, lei making, and traditional Hawaiian games, visit Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina for the most authentic luau experience.
❓Is Paradise Cove Luau worth it?
Whether Paradise Cove Luau is worth it will depend on your personal preferences and budget, but it is definitely one of the best luaus in Oahu that I recommend. If you are looking for a traditional Hawaiian luau experience with a wide range of food and entertainment options, and are willing to pay for the convenience of a well-known and established event, then Paradise Cove Luau is a good choice for you.
❓Is Polynesian Cultural Center Luau worth it?
The Polynesian Cultural Center luau offers a traditional Hawaiian luau experience with a wide range of food and entertainment options, making it a worth-while event for many visitors to Hawaii. However, if you are looking to drink alcohol as part of your luau experience, you may want to consider other options as the PCC luau does not serve alcohol.
❓Do you tip your waiter at a luau?
In general, it’s customary to tip in America. Hawaii is not an exception, but are you really expected to tip at a luau? Unlike at other theme dinners I have been to in the U.S, the host never mentions tips during the luaus I have been to in Oahu.
Since you already pay for the dinner package when you make reservations, you most likely won’t have an extra bill at the luau. That leaves out the possibility of tipping with a credit or debit card.
In terms of cash tips, I haven’t seen anyone leaving tips on the tables at luaus in Oahu because most buffets are self-serve. However, if you book the VIP packages where you have table service, it may be nice to tip your servers. If you order extra drinks from the bar, you can also add cash tips to the jar.
❓Where can you find free luaus in Oahu?
Toa Luau: Luau tickets are free for children under five years old. Kids from five to twelve years old will enjoy discounted tickets!
Paradise Cove Luau: Infants under the age of four years old will get free entrance. There is a discounted child rate for children up to 12 years old and a discounted youth rate for teens up to 20 years old.
Polynesian Cultural Center: Tickets are free for kids under four years old and there are discounted rates for kids up to eleven years old.
❓Should you go to a luau in Hawaii?
Going to Hawaii without attending a luau is more or less like going to Bali without having a floating breakfast! A Hawaiian luau is a unique experience that I think any visitors to Hawaii should not miss – and it’s not an exception in Oahu.
The luau dinner package gives you an opportunity to sample Hawaiian traditional food, enjoy spectacular nightlife entertainment, and learn about Polynesian culture. You will walk out of a luau knowing much more about Hawaii and other Polynesian islands!
❓How much is a luau ticket in Hawaii?
The cost of a luau ticket in Hawaii can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, the type of seatings (general vs. premium vs. VIP), the host, the menu, and the entertainment offerings. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 or more for a luau ticket in Hawaii.
Luaus that are held at large resorts or tourist attractions may be on the higher end of the price range, while smaller, more intimate luaus may be more affordable.
Many luaus offer different ticket tiers or packages that may include additional amenities or experiences, such as VIP seating, open bar, or cultural workshops.
Other Hawaii Travel Resources
- How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
- List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
- How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
- Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
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- Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
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- List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
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The best blog i read regarding the luau in Oahu… its well compared versus which luau i will take. thank you very much you gave an idea. I will travel soon im on budget i know i can take the bus 🙂 after the Luau at 9:30 at PCC and i can wait for the city bus .. but im worried maybe its full? specially maybe some people who watch also will take the city bus….
Hi Meliza, I wouldn’t worry about the city bus being full. The show ends at 9:00pm and most people take the shuttle. We saw only two people waiting for the bus.
Thank you very much ……. i have now peace of mind and worry less…