Unforgettable Experiences: Discover the Best Luau in Oahu, with Hawaiian Culture, Dance and Cuisine (updated 2023)
If you are looking for a fun luau experience in Oahu, we help you find the best in terms of traditional vs more contemporary, cheapest, kid friendly, or overall a good luau experience and value. In my experience d going to a Luau can be hit or miss in Oahu and we will give you the best recommendations on value and total experience along with some of the ones to avoid on the island.
The luau experience in Oahu covers the gamut to real traditional Hawaiian style, Pan Pacific extravaganzas and now even more family friendly and Disney-esque style luau. It has a place for everyone and depending on your interests and budget, you’ll enjoy a luau that really suits your idea of fun, food and entertainment here in Oahu.
We have done extensive research to come up with the best overall luau experiences to do around Oahu in Waikiki, Honolulu and the general areas around the island worth visiting and have a fantastic experience.
Quick Plan your Honolulu Itinerary
Are you in a rush on a last-minute trip to Honolulu? Well then, try our jump start guide to book the best tours and hotels
below.
Pro Tip – Since you are planning to visit Diamond Head and Waikiki tour here to enjoy with great views and tour of Waikiki Beach.
Top Tours to Try in Honolulu
Complete Pearl Harbor Experience – Day Trip Tour
Grand Circle Island Tour – Top Rated
Sunset Cocktail Cruise – Easy tour with pick up
Where to Stay in Honolulu
Ilima Hotel – Budget Option , Personally tried
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki – mid range
Halepuna Waikiki – Honolulu luxury hotel or resort
Why do a luau experience in Oahu?
Experiencing a luau in Oahu is a must for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. From traditional music and dance to learning about the history and customs of the islands, a luau is a cultural journey.
Secondly, the cuisine at a luau is a highlight. You’ll savor delicious Hawaiian dishes, including kalua pork, poi, and lomi-lomi salmon, giving your taste buds a true Hawaiian treat.
Additionally, luaus offer live entertainment like hula and fire dancing, set against stunning beachside or picturesque backdrops. This creates a memorable atmosphere perfect for mingling with others and making new friends.
Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, luaus cater to all ages and are a fantastic way to support local businesses and artisans while enjoying the spirit of aloha.
We share the best luau experiences around Oahu in this guide below
What to wear at a Luau
Most Luau experience have no formal luau requirements, business casual or better yet if you have aloha wear with your Hawaiian mu’u mu’u or Hawaiian inspired dress and an Aloha shirt you’re good to go.
Wearing Shorts or skirts for these venues are also acceptable, but pants and aloha wear is the most formal of approaches to wear at these events.
Luau experiences are supposed to be fun and festive, so dress appropriately and to have a great time at the luau you are attending.
What to expect on your luau experience in Oahu
Attending a luau is an immersive experience that offers a taste of Hawaiian culture, music, and cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you can expect to be greeted with warm aloha hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere. Traditional luau ceremonies often begin with a welcoming chant and a presentation of the unearthing of the imu, an underground oven used for cooking.
As the festivities unfold, you’ll be treated to captivating hula performances, showcasing the grace and beauty of this iconic Hawaiian dance form. Live music, featuring rhythmic ukulele melodies and melodic tunes, fills the air, creating an enchanting ambiance. When it comes to food, be prepared for a feast fit for royalty. Indulge in a wide array of dishes, ranging from kalua pig (roasted in the imu) and laulau (steamed fish or meat wrapped in taro leaves) to lomi lomi salmon and poi (a traditional staple made from taro root). Savor the tropical flavors, sample local delicacies, and be sure to leave room for mouthwatering desserts like haupia (coconut pudding) and fresh pineapple.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaiian traditions, whether it’s trying your hand at coconut husking or getting a temporary tattoo of a tribal design. A luau is a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of aloha. It’s an opportunity to connect with the traditions and values that make Hawaii so unique. So, when you attend a luau, prepare to be mesmerized by the performances, tantalized by the flavors, and embraced by the warm hospitality that awaits you.
Experience the Best Luau on Oahu with these highly rated experiences below
Most of the really good luau experiences are actually outside of the Honolulu area and definitely worth the drive. If you are looking exclusively in Waikiki / Honolulu area, check our recommended luau experience below for the best Luau you’ll have on the island.
You’ll find a variety of venues that do offer transportation or arrange transportation to the various venues we mention below.
Paradise Cove luau Oahu
Paradise Cove
Considered the best Luau on the island by most visitors and we would agree, Paradise Cove offers the best value and experience to have on Oahu. It checks all the boxes of the things visitors expect or enjoy when doing a luau experience in Oahu.
Location – the only disadvantage to Paradise cove is the location on the beach way out at Ko’olina on the western side of Oahu. There is a dedicated luau grounds built in the area so local hotels and resorts do recommend this luau so it is always busy
Location: 92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI (at Ko Olina Resort)
Attire: Resort casual or Aloha wear is recommended
Price and packages for Paradise Cove
Prices for the Hawaiian Luau Packages here for more details
$125 adult / $87 child, this includes shell lei greeting and a $12 adult / $8 child voucher for bar or gift shop and seating on the sides of the luau grounds
Orchid Luau Package
$150 Adults / $109 child, this includes a nice upgrade to a fresh flower lei greeting and a $16 adult / $12 child voucher for drinks or gift shop and seating is centered middle area
Deluxe Luau Package
$210 adults / $153 child, this includes a fresh flower lei greeting and a $20 adult / $16 child voucher for drinks or gift shop and seating is front row center and a free photo and souvenir from the gift shop and center front seating
** Transportation from Waikiki is an additional $35 per person from certain pick-up locations in Waikiki
Why this hits all the right buttons at Paradise Cove
The facility and grounds are on the beach area at Ko’olina and flow patterns and facility are built to accommodate all sizes with prime view for all visitors to all the activities. Paradise Cove also offers all the cool cultural demonstrations at the luau including a hukilau fishnet demonstration, the Imu ceremony (pig unearthing from the pit), hula lessons, flower shower and other craft demonstrations that make this an exceptional experience and show.
Downsides to Paradise Cove Luau
The location on the far western side of Oahu is quite a distance and there is an extra fee per person charge for pick and drop off. There are added costs to upgrades, photographs and souvenirs along with a bar tab if you drink like a fish from the vouchers offered. You should consider if the added time to commute and upgrades are worth it to enjoy this luau experience.
Here’s a quick video look at the Paradise Cove experience below
Experience Nutridge
A more authentic and intimate luau experience on the islands is located at the Nutridge Estate located at the famous Tantalus lookout point above Waikiki.
This is a small family run business is held at Nutridge which in an old Hawaiian plantation estate that hosted important celebrities on the island like Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
Location: Tantalus Lookout at the Nutridge estate in a rainforest location and one of Hawaii’s first macadamia nut plantations. 3280 Round Top Drive, Honolulu, HI
Attire: Loose, casual wear and comfortable walking shoes are recommended because
Price and packages
Hula experience details for the Hawaiian Luau Packages here for more details
$159 for adults 21+, $120 child (13-20), $100 (4-12)
Two drinking vouchers are included for adults ages 21+
** Transportation is an additional $18 per person from Waikiki
Why this is a great luau experience
It is smaller and more intimate, offer a more personalized experience and very interactive. Great viewing for the entertainment segment. There’s also fantastic cultural exposure and crafts with over 4 hours of activity time to do the workshops, do Hawaiian games and even participate in the Imu unearthing.
The views here at the plantation is amazing and the show is really intimate and friendly
Dinner is done family style dining and truly a family friendly experience, low key and authentic dances and performances that might be more family style luau gathering.
Down sides to the Nutridge Luau
This experience is not glitzy and Pan Pacific like many of the other Luaus, so it does concentrate on mostly Hawaii focused culture, dance and story-telling which is actually not a downside experience if you are looking for a real authentic Hawaiian experience.
Check out this video to the Nutridge Luau experience below
Toa Luau
Located on the North Shore at Waimea Valley, the Toa Luau is located in Waimea Valley and is part of a non profit organization that runs the entire valley and offering authentic Hawaiian cultural immersion experiences
Location: 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI
Attire: All casual wear is acceptable, but Aloha wear is encouraged
Prices and programs
There are two luau experiences the dinner events below is a 4 hour extravaganza and there is a also an afternoon luau experience that fits schedules that require a day time experience here at Waimea Valley.
Check out the three main packages here for details
Silver Luau
$128 / Adult, $95 Children includes cultural activities, flower lei, Cava and cooking demonstrations, 1 drink ticket and free access to the botanical gardens, Silver seatiing location
Gold Luau
$160 / Adult, $125 Children includes cultural activities, flower lei, Cava and cooking demonstrations, 2 drink ticket and free access to the botanical gardens, Gold seating location
VIP Luau
$192 / Adult, $145 Children includes cultural activities, flower lei, Cava and cooking demonstrations, 3 drink ticket and free access to the botanical gardens, VIPseating location
Why this luau experience is great
You have two choices for a day time experience or night time luau experience at Toa Luau. Also, your tickets includes a free visit to the botanical garden so you can go early and spend some time exploring the gardens and even a waterfall swim at Waimea Falls.
The dining experience, food, cultural activities and the performance is fantastic and more authentic to Hawaiian style Luau experiences on the island, also the price points are very good for this complete experience.
Cons to this luau experience at Toa Luau
Location is a little far but there are two options to doing the luau in the afternoon and early evening time frame.
Here’s a look at the Toa Luau experience here for booking this luau in the North Shore
Check ot this fun video tour.
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a full day experience if you tack on the Center visit along with the Luau experience. Similar in concept to Epcot but with a Pan Pacific focus, the Polynesian Cultural Center experience is visiting the 6 major island nations in the Pacific and there is a Luau package available as part of that experience below.
Location: Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI (1-hour drive from Honolulu)
Attire: Floral dresses for women, Hawaiian print shirts for men, and flip-flops are recommended, but you can wear any attire you want.
Prices and packages
Check on the main package prices here for updates and booking information
Islands of Polynesia
$70 adult, $56 child gives you access to the 6-island tour experience with indigenous island members offering cultural demonstrations, crafts and other activities to participate in visiting the Polynesian Cultural center. This has no luau as part of the experience.
Drive yourself experience
$139 adult, $111 chidren gives you access to the 6 island villages, the island dinner buffet and the show Ha: Breath of Life
Ali’I Luau package
$194 adult, $147 child gives you access to the 6 island villages experience, the Ali’I luau experience with entertainment along with access and luau seating to the show Ha: Breath of Life
Super Ambassador Luau Package
$252 adult, $195 child includes a private 6 island tour experience including a reserved island canoe ride. The Ali’I luau experience with entertainment along with access and premium seating to the show Ha: Breath of Life
Why this is a great luau experience
When you purchase any of the luau experiences with the island visits then you really get exposure to the many Pacific Island cultures outside of Hawaii. The island experience and luau is all day and a great way to get exposure and understanding of the Pan Pacific cultures that are presented. This is a family friendly experience and suited for all family members to enjoy and participate in.
The different options on the luau packages makes this affordable for what you want to experience at various price points and options.
Down sides to the Polynesian Cultural Center luau
No alcohol is available since the show is run by the Mormon organization at La’ie. Also, the experience and tie in with the 6 island visits is mostly all day and also pricier compared to just doing a luau experience somewhere else.
This luau is on the North Shore area around La’ie so the self drive is good if you want to explore the area of the North Shore.
Here’s a video tour experience to the Polynesian Cultural Center experience below
Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani Disney Resort
Catering to the Ko’olina crowd and resort visitors at Aulani Disney, the luau at Ka Wa’a Luau is kid centric but also upscale enough for adults to enjoy at the Aulani.
Location – located on the west side of Oahu at Disney’s Aulani Resort at Ko’olina on the Halawai Lawn. Ka Wa’a Luau is more intimate and friendly in size
Prices and packages to the Aulani luau
General seating
$160 / adult, $94 / child
Book early for priority seating on the luau grounds. Includes fresh leis, alcoholic beverages
Preferred Seating
$189 / adult, $114 child includes lei, alcoholic beverage and priority seating. Also includes a complimentary welcome photo
Book a reservation here for more details and information
The good stuff about this luau
The cultural pre dinner activities are fantastic with friendly kid focused activities like lei making, ukelele lessons, poi pounding that is really fun. The lines and time line for the activities, food experience and the after dinner show was very well managed and professional, like a well produced and Broadway quality production. Quality of the foods and drinks at this luau is exceptional and very good quality and very tasty. The Disney touches with Moana, Micky and Minnie participating at various parts of the experience is fun for a kid friendly venue
Down Sides to the Luau experience at Aulani
It is more kid focused and pricey but also upscale with good quality food and drink. Also, a lot of the traditional Hawaiian activities are more a light version of a traditional luau experience on the island.
Check out the cool Aulani luau experiences below
Honolulu Luau experiences
Unfortunately most of the Luau experiences in Waikiki and Honolulu area are really a poor interpretation of a luau with mediocre food and performance. But there’s a few exceptions below
Aha’aina Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Resort
Set at the beautiful Royal Hawaiian resort and a luxury setting, Aha’aina is the actual meaning for a luau for “gathering for a feast”
This feast included Hawaiians getting together to celebrate a special occasion with a delicious feast and performance. The meal is table service with a 3 course meal with waiters and includes valet service at the hotel.
Prices and Packages
- Standard Dinner & Show: $200 per adult
- Premium Dinner & Show: $220 per adult
Luau at the Aha’aina is only on Monday and Thursday evenings
Location: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu (Inside the Royal Hawaiian Resort)
Attire: Resort casual is recommended
Here’s the Aha’aina luau experience below
luau Honolulu – at Royal Hawaiian Luau
Here’s some Luau’s to avoid and miss the mark
Unfortunately, some luau in Oahu and mostly those located in Waikiki area really miss the mark on doing something fun, friendly and not so bad to experience. These are the luau that really you should miss or spend your money doing something else like a nice dinner or an adventure tour experience.
Not up to par luau (IMHO)
Germaines Luau – located outside of Waikiki area, American and Polynesian fare menu and a little kitchy at best – the saying you get what you pay for applies here with lackluster food and okay performance
Chef’s Luau – at the Wet and Wild Amusement park. Terrible venue and not an authentic experience at best and really cheesy Luau jokes and presentation that is off putting
Rock a Hula – again kitchy with celebrity impersonator type entertainers. Might work if that is what you are into
Ka Moana Luau – located at Sea Life Park good for family fun with free entrance to the park but the luau experience and entertainment is just not up to par and below any good luau experience. But it is a family friendly park and luau experience
More inside tips for a great luau experience
Research and Choose Wisely: Look for a reputable luau in Oahu that offers an authentic cultural experience. Read reviews, check their website, and inquire about the activities, performances, and food offered. Consider factors like location, ambiance, and customer feedback to make an informed decision.
Make Reservations in Advance: Luau experiences in Oahu can be popular and fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Secure your spot by making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the luau venue early to secure good seating and explore the surroundings. Early arrival allows you to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, and familiarize yourself with the venue before the festivities begin.
Dress Appropriately: Luau events often have a casual or semi-formal dress code. Opt for comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, such as Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, or aloha attire. Some luaus even offer grass skirts or leis for guests to wear.
Engage in Cultural Activities: Many luaus offer interactive cultural activities, such as lei-making, hula lessons, or even learning to play traditional Hawaiian musical instruments. Take advantage of these opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about Hawaiian traditions.
Indulge in the Feast: Luaus are known for their lavish feasts. Enjoy a variety of Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, poi, lomi lomi salmon, and fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try unique specialties like haupia (coconut pudding) or poi mochi for a true taste of Hawaii.
Appreciate the Entertainment: Luaus feature captivating performances, including hula dancing, fire knife shows, and live music. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the captivating performances that showcase Hawaiian arts and traditions.
Capture the Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memorable moments at the luau. Take photos of the performances, your group, and the vibrant atmosphere to cherish the memories of this unique cultural experience.
Respect Cultural Etiquette: Show respect for Hawaiian culture by following any guidelines or instructions provided by the luau organizers. Be attentive during cultural presentations and performances, and refrain from inappropriate behavior or disrupting the event.
Embrace the Aloha Spirit: The luau experience is not just about the food and entertainment; it’s about embracing the aloha spirit and connecting with the Hawaiian culture. Engage with the performers, interact with fellow guests, and embrace the warmth, hospitality, and sense of community that define the Hawaiian way of life.
By following these tips, you can enhance your luau experience in Oahu, creating lasting memories of an authentic Hawaiian cultural celebration. Immerse yourself in the traditions, indulge in the feast, and embrace the aloha spirit as you immerse yourself in this unforgettable event.
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Final thoughts
There you have it in terms of the good and bad for Luau in Oahu. Of course these are just my own personal thoughts so people do have different expectations, food options and quality and price paid per person.
If you think you have had a better experience to any of these luau, please do share them in the comment section below.
Luau Oahu FAQ
what is a luau?
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast or party, typically featuring a large amount of food and drink, music, dancing, and other forms of entertainment. Luau are often held for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations, and they are a popular way for people to gather and socialize in Hawaiian culture.
what is the best luau in oahu?
The best luau suits what your needs are for location, budget, timeframe and the date. There are more traditional style or pure entertainment with Pan Pacific style extravaganza, so it all depends on your own interests to what luau works best for you..
Do you have to dress up for a luau in Hawaii?
This is a festive occasion so definitely make an effort to enjoy and dress for this. Most Hawaiian attire is appropriate with Aloha shirts and tropical print dresses or more traditional mu’u mu’u
This is a quick summary of the Best luau in Oahu to enjoy
For Oahu fun, you’ll love explore all of these fun Luau experiences that you can do all around the island. Hope this gives you a better ideas of which luau experience will work better for you with your time and budget. If you can think of other suggestions or tips, please share them in the comment section below, thanks.
Conclusion on Best luau in Oahu
In conclusion, a luau is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, while enjoying delicious food, music, and entertainment. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the islands, a luau is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.
So, if you are looking for a unique and exciting way to spend an evening in Hawaii, I would highly recommend attending a luau. With its vibrant colors, lively music, and mouth-watering cuisine, a luau is sure to delight all of your senses and provide an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Disclosure – some of the links above are to affiliate sites that are either reviews or recommendations if you book helps to keep our site running. We appreciate your supporting our website meanwhile
What a great Oahu luau guide. I appreciate that you mention both the pros and the cons as well as details that help make decisions about where to experience luau. The pics are pretty tempting, too.
Thank you, hope you get to visit some of these luau in Oahu some day
EEEE this makes me so excited! We just started planing our trip to Oahu and attending a luau is on our bucket list!! Thank you for saving me the headache of hours of research!! I love the idea of a more authentic and intimate luau and LOVE that there are family owned ones!
That’s awesome, I hope you get to enjoy one of these luau in Oahu soon!
Oahu is still on my bucket list. So far, I have only had the opportunity to visit Maui and Molokai. I dream, of course, about experiencing the best Luau on Oahu. I would love to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history. I appreciate your recommendations, as it will be easier for me to decide. It’s great that you provide prices and descriptions of programs.
Glad you enjoyed the post and hope that you can try any of these luau on Oahu some day
I can’t imagine visiting Hawaii and not enjoying at least one luau. Good to get some insight into which ones are really good. And the ones to avoid. I think I would like the smaller and more intimate locations for a more authentic experience. Great that the Toa Luau offers an afternoon experience to factor in the time to get there. We might have to try more than one to get our own favourite luau.
That’s awesome, hope that you get to do any of these Luau and the one up in Waimea is great because it is a non profit organization that runs the valley.
I don’t need glitzy! So, I really appreciate the authentic experience of the luau at Nutridge Estate. Plus, I love supporting local, family businesses. I’ve never seen a Macadamia Nut plantation before, so that’s an added value for me. The interactive aspect is also very appealing. All of these options look like excellent choices, but for such a reasonable rate for a more authentic experience and transportation costs, I’ll definitely look into booking Nutridge when I visit Hawaii!
The Luau done in Oahu is all across the board but this is definitely one of the more authentic experiences to do on the island.
These Luau seem like a truly genuine and cultural experience of the Hawaiian culture. I find them a bit expensive for my usual travel budget but the kind of experience I would love to have at least once if I visit Hawai. This guide is really complete and gives you a good feel of what you will find there. Nutridge Luau and the Polynesian culture centre luau look like the most appealing to me.
Either choice of Luau sounds appealing, I’m sure you would enjoy either options for Luau in Oahu
That’s great that you not only shared the recommended luaus, but the ones you would recommend taking a pass on. That’s just as important to know about the ones that miss the mark. I’ve not visited Hawaii, and so I might fall into the trap of thinking they are all created equally. Great round up of recommendations for those planning on visiting Oahu.
Yes there’s so good and authentic and some that are just too commercial and tacky adaptations of Luau that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Interesting that luau experiences are overall experiences that include food and other activities. But yes, they do sound pretty expensive with the prices above $100. Hukilau fishnet demonstration, the Imu ceremony, craft demonstrations sound interesting though. As someone who would prefer more authentic experiences I think I’d go for Nutridge Luau or Polynesian Cultural Center Luau. The full day experience at Polynesian Cultural Center Luau sounds value for money.
THere are quite a few that do offer more authentic and pure Hawaiian style luau on Oahu worth doing.
I would love to attend a Luau, it looks like such a wonderful event. I can see that they are quite expensive but I think they are worth it, as you don’t really see this anywhere else in the world. It’s great that they include food as well and that the locations are so pretty.
Luau on Oahu tend to be pricier and the few mentioned here area worth doing and more authentic
It’s been a while since I attended a Luau, so I was really surprised to see how much the prices went up. Wow, $125/person minimum seems like a lot of money. I loved the Luau at Paradise Cove, but I have no comparison because that was the first and only one we tried in Oahu. I’d love to try the others as well.
Luau are definitely pricey but include food, cultural activities and the entertainment and these are the best offered in Oahu to do