Your Aloha Guide to Finding the Best Luaus in Hawaii

You’ve hit all the sun-soaked beaches, tried poke and acai bowls, dived, and snorkelled. If you’re still searching for things to do in Hawaii, we’ve got one for you: join a Hawaiian luau!

A luau is one of the most festive things to do in Hawaii. It features live music, cultural performances, and the overall warm hospitality of the Hawaiian Islands. Oh, and have we mentioned it showcases Hawaii’s sumptuous traditional food? Yep, luaus in Hawaii are typically big feasts, but they also vary in the entertainment they show. Some are more party-oriented, while others lean more on their cultural aspect. 

First-time luau goer? Fret not—here’s everything you need to know about luaus!

As we’ve mentioned, a luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that comes with entertainment. Hawaiian luaus were usually held to celebrate something special, like a kid’s first birthday party (called a baby luau!), sweet 16s, graduations, and weddings. Nowadays, these are held to welcome tourists coming to the island to bring residents and visitors together in a feast under the stars.

Upon arrival, you’ll be given a lei as a form of affection. Performances in the middle consist of live music, hula dancing, lei making, imu ceremonies, and Samoan fire dancing. There could also be a storytelling portion to illustrate Hawaii’s vibrant culture and history. After all the performances come the most awaited part of a luau: the food! This grand buffet dinner comes with a flowing assortment of tropical cocktails.

A typical Hawaiian luau features a huge array of local dishes like Kalua Pork (pork roasted in an underground oven), poi (pounded taro root), Lau Lau (meat wrapped and steamed in taro leaves), and Haupia Pie (coconut pudding). 

Of course! Joining a luau in Hawaii is an unmissable island experience. Some luaus may be a bit expensive, but with all the performances, food, and fun you’ll be getting, they’re definitely worth the price8582 tag!

When in Waikiki, one of the best luaus you can join is the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center! Experience a trip back in time and learn about past Hawaii royals that once ruled the islands, surrounded by lush nature and captivating waterfalls.

Get the chance to watch an impressive imu ceremony, where you can see how the underground oven is unearthed to reveal the roasted pork before the feast begins. Located at one of the most beautiful resorts in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau, guests are highly encouraged to dance to the music of different Polynesian cultures, like Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti.

On a budget? Germaine’s Luau is a no-frills Hawaiian luau that has also stood the test of time. This beachside fave has been entertaining its guests and locals since 1976 and is one of the least pricey luaus in the Aloha State.

Brace yourself for an interactive experience at Luau Kalamaku. With over 50 dancers, musicians, and one award-winning fire knife dancer, the entertainment on this Hawaiian luau is through the roof. It’s got state-of-the-art sound systems and interactive stage designs that majestically tell the story of a voyage. Watch how courageous Polynesians travelled from Tahiti all the way to Hawaii in the past and the importance of different Hawaiian gods and goddesses, like the volcano deity Pele (not the soccer player!).

Luaus are known for their ambience thanks to the warm hospitality that surrounds them, and this family-run luau will make you feel like you’re home! The Smith Family Garden Luau in the sacred Wailua Valley has run several fun luaus in a span of more than 50 years. It still offers quality food like the usual Kalua Pork and modern twists like beef teriyaki, mahi-mahi, chicken adobo, and more!

Get to know more about Kauai’s rich heritage and culture through ‘Auli’i Luau. Don’t mix this with the one in Oahu—remember that they’re on different islands! The Sheraton Kauai Resort offers this one. They set camp on the dazzling Poipu Beach, making this the only oceanfront Hawaiian luau in Kauai.

Put on your thongs and go on a Polynesian journey on The Myths of Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort! Fill your day with stunning song-and-dance performances from the Polynesian islands like Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Afterwards, have a satisfying fill at the all-you-can-eat buffet!

Looking for an “elevated” luau experience? Join the Feast at Lele, an upscale version of the typical feast! Set on the romantic beachside of Lahaina, this luau is the perfect setting if you’re looking for a spot to spend the evening with your loved one. They even serve gourmet luau food over a five-course meal!

There are tons of food to try out at a luau. Credits to @drumsofthepacificluau Feel your heart thumping to the beat of the drums at this outstanding Tihati Production in Maui. The Drums of the Pacific is a gorgeous spectacle that features authentic dances and music of the old Hawaii. It’ll take you on a journey through the islands and show you a traditional imu ceremony right before the feast begins.

The Big Island isn’t short of festive luaus also! At the Kona Beach Hotel, you can party it out at the Island Breeze Luau, where the night will be graced by Maori and Fijian dances of war, plus a Samoan fire knife dance show! Practice your oohs and aahs, ‘cos you’ll surely use them a lot!

Indulge in a feast of nothing but the freshest and finest ingredients on the island at the Hawaii Loa Luau. Held at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel, this luau has an open bar to keep you juiced up throughout the show. Learn more about the tales of Polynesia’s brave voyagers through mesmerising hula dancers and lovely talented musicians.

Celebrate the beauty of the land of Kalāhuipuaʻa at the Mauna Lani Luau of the Auberge Resorts Collection. This particular feast happens weekly and offers an incredible buffet made from freshly-caught ingredients, like ahi poke, huli huli chicken, and kiawe broiled steak. Preliminary activities include an imu ceremony, a spectacular production show, and a fire knife finale!