The most significant celebration in Hawaii is the luau, held in ancient Hawaii to honor Gods, Kings, and honored guests. Today’s Hawaiian luaus allow you to be transported back to the days of early Polynesia to enjoy the music, dance, and plenty of food and fun.
Some of the best food and entertainment on the Islands can be found at Hawaiian luaus. Typically lasting about 3 hours, many Hawaiian luaus are located on beautiful resorts or estates adjacent to beaches with sunset views. When visiting Hawaii, it is advisable to attend at least one luau.
What to Expect in Food
Most Hawaiian luaus are very similar in regards to the type of foods that are served. The main food found at Hawaiian luaus are usually pig, fish, chicken long rice, poi, lomi salmon, haupia or coconut custard, sweet potato, salad, rice and other specialties. The preparation for cooking the pig is begun early in the morning the day of the luau.
A special underground pit called an “imu” is used for slowly cooking the pig. After the wood fire is started and the coals are ready, the pig, usually stuffed with purple sweet potato and laulau, is placed in the bottom of a sand pit on top of river rocks. Moist banana stalks are then placed on top followed by wet burlap and usually a tarp. This ensures that the pork stays moist and is cooked evenly throughout the next 8 to 12 hours. This manner of cooking the pig is referred to as “kalua”, resulting in Kalau pork.
Most luaus have an open bar where you can find Mai Tais and other tropical flavored drinks. Of course, children need not feel left-out, as they will be served brightly colored tropical non-alcoholic drinks or their choice of soft drink.
What to Expect in Entertainment
The beating of native drums, hula, fireknife and Polynesian style dancing are sure to be a part of most of the Hawaiian luaus. Many luaus are back-dropped by a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean, as torches illuminate palm trees and elegant garden grounds. Hawaii tradition and arts and crafts such as coconut husking are featured, while most luaus allow for participation in some of the fun-filled events. Such participation may consist of hula dancing, pulling in fish nets, spear throwing and many other activities.
How to Book Your Luau
Reservations are required at all luaus in Hawaii. It is advisable to book your Hawaiian luau before you leave on vacation because they sell out fast. We provide information on each of the best luaus in Hawaii. You can click on the link to read more about the particular luau and purchase luaus in Hawaii online with Top 10 Hawaii Attractions before you leave for Hawaii, ensuring your seat at the luau. Your Hawaii luau tickets will be emailed to you upon confirmation.
Big Island Luaus
If you are looking for a Hawaiian Luau on the Big Island there are several to choose from. Most luaus have only select nights that they operate and all Big Island Luaus are either located along the Kohala Coast or the southern area of Kailua-Kona. Below you will find information on each Hawaiian luau on the Big Island and the select nights that the luau operates.
Island Breeze Luau
Kona Beach Hotel on the Big Island
The Island Breeze Luau is held on the historic grounds of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on the Big Island, adjacent to the Kailua Bay pier. The Island Breeze Luau is easily accessible from the Keauhou Beach Resort to the south, as well as the Kohala Coast Resort area to the north and is within walking distance to many of the Kailua-Kona accommodations.
Upon arrival at the Island Breeze Luau you will be greeted with leis, and have picture-taking opportunities. Before the grand imu ceremony, you can enjoy the open bar and the native arts and crafts such as coconut husking. The delicious food, beautiful atmosphere and amazing entertainment all combine for very special memories of the Big Island luaus.
The Island Breeze luau operates every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If you would like to attend a Big Island luau on Monday we suggest the Firenesia Luau at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. And if you your schedule only allows to attend one of the Big Island luaus on Friday we suggest the Gathering of the Kings Luau at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel on the Koahala Coast.
The Island Breeze luau contributes to the top 10 Hawaii attractions, so share an evening under the stars with your loved ones, because this Big Island luau is one you will not want to miss!
Royal Kona Resort Luau
The Royal Kona Resort luau is held in Kailua Kona overlooking the ocean and the spectacular Hawaiian sunsets. A traditional Hawaiian luau, the Royal Kona Resort luau starts the activities with the pounding of the drums, creating a highly energetic atmosphere. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet then journey through the Pacific Islands with the award winning production luau dance and entertainment.
Gathering of the Kings Luau
The Gathering of the Kings Luau is one of the Top 10 Hawaii attractions that you will not want to miss. Held every Tuesday and Saturday, The Gathering of the Kings luau features great food and top rate Hawaiian entertainment. This popular Hawaiian luau showers your senses with bold music, song and dance. Feeling as though you have stepped back in time and journeying through the Pacific Islands, this Big Island luau is an elaborate Island Breeze production held at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel on the Kohala Coast.
Kauai Luaus
Some of the most popular Kauai luaus are located in various hotels and resorts on the island of Kauai. Other Kauai luaus are hosted on private properties throughout the island. Top 10 Hawaii Attractions takes reservations and provides discounts on Kauai luaus.
Smith’s Luau
Smith’s Luau, held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at the Wailua Marina State Park, is considered the best Kauai luau, and also one of the best luaus in Hawaii. Set along the Wailua River on 30 acres of lush, tropical gardens , Smith’s Luau is the perfect locale for a Hawaiian luau.
The Hyatt Regency Kauai holds their ‘Drums of Paradise’ luau every Sunday and Thursday.
Gaylord’s Reflections of Paradise Luau
Gaylord’s Reflections of Paradise Luau is held Mondays and Thursdays in the Kilohana Carriage House, located on a 35-acre sugar plantation owner’s estate that was built in the early ’30s.
Maui Luaus
Maui has some of the best luaus in Hawaii. They are located in the two main resort areas of Maui. The Lahaina and Kaanapali Resort areas are located in what is considered West Maui. The other main resort area is Wailea, located along the South East side of Maui.
Kaanapali and Lahaina Luaus
Three nightly luaus are hosted along Kaanapali Beach: The Hyatt Regency Maui’s “Drums of the Pacific Luau”, the Maui Marriott Resort’s “Marriott Luau” and the “Royal Lahaina Luau”. The Royal Lahaina Luau is the longest running Maui luau. Another luau located along Lahaina Beach is the Feast at Lele.
South East Maui Luaus
The oceanfront Outrigger Wailea Resort Luau is offered four nights a week and is located in the Wailea area of South East Maui. Maui luaus provide an entertaining and fun-filled evening, while capturing the spirit of the traditional Hawaiian Luau.
Being one of the best Hawaii luaus, the Royal Lahaina Luau is sure to fill your evening with excitement, fun, and laughter to be shared with the entire family. This family friendly Hawaiian luau is a definite crowd pleaser.
Kaanapali Beach Luau
Rated one of the best luaus in Maui, the Kaanapali Beach Luau is one of the more affordable luaus in Maui. The Kaanapali Beach Luau is one of the great Hawaii activities that is kid-friendly and fun for all. With so much to do and see, your children will never forget one of their first authentic Hawaiian luaus in Maui at the Kaanapali Beach Luau.
Old Lahaina Luau
The ambiance of tiki torch lights and thatched roofs take you back in time to the original luau settings. Guests can relax at their choice of tables or on lauhala mats at sunset under the palms with views of boats and neighboring islands. This is a splendid backdrop to the grass-mound stage. Genuine hospitality, a romantic setting, wonderful cuisine and excellent hula sum up the Old Lahaina Luau.
Feast at Lele
Offering panoramic views of the West Maui sunsets, the Feast at Lele offers an incredible journey back in time as you are treated to a traditional Hawaiian luau. Located in the Kaanapali area, this Maui luau production begins with the graceful hula and concludes with the famous Samoan fire knife dance.
Drums of the Pacific Luau
The Drums of the Pacific Luau is located at the Hyatt Regency in Maui and is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Participate in fun activities such as the hula dance and feast on a variety of appetizing Hawaiian cuisine, as well as an open bar for beer, wine and Mai Tais. The whole presentation is full of energy and entertainment from beginning to end.
Oahu Luaus
For centuries Hawaiians have celebrated with the luau. The best Hawaiian luau for a visitor to Hawaii is the “commercial luau”. These are designed to offer you maximum enjoyment while introducing you to the legend and music of the Polynesian islands. Many of the luaus offer fun activities such as lei-making, canoe rides, spear throwing, learning hula or playing Hawaiian games. A Hawaiian luau is an event not to be missed while vacationing in Hawaii and will provide a fun-filled evening.
Paradise Cove
The Paradise Cove Luau is the most interactive luau on Oahu, where you are treated to the traditional Hawaiian feast and an exciting Polynesian revue. You may also be invited to participate in the hukilau (pulling in the fish nets from shore), the ancient Hawaiian arts and crafts, games of skill, songs, dances and the food making.
Germaine’s Luau
This luau is one of the most authentic Hawaiian luaus you’ll find on Oahu. Germaine’s Luau is known for its excellent feast of traditional Hawaiian foods from the imu roasted pig to the haupia (coconut pudding). Under the stars and swaying palms, their luau show celebrates the cultural heritage of Polynesia and offers a warm aloha to you.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Hawaii’s number one attraction is the Polynesian Cultural Center and it offers a great Hawaiian luau that’s best known for its highly acclaimed Polynesian luau show. The Ali’i Luau Package is the best deal because it includes admission to all of the Polynesian Cultural Centers daytime activities, upper level seating at Horizon, the Polynesian extravaganza, and an authentic luau dinner with preferred seating at the show.
Basic admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center allows you to enjoy the day shows, including the famous Long Canoe Pageant “Rainbows of Paradise,” as well as the award-winning IMAX theatre show, but visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center wouldn’t be complete without attending their famus Hawaiin luau. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a variety of packages that include extras like reserved seating at shows, optimal seating, luau, prime rib dinner, and more. Even just for the price of admission you get quite a bit.