4 Best Luaus in Honolulu

Alii Luau is one of the main cultural highlights at The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), a cultural village in north Oahu. The family-friendly extravaganza is part of the offerings at the cultural centre alongside other attractions, such as the captivating Hā – Breath of Life dance performance.

Professionally coordinated, Alii Luau takes place in a covered outdoor venue against a lush waterfall and garden backdrop. Hosts greet you with an orchid lei, then treat you to the Royal Court procession with a whole pig baked in an imu (underground oven). The buffet has plenty to go around, with generous servings of traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina Resort on Oahu’s southwestern shore is a fun seaside Hawaiian feast with first-hand cultural experiences. You’ll experience colourful aspects of Hawaiian culture with communal games to keep everybody’s festive spirit going. After the warm lei greetings, engage in a Hukilau ceremony on the beach – pulling in fishnets together to the uplifting sounds of conch horns and Hawaiian chants.

The Shower of Flowers has a costumed staff member scaling swiftly up a coconut tree, then showering you with frangipani from above. Then, witness an imu ceremony, with a pig whole-roasted in an underground oven. The extravagant banquet includes local favourites such as poi and kalua pork, with the quintessential Hawaiian music and soothing hula dances to entertain you during your meal.

Chief's Luau is a Hawaiian cultural highlight you can engage in beyond the splashing thrills of the Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii waterpark in Kapolei, southwest Oahu. This luau is set up in a dedicated corner of the 29-acre waterpark and has an emphasis on Hawaiian dance performances.

There are 2 outdoor seating sections to choose from. The Royal sections put you closest to the stage while the Paradise section is set around the outer perimeter. You start your late afternoon here with interactive activities such as hula lessons and weaving crafts. An imu (pig baked in an underground oven) ceremony starts the feast, alongside the Chief’s Journey Through the Polynesian Islands show with upbeat drumming and fire dances.

Germaine's Luau is one of the long-running luaus on Oahu, having been around since 1976. The venue is near the Barber's Point lighthouse on the southwestern-most point of the island. It features a hut-like stage before a U-shaped arrangement of over a dozen tables on the sand.

This luau focuses more on the Hawaiian feast aspect. You’ll be welcomed with a shell lei and to the calls of conch horns announcing your arrival. An imu (underground oven) is then unveiled, releasing the mouthwatering sight and aromas of the kalua pig. That’s the main highlight complementing your all-you-can-eat buffet experience. It’s coupled with music and dance – not only from Hawaii but also from other Polynesian islands.