Best Luau in Oahu
Attending a luau during your stay in Hawaii is one of the activities you can't miss. If you want to know more about all the shows available, stay and read on.
Luau | ©tara hunt
A luau is a typical Hawaiian holiday and celebration of life, which can be held for many reasons. But regardless of why the celebration is held, luau's will always include traditional food and lots of fun in family homes.
If you are a traveler in Hawaii and want to be part of this curious and beautiful tradition, you can visit one of the luaus that are held all over the main islands by locals for tourists. If you are planning what to see and do in Oahu, don't hesitate to include a luau-related activity in your bucket list. I leave you a detail of the different types of shows, as well as prices and services included, so you can choose the one you like the most and feel part of the local culture.
1. Traditional Hawaiian luau performances.
The first choice for those wishing to witness one of the luau celebrations is to attend one of the traditional dance and music shows. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's culture as you interact up close with the local culture's tribe of warriors and hula dancers and enjoy an evening in true Hawaiian style.
Traditional performances usually include a lei welcome, an artistic fire knife dance number and poi balls. In addition, you can participate in various native activities such as headband weaving, hula lessons and much more. As you will see, fun is fully guaranteed.
The price of the show includes a cocktail and a great traditional Hawaiian feast including pineapple glazed chicken, seasonal fish and kalua pig. You can learn all about the legend of the different tribes through truly exciting and moving theatrical performances, and marvel at the luau art and culture.
Facts of interest:
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Price: from 130€.
2.Modern Hawaiian Luau Shows
This type of shows are characterized by achieving a fusion between Hawaiian culture with components of modern culture, resulting in an original and completely unique show.
The most famous of them is The Legends in Concert Waikiki® 'Rock-a-Hula', which brings together tributes to different international artists such as Elvis Presley, Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. It is one of the most successful and of great international prestige.
These shows are usually held at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Oahu, and you have the option to purchase VIP treatment by increasing your rate and receiving cocktails, premium seating, dinner or backstage access.
It is a very good option for those who want to have an introduction to this type of celebrations, take advantage of an affordable rate and have guaranteed fun. So, if you are traveling with children on Oahu, consider this alternative as it is very convenient.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
- Price: from 70€.
3. Sunset cruise shows
This proposal is quite different from others offered on the island. It is a 2-hour cruise at sunset, with a truly majestic landscape. The boats vary according to the company but generally have a capacity of about 1500 people, so they have great comfort.
While sailing through the beautiful Hawaiian waters, you will enjoy a 5-course dinner, where you will savor both meat and seafood. But the best part is, without a doubt, a first class luau show while you enjoy your meal.
Keep in mind that on Fridays, a fireworks show is held at the end of the tour, so you will gain an extra hour of sailing and attend a completely magical evening.
This option is definitely one of the best cruises to see the sunset in Oahu, don't miss it.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Price: from 100€.
4. Small group shows
This option is for those who are looking to enjoy a Luau experience but do not want a massive or popular event. This proposal is completely intimate, allowing only a small group of 40 attendees.
The event is usually held at the Imperial Hawaii Resort, where you will explore a day of different cultural activities, an authentic Luau dinner with delicious options and a traditional Polynesian show.
You can, for example, learn how to make shell necklaces and indulge your senses with the impressive mix of Hawaiian culture and dance.
Traditional menu options include Kalua Pig cabbage, Shoyu chicken, macaroni salad, chicken long rice and more. But, of course, there will be no shortage of Haupia drizzle cake, a Hawaiian classic.
And last but not least, the price of the show also includes Mai Tai, a typical cocktail of this fascinating culture.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: 2 hours and a half.
- Price: from 140€.
5. Shows with buffet dinner
This Hawaiian experience option focuses on a top-notch entertainment and buffet dinner with delicious options. If you are looking for a culinary experimentation option over a typical Hawaiian feast and cultural and authentic dancing, this option is for you.
These shows take place onthe best beaches of Oahu, where you can learn the history of the arrival of the Polynesians to the Hawaiian Islands, how their cultures evolved and how they have been distributed in the different territories.
Afterwards, you will be able to enjoy the hula dances and the fire dancers will perform choreographies that will leave you speechless.
The food is prepared by a renowned chef, where you will combine the different dishes with original and personalized cocktails to enhance the flavors and improve this gastronomic experience even more.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: from 1 to 3 hours.
- Price: from 150€.
6. Shows with excursion included
If you want a more complete experience and not just a luau, you have the option to combine it with a full day tour in the Waimea Valley. This tour consists of an afternoon immersed in Hawaiian culture that you will remember forever.
Attractions include dance performances, a traditional dinner and entrance to Waimea Valley. You will tour the incredible Waimea Falls, one of the best hikes in and around Oahu, and swim nearby.
Definitely, a completely authentic and wild experience in the middle of Hawaii.
In addition, you will have access to a tour of the botanical gardens, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful flora that compose them.
The day will continue with a dinner of traditional Hawaiian flavors and specialties for the occasion, while enjoying a traditional Polynesian dance and professional cultural performances.
Don't miss the chance to savor the best tropical cocktails while contemplating a natural and unspoiled environment on the island of Oahu. Combine a luau experience with a day of discovery of the Waimea Valley.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: 5 hours.
- Price: from 130€.
7. VIP dinner shows at plantations
This type of show is for those looking for an exclusive experience in the middle of the Kilohana plantations in Kauai, a 25-hectare agricultural park.
This is an unforgettable evening where you can sample the most delicious island cuisine and enjoy a wonderful storytelling-themed Hawaiian show.
The evening begins with dinner at a prestigious restaurant, such as Gaylord's.
Typically, the menu includes four courses, including shrimp, Pacific blue crab, local field green salad, Hoisin-glazed pork ribs and dessert options such as profiteroles with vanilla ice cream, among others.
After dinner comes the entertainment, with front row seats to enjoy the wonderful Luau Kalamaku show, which is based on an homage to Kauai mythology.
The show is about an hour long, where you can marvel at different live Hawaiian music artists. Elegant hula dancers, fire poi ball twirlers and fire knife dancers will also perform.
Interesting facts:
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Price: from 200€.