Known as the “garden island”, Kauai is covered in lush rainforests, white sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and an incredibly rich culture.

Dating back over 5 million years, it’s no surprise that this Hawaiian island has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, history, and traditions. While there are countless tours and activities available in Kauai, one of the most recommended is a luau tour.

These traditional festivities usually consist of dancing, feasting, and is one of the best forms of entertainment and cultural immersion in Hawaii.

If you want to partake in some of the top luaus in Kauai, don’t go anywhere, because we have them right here for you!

Be sure to see our reviews of NaPali Coast Boat Tours, Kauai Snorkeling Tours and Kauai Helicopter Tours.

Best Kauai Luaus

	Kauai Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show	Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner's Dinner & Show	Kauai VIP Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show
	Best Budget Luau	Best Luau Dinner	Best Family Luau
Location:	Depends on option selected	Lu’au Kalamaku, 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue	Gaylord's Restaurant at Kilohana
Start:	5:00 PM	3:30 PM	3:30 PM
Duration:	3.5 hours	4 hours	3.5 hours
Includes:	Lei greeting, open bar, buffet dinner, Kalamaku show	Premium reserved luau seating, champagne toast, Lei greeting, 4-course dinner	Luau Kalamaku, transport from hotel, 4-course meal, champagne, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 4 Best Rated Kauai Luaus For 2024

1. Best Budget Luau: Kauai Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show
2. Best Luau Show: Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner’s Dinner & Show
3. Best Luau Dinner: Kauai VIP Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show
4. Best Family Luau: Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show

Kauai Luau Reviews

1. Kauai Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show

Whether it’s your first time in Hawaii, or you’re a seasoned visitor, this extravaganza is a must-see. While all luaus are designed to be special, the Kauai Luau Kalamaku with Open Bar and Buffet Dinner never fails to impress.

From the fresh food, to the talented entertainers and friendly service, this is one of those activities that’s a fun time for all ages. Hawaiian culture is very welcoming, and that’s expressed from the very beginning, with a fresh flower Lei greeting.

This is a great way to start things off, and now, you can check out all of the different crafts and artwork from talented local artisans. This also serves as an opportunity for acquiring unique mementos and gifts for loved ones back home!

After everyone’s settled in, you’ll witness the unearthing of the pig from the imu and enjoy a buffet of poi, lomi lomi salmon, Kalua pork baked in the imu, and different seasonal fish.

Teriyaki chicken, along with fresh fruits and salads, pineapple upside-down cake, traditional haupia, and a banana cream tart are a great way to finish up the meal.

After filling up, learn all about the Hawaiian legend of Kalamakū, or “child of the new land”. Fire poi balls and fire knife dancing offers thrills and quite an impressive experience. It’s all designed to portray the voyage islanders between Tahiti and Kaua’I had to take, taking you through a wide range of emotions!

The staff are incredibly attentive, kind, and efficient throughout the experience. We can say that you won’t want for anything during this luau tour!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner’s Dinner & Show

Next up, we bring you the Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner’s Dinner & Show. This 4-hour excursion has been known to sell out quickly, thanks to the incredible attention to detail and high level of entertainment.

If you want to learn more about Hawaii in an exciting, immersive way, then this one can’t be beat. There are all types of luaus, and they all vary a bit. However, if you like the finer side of things and are looking for something a bit more upscale, we highly recommend this activity.

Make your way to the famous Kilohana Plantation Estate, covering a whopping 105 acres. Dating back to 1896, it has quite the history behind it.

If you prefer, the tours also offer round-trip transportation from most local hotels. If you don’t want to drive or book transportation, it’s a great amenity to take advantage of.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm lei greeting along with a champagne toast to really start the evening off right! Sit down and get ready to enjoy a delicious 4-course meal at the reputable Gaylord’s Restaurant.

These courses all consist of traditional Hawaiian dishes, such as Kalua pork, pineapple upside-down cake, and much more.

Named “best luau show” by Lonely Planet, you can expect the entertainers to provide a night of excitement and top-notch storytelling. They’ll show you the story of Tahitian voyagers who had to make the challenging trek to Hawaii, all through the power of dance, music, and flame.

It’s evident that every person involved is passionate about their culture, and sharing it with others. This is one of those activities that you’ll book every time you’re in Kauai.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Kauai VIP Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show

It’s no secret that Hawaii has a ton of tourists each year, and knows how to draw a crowd. Among all of those people, it’s nice to take a night out and just feel like a VIP. You can do all that and enjoy a night of adventure with the Kauai: VIP Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show!

Lasting 3.5 hours, it’s the perfect alternative to going out to eat at any old fancy restaurant. Instead, head to the enormous 60-acre orchard and agricultural park that Gaylord’s Restaurant sits on. The plantation has a very interesting history, that you’ll learn about while you’re there.

Throughout the entire activity, there will be a luxury coach to transport you and the other guests so you don’t have to worry about that.

Enjoy all kinds of traditional appetizers, large plates, desserts, and delicious drinks. Some options include shrimp and scallop spring rolls, blue crab cakes, hoisin-glazed pork spare ribs, banana cream pie, and more.

We recommend trying their sparkling wine or tropical cocktails, that pair perfectly with the tasty food. The open bar is available from 5 to 7:30 PM, so may as well take advantage of it!

However, the real magic lies in the luau show. The mesmerizing fire dancers, singers, and everyone involved really help create an unforgettable experience you have to do again and again.

Once they finish with their show, they’ll even allow for some time to pose for pictures with guests to make for a great trip souvenir!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Kauai Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show

This next adventure is just a bit longer, clocking in at 4 hours. The Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Showis also a great option if you want to see this important part of Hawaiian culture but are on a tighter budget. Perfect for entertainment and education of all ages, bring the whole family along for this ride!

Just like many of the other luau excursions on our guide, this one also takes place  on the historic Kilohana Plantation. You can either choose to get there yourself or take advantage of their helpful hotel pickup option.

If you’d like to really enhance the entire experience, we highly recommend choosing their upgrade to ride around the 104-acre estate on the legendary Kauai Plantation Railway before dinner!

This is a fantastic way to really see the lush tropical gardens around the estate up close, while also learning more about the area’s history. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Hawaiian feast that blasts off with an exciting torch lighting and imu ceremony, where they unearth the roast pig from the oven.

Afterward, you’re free to revel in all kinds of local favorites: mahi mahi, teriyaki chicken, lomi lomi salmon, fresh fruit and veggies, banana cream pie, and more.

After you have your fill, head to the Luau Pavilion (coach will transport all guests there) where you’ll get to watch an amazing show demonstrating the story of the first Tahitians to land in Hawaii.

Fire twirlers, traditional Polynesian dancers in their traditional garb, singers and musicians all work together to create a seamless and memorable show.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

FAQs About Kauai Luaus

Should I go to a Kauai luau?

Pros:

• You’ll get to taste authentic Hawaiian cuisine, such as kalua pig, poi, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia. Some luaus also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• You’ll enjoy live entertainment, such as hula dancers, fire knife performers, and ukulele players. You might even get to join in the fun and learn some moves yourself.
• They will give you some history and legends of Hawaii, such as the story of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, or the legend of Maui, the demigod who pulled up the islands from the sea.
• You should have a memorable night with your family or friends.

Cons:

• You’ll have to pay a hefty price for the experience. Luaus are typically $80 to $200. Some luaus include transportation, drinks, and souvenirs.
• You’ll have to deal with crowds and lines. Attending a Luau is a very popular among tourists. You might have to wait in lines to get your food, drinks or seats. Some luaus have hundreds of guests at a time, which can make it feel less intimate and authentic.

Do you tip after a luau?

Some luaus include a gratuity in the ticket price, so you don’t have to worry about tipping. The rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the ticket price per person,. You can tip the performers directly after the show or leave your tip at the reception desk.

Of course, tipping is optional and not expected at a luau. The performers and staff are happy to share their culture and hospitality with you. Just remember if you enjoyed the luau and want to express your gratitude you can always tip above and beyond the included tip.

What do you wear to an authentic luau?

• Don’t wear anything too formal or too casual. A luau is a festive and relaxed event, but not a beach party. You want to look nice, but not overdressed or under dressed.
• Do wear something colorful and comfortable. A luau is a celebration of life and culture, so you want to reflect that in your outfit. Bright colors, floral prints, and loose-fitting clothes are perfect for a luau.
• Don’t wear shoes or socks. A luau is usually held on the grass or sand, so you want to feel the earth beneath your feet. Plus, shoes and socks can get hot and sweaty in the tropical climate. Either go barefoot or wear sandals or flip-flops.
• Do accessorize with lei and other Hawaiian items. A lei is a traditional garland of flowers that is worn around the neck or head as a symbol of aloha (love and respect).

Are Kauai luaus all you can eat?

Most luaus are a buffet-style, so you can fill your plate with as much food as you want. Other luaus have a set menu, where you get a fixed number of dishes. A few luaus are a hybrid are a have a combination of both where you can choose from a variety of options.

But no matter what kind of luau you go to, you can expect to enjoy some delicious Hawaiian cuisine, such as kalua pig, poi, lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, and haupia. And of course, you can’t forget the entertainment: hula dancers, fire performers, live music, and more.

What can I expect at a luau?

A luau usually starts with a welcome ceremony where you can witness the unearthing of the kālua pig, which is cooked in an underground oven called an imu. Then, you can enjoy a buffet of authentic Hawaiian dishes, such as poi, lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, and haupia. You can also try some tropical drinks, such as mai tais and blue Hawaiians.

After dinner you can watch an amazing show that showcases the music and dance of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands. You can see graceful hula dancers, fire knife performers, Tahitian drummers, and more. You can also learn some hula moves yourself and join the fun on stage.

Is it worth going to a Kauai Luau ?

Whether a luau is worth it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an authentic and immersive experience a luau might not be the best option. Most luaus cater to tourists, and they can be expensive, crowded, and cheesy. You might not get to taste the real flavors of Hawaiian cuisine or see the true diversity and richness of Hawaiian culture. You might end up thinking you’re at a theme park. If you are just looking for an entertaining evening it’s hard to go wrong going to a luau.

What is the best luau on Kauai?

If you don’t mind spending a little extra for the best experience we recommend the Kauai VIP Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show. This luau has not only the best food but authentic show with in a beautiful setting!

What is the cheapest Kauai luau?

If you are on a budget but would still like to have the experience of a authentic Polynesian luau we recommend the Kauai Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show. Even with a budget price tag it still has good food and a terrific Polynesian fire dance show in a great setting!

Tips to choose the best Luau in Kauai For you

Location

Where the Luau is located is something you should consider. Each luau offers different settings and atmospheres, depending on whether they are by the ocean or in a tropical garden. You should think about what kind of environment you would enjoy the most.

Check out the menu

Each of the Luaus we review has a unique menu with a flavor Hawaiian cuisine. The menu should give you a taste of the island’s flavors like Kalua pig that is cooked in an imu to poke, huli huli chicken or teriyaki beef. Most luaus also have vegetarian options and drinks made with local flavors.

Check out the show and entertainment

When you are looking at the available options for luaus in Kauai, take a look at the shows they are performing. All luaus have some form of entertainment but they vary to the types of shows and how long they are. All have some traditional dances shows that are unique to the luau such as hula dancing or fire knife dancing. Most luaus also have some kid friendly entertainment like bracelet and headband weaving.