Hawaii is justly famous for its luaus. While people in other states sometimes attempt to copy this Hawaiian custom, you cannot enjoy an authentic luau experience outside of the 50th State.
But not all luaus were created equal. Fortunately, our research has identified the top luaus in Oahu to save you time and ensure you enjoy your visit to Hawaii.
Not only will these luaus provide you with the experience of the traditional food, dancing, and songs of a traditional Hawaiian luau, but they will also enable you to learn about the culture, history, and crafts of the indigenous islanders.
Be sure to see our other reviews of Sunset Dinner Cruises, Pearl Harbor Tours and Whale Watching Tours.
Best Luaus in Oahu
| Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History | Chief's Sielu Traditional Luau | Toa Luau at Waimea Valley Oahu | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Luau Dinner | Best Luau Show | Best Budget Dinner | |
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| Location: | Hawaii Country Club, 94-1211 Kunia Rd, Wahiawa | Chief's Luau, 400 Farrington Hwy | Toa Luau, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy |
| Start: | 5:15 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Duration: | 4 hours | 2 Hours | 3 hours |
| Includes: | Transport from meeting point to the venue, lei greeting, Polynesian Feast, welcome mai tai, hands-on activities | Hawaiian feast, luau show, learn headband weaving, or take a hula lessons | Luau dinner, Polynesian show, Fire knife dancing, Kava ceremony, flower lei greeting |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Oahu Luaus For 2024
- Best Luau Dinner: Oahu: Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower
- Best Luau Show: Chief’s Sielu traditional Luau
- Best Budget Luau: Toa Luau at Waimea Valley Oahu
- Best Family Luau: Paradise Cove Luau
- Best Small Group Luau: Oahu Pa’ina Luau Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort
If you would like some ideas of other things to do, please see our list of the Top 15 Things To Do In Oahu and Top 10 Things For Couples.
Oahu Luau Reviews
1. Best Luau Dinner: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History
- Meeting Point: Hawaii Country Club, 94-1211 Kunia Rd, Wahiawa
- Starting Times: 5:15 PM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Transport from meeting point to the venue, lei greeting, Polynesian Feast, welcome mai tai, hands-on activities
If it’s your first time in Hawaii, or the Oahu area in general, I highly recommend doing yourself a favor and trying out this first tour.
It’s a fantastic way to learn about the local culture, try authentic Hawaiian cuisine, while also experiencing some of the wondrous marine life which surrounds the islands! If that sounds like fun to you, check out the Oahu Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower!
Clocking in at around 4 hours, it’s a great alternative to going to dinner at a fancy restaurant, without being too long. This length also makes it easier to fit into busy schedules, with a few different start times from Ka Moana to choose from.
The Sea Life Park is a destination that every nature lover needs to visit, but it also offers charm that everyone will certainly fall for.
The beautiful background of Honolulu and the mountains become enveloped in a sheet of gold light at we watched the sun set over the city.
This created a stage for the performers like I’d never seen, complete with a delicious traditional Hawaiian dinner. The staff did a fantastic job of making everyone feel welcome, letting us participate in lei-making, traditional Hawaiian games, or even hula lessons!
The feast was amazing, consisting of rich flavors from succulent kalua pork, fresh island fish, haupia, and so much more. The drinks were also quite good with an experienced bartender at the helm, mixing premium and well drinks, and serving beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Don’t forget the Polynesian Sword of Fire dance, which is sure to impress (you’ll want to take videos!).
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
2. Best Luau Show: Chief’s Sielu Traditional Luau
- Meeting Point: Chief’s Luau, 400 Farrington Hwy
- Starting Times: 5:00 PM
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Includes: Hawaiian feast, luau show, learn headband weaving, or take a hula lessons
If it’s your first time in Hawaii, make sure to set aside at least one evening to experience one of the most renowned, authentic luaus on Oahu.
The Chief Sielu Traditional Luau experience comes with 3 different package options so you always get something unique and get to select a program that fits with your interests. If you’d really like to learn more about local island culture, this is a hassle-free, fun way to do so!
The approximately 3-hour tour starts out by arriving at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii in Kapolei, which we found very easy to get to thanks to lots of transportation options available.
There are 3 different options available: the Paradise, Royal, and Aloha – all of which offer a slightly different greeting and includes different beverages. However, all include a delicious Hawaiian feast full of traditional plates that you may otherwise not get the chance to try.
As you can probably deduce by the title, this luau is hosted by the famed Chief Sielu, who is the Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion! The welcoming ceremony with the chief is immersive, high-energy, and even includes a bit of humor – the perfect way to kick things off.
We were soon able to enjoy the delicious Hawaiian feast, which included kalua pork, pineapple glazed chicken, and many other delicious foods.
We also participated in various interactive activities like headband weaving, with friendly staff helping us throughout with patience and humor.
As the grounds boast an impressive 50-foot backlit cascading waterfall, it feels like some sort of fairytale! This is a must-do if you want a taste of “real” Hawaii, no matter your age or background!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
3. Best Budget Luau: Toa Luau at Waimea Valley Oahu
- Meeting Point: Toa Luau, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy Waimea Valley
- Starting Times: 5:00 PM
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Includes: Luau dinner, Polynesian show, Fire knife dancing, Kava ceremony, flower lei greeting
Tucked right into the lush Waimea Valley, Toa Luau offers a quintessential, authentically Hawaiian experience that balances cultural immersion with natural beauty. This is one of the most visually stunning luaus I’ve been to, which is saying a lot as I’ve been to virtually countless!
The Toa Luau at Waimea Valley Oahu offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of island hospitality, entertainment, and relaxation.
Upon arrival to the venue, we were greeted with a traditional welcome flower lei, which was great foreshadowing to the hospitality we were about to experience.
We were able to select from a few different seating times to work best with our itinerary, and as it’s only a few hours long, it’s easy to work into the day. There are various ticket options available, where you’ll be able to select how many drinks you want, amongst other things.
Please note that this luau is ideal for nature lovers and those who have at least a bit of physical conditioning, as it does involve a bit of physical activity. You’ll hike to the stunning Waimea Falls and swim in the clear blue pool at the bottom to cool off!
We then headed into the depths of the colorful botanical gardens, where we got to see the flowers that our leis were actually made from.
After all that excitement, we headed back and relaxed with a delicious dinner consisting of plenty of traditional Hawaiian dishes while watching Polynesian dances and cultural performances. If you’re going in the summer time, I recommend this luau more than almost any other!
It’s incredibly fun and one of the most exciting activities you can participate in, while learning all about the history and culture behind the Hawaiian islands.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Family Luau: Oahu Paradise Cove Luau
- Meeting Point: Hotel pickup
- Starting Time: 5:00 PM
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Includes: Polynesian show, Fire knife dancing, Flower lei greeting and Ali’i Luau buffet and dinner show
Located right along the beautiful Ko Olina shores, the Oahu Paradise Cove Luau is one of the most breathtaking tours I’ve been on. It’s also one of the most comprehensive, so if you’re looking for a luau that has everything covered, this is a great option.
Whether you’re on your own, traveling with a partner, or the entire family, I’m sure you’ll love this one as much as I did!
One huge plus for me was the fact that they actually offer a complimentary hotel pickup so we didn’t have to worry about booking separate transportation or getting there on time.
They comfortable coach took us out to Paradise Cove, which was only a short ride away and the driver was super friendly. It wasn’t just the driver who was friendly, though – the entire staff was top-notch, greeting us with a traditional Hawaiian lei and Mai Tai cocktail upon arrival!
When we got there, I was instantly taken aback by the incredible views of downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and Diamond Head!
After taking some photos and videos, we headed to our table, then looked through the Hawaiian Village where we saw plenty of local arts and even played some games!
After this, we even had fun in the Hukilau on the beach, where we danced and then learned how to go net fishing like they did in “old Hawaii”.
No luau is complete without a tasty traditional feast of Hawaiian food, and as is typical, they roasted it in a type of “imu” underground oven.
Just like with a few of the other luaus, this one comes with some different booking options, so make sure you choose the one that works best for you.
No matter which one you choose, you can count on plenty of educational opportunities, fun, mouthwatering food, and amazing Hawaiian views!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Small Group Luau: Oahu Pa’ina Luau Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort
- Meeting Point: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort – 2552 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
- Starting Time: 5:30 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Polynesian show, fire dancing, traditional Hawaiian dinner, cultural activities like learning how to hula, meet the cast and have photos with your favorites
I’ve been to a ton of different luaus in Hawaii, and some of them are sitting directly in the sun and can get pretty hot! This next tour is one of the more comfortable luaus I’ve been to, thanks to the attention to detail from staff and the fact that the building shades the entire area quite nicely.
The Oahu Pa’ina Luau Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is phenomenal from the very get-go, complete with plenty of singing and dancing!
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a complimentary hotel pickup, however it is located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort which is super easy to access from anywhere in the city.
We decided to spend the day at Waikiki beach and soak up some sun and splash around, so we just had to change and make the short walk over. Upon arrival, just like with the other tours, we were greeted with a traditional lei welcome, which was a nice touch.
The setting itself is stunning, with the backdrop being the Pacific Ocean, and the soft sands of the beach just steps away. With live Hawaiian music and the gentle rustle of the breeze blowing through the palm trees, it’s as relaxing as it is interesting.
I loved watching the hula that honors Hawaii’s Queen Lili’uokalani, while learning about Polynesian culture and how it came to the islands.
After getting my shameless, temporary Polynesian tattoo, I sat back and indulged on a succulent prime rib buffet dinner while watching all kinds of incredible performances!
The fire dancing was the perfect finale, and afterward we had the opportunity to take some photos and chat with the performers. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight into local culture, learn some history, and enjoy a ton of different dishes Hawaii is known for!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Oahu Luaus
How do I choose the best Oahu luau for me?
There are many luaus to choose from on Oahu, each with its own theme, location, and entertainment.
The price: You can find Luaus that cost from $50 up to $200. It just depends on the location, entertainment and food quality.
The location: Luaus are held at a variety of venues, such as hotels, resorts, beaches, or boats. You may want to choose a luau that is close to your accommodation or that offers transportation options. The more expensive ones will be close to the ocean for sunset views and ocean breezes.
The entertainment: Luaus feature different types of performers, such as hula dancers, fire knife dancers, musicians, singers and storytellers. You may want to choose a luau that showcases the style and culture of Hawaii that interests you the most, such as ancient Polynesian traditions, modern Hawaiian fusion, or regional variations.
The food: Luaus can offer different menus and dining options, such as buffet-style, plated service, or family-style. Not all luaus have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options. All of the luaus will have some of the local specialties and delicacies that are unique to Hawaii.
What are the pros and cons of going to a 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 a 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 Oahu 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.
Is it worth doing an Oahu 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 Oahu?
If you are looking for the most authentic luau experience and the best food, we recommend the Oahu Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show. You will not only eat like a king but enjoy a great entertainment experience with beautiful scenery!
What is the cheapest Oahu luau?
If you are on a budget but still want to experience a Hawaiian luau experience, we recommend the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley Oahu. Even though its a budget luau the food is still excellent and a good show to go along with it!
Why You Should Attend a Luau
- Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture: Attending a Luau is a great opportunity to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Hawaii. From the traditional Hawaiian hula dancing to the Polynesian fire knife dancing. The performances will give you a glimpse into the island’s ancient traditions. Of course you also get to indulge in Hawaiian cuisine and drinks that are infused with flavors unique to the islands.
- Beautiful Scenery: Oahu is known for its breathtaking views and attending a Luau provides a great opportunity to soak up the island’s beauty. Most luaus have lush greenery and ocean views. You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise which you are.
- Family Friendly: A luau on Oahu is a family friendly event that offers something for everyone. Whether you are with kids, friends, or family. The performers will keep you entertained with their incredible talents. There is more than enough food and drinks to keep you happy. It’s a perfect event for couples or families that will make memories for a lifetime.
- Authentic Experience: Oahu is the birthplace of the Luau and attending one here is an authentic experience. You will see ancient Hawaiian traditions that have been passed down through the generations while learning some history of the islands. The Luau is a unique experience that cannot be replicated.
- Unforgettable Atmosphere: The atmosphere at a Luau is something that is hard to describe. With the scent of tropical flowers and sounds of ukuleles playing in the background a Luau on Oahu is an immersive experience.
Fire Dance at a Luau
What is it Like to be at an Oahu Luau?
As you arrive at the luau you will be greeted by the warm embrace of the Aloha spirit. The smell of fresh food and the sound of lively music fills the air.
And then the feast begins!
You will be treated to an abundance of delicious food, like succulent Kalua pig, lomi-lomi salmon, and poke. They are all served with fragrant rice and macaroni salad. If you like sweets, and who doesn’t, there are plenty of desserts to choose from, like haupia (coconut pudding) and shaved ice.
But wait, there’s more!
As you’re enjoying your meal, you will be entertained by amazing performers. They will amaze you with their fire knife twirling and ukulele playing. You will learn about Hawaiian culture and history through their stories and songs.
Let’s not forget about the drinks!
You can try a variety of tropical cocktails like Mai Tais, Blue Hawaiians, and Pina Coladas. If you are not a drinker not to worry, there is pineapple juice and coconut water.
As the evening comes to a close, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced the true essence of Hawaii with its warm hospitality, rich culture. You’ll leave the luau with a happy heart, full stomach, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Tips to choose the best Luau in Oahu 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 Oahu, 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.
Food
Entertainment
Value
The Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show is our Editor's Choice for the best Oahu Luau
