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.
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.
Best Luaus in Oahu
| Oahu: Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show | 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: | The Sea Life Park | Chief's Luau, 400 Farrington Hwy | Toa Luau, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy |
| Start: | 5.30 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours | 2 Hours | 3 hours |
| Includes: | Transport, lei greeting, entry to Sea Life Park, welcome mai tai, admission to Ka Moana Luau, & buffet | 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 2023
- Best Luau Dinner: Oahu Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show
- 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: Honolulu Waikiki Sunset Luau
Oahu Luau Reviews
1. Best Luau Dinner: Oahu Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show
- Meeting Point: The Sea Life Park
- Starting Times: 5.30 PM
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Includes: Transport from meeting point to the venue, lei greeting, entry to Sea Life Park, welcome mai tai, admission to Ka Moana Luau, and buffet dinner
This Oahu luau provides a fabulous introduction to Hawaiian traditions. It begins with a choice of cultural activities. You can get a temporary tattoo, learn how to hula, make your own lei, weave a coconut frond headband, or learn how to play the ukulele.
During your buffet dinner, you will enjoy the selection of traditional island and oriental dishes cooked by a professional local chef. Sample poi and fresh taro rolls. Consume fresh grilled mahi mahi with macadamia nut crème sauce or chicken yakitori with teriyakis sauce.
The best part of the meal is the fresh island vegetables and fruits. Tropical fruits eaten close to where they were harvested is a completely different experience to eating them after they’ve been transported on a ship and processed for stores. You won’t believe the taste explosion.
The highlight of your evening is the award-winning performance of traditional dances and songs expressing vibrant Polynesian and Hawaiian traditions. This show includes the famous Sword of Fire dance as it leads you through a series of cultural experiences like a visual tour of Polynesian history and culture.
Be warned that there is a good chance you will be dragged up onto the stage to join in with the dances and other activities. You won’t forget this memorable evening.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
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
This is the best luau in Oahu for someone looking for an entertaining evening. Word champion Chief Sielu will perform his Fire Knife Dance. His entertaining show combines comedy and amazing feats with fire and knives! It will have you on the edge of your seat!
However that’s not the only reason to goto this Luau. The Hawaiian feast is second to none! The pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork will have you going for seconds and third helpings. The fresh island vegetables and fruits are nothing like you get from the supermarket. The fresh taste will spoil you forever!
In addition to the entertaining show and feast, you can learn how to hula dance, how to make a traditional headband from coconut leaves. This is luau that should not be missed.
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
Your evening will begin with a traditional lei greeting. Then you wil have the opportunity to explore the 42-acre center. Native Hawaiian’s will explain the differences and similarities between the indigenous peoples of Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii.
You will also be encouraged to participate in cultural activities, such as receiving a temporary Polynesian tattoo and seeking your spirituality inside a 6-story temple.
One of the many highlights of the evening is the Kava ceremony. Following this spectacular show, you will have the opportunity to sample local dishes at the island-style buffet. This will include many examples of traditional luau entrees, salads, sides, and fruits. The salads and fruits will surprise you.
When you eat tropical fruits and vegetable in the continental US, they have been processed and transported and are often weeks old. The same fruits and vegetables fresh off the plant, the taste and texture are completely different and far superior.
Your evening ends with the main event — the Fire knife dancing show. During this spectacular performance, you will witness amazing feats of skill. There will be thrilling fire knives, dancing, and traditional Polynesian sagas interpreted in dance and song.
At the end of this fantastic Oahu luau, you will feel steeped in Polynesian history and culture. This evening will create the most vivid memories of your vacation in Hawaii.
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
This is the best Oahu luau for guests who want an authentic luau experience. This luau features a live show while you eat your luau buffet.
The Ali’I Luau Buffet has been named “Hawaii’s Most Authentic Luau”. Enjoy pork from a traditionally roasted pig along with a broad offering of other authentic Polynesian dishes. But the most special element of this authentic luau is the live entertainment.
Listen to beautiful traditional Hawaiian music and watch a hula performance while you eat. The authentic dishes enable you to get a taste of the real Hawaii.
After you eat, you also get to watch the famous Ha: Breath of Life theatrical performance. This fantastic stage show features a range of dances including the flaming knife dance, traditional stories, and songs that take you on a journey across Polynesia and introduce you to the different distinct cultures spread across the South Pacific.
The highlight of this show is the dramatized version of the Mana and Lani saga. This is a famous traditional story about love and family, tragedy and triumph, birth and death. If you are interested in Hawaiian history, the film Hawaiian Journey shown at the IMAX theater is also a must.
Within the center, you can try you hand at traditional Polynesian skills, such as playing a bamboo instrument, hula, preparing poi, weaving reeds, and playing ancient games.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Small Group Luau: Honolulu Waikiki Sunset Luau
- Meeting Point: Imperial Hawaii Resort
- Starting Time: 5:00 PM
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Includes: Polynesian show, fire dancing, traditional Hawaiian dinner, cultural activities like learning how to hula, making leis or shell necklaces
The Waikiki Sunset Luau is unique in a few respects. It is the only Luau in Hawaii that overlooks the ocean from the penthouse of the Imperial Hawaii Resort. So you can enjoy the show while enjoy some traditional Hawaiian drinks like Mai Tais.
If you are looking for a more intimate atmosphere, this one fits the bill with only 40 people max. This gives it a more authentic experience than some of the larger Luaus and you feel like you are part of the show plus everyone gets a great view of the fire dancers!
The food at this Luau is top notch with traditional dishes such as BBQ Shoyu Chicken and Kalua Pig cabbage along with desert featuring cake with Haupia drizzle.
Before the show starts, you can take part in some Hawaiian cultural activities like learning how to hula, making leis or shell necklaces.
After that the 45-minute Polynesian show starts with traditional songs and dances plus a famous fire dancing that will amaze you. All in all this a great Luau for the money!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Oahu Luaus
Should I to go to a Oahu 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 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.
Why You Should Attend an Oahu 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.
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The Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park with Dinner & Show is our Editor's Choice for the best Oahu Luau
