Diamond Head Luau at Waikiki Aquarium

Oahu

Diamond Head Luau at Waikiki Aquarium

Honolulu

Time: 5:30 pm

Duration: 2.5 hours

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Highlights
  • Hawaiian feast, along with a premium bar
  • Polynesian cultural commentary and performances, including hula and an entertaining fire dance show
  • Interactive cultural activities
  • Convenient oceanfront location at Waikiki Aquarium (includes complimentary admission)
  • Intimate setting without the massive crowds found at other luaus
Overview

Luau Closure in July 2024
This luau has closed in July 2024 for extensive renovations of the venue. A reopening date for late next year is not yet scheduled. In the meantime, please consider booking our other highly rated Honolulu luau.


Immerse yourself in a magical evening filled with Hawaii’s vibrant culture, rich history, delicious food, and captivating dance.

Located conveniently within walking distance of much of Waikiki, yet removed from the crowds and bustle, the luau takes place on the oceanfront grounds of the Waikiki Aquarium. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a lei and a refreshing Mai Tai cocktail. Capture the beauty of the surroundings as the sun sets over the ocean and live music fills the air. Explore the various cultural activity stations, where you can learn traditional arts such as lei making, coconut leaf headband weaving, ukulele playing, and temporary Polynesian tattoos; as part of the main program, there is also a hula lesson and fire-making demonstration. 

For dinner on most days, indulge in an abundant locally-sourced meal prepared by the renowned Chart House. The high-end buffet menu showcases an array of island flavors and satisfying dishes, including tender kalua pork slow-cooked all day, poke (raw fresh-caught local tuna), guava chicken, a vegan curry, lobster linguine, crab macaroni salad, tropical desserts, and more. 

Alternatively, on Fridays, the luau offers a unique culinary experience in a festival format that allows you to savor 8 signature dishes from some of Hawaii's most popular and up-and-coming restaurants. Inspired by traditional cuisine and using locally sourced ingredients, the modern gourmet menu features garlic shrimp, abalone, smoked Kailua pork, venison, Hawaiian caneles, and more. On all days, complement your meal with a variety of premium tropical cocktails, local craft beer, and liquor.

The show portion of the evening will transport you on a captivating journey through Hawaii and broader Polynesia, showcasing both the past and present. Highlights include an exciting war dance, graceful hula performances, and a climactic fire dance, all accompanied by humorous commentary and opportunities for audience participation. Not only will you be entertained, but you'll also create lasting memories and develop a newfound appreciation for Hawaii.

Looking for a lower priced luau that operates more days? Check out our Ka Moana Luau, located just outside Waikiki. 

Currently the video only reflects the festival food menu, not the newer buffet menu.

TravelShack's Choice

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS LUAU OVER OTHERS

  • On Fridays, it's a gourmet dinner sourced from some of Hawaii's popular restaurants; on other days, it's a more upscale and varied buffet than the mass-produced hotel food produced for the typical luau buffets
  • A more intimate setting (often around only 100 people) versus other luaus which average 400-1200+
  • Convenient to most Waikiki lodgings, either a pleasant walk or short drive. Don’t dampen your evening with traffic and a long trip to a Ko Olina / west coast luau which can be about 1 hour each way with traffic or to the PCC on the North Shore (1-1.5 hours each way). Fully enjoy the bar not having to worry about driving afterwards!
  • Peaceful and beautiful outdoor oceanfront location, whereas other Waikiki luau sites include an indoor hotel ballroom and a rooftop garage adjacent to noisy streets
  • Fresh flower leis (some packages)
  • Includes complimentary admission to Waikiki Aquarium (within 14 days of luau)
Packages

The tables below outline the differences between the packages. They all have the same cultural activities and entertainment as described above.

Buffet (all dates except Fridays)

Standard Deluxe VIP
Hawaiian Necklace
per person; given at check-in
Shell Lei Fresh Flower Lei Fresh Flower Lei
Drinks Included
per person; additional can be purchased
Welcome Mai Tai Welcome Mai Tai Welcome Mai Tai + 1 Premium Drink
Price: Age 18+
$175 $195 $225
Price: Age 13-17
$145 $165 $195
Price: Age 4-12
Age 3 & under free (without seat)
$125 $145 $175

Food Festival (Fridays)

Standard Deluxe VIP
Hawaiian Necklace
per person; given at check-in
Shell Lei Fresh Flower Lei Fresh Flower Lei
Drinks Included
per person; additional can be purchased
Welcome Mai Tai Welcome Mai Tai + 2 drink tickets Welcome Mai Tai + 2 drink tickets
Price: Age 18+
$189 $225 $249
Price: Age 13-17
$149 $179 $199
Price: Age 4-12
Age 3 & under free as lap child
$129 $159 $179
Key Details
Traveler Reviews

Customer Rating:

(47 Reviews)

5 out of 5 stars

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Guidebook Reviews

Oahu Revealed guidebook:

The Diamond Head Luau is a great choice. The smaller, more intimate setting helps give it a backyard barbecue feel. Good aloha and plenty of fun pre-show cultural activities. The young cast seems to be having most fun compared to other shows. Lots of genuine smiles and very entertaining. Another nice thing: no long drive back to your hotel afterward; you can walk. Reserve a spot well in advance.

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