The sunset luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is the place to be for a taste of Hawaiian culture. Against the backdrop of the picturesque sunsets over ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay / Waikoloa Beach, the entertainment takes guests on a journey to Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, and Hawaii through the songs and dances of these Pacific Island cultures, culminating in the high-energy Samoan fire knife dancing to end the night.
The dinner (current menu) includes both traditional and contemporary dishes, and an open bar is included in admission and features local beers, wine, specialty Hawaiian cocktails, and more. Prior to the show, guests have the opportunity to participate in various Hawaiian crafts and games, meet Hawaiian entertainers, and experience the traditional unearthing of the cooked pig.
Why we recommend this option over others
Customer Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on :
Fodor's Guidebook:
Marriott Luau: Overlooking beautiful Anaehoomalu Bay with a spectacular Samoan fire dance performance.
Big Island Revealed Guidebook:
A luau can be a blast, and they are highly recommended.
Moon Guidebook:
Attending a luau is like going to dinner theater. It’s a good opportunity to try a lot of local foods at once. If you really enjoy a good Broadway show, then you might enjoy a luau, and kids seem to love them.
Yes, advance booking is required, and this luau usually sells out. After completing your booking here, you will get an email with all the confirmation details, and you can just check in under your name (no printed tickets or vouchers required).
4:30 pm - Check-in opens inside, and professional picture-taking starts (may not be available)
5:00 pm - Luau grounds open with open bar, music, casual hula dancing, Hawaiian games, conch blowing contest, and fashion show
5:45 pm - Imu ceremony
6:00 pm - Dinner
6:45 - 7 pm - Show begins
7:45 - 8 pm - Show concludes, followed by meet & greet with cast
Yes, although Premier Seating guests are guaranteed the front section.
Tables generally can fit up to 10 people. While it is best to book together to ensure you are seated together, if you would like to book separately (e.g., to pay separately), please make a note at checkout that you would like to be seated with another party and an effort will be made to do so.
Although the luau menu is quite varied and abundant, if your dietary restrictions make this insufficient, you are welcome to make a note at checkout and an attempt will be made to provide additional options for you. For example, for vegetarians, you can request as an additional dish: Pasta with Vegetables, Seasonal Vegetables steamed/sauteed/or grilled, or Tofu & Vegetable Curry.
There is not a separate children's menu, but if you'd like chicken nuggets for any children, please add this at checkout as a comment/request.
Yes
The bar opens when the doors open, and it closes at 7:30 pm.
If it rains before the event starts, then the luau will be moved into the ballroom. If it rains once the event has already started, the luau continues outside and guests are provided ponchos.
However, this resort area is relatively dry all year round, and weather impacts are rare. Some Hawaii forecasts can be misleading, showing a chance of rain most days, which is accurate in certain locations (i.e. higher elevations) but not for the Kohala Coast. Here is a more accurate forecast for this luau location.
Yes, guests can take pictures of the show and, at the end, the cast does a meet and greet. A professional photo of each guest is also taken and available for purchase (~$40), although this service may not be available (due to ongoing staff shortages).
Although the "fire knife dance" is steeped in ancient Samoan tradition where sharp knives were used by Samoan warriors to demonstrate their battle prowess, today in Hawaiian luaus the performers typically use wooden or metal staffs rather than knives. But it is still thrilling (and dangerous)!
Flower leis are included for Premier Seating guests. There may also be a limited supply of flower leis available for General Seating guests to purchase ($10, cash only) with proceeds going to the Charity Walk and American United Way.