Oahu
Diamond Head Luau at Aloha Tower
Highlights
- Six-course, table-served dinner with a signature dish representing six Polynesian regions
- Live performances featuring Hawaiian hula, a Maori war dance, a Samoan fire-knife finale, and more
- Hands-on cultural activities and demonstrations, including lei-making, coconut-frond weaving, fire-making, and coconut-tree climbing
- Intimate setting with a fresh flower lei and three included drinks
- Convenient location just outside Waikiki on the waterfront grounds of historic Aloha Tower, with optional coach transportation
Overview
Set on the grounds of historic Aloha Tower, just outside Waikiki, Diamond Head Luau offers a smaller, more refined alternative to Oahu’s large buffet luaus. The open-air waterfront venue combines a six-course, table-served Polynesian dinner with cultural activities and live performances representing destinations across Polynesia.
Guests are welcomed with a fresh flower lei and a Mai Tai, with optional professional photos available for purchase. Before dinner, guests can explore hands-on activities such as coconut-frond weaving and lei-making, along with watch fire-making and coconut-tree-climbing demonstrations.
Instead of a buffet, the evening features six plated courses inspired by Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa. Menu highlights include island greens with seared ahi, slow-braised short rib, herb-crusted New Zealand lamb, Tahitian poisson cru, Fijian coconut shrimp curry, and a Samoan-inspired dessert featuring haupia and seasonal fruit.
Each course is paired with a performance inspired by the same destination, creating a special journey through Polynesian food, music, dance, and storytelling. The show includes Hawaiian hula, vibrant Tahitian dance, a Māori war dance, Fijian warrior storytelling, and a Samoan fire-knife finale.
With seating kept intentionally small to preserve the quality and intimacy of the evening, you'll feel connected to the cultural storytelling rather than simply watching it from a distance.
Need a luau on a day other than Tuesday or want a wider range of price points? Check out the Ka Moana Luau.
TravelShack's Choice
Why This Luau Stands Out
- Fine dining menu served to your table, rather than a standard mass-market luau buffet
- Food and entertainment are integrated, with each course paired with a performance inspired by the same Polynesian destination
- Smaller-scale setting than many major Oahu luaus which often hold 500-1200+ people
- Open-air oceanfront venue at Aloha Tower, rather than an indoor ballroom or a noisy parking garage rooftop found at some Waikiki luaus
- For those staying in Waikiki, it's centrally located in Honolulu just 3 miles outside Waikiki rather than heading to a Ko Olina / west coast luau which can be about 1 hour each way with traffic or the Polynesian Cultural Center (1-1.5 hours each way); optional coach transport also available (enjoy the luau bar!)
- Alcohol served (unlike alcohol-free Polynesian Cultural Center), in addition to signature nonalcoholic selections
- Fresh flower lei for every guest, not the shell, wood, or nut lei used by many other luaus
Seating
Location
FAQ
How is seating handled?
At the time of booking, you choose what tier of seating you want — Standard or Premium. It is not possible to choose specific seats, just the seating package. You will be assigned a table/seats closer to the luau, and you will be provided the table number at check-in.
If booking separately than others in your party, please answer the question at checkout about associated parties so you are seated together. Alternatively, you can book as a single booking to better ensure you are seated together, and checking in together can also be helpful.
What if I have children under the age of 4?
There is an opportunity at checkout to mention any children under 4. They are free, and they could sit on your lap, in a stroller, or in a high chair (first-come, first-served). If there is an open seat at your table, the child can also use that seat. However, to guarantee a normal seat, you would have to pay for them as age 4+.
For transport, they can sit on someone's lap, or there may be enough seats that they could have their own seat (at no extra cost), although it cannot be guaranteed unless they are paid for as age 4+. Please note that car seats are not permitted on the bus (they will be stored below if you bring them).
Is it fully wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Please make a note at checkout as it impacts seating assignment, and include the type of wheelchair (e.g., collapsible, motorized). It is suitable for any of the packages.
If also choosing transport, if it is collapsible/foldable, it can be stored underneath the bus, and the person must be able to climb 7 stairs, with handrail, to board. If it's not storable under the bus (i.e. motorized scooter) and it requires a bus with a wheelchair lift, at least 48 hours advance notice is required, as a special vehicle is needed.
The luau does not provide wheelchairs at this time.
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