Oahu
Ka Moana Luau at Sea Life Park
Highlights
- Buffet dinner showcasing Hawaiian specialties
- Entertaining show including hula dancing & fire dance
- Beautiful location on southeastern coast only 30 minutes from Waikiki (transport available)
- Admission to Sea Life Park (site of the luau) included
Overview
Spend a magical evening enriched by Hawaii’s vibrant culture, history, food, and dance.
A great opportunity to venture outside the hustle & bustle of Honolulu to the scenic and sparsely populated southeastern coast, the Ka Moana Luau is located at Sea Life Park, a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary, and aquarium. As an alternative to driving yourself, you can be escorted via tour bus via the beautiful coastal route, which traverses through neighborhoods of the rich & famous as well as past Hanauma Bay, while you enjoy the interesting and entertaining commentary by the driver. Just 30 minutes from Waikiki, the luau setting is worth the journey — flanked by towering cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other with offshore islands adding to the charm.
Upon arrival and being greeted with a lei, a Mai Tai cocktail, and some lomi lomi salmon and poi (blended taro) appetizers, you can stroll the grounds taking photos of the stunning surroundings as the sun sets and also visit the many cultural activity stations, including to learn hula dancing, lei making, weaving, ukulele playing, and temporary Polynesian tattoos.
An all-you-can-eat dinner buffet showcases a variety of island foods, including local fish, juicy kalua pork cooked all day in an underground hot stone stove, and tropical desserts. Indulge in the bar that includes specialty tropical cocktails, local craft beer, wine, and more.
Performances during the show portion will take you on a journey through Hawaii and broader Polynesia, both past and present. Highlights include an exciting Maori war dance, graceful hula dancing, and climactic fire dance, with humorous commentary and audience participation sprinkled throughout. You’ll not only be entertained, but also depart with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Hawaii.
Also included is (optional) free day admission to Sea Life Park, a $40 value!
Our online prices as published on this page are up to 10% off the retail price! There is no downside versus paying full price. Prices in the booking form are the discounted price; the retail price can be seen in the packages comparison table below.
TIP: Check the Standard Package for the most available dates. If there is no availability that works for you and you are a party of 4+, please submit our waitlist form. The luau usually runs daily except Thursdays and Saturdays.
TravelShack's Choice
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS OPTION OVER OTHERS
- Stunning outdoor setting, whereas other Waikiki luau locations include an indoor hotel ballroom and a rooftop garage adjacent to a noisy streets
- A more intimate setting (averaging 200-300 people) versus other luaus which average 400-1200+
- For those staying in Waikiki, half the travel time than heading to a Ko Olina / west coast luau (e.g., Paradise Cove, Germaine's, Chief's) which can be about 1 hour each way with traffic. Convenient coach bus transport available (enjoy the luau bar!).
- Includes admission to Sea Life Park (same day or within a year)
COVID-19 UPDATE (May)
1) Masks are required while going through self-serve buffet
2) Activity stations are temporarily suspended, except coconut leaf headbands will be pre-weaved and given to guests, and hula lessons will be given at individual tables
Seating Packages
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Upgraded Package ("Celebrity") |
Standard Package ("Splash") |
Budget Package ("Classic") |
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|
Seating |
Front & center | In the middle & sides | In the back, sides |
|
Drinks |
Mai Tai welcome drink + 2 drink tickets | 2 drink tickets | 1 drink ticket |
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Lei Greeting |
Fresh flower lei | Shell lei | Shell lei |
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Souvenir Photo $20 value |
1 per group included | Extra | Extra |
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Price Optional transport is $25/person |
Age 18+: Age 13-17: Age 4-12: Age 3 & under (lap child): Free |
Age 18+: Age 13-17: Age 4-12: Age 3 & under (lap child): Free |
Age 18+: Age 13-17: Age 4-12: Age 3 & under (lap child): Free |
Key Details
Traveler Reviews
TravelShack Customer rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on:
Guidebook Reviews
Oahu Revealed guidebook:
Ka Moana is the closest luau outside Waikiki. Beautiful natural setting, and entertaining show with lots of dancing. The luau feels less processed than most of the others.
Location
FAQ
Do I have to book in advance, and how do I get my tickets?
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, including pickup location & time if applicable, and you can just check in under your name (no printed tickets or vouchers required).
How is seating handled?
At the time of booking, you choose what tier of seating you want — Upgraded, Standard, or Budget. Please refer to the package comparison table above and the seating diagram.
If booking separately than others in your party, please answer the question at checkout about associated parties so you are seated together or near each other. However, it is recommended to book as a single booking to better ensure you are seated together.
When can I take advantage of the Sea Life Park free admission?
While optional, your luau booking includes free admission to Sea Life Park on the same day or within a year after the luau. The popular events (included in your luau ticket price) include the dolphin show, penguin trainer talk, and sea lion show.
Please note that the park closes at 4 pm, so if doing same day, you would need to hang out until check-in opens around 5 pm. There is an area in the park with an open cafe, shaded seating, bathrooms, etc. where you can wait until the luau check-in begins.
The luau transportation service arrives around 5 pm so it does not sync with visiting the Park during the day. However, if you wanted to visit the Park during the day without a car, you could take Uber/Lyft there and just take the transport service back to Waikiki/Honolulu after the luau. Please proceed with booking the transport service when choosing your package and simply note that you only need return service; the price is the same.
Is gratuity included?
Yes
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. For most luaus, they will also have the option to receive a normal seat at no extra cost, although during peak periods when the luau is at capacity this may not be possible. 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 is usually 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).
What happens in the event of rain?
If rain is forecast, the luau will be underneath a large pavilion (and the size of the audience smaller). In the event of severe thunderstorms or heavy rain, the luau may be cancelled, in which case you would be contacted to reschedule or to receive a refund.
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).
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.
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