Oahu
Ka Moana Luau at Aloha Tower
Highlights
- Locally-sourced dinner showcasing Hawaiian specialties
- Entertaining show including hula, Maori war dance, and fire dance
- Cultural activities, including traditional crafts and instrument lessons
- Convenient location just outside Waikiki at the historic Aloha Tower oceanfront grounds
Overview
Experience Ka Moana Luau, conveniently located at the oceanfront grounds of the historic Aloha Tower lighthouse, just outside Waikiki. Unlike other luaus in the Honolulu area, this private outdoor space offers an immersive experience free from the distractions of bustling Waikiki.
Upon arrival, receive a warm greeting with a lei, a refreshing Mai Tai cocktail (VIP package), and the option for a professional photo session (additional cost). As the sun sets over the ocean, explore the various cultural activity stations. Learn to create coconut leaf headbands and flower wrist bands, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Hawaii by trying your hand at playing traditional instruments like Hawaiian drums.
Indulge in an abundant locally-sourced dinner prepared by the renowned Chart House. The menu showcases an array of island flavors, including fresh local fish, tender kalua pork slow-cooked all day, and tropical desserts. Enjoy the selection of specialty tropical cocktails, local craft beer, wine, well drinks, and soda available at the bar.
Performances during the show portion will take you on a captivating journey through the history and culture of Hawaii and Polynesia. Highlights include an exhilarating Maori war dance, graceful hula performances, and a climactic fire dance, all accompanied by entertaining commentary and opportunities for audience participation. This unforgettable experience will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Hawaii.
10% Online Discount! See details with package pricing below.
TravelShack's Choice
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS LUAU OVER OTHERS
- Oceanfront outdoor setting, whereas other Waikiki luau locations include an indoor hotel ballroom and a rooftop garage adjacent to noisy streets
- A more intimate setting versus other luaus which often hold 500-1200+ people
- Catered by Honolulu's oldest restaurant Chart House, versus generic resort / mass-event food found at many other 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 (e.g., Paradise Cove, Germaine's, Chief's) which can be about 1 hour each way with traffic, and even more time saved versus the Polynesian Cultural Center (1-1.5 hours each way). Convenient coach bus transport available (enjoy the luau bar!).
- Alcohol served (unlike alcohol-free Polynesian Cultural Center), in addition to signature mocktails (non-alcoholic), soda, and water
- Table service option with VIP Package
- Lots of humor, 2 emcees, and a wide variety of dances & skits keep all ages entertained throughout; not just endless hula performances
Seating
Packages
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VIP Package ("Celebrity") |
Premium Package ("Splash Premium") |
Standard Package ("Splash") |
Budget Package ("Classic") |
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Seating |
Center Front | Center Back & Sides | Sides | Sides furthest from stage |
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Drinks Menu here |
Mai Tai welcome drink + 2 drink tickets | 2 drink tickets | 2 drink tickets | 1 drink ticket |
| Table Service vs. Buffet | Table Service (buffet also available) | Buffet | Buffet | Buffet |
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Lei Greeting |
Fresh flower lei | Fresh flower lei | Deluxe shell lei | Classic shell lei |
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Souvenir Gift |
1 per person included | Available for purchase | Available for purchase | Available for purchase |
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Hawaiian Snack Bag |
1 per person included | Available for 1 drink ticket | Available for 1 drink ticket | Available for 1 drink ticket |
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Price: Age 18+ Optional r/t transport is $30/person |
$199 |
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| Price: Age 13-17 |
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Price: Age 4-12 Age 3 & under free (without seat) |
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* For a limited time, book soon to receive a 10% discount! (except for the VIP package) Use the code KML10 or the code KML10t if adding on transport (note: discount is not applied to the transport portion). Once you enter checkout, under the Total Price is a TravelShack ID field -- click the arrow to expand it and enter the code. There is no downside versus paying full price. No payment is due at the time of booking unless it's within a week of the luau date. Cannot be applied to previously made bookings.
Key Details
Traveler Reviews
Customer Rating:
4.9 out of 5 stars
Also rated on :
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Ka Moana Luau at Aloha Tower for its outstanding entertainment, talented performers, and engaging cultural experience, making it a favorite for families and special occasions. The buffet is frequently described as delicious and plentiful, with a variety of authentic Hawaiian dishes that appeal to all ages. Many reviewers highlight the event’s excellent organization, convenient transportation, and fun pre-show activities as added value. While most feedback is highly positive, a few guests mention that seating arrangements and stage visibility can occasionally impact the experience, so arriving early or choosing upgraded packages is recommended for the best views. Overall, the Ka Moana Luau is widely regarded as a memorable and must-do Hawaiian experience.
Guidebook Reviews
Oahu Revealed guidebook:
Entertaining show with lots of dancing. The luau feels less processed than most of the others.
Fodor's guidebook:
Food Caterer - Chart House: Fodor's Choice. Waikiki landmark opened in 1969 by surfing legend Joey Cabell. The extensive menu maintains the midcentury notion of fine dining.
Location
FAQ
Do I have to book in advance, and how do I get my tickets?
Yes, advance booking is required, and this luau often sells out, especially in the more limited VIP and Budget packages. After completing your booking here, you will get an email (usually instantly) 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 — VIP, Premium, Standard, or Budget. Please refer to the package comparison table above and the seating diagram. It is not possible to choose specific seats, just the seating package. You will be assigned a table closer to the luau, largely based on when you booked, and you will be provided the table number at check-in. Seating at the table is generally first-come first-served, so there is a slight advantage to arriving earlier, although you are still guaranteed seating at the table.
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, if possible, it is recommended to book as a single booking to better ensure you are seated together, and to also check in together.
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.
Gallery
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