Oahu
Ka Moana Luau
Highlights
- Dinner showcasing Hawaiian specialties
- Entertaining show including hula dancing & fire dance
- Convenient location just outside Waikiki at the historic Aloha Tower oceanfront grounds
Overview
Spend a magical evening enriched by Hawaii’s vibrant culture, history, food, and dance.
Formerly held at Sea Life Park, the Ka Moana Luau in 2023 is now conveniently located just outside Waikiki at the oceanfront grounds of the historic Aloha Tower lighthouse. Unlike other Waikiki luaus, it's in a private outdoor space that will allow for an immersive experience without the distraction of bustling Waikiki vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a lei, a Mai Tai cocktail, and local tastings like lomi lomi salmon, poi (blended taro), and poke. You can then stroll the grounds as the sun sets and visit the multiple cultural activity stations, which may include making coconut leave headbands, flower wrist bands, and temporary Polynesian tattoos, as well as learning to play Hawaiian drums and other traditional instruments.
An abundant dinner, prepared by the esteemed Chart House in the style of farm-to-table, showcases a variety of island foods, including local fish, juicy kalua pork cooked all day in an underground hot stone stove, and tropical desserts. Menu shown here (and dietary restrictions info here, with a new vegan curry entree available by request). Indulge in the bar that includes specialty tropical cocktails, local craft beer, well drinks, and soda.
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.
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 the Upgraded package is sold out, feel free to book Standard and make a note at checkout to be Upgraded if openings occur.
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, 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 Polynesia 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)
- Table service option with Upgraded Package
Seating Packages
|
Upgraded Package ("Celebrity") |
Standard Package ("Splash") |
Budget Package ("Classic") |
|
|
Seating |
Center | Sides | Sides further from stage |
|
Drinks Menu here |
Mai Tai welcome drink + 2 drink tickets | 2 drink tickets | 1 drink ticket |
| Food Service | Table Service* | Buffet | Buffet |
|
Lei Greeting |
Fresh flower lei | Deluxe shell lei | Classic shell lei |
|
Souvenir Photo Framed photo value is $20 |
1 per group included | Extra | Extra |
|
Price Optional r/t transport is $19/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 |
* On rare occasions when there is rain forecast, an alternate setup is implemented where table service is currently not possible and Upgraded guests help themselves at the buffet.
Key Details
Traveler Reviews
TravelShack Customer rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on:
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 usually sells out. 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 — Upgraded, 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.
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.
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).
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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