A Hawaiian luau is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Honolulu, offering a rich introduction to local culture, cuisine, and music, all in the warm, welcoming spirit of aloha. Guests enjoy traditional Hawaiian foods, captivating hula and fire dancing performances, and a chance to connect with the islands’ heritage in a festive, celebratory setting.
Oahu Revealed guidebook:
Going to a luau can be a real blast, and it's highly recommended
Lonely Planet guidebook:
One of the best ways to experience Hawaiian culture in Hawaii is through a luau
Fodor's Oahu guidebook:
The luau is an experience that everyone should have. It's an exciting way to capture the "aloha spirit" and learn a bit about island culture. Reservations are a must.
Kids and Families: Children get a kick out of a luau.
All three luaus below include:
The key differences are outlined in the table below, with complete details and booking options available on each activity page.
Diamond Head Luau is the smallest and most dining-focused option, featuring an upscale six-course dinner served directly to your table, but it currently operates on Tuesdays only.
Ka Moana Luau features similar performances and interactive cultural activities, along with a wider range of packages and price points, a plentiful buffet, and availability most days of the week.
Rock-A-Hula combines Hawaiian music and hula with Elvis and Michael Jackson tribute performances, creating a unique concert-luau hybrid that is distinct from the two more traditional experiences and can be paired with either one without feeling redundant.
Activity 1Ka Moana Luau |
Activity 2Diamond Head Luau |
Activity 3Rock-A-Hula Luau |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Show Format | Polynesian dances with historical commentary, lighthearted humor, and audience participation |
Polynesian dances with historical commentary, presented in conjunction with dinner dishes representing each region |
Concert featuring Hawaiian music & dance, plus hit songs from Elvis and Michael Jackson |
| Dinner | Wide variety served as buffet |
Six-course gourmet fixed menu served to table featuring signature dishes from six Polynesian regions |
Wide variety served as buffet |
| Location | Aloha Tower, Honolulu |
Aloha Tower, Honolulu |
Royal Hawaiian Center |
| Transportation Service from Waikiki Uber/Lyft also widely available | Yes ($30/person) |
Yes ($30/person) |
No, but walking distance from most Waikiki hotels |
| Pre-Show Cultural Activities |
|
|
Hula lesson |
| Venue & Seating | Outdoors waterfront location, with same seating for both dinner and the performance |
Outdoors waterfront location, with same seating for both dinner and the performance. Private table available. |
Dinner in an open-air pavilion, followed by the show in an indoor theater with stadium seating |
| Days of the Week | Daily except Tuesdays and some Saturdays |
Tuesdays |
Daily except Mondays and Fridays |
| Audience Size | Largest of these three |
Smallest of these three |
Mid-sized |
| Adult Pricing Child pricing also available | $116-$199 |
$245-$295 |
$137-$227 |
| More Details | More Details | More Details |