5 Best Luaus on Oahu: Plus How to Know Which Ones to Skip
Choosing the best luau on Oahu comes down to what suits your style, and as a local, I’ve had the opportunity to attend several luaus with my visiting family and friends. While the ‘best’ luau often depends on personal preferences, I can confidently recommend our top three picks: Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove, and the Chief’s Luau.
Each of these luaus offer a unique experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center is ideal for those who don’t mind being part of a large crowd, offering an expansive and engaging experience.
Paradise Cove provides a breathtaking backdrop, as it takes place right on the beach.
For a more interactive evening, Chief’s Luau is unbeatable, thanks to its humorous and engaging host, Chief Sielu himself.
We’ll discuss each of these luaus in detail throughout this article, giving you an insider’s perspective on what to expect and why they made our list of the best luaus on Oahu.
Plus, we’ll also add two more luaus at the end that are perfect for those who prefer smaller and more intimate experiences.
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1. The Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is hands down the most popular luau in Hawaii, and for good reason. I’ll admit, at first I thought it might be a bit overrated, but I was pleasantly surprised.
This place is more than just a luau; it’s a full-on cultural journey. You’ll get to explore different recreated villages that represent various Polynesian islands, and it’s greatly entertaining to see their unique traditions up close.
The dinner is also excellent and well organized, given its buffet style. They serve various foods, including but not limited to traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes.
But the real star of the show is the evening performance. It’s a fantastic blend of dance and storytelling that shows off the rich Polynesian culture. Trust me, it’s an event you don’t want to miss. It’s not just a dinner and a show; it’s like taking a trip through the Pacific Islands without leaving your seat.
We’ve been to multiple luaus in Hawaii, and the HA: Breath of Life at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the best performance we’ve ever seen. This is the luau we take our family and friends to when they visit, and it never fails to impress.
Compared to other luaus on the island, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a variety of packages to cater to different experiences and preferences. I know it can be confusing, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- The Ali’i Luau Package, which we chose, includes a group-guided tour through six recreated island villages, a buffet dinner with entertainment, and gold-level seating at the HA: Breath of Life evening show.
- The Gateway Buffet Package offers a self-guided experience through the island villages, a dinner at the Gateway Buffet with live music, and silver-level seating at the HA: Breath of Life show.
- For those looking for a more basic experience, the Islands of Polynesia & HA: Breath of Life Package offers a self-guided experience through the island villages. There is bronze-level seating at the evening show, but it doesn’t include dinner.
- The most premium option is the Super Ambassador Luau Package, which features a private guided tour, the Ali’i Luau buffet with live entertainment, and platinum-level seating at the evening show. Extra perks include a kukui nut lei greeting, reserved seating at village presentations, and a reserved canoe ride.
You can check prices for the Polynesian Cultural Center here.
Why we love this luau: The HA: Breath of Life show is a big reason why we love this luau. It’s a high-production show that takes our breath away each time.
Plus, we love visiting the island villages and learning about the different cultures, traditions, and history of each. The food at the Ali’i Luau buffet was also delicious, and those pineapple drinks were a perfect touch after spending the entire day exploring the villages.
Why you should not choose this luau: No alcohol is served at the Polynesian Cultural Center, which may be a disappointment for some. It’s also a big tourist attraction, so be prepared for large crowds. If you don’t like crowds, check out some of the other luau listed below.
Additional Highlights:
- Fresh flower lei greeting with the Ali’i Luau and the Super Ambassador Luau packages. VIP kukui nut lei greeting with the Gateway Buffet package and the Islands of Polynesia & Ha: Breath of Life packages.
- Option to visit the six recreated island villages and learn about their cultures with all packages.
- The HA: Breath of Life evening show is included in all packages and is a must-see cultural performance.
- Free 3-day pass to tour the six re-created island villages with all packages after your initial visit.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours (you have the option to split this in two days if you want to tour the island villages on a separate day)
When is the luau:? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Location: North Shore Oahu; 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy. Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi 96762
2. Paradise Cove Luau
Paradise Cove Luau is another luau that had us raising our eyebrows initially, mainly because it’s one of the most talked about luaus in Hawaii.
There’s always that worry with popular spots, right? Will it live up to the hype or be a letdown? But just like with the Polynesian Cultural Center, our skepticism was put to rest the moment we stepped onto the grounds.
Paradise Cove Luau definitely earns its spot as one of the top luaus on Oahu. Set on the beach, it offers a different vibe than the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s not as large but still packs a punch with its unique blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness.
The setting sets it apart – a luau on the beach feels like the real deal. You’re not just sitting at a dinner show; you’re part of a picturesque Hawaiian evening with ocean views and sunset skies.
They offer a wide array of food, including Hawaiian favorites, served buffet-style. This combination of great food, engaging entertainment, and the stunning beach backdrop makes Paradise Cove a must-visit.
Like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove Luau offers several packages to suit different preferences. All packages include a Hawaiian luau dinner and an imu ceremony. Below are some of the differences in the packages. All packages include the luau dinner and show:
- The Hawaiian Luau Package is a great starting point. It includes a shell lei greeting, wing seating, $12 credit per adult, $8 credit per child cove card.
- The Orchid Luau Package steps it up with middle seating, a $16 per adult, $12 per youth cove card, and a fresh flower lei greeting.
- For the full experience, the Deluxe Luau Package is the way to go; it offers deluxe seating, table service, $20 per adult, $16 per youth cove card, fresh flower lei greeting or kukui nut lei, and special souvenirs.
You can check prices for the Paradise Cove Luau here.
Why we love this luau: The location is unbeatable – it’s one of the best luau settings we’ve come across in Hawaii, and that’s saying something, given how many we’ve attended.
The cultural activities before the main event are also fun and educational. Also, we appreciated that this luau had a full imu ceremony instead of just bringing the pig on stage for a show. Plus, the show was spectacular.
Why you should not choose this luau: Paradise Cove Luau is a large event, smaller than the Polynesian Cultural Center, but sizeable nonetheless. If you want an intimate experience, this may not be the luau for you.
Also, being an outdoor event, there’s a chance it could get canceled due to weather. Make sure to book early in your trip so you can reschedule if needed – something we had to do once, and thankfully, rescheduling is an option.
Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
When is the luau?: Seven days a week
Location: Ko Olina; 92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
3. Chief’s Luau
Chief’s Luau sparked our curiosity, mainly because of its mixed reviews. You know how it is with places that get a lot of buzz – you’re never sure if they will be as good as everyone says, or as bad as what some people may say.
But I’m here to tell you, Chief’s Luau is worth the hype. It’s got a more personal feel compared to the larger luaus like the Polynesian Cultural Center or Paradise Cove, which makes a difference.
What sets Chief’s Luau apart is its unique charm. The Chief, a world-champion fire knife dancer, brings incredible energy to the show, making it super entertaining, especially if you love a good laugh and engaging performances.
Set in a water park, the luau might not scream ‘traditional Hawaiian setting’ at first, but they’ve done a fantastic job with the stage decorations to give it a tropical feel. Plus, the fire dance show, especially with the Chief performing, is simply amazing.
Packages: Chief’s Luau offers three main packages, each tailored to provide a different experience. All packages include the luau dinner and the show:
The Aloha Experience is the most basic option, with aloha section seating and a shell lei greeting. You also get one free adult beverage.
The Paradise Experience is an upgrade from the Aloha Experience, and you get improved seating, a kukui nut lei greeting, and two adult beverages. We chose this experience, and it was well worth the extra cost.
For those seeking a premium experience, the Royal Experience includes top-tier seating, a fresh flower lei greeting, exclusive perks like souvenir gifts, three adult beverages, and a mai tai drink greeting.
Why we love this luau: The location, set at a water park, might seem unconventional, but it adds a cool twist, which gives off tropical vibes. The medium size of the event strikes a nice balance – it’s not as overwhelming as some of the larger luaus, yet it still has a lively atmosphere.
Also, this is the most interactive luau we have been to. The Chief is an excellent host, and the performers engage with the audience throughout the show.
You can check prices for the Chief’s Luau here.
Why you should not choose this luau: The size of the luau, while medium, could still feel crowded for those seeking a more intimate or low-key experience. Also, weather can be a factor since the luau is set outside, but rescheduling is always an option.
Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
When is the luau?: Five days a week (closed Tuesdays and Saturdays except at select times of the year)
Location: 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707
4. Toa Luau
Toa Luau caught our attention for a few reasons. It’s one of the smaller luaus on Oahu, which gives it a more personal touch. They also offer something unique – day and night shows, which are perfect if you have kids and prefer a daytime outing.
The food here stood out; it was possibly the best we’ve had at any luau. There’s a certain quality to it that might come from the smaller, more intimate setting. Plus, everyone got table service when we were there, which added to the experience.
A big bonus of Toa Luau is the free admission to Waimea Falls, (one of the best easy hikes on Oahu) and the garden on the day of your luau. If you plan on going, get there a few hours early to explore the falls. It’s a great way to combine a relaxing, scenic hike with the excitement of a luau later in the day. Remember to bring something to wear to the luau after hiking to the falls.
The cultural activities at Toa Luau are also top-notch. They offer hands-on experiences such as weaving and coconut husking, as well as informative demonstrations of traditional Polynesian practices like the kava ceremony, cooking demonstrations, and coconut tree climbing.
Packages: Toa Luau offers three different packages to choose from. All packages include the luau feast, free admission to Waimea Valley, and a flower lei greeting. The lei greeting alone is a big perk because most luaus don’t offer them with a basic ticket.
The Silver Package includes basic elements like cultural activities, one drink ticket, and silver seating (bar height seats for a better view). This is the ticket we purchased, and we loved it. The venue is small, so we had no trouble seeing the show.
The Gold Package includes cultural activities, gold-level seating, and two drink tickets.
For the ultimate experience, the VIP Package provides top-tier seating, three drink tickets, and cultural activities.
You can check prices for the Toa Luau here.
Why you should choose this luau: Toa Luau is worth considering if you want a more intimate and unique experience, with great food and extra activities included. Plus, it’s located in the beautiful Waimea Valley, adding to the overall ambiance.
Why you should not choose this luau: If you prefer bigger, more extravagant luaus with a larger buffet spread and multiple dance performances, Toa Luau may not be for you.
The show, including the fire knife dance show, will not be high production like those of larger luaus on Oahu, but it will still provide great insight into Polynesian culture.
Duration: 3.5 hours (approximately)
When is the luau?: Monday-Wednesday and Friday
Location: North Shore Oahu; 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI, 96712
5. Experience Nutridge Luau
If you want a small, intimate luau experience, the Experience Nutridge Luau is another good option. Tucked away in the lush Pu’u Ualaka’a Wayside Park at the Nutridge Estate, this venue offers a unique and cozy setting with gorgeous views of the Honolulu skyline and the Waianae Mountain Range.
It’s perfect for those looking for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. This luau is the smallest I’ve been to, almost feeling like a private event at someone’s home.
The food was good, perhaps due to the smaller scale of the event, just like the Toa Luau.
While the show might not have the grandeur of larger luaus, its modest yet charming performance perfectly complements the intimate setting.
Plus, being set at such a scenic location, if the weather cooperates, you’re in for some of the most beautiful sunsets in Hawaii.
Packages: The Experience Nutridge Luau is the only luau on this list that offers one package, which includes a buffet dinner, cultural activities, one free drink, a kukui nut lei, and the show.
You can book tickets for the Experience Nutridge Luau here.
Why you should choose this luau: If you’re looking for a more intimate and unique experience, the Experience Nutridge Luau is a top choice. Not only does it offer beautiful views and a cozy setting, but its smaller scale allows for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
This luau is also a 19-minute drive from Waikiki, making it easily accessible for those staying in the popular tourist area.
Why you should not choose this luau: If you’re looking for a luau with grand performances and a larger crowd, this is not the best option. The Experience Nutridge Luau is more focused on providing a personalized experience than an extravagant show.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
When is the luau?: Monday-Sunday
Location: Nutridge Estate, Nutridge Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
Final Thoughts
Overall, Oahu offers a variety of luau options for visitors. Each provides a unique experience and showcases different aspects of the Polynesian culture.
Whether you’re looking for grand performances, interactive activities, or a more intimate setting, there is a luau on this list that will suit your preferences.
