Our Review of the Toa Luau on Oahu

If you’re thinking about attending the Toa Luau on Oahu, let me share some local expertise to help with your decision. As someone who’s been to many Hawaiian luaus, I’ve developed a keen sense of what makes a luau memorable.

The Toa Luau is a unique gem on the island – a more personal and intimate gathering that captures the true spirit of Polynesian culture. It’s not just about size or spectacle; it’s about an authentic experience that connects you more closely with the traditions and the people.

So, is the Toa Luau worth your time and money? Absolutely! It’s one of the best luaus on Oahu, especially for those seeking a more personal and intimate experience. The luau is small enough that you won’t feel like just another tourist in a crowd but big enough to have all the traditional elements of a luau.

In this post, I’ll explain what sets the Toa Luau apart from other luaus on Oahu and give you a taste of what to expect at this special event. 

I will also be sharing my personal experience at the luau and why I highly recommend it to anyone looking for luau recommendations.

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My Experience at the Toa Luau

Arriving at the Toa Luau, I was eager to soak up everything the event offered. I got there two and a half hours early to explore Waimea Valley before the luau. This is one of the cool perks of the Toa Luau – you get free admission to the Valley.

The hike to Waimea Falls was short and easy – a perfect warm-up to the evening. It’s not every day you get to enjoy stunning natural beauty as part of a luau experience.

After the hike, it was time to check-in. As a solo traveler, the warm welcome I received was an appreciated highlight. 

They greeted me with a flower lei and a mai tai (my free drink choice), a gesture that set the tone for the rest of the evening. I was then seated at a table with four other women, and despite traveling alone, I felt a sense of fellowship and friendliness right away.

Our table was at the back, and we had high chairs, but honestly it was perfect. We could see everything happening on stage without any issues. This is one of the perks of the intimate setting of the Toa Luau – no matter where you are seated, you still feel like you’re part of the action.

Note: Unlike more commercial luaus like the Polynesian Cultural Center or Paradise Cove where you have to opt for premium tickets to get a flower lei, Toa Luau provides them to all guests. This small but significant touch made the experience stand out for me. Bravo, Toa Luau!

Cultural Activities

Next, it was time to explore the cultural activities at the Toa Luau. First up, we had the chance to learn how to make a traditional headband. It was a hands-on experience that I found engaging and fun. It reminded me of my time at the Chief’s Luau in Kapolei. There’s something special about learning a craft straight from the experts.

Next, I watched a demonstration on how to open a coconut. This might sound simple, but it’s quite a skill! I was amazed at how effortlessly the experts could crack open these tough shells. 

There were several other games and activities, each offering a unique insight into Polynesian culture. These activities weren’t just fun; they were enlightening, giving us a taste of the rich traditions and skills of the islands.

Overall, the cultural activities at the Toa Luau were a brilliant way to kick off the evening. They provided a perfect blend of entertainment and cultural education, setting the stage for an evening filled with enjoyment and cultural appreciation.

Kava Ceremony

One of the highlights of the Toa Luau is the traditional Fijian kava ceremony. During the ceremony, we had the opportunity to indulge in a kava drink, a traditional beverage made from the root or stump of the kava.

It’s known for its calming and slightly numbing effects when consumed in moderation. Kava is said to bring good luck, peace, and help people make decisions.

Kava might be an acquired taste for some, as it has an earthy and somewhat bitter flavor. I attended my first kava ceremony seven years ago in Fiji, and I admit it took me some time to get used to the taste.

The ceremony was a beautiful experience and something I haven’t seen at other luaus. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about Fijian traditions and customs.

Samoan Umu Ceremony

The Toa Luau had an interesting take on the traditional imu ceremony – they used an above-ground oven (umu) for their demonstration. This was slightly different from the typical underground imu I’ve seen at other luaus.

During the demonstration, they showed us the process of starting the fire and explained how this type of oven is used in Samoan cooking. They were preparing various Polynesian dishes for demonstration purposes only and not for us to sample.

This was due to safety regulations, but it was still fascinating to watch the preparation process. We were able to see the food they cooked a few hours later after dinner.

While they didn’t roast a pig in the traditional underground style, the demonstration was still a great insight into Polynesian cooking techniques.

It’s a shift from what I’ve experienced at other luaus on Oahu, where the focus is on the imu. However, I appreciated the unique take on this traditional cooking method.

Coconut Tree Climbing

Next up, we had a coconut tree climbing demonstration. No matter how often I have seen this, it never ceases to amaze me. 

The speed and agility of the climbers are impressive. I also loved that this was included in the Toa Luau since other luaus, like the Experience Nutridge Luau and the Chief’s Luau, did not have this activity.

Buffet/Dinner 

Instead of the traditional buffet-style serving, they brought the food directly to our tables, and I loved this approach. Having attended many luaus on the island, I found this method the most sanitary and efficient. 

They provided everything we needed for that evening’s meal; if you wanted more, it was just a request away. This meant no more long lines or waiting for everyone to serve themselves at the buffet – definite bonus points for Toa Luau.

They treated us to various Polynesian shows as we dined, adding entertainment to our mealtime. It was a fantastic way to enjoy the cultural performances while savoring the delicious food.

Our dinner spread included chicken, kalua pork, rice, macaroni salad, and lomi tomato.

Everything was flavorful and satisfying, but the chicken stood out for me. It was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. Of course, it’s important to remember that this is luau cuisine, so it’s not meant to be a fine dining experience.

Dessert was also good, featuring haupia pie (my favorite), fruit, and coconut cake. Among these treats, the haupia pie stole the show with its rich and tropical flavors – a sweet and delicious way to end the meal.

I will admit that the Toa Luau had the best food out of all the luaus I’ve attended. It could be because it’s not as large as others, allowing for more attention to detail and quality in the food preparation.

Luau Show and Fire Knife Dance

After dinner, the real excitement began. The Toa Luau show started with a series of performances showcasing the rich cultures of the Polynesian Islands. 

What struck me most was the blend of education and entertainment. Each dance and musical piece told a story, giving us a glimpse into the traditions and ways of life across Polynesia.

The fire dance was a highlight of the Toa Luau show. The dancers were skilled, and seeing the fire dance show during the day was interesting, but I imagine it to be more striking at night. It was a good show, especially for a daytime performance.

What’s unique about Toa Luau is that it’s not trying to be a massive, over-the-top production. It’s more laid-back and focuses on authenticity rather than spectacle. You won’t see extravagant effects or massive stage setups. Instead, the show is about presenting genuine cultural performances, which has its charm.

Ending with the show gave an excellent sense of what a traditional luau is about – a bit of culture and a chance to see some incredible performances. It’s not the kind of show that’ll blow you away, but it does an excellent job of sharing a piece of Polynesian culture in a more intimate setting.

Toa Luau Packages

The Toa Luau offers three different packages: Silver, Gold, and VIP.

Each package includes a flower lei, cultural activities, a cooking demonstration, kava ceremony, luau feast, and a Polynesian show. The differences lie in the seating areas and the number of drink tickets provided.

The Silver Package offers bar-height seats for a better view, with one drink ticket for adults. This is the package I chose.

The Gold Package includes two drink tickets and a standard seating area.

The VIP Package provides the best seating area and three drink tickets for adults.

Additionally, all packages include admission to Waimea Valley, which features a cultural site, a botanical garden, and Waimea Falls. If you are looking for an easy hike on Oahu or a nice waterfall hike, Waimea Valley has it all!

Click here to check prices for the Toa Luau.

Difference Between the 12:30 pm Luau and 5:00 pm Luau

The main difference between the 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm luau shows is their start times, but the content and quality remain consistent. However, the fire knife dance show would be more vivid and spectacular at night!

The earlier show, ending around 4 pm, is an excellent option for those with children or travelers from Waikiki who prefer an earlier evening. It’s also advantageous for guests relying on public transport or Uber, considering the limited availability of these services on the North Shore after 7:00 pm. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about the Toa Luau:

Does Toa Luau Serve Alcohol?

Yes, they serve alcohol in all of their packages. However, they also have non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer them.

What Time Should You Arrive at the Toa Luau?

We recommend arriving at least two hours before the luau begins to give yourself enough time to explore Waimea Valley and check in. Doors open at 12:20 pm for the 12:30 pm show and 4:50 pm for the 5:00 pm show.

Where is the Toa Luau Located?

The Toa Luau is located at Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s a little over an hour from Waikiki. Here is the exact location: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

What Should You Wear to the Toa Luau?

You’ll be pleased to know that no strict rules or dress codes exist. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, perfectly in line with the laid-back Hawaiian vibe.

If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on what to wear, we have another article that dives into this topic for a more comprehensive overview. In general, opt for comfortable, lightweight clothing. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you get cold easily, as it can get chilly at night.