Honolulu Luaus in Oahu

Best Luaus in Oahu For Heavenly Hawaiian Food and Festivities

Nothing envelops you in a Hawaiian vacation like a luau in Oahu: the fall of a fresh-flower lei on your shoulders; the sweetness of the coconut haupia bar; the spectacle of the dance. Add the ocean breeze and views, fire knife shows and activities – Hawaiian darts, weaving, coconut-husking, tribal tattooing (temporary, of course). All you have to do is choose the Honolulu luau that’s right for you. Ask THE MODERN HONOLULU Concierge for assistance.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER LUAU

At the family-friendly Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), the Alii (royal) Luau welcomes guests with fresh orchid leis. The feast features island staples: kalua (pit-prepared) pork, pipikaula (dried beef short ribs), taro and coconut haupia bars for dessert. The royal court arrives in a show of song and hula dance to the Hale Aloha amphitheater, surrounded by waterfalls, hibiscus and a freshwater lagoon. An emcee talks you through the traditions and history, rounding out the experience. Don’t miss the signature evening show, Ha: Breath of Life. Note that alcohol is not served or permitted at the PCC.

THE CHIEF’S LUAU

Rated # 1 on TripAdvisor.com (and located just 25 minutes from THE MODERN HONOLULU), Chief Sielu’s Luau, unfolds at lush Makapuu Meadows. Go for the panoramic backdrop, world-famous Chief Sielu and an array of activities – observe or participate in hula dancing, fire-making, coconut-husking, weaving and tattooing. After the feast, enjoy the eye-popping show of drummers, dancers and fire-twirlers – including World Champion Fire Knife Dancer Chief Sielu himself.

PARADISE COVE LUAU

At oceanfront Paradise Cove Luau play Hawaiian games (try spear-throwing or dart-like moa pahee). Meet lei-makers in the Hawaiian Village. Commission a traditional (but temporary) tattoo. Follow the royal court into the amphitheater as they bless the feast. Expect culinary mainstays including poi, a cooked and mashed preparation of taro. Paradise Cove Luau packages are differentiated by seat locations, the number of drink tickets you’ll receive and buffet or table service (select the Deluxe Luau package for the latter). After dinner, the Polynesian revue-style show covers everything from comedy to fire-knife dancing.

Insider Tips

Polynesian Cultural Center doesn’t serve or permit alcohol.
Paradise Cove Luau regularly sells out – book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Taro rolls at the Chief’s Luau are tasty must-eat treat.

Chief’s Luau

Address: Sea Life Park, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy., Waimanalo, HI 96795
Phone: (808) 664-1075
Web Address: http://www.chiefsluau.com/
Distance/Drive: About 15 miles – a quick, 30-minute drive from THE MODERN HONOLULU.
Brief directions from THE MODERN HONOLULU: Waikiki to H-1 East, (becomes Highway 72), pass Hanauma Bay and scenic overlooks, Sea Life Park will be on your left.

Paradise Cove Luau

Address: 92-1089 Aliinui Dr., Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: (808) 842-5911
Web Address: www.paradisecovehawaii.com
Distance/Drive: About 26 miles – a 40-minute drive from THE MODERN HONOLULU.
Brief directions from THE MODERN HONOLULU: From Waikiki, take H-1 West towards Waianae and continue on Farrington Highway (93). Take the Ko Olina exit to Aliinui Drive and continue past the guard shack. The Paradise Cove parking lot will be on your right.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, HI 96762
Phone: (808) 293-3333
Web Address: www.polynesia.com
Distance/Drive: At least an hour from THE MODERN HONOLULU. Allow ample time if you’re driving.
Brief directions from THE MODERN HONOLULU: Drive the H-1 freeway to Likelike Highway. Take the first Kahekili Highway exit, and continue north on Kamehameha Highway for 23 miles. In Laie, PCC will be on the mauka (mountain) side of the highway.