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.
What We Love:
- Chief Sielu’s fantastic fire knife dance
- Paradise Cove Luau’s coconut haupia bars
- Succulent kalua pork at Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
- Spectacular, swirling hula dancers – we can’t pick a favorite!
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.
LUAU TRADITIONS
Sampling Hawaiian food, particularly in a luau setting, is an essential experience among things to do in Oahu. You’ll discover several options rooted in the Hawaiian tradition (adopted around 1819 as a gathering for a meal to honor an achievement or occasion). The inclusion of specific foods or cultural expressions like hula dancing have been handed down through generations, although some contemporary luaus may take an unconventional approach. What unites them all is the essence of Aloha – an air of togetherness and celebration. Just ask THE MODERN HONOLULU Concierge if you need help determining which luau best fits the experience you’re seeking. Three of our most asked-about luaus: Chief’s Luau, Paradise Cove Luau and the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau.
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“ If you are visiting between November and February, don’t miss Waimea Bay on the North Shore where the island’s top surfers take on 30-foot waves ”
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IN SHORT / WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- 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 96795Phone: (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.
