Best 5 Oahu Luaus
Home to miles of white sand beaches, warm seas, luxuriant resorts, and beauty at every turn, Oahu alone attracts millions of visitors every year. However, Oahu’s beauty is not its only allure. Many visitors are beckoned by the welcoming culture and the islands’ rich history.
Eager to learn more, visitors rely on luaus for a dose of Polynesian culture. As a result, luaus have become one of the most popular activities on the islands. A quick online search of Oahu luaus will yield hundreds of results. To help narrow down your research, we’ve filed through the luaus on Oahu to determine the top five.
| SCHOOL | WHY | WHERE | |
| Ka Moana Luau | Best Luau | South Side: Honolulu | BOOK NOW |
| Germaine's Luau | Family Friendly | South West Side: Kapolei | BOOK NOW |
| Waikiki Starlight Luau | Best Food | South Side: Waikiki | BOOK NOW |
| ʻAhaʻaina Luau | Most Luxurious | South Side: Waikiki | BOOK NOW |
| Toa Luau | Most Authentic | North Shore: Pupukea |
- Ka Moana Luau – Best Luau
- Germaine’s Luau – Family Friendly
- Waikiki Starlight Luau – Best Food
- ʻAhaʻaina Luau – Most Luxurious
- Toa Luau – Most Authentic
Ka Moana Luau
Located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu, Ka Moana sits right on Honolulu Harbor, offering stunning views of Oahu’s south side. From start to finish, Ka Moana embodies the spirit of Aloha. Guests of Ka Moana will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of Polynesia through a variety of activities like hula lessons, lei making, ukulele lessons, coconut weaving, and more. During the fun and games, you’ll also get to know the performers firsthand.
The show at Ka Moana Luau begins and ends with captivating displays of fire. Throughout the celebration, Ka Moana emphasizes the Polynesians’ love for the ocean and transports guests on a journey across the Pacific through chants, dance, and food. The feast at Ka Moana features Hawaiian favorites like fresh fish, poi, Huli Huli chicken, sweet rolls, and kalua pork cooked in a traditional Hawaiian imu, complete with an unveiling ceremony.
Ka Moana offers a variety of packages to choose from that include complimentary drinks, lei greetings, and more.
Know before you go:
● Book at least 2-3 months in advance! This luau sells out quickly. Ka Moana Luau operates Sunday-Friday.
● Don’t leave the kids at home: this luau is great for keiki. Ukulele lessons, lei making, hula lessons, and the exciting fire show is sure to keep them entertained.
Germaine’s Luau
Germaine’s has been sharing the spirit of Polynesia with guests since 1976 and has been dubbed Hawaii’s original backyard-style luau. Awarded the top spot as “America’s Best Luau” in America’s Best 100, Germaine’s treats guests to a musical odyssey through Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand. This luau was founded by the Stephenson family in the ’70s, who were known for their hospitality and enjoyed hosting Hawaiian luaus often. While Germaine’s has evolved throughout the years, all guests are instantly welcomed into the family and greeted with a shell lei upon arrival.
Germaine’s is located on a pristine beachfront property in southwest Oahu, near Barbers Point and Ko Olina. Here, guests will enjoy an evening of culture under clear stars and swaying palms, complete with a substantial feast and interactive guest experiences. The highlight of Germaine’s luau is the kalua pig imu unveiling ceremony and the exciting Samoan fire knife dance.
Germaine’s offers guests round trip hotel transportation for an additional cost, as well as a variety of packages to choose from that include beverage options, photo packages, and premium seating. Of course, the tropical cocktails are always flowing, and the Polynesian/American feast will give you a taste of island flavor.
Know before you go:
● Germaine’s Luau operates Sunday-Thursday and Friday; reservations are required!
● Small kids in tow? No worries. Germaine’s is free for children three and under.
● Choose from the Plumeria or Classic package. The Plumeria Package offers premium seating, three drink tickets, a kukui nut lei, and more.
Waikiki Starlight Luau
The Waikiki Starlight Luau is located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, situated next to the white sands of the Hilton’s lagoon. Guests are greeted with a lei, a welcome beverage, and the warmest Aloha. The evening kicks off with tableside activities, hula lessons, and live music before feasting on what is renowned as some of the best luau food in Hawaii. The Starlight Waikiki prides itself on its quality food and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes delights like Huli Huli chicken, sweet potatoes, Hawaiian fried rice, and traditional kalua pig cooked in an imu.
After the feast, the exciting show, Voyages Across the South Seas, begins. Performers will share the traditions and dances of Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii. The night concludes with the dramatic acrobatic fire knife dance performance. The Waikiki Starlight offers a selection of seating packages, both of which include two complimentary select beverages.
Know before you go:
● The Starlight Luau is available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.
● Aloha is in the air. All guests are greeted with a lei upon arrival.
● Guests 21+ will receive one complimentary Mai Tai Punch; let the party commence!
● Choose between Premier seating or Golden Circle seating.
ʻAhaʻaina Luau
ʻAhaʻaina Luau takes place at one of the most iconic hotels in Hawaii, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, otherwise known as the “Pink Palace.” ʻAhaʻaina honors the ways of old Hawaii and the Waikiki that once was. Before the popularization of luaus, there was only ʻahaʻaina- a celebration rich with food, dance, and song.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel sits on sacred ground known as Helumoa. This area was once the playground for Hawaiian royalty. At the ʻAhaʻaina Luau, Helumoa and Hawaiian culture are honored in a three-act show highlighting the islands’ culture, food, traditions, hula, and mele. ʻAhaʻaina also shares interactive cultural activities with guests, such as Kapa-making, poi pounding, and storytelling.
The feast at ʻAhaʻaina features an array of traditional Hawaiian foods. Starters include ahi poke, Lomi Lomi salmon, poi, and other local appetizers. The main course sees the likes of imu kalua pig, steamed fish, chicken Lau Lau, as well as vegetarian options.
Know before you go:
● While many luaus showcase a variety of cultures from around Polynesia, ʻAhaʻaina emphasizes Hawaiian culture.
● ʻAhaʻaina dress code is resort casual.
● ʻAhaʻaina is located on the beachfront outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with great views of the sunset and Diamond Head.
Toa Luau
Serving as the North Shore’s only luau, the Toa Luau is set in the lush jungle of Waimea Valley. Guests of Toa Luau earn same-day admission to Waimea Valley Park, rich with gardens, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Far from the skyscrapers of Waikiki, Toa Luau offers a one-of-a-kind authentic island experience. In addition to the setting, the intimate cultural activities, kava ceremony, imu unveiling, and top-notch local style feast will transport guests back to old Hawaii.
The show tells stories from islands across Polynesia, from Tonga to Samoa, New Zealand to Tahiti, and of course, Hawaii. The feast includes island favorites like mac salad, kalua pig, shoyu chicken, haupia, and other local grinds. Be sure to stay until the end, as the celebration concludes with an exciting fire show.
Know before you go:
● Dates vary by season: September – May: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. June – August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday.
● This luau includes free same-day admission to Waimea Valley Park. Be sure to come early to explore the park!
● Keiki are welcome. This luau is free to children four and under.
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