English
English
A historic tradition and rite of passage between the older generations and the younger generations, learn about Kalamaku through fire, dance, and live performances.
Kauai Luau Tickets
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours
START POINT
Check-in at Lu'au Kalamaku, Kilohana Plantation: 4:45pm
Parking is available in front of the entrance of the Kilohana Plantation grounds.
1
Craft fair and exploration of the Kilohana Plantation grounds: 5pm
90 minutes
1 activities
Spend time exploring the local artisan market, craft fair, regional arts & crafts, and the Plantation grounds. You can also take a tour of the historic agricultural park and learn more about Lihue's and Kauai's history over the years.
Things to do
Train ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway: 5:30pm
Additional cost (on-site)
Board the historic train and take a narrated tour around the plantation grounds to learn more about Kauai's rich history before making your way to the luau's festivities.
2
Luau festivities begin: 5pm
90 minutes
Start the luau festivities with an open bar and enjoy refreshing beverages before the feast.
3
Imu ceremony: 6:15pm
15 minutes
Watch the unveiling of the kalua pig in a traditional Imu ceremony, marking the beginning of the luau feast.
4
Luau feast (Dinner): 6:30pm
60 minutes
Enjoy a buffet-style, all-you-can-eat Hawaiian spread made using locally-sourced, seasonal produce. The menu is influenced by regional cuisine and is adapted to suit modern tastes and palates. The feast is accompanied by live music and hula performances.
5
Kalamaku Show: 7:30pm
45 minutes
See the theatrical-style depiction of the story of the journey of the Tahitian people who migrated to the islands of Kauai with elaborate costumes, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a mythological perspective of the tale of Kalamaku.
6
Photo session with the cast of Kalamaku: 8:15pm
15 minutes
Enjoy a photo session after the performance with the brilliant cast of the Kalamaku show.
7
Experience an award-winning luau known for its story of 'Kalamaku', the journey & evolution of Tahitian people, their legends, and mythology, set in a historic location.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau with a buffet feast made with local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, an open bar, and a lei greeting. Explore a local craft fair and the Plantation to learn about its history, then watch an award-winning show with hula, Tahitian drumming, and fire knife performances.
- Why choose this: Learn about the history & mythology of the Tahitian people in Hawaii, told in a captivating live show with elaborate costumes, hula & fire dance performances, and enjoy exploring the historic Kilohana Plantation lands for an immersive cultural experience.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to get an up-close view of the performance or elevated seating for the live show, based on the option selected.
Experience an award-winning luau known for its story of 'Kalamaku', the journey & evolution of Tahitian people, their legends, and mythology, set in a historic location.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau with a buffet feast made with local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, an open bar, and a lei greeting. Explore a local craft fair and the Plantation to learn about its history, then watch an award-winning show with hula, Tahitian drumming, and fire knife performances.
- Why choose this: Learn about the history & mythology of the Tahitian people in Hawaii, told in a captivating live show with elaborate costumes, hula & fire dance performances, and enjoy exploring the historic Kilohana Plantation lands for an immersive cultural experience.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to get an up-close view of the performance or elevated seating for the live show, based on the option selected.
Inclusions
- Buffet-style luau feast (Menu)
- Award-winning Kalamaku show (preferred seating options available on selection)
- Flower lei
- Open bar
- Hula dance performance
- Fire poi balls, traditional fire knife dancing
- Craft fair featuring local artisans
- Live music
- Access to the shops, restaurants, and attractions at Kilohana Plantation (admission & additional charges not included)
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Your ticket does not include the journey on the Kauai Plantation Railway from the craft fair.
- The experience starts at 5pm with the craft fair and ends by 8:30pm, with ceremonies & performances starting from 6:15pm.
- Know your leis:
- What is a lei? A garland or wreath worn around your neck, as a symbol of love, honor, respect, celebration, and friendship in Hawaiian culture.
- Flower lei: Made with seasonal flowers & leaves, these leis symbolize the Aloha spirit and are presented as a welcome gesture and are a sign of celebration, affection, and friendship.
- Imu & Imu ceremony: Imus are large underground ovens used in cooking, typically in luaus or other festive celebrations. The imu is prepared by digging a pit, heating rocks inside it, layering it with vegetation and the food, and finally covering it for an extended period of time till the food is steamed & roasted. The Imu ceremony is the process of uncovering the lid, taking the prepared food out, and preparing it for the luau, to showcase the art of this ancient cooking method in practice.
- Hula: An ancient Hawaiian dance form and form of storytelling, often with instruments. The chants narrate the story of Hawaiian history, nature, traditions, & mythology. Modern interpretations include singing and ukulele.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why you need to visit a Kauai luau
Learn about the Kalamaku tradition
A tale of Kalamaku | About the show and performances
Fire poi balls, fire knife dancing, hula, and stunning costumes are a few things you can expect from the Kalamaku show with your luau. The tale is told on a stage that boasts a state-of-the-art media system and an interactive stage design, creating a more immersive experience.
Learn about the voyage of the Tahitian people who settled in Kauai through this theatrical performance that culminates with an homage to the mythology of the land. See Pele, the fire goddess, and her sister Hiiaka, and meet the Prince of Kauai during the performance. End with a symbolic flame that signifies the passage of the local traditions and heritage to the next generation, which will create a brighter future for the people of the land.
Highlights of your Kauai luau experience
See all photos
Know before you go
Timings
Getting there
Menu
Itinerary
Visitor tips
- Timings: 5pm to 8:30pm (3.5 hours)
- Days: Every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday
Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States | Find on Maps
Closest bus stop: Hokulei Village - Kaumualii Hwy | Find on Maps
The Luau Kalamaku menu items are all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and may change based on seasonality and availability of produce.
You can find the menu here.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, inform the luau at least 24 hours in advance.
More on Hawaiian luau food & its evolution
Find the itinerary and event schedule for the Luau Kalamaku below.
- Upon arrival (around 5pm): Kilohana Plantation exploration and craft fair
- 5:30pm: Kilohana Plantation Train ride across the plantation (price for the train journey is not included in the luau)
- 6:15pm: A conch shell signals the start of the Imu ceremony
- 6:30 to 7:30pm: Luau feast with live music and hula performances
- 7:30 to 8:15pm: Kalamaku show
- 8:15pm: Photographs with the performers
- Gratuities: Keep additional cash in hand to offer as tips and gratuities to your servers and performers.
- Dress code: Dress for comfort and festivities. Sundresses, tropical clothing, Hawaiian shirts, and florals are always the right choice. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the plantation.
- Be respectful: Engage with the show, performances, and the Tahitian cultural traditions. The luau celebration is a special event, and you should extend the level of warmth and hospitality to the rest of the people at the luau that is being extended to you.
Frequently asked questions about Kauai luaus
Does my luau ticket include the train ride?
No, the luau ticket does not include a ticket on the plantation railway. You will have to purchase a separate ticket to ride the train.
Is the luau kid-friendly?
Yes! Luaus are family-friendly experiences. The celebration, feast, and performances are an engaging way for kids to learn about the local traditions and customs.
How far in advance should I book?
Luaus are popular experiences and can sell out quickly, especially during the peak months (summer season), so booking a few weeks in advance is highly recommended.