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Plan your visit to Hawaii luaus | All you need to know

HawaiiHawaii LuausPlan Your Visit

Hawaii luau timings

Mauka Warriors performing traditional dance at cultural show in Hawaii.

Luaus in Oahu

  • Mauka Warriors: 5pm to 9pm, every Tuesday to Friday, and Sundays
  • Rock-A-Hula Show: 5:30pm to 9pm (Rock-A-Hula Show performance: 7:15pm to 9pm), every Monday to Thursday, and Saturdays
  • Germaine’s Luau: 5pm to 8:30pm, Every Thursday to Sunday, and Tuesdays
Hula dancers performing at Luau Kalamaku cultural show, Hawaii.

Luaus in Kauai

  • Lu’au Kalamaku: 5pm to 8:30pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays

Best time to visit Hawaii luaus

If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive, and energetic luau experience, then you should consider visiting during the summer months (June to August). This is when Hawaii has the largest number of visitors, and the luaus are on in full swing. From Christmas to New Year’s Eve, as well as Thanksgiving and spring break holidays, there is a larger influx of visitors as well, creating a celebratory mood.

If you want to avoid crowds and have a more intimate luau experience, consider visiting during April and May or from mid-September to early December

If you’re looking for a more affordable option with few to no crowds, consider visiting between mid-January and mid-March.

For first-time visitors, it’s recommended you plan your trip around the busier months to get the most out of the festivities. Booking at least a few weeks in advance is strongly suggested so that you can get the date and luau of your choice.

























Book Hawaii luau tickets

Rock-A-Hula Show
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 45 min - 4 hr 10 min
Meals included
More details
Germaine's Luau
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr 30 min
Transfers included
Meals included
More details
Mauka Warriors Luau
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hr
Meals included
More details
Luau Kalamaku
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr 30 min
Meals included
More details
from
$179.06

Where are the luaus in Hawaii located

How to reach your Hawaii luau

Passengers on a shuttle bus

Luaus in Oahu

  • By bus:
    Mauka Warriors: You can take the TheBus transit system and stop at the Kapolei Transit Center, but there is no direct bus line from Honolulu/Waikiki.
    Closest bus stop: Roosevelt Ave + Opp Nassau Ave (0.1 miles)
    Rock-A-Hula Show: Multiple options to travel from downtown Honolulu to Waikiki, such as Route 20 (Eastbound).
    Closest bus stop: Kalakaua Ave + Opp Seaside Ave (0.1 miles)
    Germaine’s Luau: There is no direct bus from Waikiki or Downtown Honolulu to reach. You will have to switch buses at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St. and board the Route 40 bus to reach the Kapolei Transit Center.
    Closest bus stop: Kalaeloa Blvd + Komohana St. intersection (1 mile)
  • By car:
    Mauka Warriors: The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is a 25-minute drive to Mauka Warriors Luau (17.2 miles).
    Rock-A-Hula Show: The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is 15 minutes by car (8.5 miles).
    Germaine’s Luau: The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is approximately 25 minutes away (19.9 miles) from the beachfront luau.
  • Parking: Free, on-site parking is available at Mauka Warriors. Paid parking is available for the Rock-A-Hula Show and Germaine’s Luau.
Couple smiling while driving on a road trip

Luaus in Kauai

  • By bus:
    Lu’au Kalamaku: Bus line 100 Kekaha to Lihue Mainline has a stop a short distance from the Plantation entrance, which you can take to reach the luau from the Lihue Airport.
    Closest bus stop: Hokulei Village - Kaumualii Hwy (0.6 miles)
  • By car:
    Lu’au Kalamaku: The Lihue Airport to Lu’au Kalamaku is a short 10-minute drive (3.2 miles).
  • Parking: There is free, on-site parking available at the Kilohana Plantation, located in front of the entrance. 

Know before you go

Facilities
Accessibility
Rules & regulations
Menu
Shows
Restroom sign with symbols for men, women, and wheelchair accessibility.
  • Restrooms: All luaus have designated restrooms, and Germaine’s Luau, Lu’au Kalamaku, and Rock-A-Hula Show have accessible restrooms.
  • Food accommodations: Inform the luau you have booked at least 24 hours in advance in case you need any accommodations due to allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options: All the luaus have dishes that can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners at the feast.
  • Parking: Parking is available at all luau venues. Mauka Warriors and Lu’au Kalamaku offer complimentary parking on-site, whereas Germaine’s Luau and Rock-A-Hula Show have paid parking available.
Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Germaine’s Luau has certain wheelchair-accessible areas. Mauka Warriors, the Rock-A-Hula Show, and Lu’au Kalamaku are also wheelchair accessible.
  • ASL interpreters: While there are no ASL interpreters available on-site during the show, you can request one to be present for the shows in advance. Royal Hawaiian Hotel can arrange for interpreters for the Rock-A-Hula Show. Alternatively, you can book an ASL interpreter via the Hawaii Interpreting Services.
Handing over a passport.
  • Carry a valid photo ID for your luau to check in and start your experience.
  • Arrive at the luau at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • Carry cash in hand to offer as gratuities to the performers and the hosts. 15-20% of the total cost of the experience is considered an appropriate amount to offer as tips.
  • Be respectful of the Hawaiian culture and people when you are at the luau.
  • Avoid making noises or any loud chatter during the live show.
Buffet spread at Mauka Warriors Luau in Hawaii featuring various dishes.
Dancers in traditional attire performing at Germaine's Luau.
  • Mauka Warriors: Authentic, historically-focused, and lively retelling of Polynesian culture through the ages with warrior performances, battle reenactments, hula dancing, and fire dance performances.
  • Rock-A-Hula Show: Modern and Broadway-style retelling of Hawaiian tradition and history.
  • Lu’au Kalamaku: A theatrical performance depicting the journey of Polynesians from Tahiti to the Kauai island of Hawaii, with a focus on traditions and evolution over the generations.
  • Germaine’s Luau: A more traditional Hawaiian live show with hula dancing, fire-knife performance, and music.

Visitor tips

  • Dress casually: Avoid heels or formal wear to the luau. Dress in floral, tropical, and colorful attire made with comfortable and breathable fabric. Find out more about luau attire here.
  • Book in advance: Book your luau experience at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you are planning to visit during the summer. Luau is a popular experience in Hawaii, which means the spots tend to fill up quickly, so booking at least a few weeks before is highly recommended.
  • Be mindful & respectful of the Hawaiian traditions: Maintain the spirit of Aloha during the luau, which is focused on kindness, love, and generosity. Extend the same level of respect and regard that’s being extended to you to both the hosts and the other guests at the experience.
  • Participate in the cultural activities: From headpiece weaving to hula lessons, immerse yourself in the Hawaiian cultural activities to add to your fun. It’s a great way to interact with and learn more about Hawaiian traditions firsthand.

Tip: Use this comprehensive guide to compare all your luau options to help you choose the best luau in Hawaii for you.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Hawaii luaus

Is a luau experience in Hawaii worth the visit?

Yes! Luaus offer an immersive look into Hawaiian culture and traditions. They feature a festive celebration, multiple activities, and a large spread throughout the evening. It’s a great way to learn about Hawaiian practices and experience their warm hospitality.

Can I plan my luau experience with other activities in the day?

Yes, you can. The luaus take place only during the evenings, which means you can spend the entire morning and afternoon exploring Hawaii as you please. Make sure you leave plenty of room for the feast!

Can I visit multiple luaus during my time in Hawaii?

Yes, you can. Each luau in Hawaii offers its own unique take on Hawaiian cuisine, with different activities and themes for the live show. This is why all luaus are different experiences, and you will learn, feast on, and enjoy a different part of Hawaiian tradition and history with each visit.

Are the luaus kid-friendly?

Yes! Luaus are interactive and immersive experiences with several activities and performances that kids can enjoy. Germaine’s Luau is a favorite among families with kids because it’s set on the location where Disney’s Lilo & Stitch was filmed.