Top things to do in Hawaii

A luau is a big part of Hawaiian culture, and since the first luau took place in 1819, they’ve only become grander and more exquisite. What started as a way of celebrating an important milestone or a victory as a community has now become a quintessential Hawaiian experience that everyone who visits can enjoy. A luau consists of a few key elements: Hawaiian cuisine, live music, hula dancing, live performances, and a warm Aloha welcome. Luaus embody the Aloha and the Ohana spirit by creating a welcoming, inclusive, and warm atmosphere for tourists, visitors, natives, and all those who join in the festivities.

Did you know?

Ukulele music wasn’t a part of luaus or Hawaiian culture till the late 19th century. When Portuguese immigrants arrived, they brought smaller guitar-like instruments with them, which the Hawaiians refined and turned into what we now know as the ukulele. King Kalākaua made it a part of luaus, Hawaiian music, and hula art, and now they’re synonymous with Hawaiian celebrations.

Why you should attend a luau

Guests carrying traditional Hawaiian roasted pig at Mauka Warriors Luau, Hawaii.
A Lei welcome to the guests by staff at Mauka Warriors Luau, Hawaii
Traditional Hawaiian Imu ceremony with kalua pig being prepared for guests at Mauka Warriors Luau
Fire dancer performing at Rock-A-Hula show, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ukelele performance by artists prior Rock-A-Hula Show as guests enjoy Waikiki Luau Buffet
Performers on stage at Rock-A-Hula Show
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An authentic Hawaiian cultural experience

Traditional ceremonies, food, celebrations, dance, music, and entertainment all come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Right from the elaborate feast to the extravagant festivities, it’s a Hawaiian tradition you simply cannot miss.

Embrace the Aloha spirit

Aloha is more than just a welcome, it’s a way of life. The Aloha spirit signifies love, mutual respect, and compassion that the people of Hawaii use as principles to live by. Your luau experience starts with a traditional greeting where you are offered a lei, and through the evening, you get to witness this philosophy in practice.

Hawaiian food and its methods of cooking

The feast features authentic Hawaiian cuisine like kalua pig, poi, poke, and lau lau, accompanied by live music and traditional ceremonies. Don’t miss the imu ceremony, where the pig is unearthed from the underground oven and prepared for the meal—an enduring cultural tradition.

Hula and fire dancing

Hula and fire dancing create a blend of storytelling, excitement, and entertainment that adds to a luau experience. Each move and gesture in the hula dance has a symbolic meaning attached to it, and the entire dance takes you through the history and mythology of Hawaiian culture. Fire dancing showcases the bravery and skill of the Polynesian cultures.

Live music

Traditional Hawaiian live music is an integral part of a luau. It creates the atmosphere and festive spirit and enriches the performances and shows. Popular instruments used for the performances include the ukulele, steel guitars, and slack-key guitars.

Live shows and performances

A live show after the feast is not just for entertainment, it’s their way of preserving and retelling Hawaiian history and traditions through performance art. The shows are an engaging and captivating way of portraying the Polynesian culture and values, and a mesmerizing event to witness.

Things to know before booking a luau

  • The location of the luau: There are multiple luau options available in Oahu since it’s such a celebrated Hawaiian tradition. The feasts happen nearly every day at many locations, so book one that is close to where you are staying or the most accessible for you. Mauka Warriors Luau is in Kapolei, in the heart of Honolulu, whereas Rock-A-Hula Luau is located close to popular resorts in Waikiki. If you're looking for an adventure outside of Oahu, then Lu’au Kalamaku offers the ideal experience in the Kilohana Plantations.
  • What comes with the feast: The inclusions, amenities, and entertainment options vary based on the luau you select. For example, you can visit the artisan market at the Lu’au Kalamaku or experience a Broadway-style live show if you choose the Rock-A-Hula Show with your luau in Waikiki.
  • Types of booking options available within the luau: There are many upgrades and inclusions available within the same luau experience. The Mauka Warriors Luau upgrades include additional drink coupons, preferred seating for the live show, souvenir gifts, and a complimentary welcome Mai Tai. With your Rock-A-Hula Show tickets you can add a luau feast, hula lessons, a backstage tour, and a welcome lei with your upgrade. If you opt for Lu’au Kalamaku, then you get preferred seating with your upgrade.

Choosing the perfect luau

Mauka Warriors Luau

The Mauka Warriors are dedicated to honoring their cultural heritage through authentic storytelling in their luau. Their performances are both entertaining and educational, bringing Polynesian history to life with the guidance of cultural experts. Guests can enjoy immersive experiences like hula lessons, headband weaving, temporary tattoos, and kava tasting—making the luau an interactive celebration of tradition.

Recommended experience:

Mauka Warriors Luau Tickets

Rock-A-Hula Show Tickets with Optional Waikiki Luau Buffet

If you’re looking for a dramatic and entertaining Broadway-style show with your luau buffet, then the Rock-A-Hula show might be the perfect choice for you. They also have the largest cast in Waikiki and offer hula lessons, tableside ukulele music, and a chance to meet the cast after the performance is over.

Recommended experience:

Rock-A-Hula Show Tickets with Optional Waikiki Luau Buffet

Lu’au Kalamaku

Lu’au Kalamaku is located off the island of Oahu, in Kauai, on the historic Kilohana Plantation. It offers a different luau experience from the rest because you can visit the railway, the local artisan market, the agricultural park, and more on your way to the luau. The live show includes a dramatic retelling of the tale of Kalamaku, and you get to enjoy an open bar with the experience as well.

Recommended experience:

Lu’au Kalamaku Tickets

Take a sneak peek at your experience

Staff at Mauka warriors Luau greeting guests with a traditional Lei flower garland
Warm welcome by performers at Rock-A-Hula Show
Luau Buffet at the Mauka Warriors Luau, Hawaii
Kalua pig roast at Mauka Warriors Luau, Hawaii
Mauka Warriors live performance at the cultural show in Hawaii

Know before you go

Performers posing pre- cultural show photos at the Mauka Warriors Luau, Hawaii
  • Mauka Warriors Luau: 5pm to 9pm, Sunday & Tuesday to Friday
  • Rock-A-Hula Show Luau, Waikiki: 5:30pm to 9pm, Monday to Thursday & Saturday
  • Lu’au Kalamaku: 5pm to 8:30pm, Monday, Tuesday, & Friday
Guests sitting around during a food making activity at Mauka Warriors Luau
  • Peak season (June to mid-September, mid-December to early January)
    During peak season, the luaus are at their liveliest, with large crowds and high-energy performances that make every evening feel like a celebration. This is the best time for families, honeymooners, and first-time visitors who want the full, festive island experience.
  • Shoulder season (April to May, mid-September to mid-December)
    There is a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds, with excellent weather and vibrant entertainment. This season is ideal for couples and cultural travelers looking for a calmer, more intimate experience.
  • Low season (January to March)
    In the low season, luaus are quieter and more personal, giving you a chance to connect more deeply with the cultural elements of the evening. It’s a great time for budget-friendly travelers, solo explorers, or anyone seeking a peaceful luau experience.
Guests sitting in the car pointing at the destination.
  • Mauka Warriors Luau: 91-1780 Midway St, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States | Find on Maps
    Closest bus stop: Roosevelt Ave + Opp Nassau Ave | Find on Maps
  • Rock-A-Hula Show Luau, Waikiki: 2201 Kalākaua Ave Building B, Level 4, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States | Find on Maps
    Closest bus stop: Kalakaua Ave + Opp Seaside Ave | Find on Maps
  • Lu’au Kalamaku: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States | Find on Maps
    Closest bus stop: Hokulei Village - Kaumualii Hwy | Find on Maps
Traditional Polynesian cuisine served on a platter at Germaine's Luau

While all luaus have staple Hawaiian food items such as the Kalua pork, rice, seasonal fish and vegetable dishes, coconut and pineapple-based foods, each one offers their own take on the rich and flavorful cuisine. You can find the menu for each luau below.

  • Mauka Warriors Luau: Menu
  • Rock-A-Hula Show Luau, Waikiki: Menu
  • Lu’au Kalamaku: Menu

The food items are seasonal and subject to change based on availability.

Guests participating in Coconut cracking activity at Mauka Warriors Luau

Each luau experience comes with its own charm, and they all share the following common elements. Your itinerary or schedule will include:

  • Check-in: Arrive at the location at least 15 minutes before your luau begins. Show a valid ID and proceed to check in for the experience.
  • Welcome: A lei greeting in traditional Aloha spirit starts off your luau experience on a festive note.
  • Pre-dinner activities: This may include live music, hula performances, and other interactive experiences, depending on the luau.
  • Luau feast: The dinner is served with live music to keep you engaged and entertained.
  • Show: The narration of the history and mythology of the Polynesian people told through a live show with performances, fire-knife dances, and other elaborate dances.
Guests posing with a traditonally dressed Polynesian woman with kākau at Mauka Warriors Luau
  • Dress for comfort, not glamor. The dress code is casual and festive. Sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, florals, and tropical clothing are welcome and appreciated.
  • Be respectful to all the other guests and the hosts for the evening. The Aloha spirit is all about kindness, love, and generosity, and the luau is a manifestation of this spirit. Give the same level of respect and regard that’s being extended to you.
  • Be discreet during performances. If you need to make an exit during a hula performance or during the live show, be as quiet and discreet as possible so as not to cause any disturbances.
  • Respect the Hawaiians and their culture. While everything may not be to your taste and liking, be mindful of the fact that they are including you in a very intimate Hawaiian cultural practice.
  • Engage with the activities when you can. The immersion in Hawaiian culture can be a great experience, so if there are activities such as hula dancing lessons that you can take during your luau, you should definitely go for it!
Luau Kalamaku, imu roasted dishes at the buffet
  • Food accommodations: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, just inform the luau you have booked 24 hours in advance, and they will make all the necessary arrangements.
  • Transportation: Mauka Warriors Luau, Lu’au Kalamaku, Chief’s Luau, and Germaine’s Luau all offer pick-up options you can select on your purchase, or you can also choose to drive. 
  • Parking: Parking is available at all luau venues. 
  • Accessibility: If you require any other form of assistance in terms of mobility or aid in accessibility, inform the luau hosts at least 24 hours in advance so they can make necessary provisions if possible.
Lady serving traditional Hawaiian drink to guest at Mauka Warriors Luau pre-show activity, Hawaii.
  • Carry some cash in hand to offer as tips and gratuities to your servers and performers. 15-20% of the total cost of the experience is considered to be an appropriate amount. If the service and performance have been exceptional, then you can show your appreciation by tipping the performers accordingly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and light, airy clothing so that you can participate in any activities freely. Sundresses and Aloha outfits pair perfectly with hula lessons, interactive workshops, or walking through a craft fair at a plantation before your luau!
  • Book your luau tickets in advance, especially if you are planning to visit during summer. They fill up quickly, so booking at least 6 to 8 weeks before is highly recommended.
  • Bring along your festive spirit! Luaus are a celebration, and the experience calls for some Aloha spirit and a lot of enthusiasm.

Things to do in Hawaii

Pearl Harbor

Visit Pearl Harbor, its museums, memorials, and aviation sites to learn more about the history of the attack, the base of operations, and how it played a significant role in the participation of the US in World War II.

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Grand Circle Island, Oahu

Go on a Grand Circle Island tour across Oahu with a guide and visit the island’s top attractions and viewpoints, and immerse yourself in the island life for a day. Learn about the region’s culture and history while you take in the beauty of the land and its offerings.

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Boat tours

Enjoy a variety of options when it comes to exploring the seas off Oahu’s coastline on your boat tours. From dinner cruises to fireworks shows and cruises with live performances, it’s a relaxing experience everyone can sit back and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions about Luaus in Oahu

Most tickets include a buffet dinner (or can be upgraded to include one), a lei greeting, cultural performances (hula and fire dancing), and live shows.