Big Island Luau Guide: 8 Shows Compared

Eight luau shows run on the Big Island, all on the Kona and Kohala coast, and the $182 to $238 per-adult price gap mostly reflects venue prestige, not show quality. Three are in or near Kona; the other five sit on the Kohala Coast, about 30 to 45 minutes north. Mauna Kea runs about $50 more than Voyagers of the Pacific, but that buys the setting and an aloha-attire dress code, and the performance is comparable.

If you are choosing one show, start with the night you can go, since most run on set evenings rather than nightly. We attended Legends of Hawaiʻi, where the imu ceremony, the underground oven opening, was the part that stuck; Mauna Kea wins on food, Legends on production.

Big Island Luau FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about Big Island luaus.

Big Island Luau Locations: Map and Comparison Table

Location is the fastest way to narrow the field. Three shows are in or near Kona; five are on the Kohala Coast, roughly 30 to 45 minutes north. Click any name to jump to the full breakdown.

All 8 Big Island Luau Shows, Reviewed

If you’re short on time: Island Breeze and Voyagers of the Pacific are the reliable Kona-side options. On the Kohala Coast, Legends of Hawaiʻi has the best production value and Mauna Kea stands out for the food. Each entry below covers the evening format, what’s included, current pricing, and who the show suits best.

1: Voyagers of the Pacific Luau (Kona)

The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau sets up on the oceanfront lawn at the Royal Kona Resort, a short walk from downtown Kona, which makes it the easiest show to reach if you’re staying in town. The evening runs the usual format: pre-show entertainment and hands-on classes, an imu ceremony, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Complimentary drinks are included, and the fire knife dance that closes the show is the highlight.

See the short video below to get an impression of the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau:

When? On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Where? At the Royal Kona Resort in downtown Kona.

Open bar? Yes, including beer, wine, standard well drinks, and Mai Tais.

Price range: Starting at $182 (adults, excluding taxes).

Suggested tour

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

An oceanfront luau on Kailua Bay where the imu ceremony is run as an audience moment and the Samoan Fire Knife Dance (Siva Afi) closes the night from center stage.

Duration: 2.5 hours

By: Royal Kona Luau

★ 4.2 (based on 2,734 reviews)

from:

$182

Details

What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.

Guest Impressions: The Good & The Not-So-Good

Based on over 1,000 reviews from TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Viator, guests consistently praise the oceanfront setting, friendly staff, and fire knife finale at the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. The buffet earns solid marks, especially the kalua pork and island fish, and the open bar is a popular perk.

A few reviewers mention that seating can affect your view, and that sound quality occasionally makes the narration hard to follow. Still, most agree it’s a fun, well-organized show and a good value for the price.

2: Island Breeze Luau (Kona)

The Island Breeze Luau is one of the better-rounded packages on the island for show, food, and location together. It’s held on the grounds of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, right next to the historic Ahuʻena Heiau.

Like most luaus, this one is well-suited for families, with child-friendly activities such as learning a hula and getting a temporary Hawaiian tattoo. The show includes the arrival of the “royal court” by outrigger canoe, the uncovering of the main dish (kalua pig) from the imu (underground oven), a dinner buffet, and an open bar. Entertainment through the evening includes live dinner music and a Polynesian revue.

See the short video below to get an impression of this luau.

When? Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (Wednesday added seasonally).

Where? At the Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in downtown Kona.

Open bar? Yes.

Price range: From $192 (adults, excluding taxes), price depends on possible upgrades such as preferred seating, a group photo or a flower lei.

Where to book: for more information and booking see the Island Breeze luau booking page¹.

What Island Breeze guests praise, and what they flag

Based on insights from over 1,000 guest reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Viator, the Island Breeze Luau gets positive marks for its oceanfront location, cultural elements, and the arrival of the royal court by outrigger canoe, a moment many guests mention as memorable. The imu ceremony and Polynesian revue are also frequently highlighted, and the buffet is generally seen as varied, with dishes like kalua pork and grilled fish.

That said, some reviewers note that seating can affect the experience, particularly for those farther from the stage. A few mention that audio clarity is hit-or-miss, and while the buffet is appreciated for its range, food quality is described by some as average. Most guests find it a worthwhile evening, but set your expectations accordingly.

3: Hawaiʻi Loa Lūʻau (formerly the “Gathering of the Kings”, Kohala Coast)

Held on the Fairmont Orchid grounds on the Kohala Coast, the Hawaiʻi Loa show tells the story of how the first Hawaiians voyaged to Hawaiʻi, through narration, hula dancers, and live musicians. Before the show you can join cultural activities and games, and the ticket includes a dinner buffet and open bar.

Have a look at the short video below to get an impression of this luau.

When? Every Saturday (with added Wednesday nights in July).

Where? At the Fairmont Orchid resort.

Open bar? Yes.

Price range: Starting at $215 (adults, excluding taxes), price depends on possible upgrades such as preferred seating, a group photo or a flower lei.

Where to book: On the Hawaiʻi Loa luau booking page.

4: Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort (Kohala Coast)

The Sunset Luau runs on the oceanfront lawn at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, one of the busier shows on the Kohala Coast. The buffet leans into contemporary takes on Hawaiian dishes alongside the traditional plates.

When? Every Monday and Wednesday.

Where? At the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Open bar? Yes.

Price range: About $197 (adults, before tax), with a $30 upgrade for preferred first-row seating, a lei greeting, and a Hawaiian pūpū (gift).

Note on pricing: the base fare is advertised lower, but an unskippable $18.58 service charge is added during booking, which brings the real starting price to about $197.

Suggested tour

Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Oceanfront Polynesian dinner show at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott: imu ceremony, open bar, and Samoan fire dance over 'Anaeho'omalu Bay in 3 hours from $198 per adult.

Duration: 3 hours

By: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Free cancellation: up to 48 hours before tour

from:

$198

Details

What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.

The Sunset Luau sets up on the oceanfront lawn at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Image credit: Marriott Hawaii.

5: Legends of Hawaiʻi Luau (Kohala Coast)

The Legends of Hawaiʻi Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village has the most polished production of the eight, with strong food and a professional cast. The trade-off is the setting: it plays in an open-air amphitheater rather than on an oceanfront lawn, so don’t expect a view.

See also the promotion video of this Luau produced by the Hilton below.

When? Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Where? At the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort.

Open bar? Yes.

Price range: Starting at $238 (adult, before taxes), with an option to upgrade to preferred seating and better access to the food stations for $30 extra.

Where to book: On the Legends of Hawaiʻi booking page¹.

6: Mauna Kea Luau (Kohala Coast)

The Mauna Kea Luau is held on a secluded part of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel grounds. It feels a touch more festive than the average show, partly from the wooden plates (no plastic) and partly because guests are asked to wear ‘aloha attire‘, which means an aloha shirt for men and a flowery print for women. It isn’t mandatory, but it does lift the whole evening.

The show is entertaining and the food is good, but there’s no open bar: one complimentary drink is included, and you pay for the rest. Have a look at the 5-minute video below to get an impression of this luau.

When? Every Tuesday and Friday.

Where? At the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Open bar? No. One complimentary Mai Tai or Keiki Drink is included.

Price range: Starting at $234 (adult, including taxes and fees), with an option to upgrade to premier front-row seating and preferred entry for $21 extra.

Suggested tour

Mauna Kea Luau: Oceanfront Setting on Kaunaʻoa Bay

The best food we've had at a Big Island luau, with sunset views over Kauna'oa Bay from the oceanfront lawn of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Duration: 2.5 hours

By: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

★ 4.1 (based on 503 reviews)

from:

$235

Details

What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.

7: Hale Hoaloha Lūʻau at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Hale Hoaloha runs Fridays at the Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resorts property on the Kohala Coast. The venue is the most upscale setting on this list, and the limited schedule keeps attendance lower than the larger resort shows nearby. At $230, it’s one of the pricier options but still keeps an intimate feel. Worth considering if you’re staying on the Kohala Coast and have flexibility on which night you go.

When? Every Friday (with added Monday nights seasonally).

Where? At the Mauna Lani (Auberge Resorts Collection).

Open bar? Partly. Standard seating includes one welcome cocktail; the open bar is a premium-tier upgrade.

Price range: Starting at $230 (excluding taxes and fees) for standard seating.

Where to book: for more information and booking see the Hale Hoaloha luau booking page.

8: Feast & Fire Lūʻau at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

The Feast and Fire luau is performed by the famed Lim Family of Kohala, and with their lineage traceable back to Alapaʻi Nui, guests are in the presence of royal descendants of the one-time ruler of Hawaiʻi who have been iconic musicians for generations.

When? Every Monday and Thursday.

Where? At the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay (south of Kona).

Open bar? Yes.

Price range: Starting at $185 (excluding taxes and fees) for adult standard seating.

Suggested tour

Feast & Fire Lūʻau at the Outrigger Kona Resort

Story-based Polynesian luau at the Outrigger Kona Resort above Keauhou Bay, with performers drawn from a Hawaiʻi arts program, fire dancing, open bar, and a 45-minute pre-show Artisan Village.

Duration: 2.5 hours

By: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

★ 4.0 (based on 389 reviews)

from:

$185

Details

What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.

No longer operating: Pilikana Lūʻau and Hoʻomau Waikoloa Luau

Pilikana Lūʻau (Kona Inn) and Hoʻomau Waikoloa Luau were both active as recently as 2023 but are not currently running. Check directly with the venues if you want confirmation before your trip.

Should you go to a Luau?

A luau is a dinner show: buffet food, open bar, hula, and fire dancers, usually running about 2.5 hours. Cultural demonstrations fill the first half hour, dinner runs for an hour, and the performance closes the night. Shows start around dusk and end between 7 and 9pm depending on the venue.

The honest case against: you’re paying $170 to $238 per person to share a buffet with several hundred strangers, at a resort that may charge for parking. The food is generally good but not exceptional. If your priority is Hawaiian food, you’ll eat better at a local restaurant for a fraction of the price.

The honest case for: the combination of food, live music, hula, and fire dancing in an outdoor setting on a warm evening makes for a good evening out. When we attended Legends of Hawaiʻi, the imu ceremony (underground oven opening) was the kind of thing you don’t see anywhere else. It’s a tourism experience, but a well-executed one.

What happens during a luau?

A luau usually lasts about 2.5 hours and starts with ~half an hour of child-friendly and cultural demonstrations, followed by 1 hour of dinner buffet, and finally a 1-hour show with narration, hula, and fire dancers. Have a look at our favorite Luau shows if this sounds good to you.

Crowds, cost, and parking before you book

There are a few things to expect when you sign up for a luau show.

1. You’ll be attending with possibly hundreds of other guests and may share a large table with strangers. Access to the buffet is given table-by-table, so you may wait a while to fill your plate. If you want to be first in line, consider a ‘preferred seating’ upgrade, which guarantees early access.
2. Next is the price. A luau isn’t cheap (starting around $180/person) and, although the food is generally tasty, you can find better food for less at local restaurants. Some luaus offer a show-only ticket without dinner for roughly half the price; confirm availability when you book, since not every show still offers it.
3. Finally there’s parking. All luaus are held on hotel or resort grounds, and parking isn’t always included in the price. If you’re not staying at the resort and there’s no free parking nearby, budget for it.

If your main reason to visit a Luau is to get to know Hawaiian culture and you don’t care about the food, you can take the “show only” option above where it’s offered, or skip a luau altogether and look for one of the free Hula shows and other cultural events held all over the Big Island.

If you’re only getting more stoked about the full luau experience, keep reading for a description of every luau on the Big Island. If you’re visiting more islands, our comparison of 10 Luau shows on Oʻahu, the 6 Luau shows on Kauaʻi, and our Maui Luau overview are recommended reading.

Luau Dinner Show impression from Maui. The number of people present at such shows varies. Image credit: Joe Parks under a CC-2.0 license.

The History of the Luau

The history of the Luau traces back to 1819, when King Kamehameha II removed the religious requirement that men and women eat their meals separately. Soon after, the king ate together with the women present, holding what is often called the first Luau. That makes the Luau as we know it more than 200 years old, and a real piece of Hawaiian history.

If you want to read more on the history of the Luau, there’s an in-depth piece here.

7 Typical Luau Foods:

Good local food is one of the pillars of any luau, and you’re bound to meet some new tastes if you join one. A few of these dishes may look unfamiliar, but try at least a little of each, it’s part of the experience.

We describe the 7 most iconic dishes below so you know what to expect:

• Kalua Pig (or Pork) is the centerpiece of the luau and a giant of Hawaiian cuisine. It’s pork cooked in an imu, or underground oven, then shredded. It pairs with everything and turns up on menus across our local restaurants.
• Poi is a traditional Hawaiian “pudding” that was a main source of carbohydrate for the native Hawaiians. Poi is a thick paste made from the taro root that is either steamed or baked and then pounded into a pulp. It tastes starchy and slightly sour from the light fermentation in the preparation process, and is the most divisive of all dishes on this list. Give it a try.
• Chicken Long Rice is inspired by Chinese cuisine. Its main ingredients are chicken soup, clear noodles, chicken and ginger.
• Laulau is worth ordering. It’s pork, chicken, or fish wrapped in luau (taro) leaves and steamed for a long time. The tough taro leaves go soft, almost like spinach, and the meat stays tender and juicy. Traditionally laulau is also prepared in an imu.
• Lomilomi Salmon is a traditional salad / side dish with fresh tomato, salmon, and onion.
• Haupia or coconut pudding is a sweet traditional dessert made from coconut milk and cornstarch.
• Poke is another one of our favorites. Poke is raw fish marinated usually with soy sauce, onions and lemon (though many other marinades exist). It went worldwide on the back of the “Poke Bowl,” but it’s very typical to Hawaiʻi and, honestly, tastes the BEST here on the islands.

You don’t need to go to a luau to taste any of these foods. Many are also available at local supermarkets (KTA for example) or at one of our local L&L Hawaiian BBQ chain restaurants. See our list of hawaiian foods for more local specialties and where to buy them.

What is Hula?

Hula is a form of dance accompanied by a chant or song. It was first developed here on the Hawaiian islands and is a way of storytelling: hula dancers portray the words being sung or chanted through complex hand motions and a graceful dance.

Written language did not exist in Hawaiʻi before contact with the western world, and hula played an important role in keeping history, genealogy, mythology, and culture alive. Dancing hula was a way to express culture and held an important place in society. Today hula has become a worldwide symbol for Hawaiian culture, and visitors can enjoy Hula performances while they’re in the islands.

In the video below, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole expresses the true meaning of hula from a native Hawaiian perspective. Kanakaole is a force of nature: she has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻi’s highest musical honor) and has traveled the world performing.

Hula Kahiko and Hula Auana: the two styles

Modern Hula splits into two types: Hula Kahiko and Hula Auana.

Hula Kahiko is the traditional or ancient style, often defined as hula composed before 1894. Hula kahiko is performed to historical chants without modern instruments, and is marked by traditional costuming, an austere look, and a reverence for its spiritual root. Hula Kahiko is what people mean when they speak about “traditional hula”.

Hula Auana is the more contemporary form, where the old histories are re-imagined with new choreography and music, including modern instruments such as the ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, bass or piano.

Free Hula and other cultural events on the Big Island

Some of the national parks and shopping centers on the Big Island host free cultural events. Most run on a weekly or monthly basis, so there’s a good chance you can attend one during your visit.

These events include Polynesian shows, Hula performances, music shows, and Hawaiian craft demonstrations such as lei-making classes and Hawaiian featherwork.

List of free cultural events on the Big Island:

• Hula performances in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park [link]
• The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park calendar [link]
• The Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Park calendar [link]
• The Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site calendar [link]
• Weekly events at the King shops [Waikoloa resort, link]
• Friday evening free Hula show at the Keauhou Shopping Center [Keauhou, link]
• Upcoming events at the Queens marketplace [Waikoloa resort, link]
• Events calendar at the Mauna Lani shopping center [Kohala coast, all events link]

Hula kahiko performance at the pā hula in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Image credit: Ron Ardis under a CC-2.0 license.

More historic and cultural things to do on the Big Island

Beyond a Luau there’s much more history to explore, along with archeological sites and chances for cultural understanding. Have a look at our BIG list of cultural and historical things to do on the Big Island to learn more.

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