Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
8 Luaus in Island of Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Haleo Luau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
The Hāleo Luau is a family-friendly evening that celebrates the history of the ahupua’a (land area) called Keauhou and the heart of those who came from this land area. From the birth of Kamehameha III to the surfing stories of He’eia Bay, the dancers and musicians of Haleo Luau take you on a journey through a very special time in Hawaii’s history. Learn about the battle of Kuamo’o and how Kamehameha III bridged the gap of ancient treasures and traditions, as he brought the people of his kingdom into a “new era” in the islands. Meet the luau dancers before the show to participate in traditional Hawaiian games and activities while you “talk story” with our performers and learn more about the language and culture of Hawai’i. Live dinner music serenades guests as they enjoy a delicious feast and open bar. And… just as the sun is setting over Keauhou Bay the Hāleo Luau begins.
Reviewed By etlund - Helena, United States
Nice location on a grassy lawn. Talented dancers and musicians. Good food, desserts, and free drinks. Had a great time.
2. Island Breeze Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,275 reviews
Voted the Best of West Hawaii since 2000 , the Island Breeze Lu'au and is located on the shores of Kamakahonu Bay and the historic grounds of the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. An evening filled with delicious food and authentic Island entertainment. Highlights include the re-enactment of the arrival of Kamehameha I aboard an outrigger canoe, the unearthing of the imu (underground oven), preliminary arts and crafts where you have a chance to meet the performers, a 22-dish buffet, an open bar and the finale of the Siva Afi - spectacular Samoan Fireknife dance.
Reviewed By pcjwhite - Salt Lake City, United States
We attended this luau on our 3rd day in Hawaii. It’s a great way to start your vacation and set the mood for the week. The food was delicious, poke with taro, smoked shredded pork, various salads and side dishes, mai tais for the adults, juices for the kids.The entertainment was spectacular, highlighting the different dances and cultures of the multiple Polynesian islands with a fire dance at the end. The singing, dancing and live band were just wonderful. The setting at sunset on the Kailua bay was just beautiful. I’d highly recommend this activity for families to start you adventures in Hawaii!
3. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Sunset Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 245 reviews
Gather as the sun sets over 'Anaeho'omalu Bay and delight in classic Polynesian entertainment featuring live music, imu ceremony (the unveiling of our main course from our underground oven), traditional dances of the South Pacific and a delectable selection of contemporary and Hawaiian fare with a full open bar. Held every Saturday and Wednesday. The festivities begin at 5pm.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
If you are staying at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, there is no reason to leave the property to experience a amazing luau. The food was high-quality, the setting was beautiful and the pride in the local culture shone through in the entertainment. The Marriott delivered on the luau experience we were seeking for a special night on the Big Island.
4. Royal Kona Resort Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,191 reviews
Discover Hawaiian culture through food, music and entertainment while overlooking Kailua Bay. Begin your journey with festive Hawaiian music and a shell lei greeting. Get a Polynesian tattoo and join the lei workshop to complete your perfect evening look. Enjoy the Imu ceremony, during which a succulent roasted pig is unearthed from the underground oven. Sip Mai Tais as the sun sets over the glistening bay and savor a delicious buffet with traditional island fare. At this unforgettable Big Island Luau, enjoy hula lessons get you in the aloha spirit. Then it's on to the Voyagers of the Pacific show, where island stories and South Pacific song and dance culminate in the Samoan fire knife ritual - Polynesia's most dangerous dance. Celebrate Big Island culture at the most exciting oceanfront luau in Kona, Hawaii..
Reviewed By SandyGoCubs - Chicago, United States
There are less expensive luaus and pricier ones, but this one was mid-range and met all of my expectations. We didn't stay at this resort, but it's located close to everything and got a god deal by ordering in advance online. Go early for best parking and preferred seating for $7 upcharge. It's less crowded during the weekdays so really not a bad spot in the house (or beach rather). I've never been to a luau before, but this was everything I imagined and more. Situated right on the ocean front, you will witness the unearthing of the pig which is truly awesome as they describe the whole process. The pig has cooked all day! Then, enjoy that pig as part of a delicious buffet. The pork was tender and tasty, all the food was great. Not to mention, unlimited free Mai tais (HELLO) and free shell necklace. With the magical sunset backdrop enjoy your dinner while watching a show which was very entertaining. There was approx. 10 or so different performances which lasted about 2 hours. This was so much fun and I highly recommend it.
5. Mauna Kea Oceanfront Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By PDRoberts - Vallejo, United States
We really enjoyed the Mauna Kea Luau earlier this month (Noveber 2020). It's COVID-19 time so all the staff was dutifully masked. There was good table separation between parties with only one table per family. The welcome Mai Tai was probably the low point, it just wasn't very good. The location right on the ocean was fabulous and the sunset was spectacular. No buffet these days, so they bring a plentiful supply of every variety of food in dishes right to each table. It was a lot of food! The shrimp appetizer was good. The Fish and Kalua Pork were great. Lots of fruit, poi, and every kind of dish. I'm a picky eater and had lots to choose from (Been there, done that with Poi before). The musicians and performers were excellent all around and the program lasted a good ninety minutes during and after dinner.
6. Legends of the Pacific Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By kuays - Coppell, United States
My college age daughter and I really enjoyed the luau. Due to COVID protocols, there was not a long wait to get into the venue. Everyone was social distanced. Hosts and hostesses led us to the upgraded table. We felt the table was worth the price of the upgrade. The atmosphere was wonderful. The temperature hovered around high 70's with slight breeze. Bring a light sweater/jacket if you tend to get cold. Appetizers were served when we sat at the table. It was a great selection of small bites. During our appetizers and waiting for other diners to arrive, entertainers were on stage sharing about the history and culture of Hawaii along with singing and hula dancing. Dinner was buffet style with servers serving the food. The food was very enjoyable and probably typical of luau items: pork, chicken, rice,and vegetables. The highlight of the evening was the show. The performers and musicians put on a spectacular show! They seemed genuinely happy to be performing. Performers were very gracious with guests taking pictures of them at the end of the show. We highly recommend Legend of the Pacific Luau.
7. Hawaii Loa Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
An evening at the Hawai'iloa Lu'au is full of this same tradition of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. Join us weekly for an evening of special memories... the finest cuisine prepared by an award winning culinary team.... An internationally renowned cast of performers sharing the stories of Hawai'i through live music and dance. Meet the performers before the show and learn about the traditional games and cultural practices of the people. A hosted bar and a spectacular buffet dinner offer the freshest and finest ingredients found in the islands. Story telling begins as beautiful hula dancers and talented musicians share the tales of Polynesia's brave and courageous voyagers - as they traveled to Hawai'i and established this land. The influence of other cultures can be seen in the evolution of costumes and hula motions as we share unique and incredible history in this island of Hawai'i.
Reviewed By Kaseyannn - Eagle River, United States
I read all the reviews and I was blown away with how much fun we had. The evening started out with hula lessons, yard games, and tattoos. Drinks were available upon arrival and the bar never had a line. The food was great. I really enjoyed the extensive poke bar. I had read that the bar closed early, but that wasn’t our experience. The staff was super nice and abundant. I overheard a man order a drink after the bar was closed and an employee made sure he got his drink. The show was well done and the dancers were engaging. My 3 and 4 year old LOVED it and danced along. We had a wonderful time, and will attend again during our next stay on the island.
