Top Things to do in Kauai
The 8 Best Luaus in Kauai, Hawaii (HI)
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Enjoy a weekly Polynesian ahi lele “fire dancing” show on the campus of Anaina Hou Community Park. Start your evening between 6:00pm and 7:00pm with a delicious dinner special from Kaua’i Family Café and enjoy a refreshing beverage at our concession stand. Food and Beverage are not included in ticket price. The performance, featuring the amazing artistry of Coppin Colburn and his `ohana, begins at 7:30 pm. Check-in early to reserve your seats. Seating is first come first serve, unless you book a VIP ticket for front row. Seating is limited; book your tickets online now. You and your `ohana are in for a red hot treat!
Reviewed By Lemondrops4
After attending a big production luau and fire show at a prominent Hotel 2 days before this local family-run presentation was so much more authentic and creative and personal then I could have imagined. Don't be fooled by the modest surroundings . I would highly recommend that anyone looking for authenticity and presentation true to the culture, attend this wonderful show. The lead storyteller, was engaging and funny as well as informative. My friends and I agree we would would definitely go back for an encore!
2. Smith Family Garden Luau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,741 reviews
Reviewed By askinstr - Virginia Beach, United States
Truly a wonderful experience that combines beautiful gardens (including many peacocks and "Hawaiian chickens", an interesting imu ceremony, delicious food accompanied by lovely music, followed by a fascinating sound/light/music show. Great experience for couples and families. Open at 5 PM, visitors can take a tram or walk through the gardens prior to the informative and delightful imu ceremony. The food/drinks were great and unlimited. Smith Family musicians provided music during the dinner. The hourlong show started at 8 PM and combined a fascinating combination of delightful experiences. Throughout, one feels welcomed and valued for attending. One of the highlights of our 2+ week trip to the Hawaiian Islands.
3. Luau Kalamaku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,129 reviews
Polynesian Adventure is the paramount tour and transportation services provider in Hawaii. Our ‘ohana spreads aloha by connecting their guests to Hawaii’s people, culture and ‘aina (land) through the best charter and tour experiences. Polynesian Adventure’s experienced charter department caters to groups of all sizes and specializes in custom experiences. Charter services include airport transfers, baggage services, greeting services and regularly scheduled sightseeing tours. In addition, Polynesian Adventure operates popular shore excursions for nearly all major cruise lines calling on all Hawaiian Islands. Luau Kalamaku, a truly authentic Hawaiian experience on Kauai, operates under Polynesian Adventure’s management. The theatrical luau held on Tuesday and Friday evenings at historic Kilohana Plantation features a captivating performance, fire poi ball and traditional fire knife dancing, a delicious buffet of local favorites and so much more!
Reviewed By Companion649478
I have been to a few luau's. This one at Koloa Plantation was tops. It had a classy, stylish feel. The view to the stage was great anywhere in the room - unlike many luaus. The food was excellent. I would have liked more veggies, as my vegetarian niece was a bit pressed to have a tasty meal, but the meats were excellent. Since the show is the other half of why one attends - I must say it was wonderful. Presented a bit more like a play or stage production, the story line was interesting, the costumes and lighting wonderful and the fire dancing (fire poi) was over the top. The fire portion which was about 10 minutes, really made the show stand out. The hula was more limited and less authentic overall, but it was a great show!
4. Aulii Luau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,390 reviews
An Intimate and Authentic experience in an Exquisite Setting on Po'ipu Beach. Kaua'i's only oceanfront Lu'au located at the Beach Lawn at Sheraton Kaua'i Resort. As the sun sets, treasure this truly mesmerizing setting as you indulge in island culinary treats with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. Our traditional-style luau offers a lavish buffet and authentic entertainment featuring award-winning dancers taking you on an alluring voyage weaving tales of Kaua'i and Polynesia into exciting songs & dances.
Reviewed By luevanojohn - Los Angeles, United States
Great performers and the host/MC was also great and very entertaining... my whole family enjoy all the performer and the food was great!
5. Hawaii Alive Luau Show & Dinner
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 215 reviews
The Hawaii Alive Luau Show is an outstanding show that brings you a unique and authentic Polynesian cultural experience through live traditional chants, music, drumming and dancing from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti and Samoa. The show is located within the Marriott's enchanting tropical gardens and includes live music, an interactive host, traditional and modern hula, ancient chants, a chance to learn the hula yourself, Tahitian dancing, and the thrilling Samoan fire knife. We also offer optional private dining prior to the show, which you can enjoy an All You Can Eat Hawaiian Buffet(includes one alcohol beverage), with just your family or guests in the open air at the Kaua'i Marriott's Kukui's poolside/oceanfront restaurant.
Reviewed By P5732XTsarahs
This was our first luau and I knew it wasn't the traditional sit on the beach and watch a show affair. This was spectacular! The Marriott courtyard was a beautiful venue. The quality of the performances was outstanding. I was amazed at the talent and storytelling that accompanied every segment. You could tell the dancers were performing because they are proud of their heritage and wanted to share it with the audience. I would absolutely recommend!
6. Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By rachelrC1104VV - Canton, United States
This is such a fun experience! My husband and I attended this luau a couple nights ago, and weren’t really sure what to expect because we had never been to a luau before. The Smith family makes it SO MUCH fun! It’s an entire family, and you can tell they just have so much fun with it. They love what they do and love sharing it with other people. Everyone is so sweet and loving, and they really make you feel welcome, and you know they are happy to have you with them. The food was absolutely incredible! The grounds were sprawling, lush, and beautiful! And the show was just mesmerizing! Our whole evening was just fantastic. Thank you Smith Family!!
7. Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 70 reviews
Join us on a cultural journey. Experience Hawaiian history, culture, and tradition through vibrant song and dance depicting extraordinary voyages throughout the South Pacific. Feast on fresh island delicacies and enjoy a full open bar. Held to honor kings, gods, and guests, lūʻau are meaningful celebrations rooted in ancient traditions, experience Kauaʻi’s best at the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau. This epic journey follows historic travels to the islands of Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaiʻi, sharing traditional dances from each, ending with the thrilling Siva Afi, the fearless warrior dance of flaming knives. For reservations please book on grandhyattkauai.com. Free Valet Parking.
8. Luau Maka'iwa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 188 reviews
Luau Maka'iwa includes a cocktail reception, cultural arts and exhibitions, torch lighting ceremony, Hula Kahiko, a luau feast and a spectacular Polynesian show with award-winning hula and breathtaking fire-knife dancing.
Reviewed By CariE_12 - Seattle, United States
We had the best time at this luau! It is such an emotional show; the bonds between the performers are so sincere, even familial. I was so very touched by the personal touches added, particularly the star singer dedicating to her daughter (a dancer & drummer in the show) a song written by her father (Kamelani, which has stuck in my head for days! Wish I’d bought the cd!) The setting on the grounds of the Sheraton is gorgeous. The quality and talent level of the music & dancing is top-notch. All of the staff is warm & friendly, from the smiling hostesses to the hilarious MC. I just felt so welcomed and entertained and moved by the whole experience. The stories are beautifully told, the musicians so skilled, the dancers so talented, and everyone seems happy to be there and takes pride in their art and their heritage. Food is as expected for a buffet - we enjoyed everything we tried (my husband even ate his whole scoop of poi ????!) We did not have our kids with us on this trip, but wish they could have experienced this luau because the performers made such an effort to welcome and include the kids in the festivities. All in all, a joyful, touching, entertaining performance. Not to be missed!!
