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    Ka Moana Luau

    4.4 (486 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 8:00 PM

    Ka Moana Luau Photos

    KA MOANA LUAU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    i moved closer under the bar to watch because it started raining
    Cynthia W.

    We got the celebrity package which states "front row". But really it was not. lol. I had to turn my chair to see the stage. We are maybe the second row of tables. It is originally $200 a person, but we got a discount for half off if we listened to some travel sales pitch thing. I just don't think it is worth $200 a person before taxes and fees. We get a welcome Mai Tai and two drink tickets. Also it is nice that we did not need to get up to get our food. They served us. I liked the little activities before it started. We got there early so we had plenty of time to make a head band, practice the fire stick, etc. The overall show was great. The MC / host was wonderful. He was very engaging and entertaining. The dances were really well thought out. The fire show is my favorite! I always wonder how they don't burn themselves or catch something on fire. The food was okayyy. Wished it was better, but i think Luau's are usually for the entertainment and not the food.

    Martina M.

    We really enjoyed the luau! We did celebrity check-in and purchased tickets through Groupon for a party of nine. The food was generous and tasty and the drinks were great as well. Kids enjoyed the pineapple drinks. The show was amazing, everyone had a great time. Our group included kids ranging from 8 to 20 years old and all of them enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We also loved the extra touches, getting tattoos, making bracelets and receiving real flower leis. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended!

    Jessamyn D.

    Pre activities were fun to do from the luau, depending on which package you get you can get drink coupons. My friend group and I did the lowest package and received drink coupon, shell necklace upon entering and found our seated. The dinner is buffet style and had good options from rice to chicken, pork and fish, noodles, taro dinner rolls and dessert as well. The show was fun to watch and see the different styles of dancing.

    Food on the menu !
    Rachel P.

    We had the best time! the food was great, we learned how to build leis and twirl the stick. the luau dancers were so friendly, their was a lot of history and we even watched a man climb a coconut tree. the best part had to be the fire dancers at the end. they were fantastic. we were seated toward the front which was nice with 10 other people at our table and and the whole show was so captivating.

    Andrew A.

    One of those things you do once for the experience. The Luau itself was a good show. The performers were great, the dances engaging, and the MC made sure you learned something before every dance. The food was decent but nothing write home about, the activities pre-show were fun! Lei making, fire dance (with practice sticks) trick lessons, headband weaving with coconut leaves, and picture areas. The location at the Aloha Tower made it for a very picturesque evening for sure. Onto the negatives: the event is really expensive for what it is. One could easily drop $400+ for 2 people, plus any drinks outside of your drink tickets (included on the Celebrity upgrade). You have to pay $30 for one picture or $50 for 2, of the pictures they take of you at the beginning... which seems outrageous considering how much one spends to attend. We did not have to pay to attend as we got it for free for attending the "sales pitch" from Hilton Club... but I want to be honest about the value you get for your money regardless. If you're staying at a resort that can get you a good deal for it, it's totally worth it, but paying full price may be a different story.

    Before the show
    Lisa P.

    Many of the resort hotels have groups of hula dancers on hand that provide luau experiences complete with the traditional dinner for a fee. I was looking for a bit more and spoke with my hotel's concierge service provider. After watching a brief video and a thorough explanation of what was included I booked. A big, beautiful bus complete with good air and a bathroom picked up patrons from a few hotels. Upon arrival while waiting in line to go inside the luau area, we were teased with some of the hula dancing. I think that was a pretty cool way to check the crowd's energy. As we entered we were presented with leis; flowers for the ladies and shells for the men which both are symbols of love, respect and hospitality. Then gently nudged over to the photo wall. I ordered VIP which included a free gift, an extra drink ticket, table service and a seat at table #1, right in front of the stage. My eyes are over forty so I appreciate being able to see EVERYTHING up close. The traditional live music was enjoyable, the hula dancing was engaging but the history was amazing. In between the dances the host would share Polynesian stories about the kingdom of Hawaii. There was also a coconut demonstration where I learned things about its many parts that I never knew. Complete with a tree climbing. Luau means to celebrate with food and there was so much on our plates. Huli huli chicken, kalua pork, cubed fish and the purple taro dinner rolls were truly a treat. I noticed many of the marinades were brown sugar, soy sauce and pineapple based and I enjoyed those flavors. After experiencing this beautiful outdoor luau, I highly recommend that you venture away from your hotel and try something with a lot more variety.

    Amy L.

    After check in, we were greeted with lei's. Once we got seated, there were several activities like making flower bracelets and learning an instrument. Plus some alcohol and beverages were included depending on the package that you've purchased. The show was great! The performers were interactive with the guests and put on a good show. However, I gotta knock down points for the buffet that they offered. Food was not good at all. Everything tasted like it's seasoned with salt only. Pork and fish were dry and overcooked. Some of the rice was hard. And the little dessert ran out pretty quickly. It wasn't enough for everyone for sure. A good luau includes good food and a good show, and the food was just disappointing. I would go somewhere else.

    Tish P.

    You know I would give this place three stars, but I can't do it. I attended in June on my actual birthday. The food wasn't that great; it's a buffet, but getting it again is not feasible with the amount of people and the fact they close the food area down pretty early. Also, you're so close to the tables and the other people there's no space. But my biggest irk, is the ridiculous amount of time that I spent in line to use my drink tickets. Just know that if you pay for the non-basic ticket, (I don't remember the difference in the names) but only one of them comes with separate drink line. It was two slow bartenders for everyone that had the basic ticket and the next level up. They can't control the weather and it's rain or shine, but we were literally standing in light rain trying to get drinks for easy 35/40 minutes, if not more. Leaving little time to get my food. I had to rush to the food area before the show started. I made conversation with one of the guys serving the line so he was friendly. The other, not so much. And there are two serving lines. The low cost (meaning from business perspective) offerings like salad and desserts were do it yourself, but they served the meat and veggies. It wasn't very good either. Really disappointed in my meal. The show was ok, I've never been to a Luau but my thoughts of what I know, this was mid experience. A family on one of my tours had gone as well and they had the same impression as we were discussing it. I will say I enjoyed getting lei'd when I first got there! But honey I called an uber early and got out of there so quick when I felt the show was nearly ending.

    They made a fire right there on stage.
    Ruth G.

    We were fortunate enough to win an upgraded seat and we were front and center for the show. We were welcomed with a complimentary beverage and leis. The ocean in the background gave us a beautiful sunset. The food was delicious and plentiful, and although we're big eaters we couldn't finish what we were brought. The show was so much fun. Ten dollars to park was well worth it and the traffic wasn't too bad leaving. Highly recommend.

    Cass A.

    I intentionally scheduled this with our hotel after contemplation and inevitably received tickets for watching their presentation for time shares to save the money. I would not personally spend the $350+ for two people. The cultural activities to start were enjoyable. Being able to learn to weave/braid coconut leaves, twirl the fire/knife baton, and make a Lei bracelet. I also appreciated the educational opportunities between dances. I wanted to love this event and I was left with a sinking feeling. To be clear, the dancers themselves were phenomenal. The energy, charisma, and engagement were top tier. I struggled with the legitimacy of the dancing. With every dance, I questioned whether the performers (or at least a performer from the group) actually represented the cultural group (Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, etc.) as well as where the dances were learned (were they from people of those cultures and paid fairly understanding the intent to be used in a for-profit luau). It felt inappropriate to paint faces during the Haka to represent the culturally sacred tattoos for Māori people. It may have been due to the season, but the holiday dances gave me the ick. Rather than celebrating cultural practices, they felt tainted by songs like Jingle Bells. I understand my scrutiny may be heightened due to my own lived experiences, but that also means I am more aware of the potential for harm this can cause.

    Fire dancing
    Tiffany C.

    The show takes you through Polynesian history a bit and highlights the different dances and cultures in the pacific islands.

    Great bartender
    Shanna B.

    Excellent good. Great entertainment and the dancers were amazing The service was excellent and very welcoming and comfortable.

    Mama & Papa's 50th wedding luau

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    the experience was AMAZING 100% recommendation. loved the show it's great!!!! wonderful for your kids

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    4 months ago

    We enjoyed it. It was raining. Show was good. Got kinda cold. Food was clean since they serve it for you

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    Page 1 of 13

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    Review Highlights - Ka Moana Luau

    The celebrity package is the best as you get to go in earlier, get more drinks, your food is brought to you.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

    4.7(129 reviews)
    3.2 miWaikiki
    Large group friendly
    Discounts available

    Amazing performance, I highly recommend you make it a point to see this show…read more Dine early in Waikiki and walk over to enjoy the performance at Outrigger Beachcomber. If you're a fan of Cirque de Soleil then you will know this show is on par.

    So glad I finally got to see 'Auana in February 2026 after they were dark when I was last in O'ahu…read morein August 2025. Just know that the theater is by far the smallest Cirque theater I've been in, and I've seen all of their shows in Las Vegas and a few of their travelling shows in San Francisco and Dallas. As far as the show... I will say that Hawai'i in general leans HARD into the "wise indigenous / magical Native" trope to the point it feels self-stereotyping. (See @Itzeaglee on Instagram where he calls out people expecting Native people to act "indigenously.") This trope is central to the show which can feel a bit silly. This Cirque production also seems to lean into the "mystical kūpuna" (which is the Hawaiian version of the "noble savage") stereotype. The show begins with a fake, clueless tourist (actor) who is put to sleep by a native musician (in traditional clothes.) The wise, mystical musician has no need for the tourist's money that he tried to hand him during the show. The tourist actor is awoken and surrounded by smoke as dancers encircle him as the female kūpuna does a Hawaiian chant. He's frightened and tries to flee as the dancers boldly, but free from emotion, spin a canoe paddle during their dance. It segues into a scene where what I assume is Maui's Manaiakalani is thrown into water and as it's pulled up, a curtain drops and shows the Polynesians boating to Hawai'i. The subsequent scenes are centered around different aspects of Hawaiian history, from pre-contact, to the touristy tiki luau influx, to modern beach & street culture. Overall, I think it's most comparable to the Cirque show Mad Apple, which has a New York City theme and plays in Las Vegas. I like the cohesive theme and the clear narrative throughout the performance. The costuming and live music make the show extra special. My favorite part was the woman who made sand painting art. Visited: February 2026

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    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana - Two gymnasts

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    Two gymnasts

    Waikiki Starlight Luau

    Waikiki Starlight Luau

    2.9(287 reviews)
    2.5 miWaikiki
    Free parking
    Outdoor seating

    Amazing show, so fun, great talent. Emcee, dancers, band and fire dancers…read more Ambiance is outside but on a rooftop. So if the weather does not cooperate, it could be dicey. We didn't get a few drops but not too bad. Food was ok, salads, sides were very good. The meats not so much. The only thing was really good was the barbecue pork. The kalua pork was dry and tasteless. The fish was inedible and so dry. No seasonings on the kalua pork. Desserts were ok, a pineapple cake, coconut pannacotta and mini Malasaga donuts. Mai tais were good, not a lot of liquor but good. You come for the show and was the best. See my pics.

    My brother secured reservations for our family at the Hilton's Friday Fireworks Luau on the Great…read moreLawn ($249 each). Since my family was already staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, my husband and I trekked it over to their part of Waikiki. We had Golden Circle seating which was not VIP but we had 3 drink tickets each along with a welcome drink upon entering. We were seated with an okay view of the stage. It was warm and it was nice to be dining al fresco. They had live music and we were called up to the buffet table-by-table. The food was so-so but we found things to eat. There was Kahlua pork, roasted chicken, fish, salad, bread, etc. For the drink tickets, it's easier to go up to the bartender and order rather than wait for a server. Drinks that were available to us included: soft drinks, POG, beer, wine, and premixed cocktails. Needless to say, we did not use up our tickets but my husband tried and he even tried giving a few away. While dining, they started the show on the stage. The talented performers put on a great show and even my dad got in on the fun. Once the performance ended and the dining concluded, we were directed towards the lagoon where we would have a great view of the fireworks. The staff was on top of clearing plates and helping guests. The fireworks show lasted about 10 minutes or so but it was a lovely way to spend an evening with family.

    Photos
    Waikiki Starlight Luau - Fireworks Luau Every Friday

    Fireworks Luau Every Friday

    Waikiki Starlight Luau
    Waikiki Starlight Luau

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    Hawaii Theatre Center - The stage awaits the arrival of the performers....

    Hawaii Theatre Center

    4.3(259 reviews)
    0.4 miDowntown
    $$
    100 years in business
    Not-for-profit

    OVERALL SATISTFACTION: 10 of 10. 5 of 5 stars, Na ka…read moreoi...simply da bes! Keeping in mind that 1. I love live music, theater and big screen films. And 2. I haven't resided in the islands since the mid-90s. With that said, I have been here for several shows and I purposely flown in for some and other were just the lowest of consolation prizes for having to fly away from loved ones due to my job taking me to another "twist my arm" experience = Stay on Oahu. I joke of course, but in earnest, growing up with the lights of Broadway and hundreds of concert venues nearby, I take my theater experiences very seriously and the Hawaii Theater meets any and every want/need one could dream of. For me it exceeds most. Please allow me to define... MY EXPERIENCES: I have been to a Christmas show, on my birthday, featuring Amy Hanaiali'i and, the much beloved and missed, Willie K (R.I.P.), which included a wonderful meet and greet. On another visit to HNL I just happened to be around for a Beach Boys show and was fortunate enough to get a ticket for it. And most recently, I flew in for a showing of The Princess Bride which featured a meet and greet of Cary Elwes. AT THE TOP: The President of the Hawaii Theater, Gregory Dunn is super humble, very polite and amazingly professional in every aspect. Best of all, he gets involved in the pre-show activities be it guiding folks to where they need to be or ensuring we understand the process of a meet and greet. Ya gotta love when there is no job below those in charge. He sets an example that many could benefit from if their eyes are truly open. SECURITY: If you have been to downtown Honolulu, you know it hasn't been a place that gets touted around the globe for it's cleanliness or safety. HPD has had their hands full over the years. Stores may have closed and some issues still exist, but overall I feel that the area has been improving greatly and adding to the return of a safer feeling neighborhood is the Hawaii Theater's security team. Yes, they are the most amazing group of people that one could want to see at an event. These guys are the, literally, the muscle that keeps things in order and flowing, from bag checks to ensuring reentry folks have wristbands. They operate like a finely tuned engine. As a concert goer that has been to well over 500 shows globally, I recognize these folks as the best. I will even go as far as to say that actually recognize some of them since my last visit a couole years back, which means that the team is sticking together. With that stated, not once have I had any safety concerns with these guys on duty... and still downtown can be questionable at times. STAFF OF THE THEATER: From the box office staff to those assigned to scan your tickets and give out VIP wristbands, these folks know how to keep the lines moving. Once inside there are strategically placed individuals, as one would expect. Folks there to give you direction to restrooms or concessions and then you have the ushers, those folks who are much more than a uniformed someone with a flashlight who is unfamiliar with the venue layout. These folks are amazing, they will get you to your seat in a timely, professional manner. Last but not least, are the bartenders... the fashionable, handlebar mustachioed bartender I met a few shows back was here again... and I always find him to be a terrific conversationalist (when time allots), incredibly professional and truly represents the venue as best as any one could. Put all these compliments together under one roof and you get one of the best theater experiences you could hope to ever find. You should come to downtown and find out for yourself... and you'll be a repeat offender, like me, (END NOTE: I fly in from the mainland for touring shows I could easily opt to catch on the mainland, and for a cheaper overall hit to the wallet. The Hawaii Theater, as defined above, is truly the deciding factor).

    Walking into the Hawai'i Theatre, you're instantly transported into another era. An era of soft…read moreelegance and timeless artistry. From the moment you pass through the doors, you're surrounded by a blend of old-world elegance and Hawaiian warmth. Built in 1922, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and Broadway plays to concerts and Hula performances. Today it seats about 1,400 guests, offering an intimate experience where every seat feels close to the stage. The acoustics are excellent, the seats are comfortable, and the staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. There's also a small bar and lounge with high-tops, perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation before the show. Inside the theater, you see tall, fluted Corinthian-style columns that are richly detailed. The curved arch overhead is decorated with mosaic-style tiles in warm tones,and I absolutely LOVE the lush deep red velvet curtains that frame the stage. They add so much warmth and elegance. Having attended many shows throughout the years, I've always been mesmerized by the mural above the stage and decided to do some Googling while waiting for the show to begin. I learned it's Lionel Walden's Glorification of the Drama. The painting depicts a grand procession of mythic figures -- a golden-robed muse in her chariot, attendants, musicians, a lion handler -- all celebrating the power of theater. The central figure, often interpreted as the Personification of Drama, leads the way. Knowing that part of the mural was once lost to water damage and later painstakingly restored makes it even more meaningful. Parking is easy at the municipal garage on Bethel Street, just a block away. The short walk is now well-lit, a welcome improvement from years past when it was dark and sketchy. Entertaining audiences for over 100 years, the Hawaii Theater is a recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Attending a show here, you're not just watching a performance, you're also living and breathing a beautiful piece of Hawaii's historic culture.

    Photos
    Hawaii Theatre Center - How's my sippy cup!

    How's my sippy cup!

    Hawaii Theatre Center - Kung Hei Fat Choy!

    Kung Hei Fat Choy!

    Hawaii Theatre Center - Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

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    Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

    Experience Nutridge - Performers

    Experience Nutridge

    4.9(523 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    We don't love touristy activities. We saw luau's from the beach and in the International Market,…read moreand were sure we did not want to pay the price to attend one of those. We saw that Nutridge was on a mountain, with views over the city and the ocean, in a beautiful park, in a lovely estate that hosted about 50 people at a time, and that during the 4 hours we were there, we would experience Hawaiian culture and activities. We had the experience we hoped for. The small staff was so friendly. The MC was a lot of fun and kept the evening moving. The dancers were lovely and were part of the activities as well. Every part of the entertainment was interactive and inclusive of the guests. It was not a sit-and-watch evening! The buffet dinner was delicious and plentiful, offering several traditional dishes, all of which we were encouraged to try. There were so many fun things going on, you had to be there. The evening ended with a dance party! We brought jackets and bug spray, just in case, but didn't need them. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes for the short walks through the beautiful grounds as you move between activities. This was one of the highlights of our holiday and was worth every penny. Thank you for a great experience, Nutridge Luau folks!

    We had a tough time picking a luau for our visit to Hawaii and I'm so glad we decided on Nutridge!…read moreThe whole experience was wonderful from the beautiful grounds, the entertainment, to the cultural information, games, music, we loved every second!!! The proximity to Waikiki was so convenient. They also provide transportation if you need or or you can drive yourself to the location. I would recommend Nutridge to anyone looking for a luau that is smaller, interesting, and beautiful!

    Photos
    Experience Nutridge - Luau dining tent and seating

    Luau dining tent and seating

    Experience Nutridge - Our cousins

    Our cousins

    Experience Nutridge - Dancers give a demonstration

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    Dancers give a demonstration

    Manoa Valley Theatre

    Manoa Valley Theatre

    4.5(151 reviews)
    3.5 miManoa

    OMG Priscilla Queen of the desert…read moreOne of the best performances I've ever seen in my life !!! so full of energy! that artistry the creativity the Costumes!, the imagination, the choreography, the dancers, the singers. Everyone was really, really really great!

    What a performance…read more.. Thank you to Terry K for taking me on this journey to something that I've never tried personally is to see a play and Manoa Valley Theatre offers us some amazing performances that I've been lucky to see a play though it's never been at Manoa Valley venue itself and what a difference it is. The vibe here is full of energy as many start arriving and you need to check in and verify your seating which the staff does and also informed us that the air conditioning wasn't fully operational and provided us with a bottle water is a nice gesture though was slightly warm the cool Manoa air kept us decently cool. As we get to chill prior by getting a drink and/or snack is nice and there are great options available including some alcohol. Kim's Convenience is the play and from what we were told is once a series on Netflix which I don't have but I like that I have no idea as I can enjoy the play just as they visualize which was great and fun since it was a comedy, if anything the seating leaves no room for anyone to pass in front of you so I had leave the row and wait in the aisle for others to take their seat but in all comfortable and easy to view the play without being blocked from the previous row. Bravo to this creative and wonderful evening with a great friend as doing something unique like this was so much fun and a memorable experience. Thank you!

    Photos
    Manoa Valley Theatre - Kim's Convenience play

    Kim's Convenience play

    Manoa Valley Theatre - Warm up before Peter and The Wolf

    Warm up before Peter and The Wolf

    Manoa Valley Theatre

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    Nightmares Live - Finished Evil Tiki!  Not only does he talk but his eyes also light up!!!

    Nightmares Live

    4.1(35 reviews)
    0.5 miKalihi

    When i was asked to go I thought nah because they're not very scary. When I saw the Facebook page…read moreand saw how well the costumes were I thought maybe it can still be a good adventure. I have to say this was a good scare. The costumes, props and effects were spot on. Many places are super dark like you can't see your hand 5 inches from your face. I had to take creepy small steps just to feel my way and get through this. Actors were professionally made up. it was difficult to tell if it was a dummy or not. I'm not one to scare easy but this place got me to jump twice. They have learned well how to guide people to the positions where they want them to be to get a good scare. And then when you think it's over, it's just like the in the movies. It ain't. hahahahha Some food trucks are set up in the parking lot so you can grab a bite to eat. Parking is across the street at West Marines. They have security there too for the safety of your vehicle. $15 will get you in but we decided to get the $20 Fast Pass to bypass the line. Special thanks to Kevin for setting this up again this year. Highly, highly recommend everyone going to check this out. Well worth it and better than most of the haunts out there.

    WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!!!…read more I am a scardy cat..... I don't like horror movies, or anything scary. BUT.... this place was good it really scared me.... wasn't just dark but they had good areas with good distractions... GO for yourself and see! If you are into horror and liked to be scared! You will enjoy this... I freaked out when a clown followed me... HATE HATE HATE CLOWNS! Gawd.... This year (2016) they are located at flora dec warehouse... They offer regular tickets and fast pass! Hurry and go before halloween night comes and lines will be long!

    Photos
    Nightmares Live - Wait a minute...  There's only supposed to be two Primo Popcorn workers!

    Wait a minute... There's only supposed to be two Primo Popcorn workers!

    Nightmares Live - What some of us turned into.

    What some of us turned into.

    Nightmares Live

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    Rock-a-Hula - Teriyaki chicken

    Rock-a-Hula

    4.2(256 reviews)
    3.0 miWaikiki
    $$$

    OMG, I was expecting something less, something a bit cheesy, but this was quite entertaining. The…read moreperformers, the skits, the music, the audience interaction, all made for a wonderful show and a show enjoyed by everyone in the group. The bar? A bit slow. That did not factor into our enjoyment of the show.

    I came to the Rock-a-Hula show as a first-timer to Hawaii to catch a show with my family. It offers…read morea lively, pre-packaged, easy-to-digest introduction to hula, Hawaiian culture, and local history--mixed with plenty of iconic pop-culture moments that Hawaii has embraced and celebrated over time. The experience is broken into a few different ticket options, and what you pay really affects what you get. Here's what to know before you go: 1. Ticket options & pricing You can choose between show-only tickets or a luau buffet paired with the show. Pricing varies quite a bit. I was able to snag a 2-for-1 show-only deal, which came out to about $43 per person, and I also saw a single-ticket promo for around $60. The luau + show packages run $100+ depending on whether you upgrade to VIP. The buffet is definitely better suited for non-vegetarians, but there are some meat-free options like tofu, sweet potatoes, chow mein, white rice, salad, and macaroni salad. The proteins (fish, chicken, and traditional roast pig) are toward the end of the buffet line. Drinks come with dinner and there are additional drink options sold separately inside the venue and usually run $5-$10 each depending on whether you get alcohol. 2. The venue & overall vibe This is a non-traditional show set in a large, comfortable amphitheater on the top floor of a shopping plaza. The show opens with a short historical video about the land and people of Hawaii set in 1920, which sets the timeline for the rest of the performance. From start to finish, the show runs about 1 hour and 10 minutes--just the right length in my opinion. 3. Show highlights The pacing starts off a bit slow with traditional hula dancers and singers, then really picks up steam once the show moves into the 1950s. The Elvis segment is the longest and most prominent, and honestly, the performer is impressively spot-on in both voice and movement, covering several of Elvis's biggest hits. From there, the show transitions into tributes to the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson, his dance moves really get the audience excited with high-energy dance numbers. You'll also see nods to familiar cultural touchstones like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Moana, and finally, a dramatic flaming poi performance honoring the fire goddess. The fire segment is exhilarating, though the shortest of the rest. Overall, the choreography, costumes, and singing are polished and visually exciting. There is also a photo opp with performers at the end. 4. Who this show is best for This is a fun, family-friendly production that's clearly designed with tourists in mind. It's polished, predictable, and easy to enjoy. If you're looking for a deeply authentic or immersive cultural experience, this won't fully scratch that itch--but it is entertaining. For seating, the middle section, center seats offer the best overall view. 5. Crowd levels & logistics When I went on a Monday night about a week before the December holidays, the theater was only about half full, so same-day tickets were still available. The entire experience is very easy to navigate from check-in to seating, and it's probably one of the more affordable luau/show options in Waikiki or Honolulu. Just make sure you have your vouchers ready when you arrive at the fourth-floor check-in. I'd recommend this show for families, groups with elderly relatives, or anyone who wants a low-effort, entertaining evening while visiting the island. It's a pleasant way to get a bit of history while singing along to familiar "greatest hits"--especially if you're an Elvis/MJ fan. If you're seeking a deeper cultural connection, though, you may leave feeling like something's missing--and wanting more.

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    Rock-a-Hula - Welcome drink Mai Tai

    Welcome drink Mai Tai

    Rock-a-Hula - Prime ribs

    Prime ribs

    Rock-a-Hula - Salmon Poke

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    Salmon Poke

    Ka Moana Luau - theater - Updated May 2026

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