This luau is by far the best in performance and location! It's a little far but it's worth it ! The food can be better but they still brand new and I'm sure they'll work on that. The team all work hard to put it all together for our best entertainment! I could tell that they all come together with many duties to get the show very successful! read more

I would have given 5 stars but, the food quality should be raised to the level of the show quality. Additionally the line that we waited in should be covered in consideration to your customers. It rained as we were being ushered in, people behind us were drenched. Shelter from inclement weather would be a generous incentive to keep us content. The customer service was excellent The show was top notch A few tweaks and this luau will become a top tier luau. They are well on the way to being the most entertaining show. read more

Quite simply the best luau. The artists show real passion for their craft. The production is of the highest caliber. Also, the food is the best I've ever had at a luau. My family has lived on the islands for 4 generations. We've been to many luaus and you can't beat this. read more

Before I say anything else, let me begin with, this is an example of business that represent what responsible tourism should look like, owned and operated by Native Hawaiians, representing our culture and our Oceania Ohana as a form of education, rather than simply entertainment and commodification. I would recommend this experience to anyone from or visiting Hawai'i. With that having been said, my ohana and I mostly enjoyed our experience and will return with our extended ohana. The view was calming, the food was 'ono, and everyone was so welcoming. Recommendations 1) The sound, especially for the MC, was too loud. Not sure why, but from the second we arrived and were greeted, we felt the microphones could have been turned down just a tad. Upon looking around during the show, we were not the only ones covering our ears. 2) To minimize crowding in food truck area, perhaps signs at each food truck with the title of the dish and ingredients? I think would help with the flow to dinner. And an announcement that dinner closes once the show begins. Music and storytelling was beautiful. Can't wait to return. read more

Kaula Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

As someone born and raised in Hawaii, I don't usually do touristy activities, but when my family from the mainland visited and wanted to experience a luau, we decided to go to Kaula Luau at Ocean's Edge at Ko'olina. I haven't been to a luau since my senior luau nine years ago, back when Paradise Cove Luau was still around, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Kaula Luau is a newer addition to Ko'olina and opened in February. What stood out most to me as a local is that the luau is produced by the Hawaiian Council, a Native Hawaiian-led organization. That really shows in the experience, everything felt intentional and rooted in culture. The performers were incredibly talented, but what really made the night special was their passion for sharing Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, which came through in every song, dance, and story. The show takes you on a journey through Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaii. The storytelling was powerful and heartfelt, and at no point did it feel touristy or tacky. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that Moani Island Bistro & Bar handles both the food and bar. Each guest receives one complimentary drink, and the cocktails were really good. The food is served buffet-style through food stand stations, and it's unlimited, so you can go back as many times as you'd like. The food itself was just okay, but that was expected, I was there mainly for the show. Overall, this was a beautiful and meaningful experience. Whether you're visiting Hawaii for the first time or a local looking to reconnect with the stories and traditions of our islands, Kaula Luau is absolutely worth experiencing. read more

Kaula Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Being in the hospitality industry for many years, I've been to every luau on the island and I must say Kaula Luau is hard to beat. Parking is convenient and close to the venue which is of course in the most beautiful Ko'olina setting on the ocean edge. The food set up is unique for luau - not the typical buffet or sometimes sit down service. It's self serve "food truck" style with a selection that will likely satisfy both visitors and kama'aina. I enjoyed all the plates, especially the poke bowl, yakisoba and even the kalua pig on lomi salmon on poi on rice (yes, you got what I said....poi on rice...). I also was pleased they had a nice green salad and hot vegetables. The stage was very impressive with great lighting and staging complementing the engaging narrative. I enjoyed the storytelling throughout the show and beautiful performances by the large cast. The entire staff was professional with so much aloha. I highly recommend this experience. If you have already been to a luau, this one is worth the different experience. read more

Kaula Luau - Beautiful setting - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Don't bother with the VIP tickets. The venue isn't that large so the seats won't be that much better. I paid VIP for my family of 5. We didn't receive a "Curated VIP Gift Bag" or "One Complimentary Keepsake Photo." The show was good, but I was super disappointed in the value I got for VIP tickets. read more

Best Luau on the island. Tells a story of a Polynesian girl. Funny, cute, loved all of it! read more

Kaula Luau - Food was amazing. AYCE! - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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The new Ko Olina Resort on Oahu has a new star called Kaula Luau that debuted February 2026 at the Ko Olina Marina. We are timeshare owners at Marriott Ko Olina and decided to attend after our traveling friends asked to attend a luau. We have seen many luaus (Polynesian Cultural, Fia Fia, Chiefs, etc) and this is the first luau that brought me back to my childhood days when a local school or church hosted a luau ... Kaula Luau was genuine Aloha from the intimate feel of the whole space to the friendly greeters, the pre-dinner activities, the clever self-serve AYCE Hawaiian "food trucks" (not manufactured to mainland tourist tastes, but authentic local food only). Glad they only served truly local dishes like huli chicken, Kalua pig with lomi lomi and poi, poke, saimin, root vegetables... thank goodness no prime rib, no saucy Teri chicken, no chicken nuggets, and other mainland food which has no place in an authentic Hawaiian luau. The singers, performers, dancers and live musicians were selected by the local Hawaiian Council to ensure the narrative and presentation were culturally authentic for the guests.., visitors and locals alike. They were all top notch during the pre-show and show itself. The price is seriously worth a show and dinner and is the best priced luau in the State. Local ohanas and visitors to Oahu (especially those staying at the nearby Disney's Aulani, the Four Seasons Ko Olina or the Marriott Ko Olina) should make an effort to see and experience Kaula Luau. read more

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As a former State of Hawaii Certified Tour Bus driver, I am intimately familiar with the so-called "Waikiki Luau" venues. As a native Hawaiian, I was proud to do my job for the tour companies I worked for, but, I felt like my culture, language & people were being prostituted. I also felt that our extended families that come from all over the world was also being cheated. Why? Because it wasn't authentic. Until now! Just the name itself speaks to the connection between myself to my language, culture, my homeland & my people. It also speaks to the connection we all have to everyone else that we come into contact with in our lives. Amazing how in just a short three hour period, we have a chance to forget about all the madness that goes on outside the Kaula Luau gates, and just allow ourselves to enjoy the connectivity with humanity through the eyes of Polynesia. I'm heading back to Kaula Luau tomorrow, because I crave that connectivity with the new cousins that I will meet and share quality time with throughout the night. Besides, it like being on my Honeymoon with my wife over and over again, like 51st Dates! read more

Such an incredible show. Seeing our stories and culture shared with real authenticity made the entire experience even more meaningful. The food was excellent, the staff were warm and welcoming, and the care put into every detail really showed. Grateful for spaces that uplift culture and bring people together. Highly recommend supporting this show and the team behind it. read more

Kaula Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Pros: 1. Awesome Venue/Lighting/Audio! 2. Dancers were great! Fire dance was the highlight of the show! Cons: 1. Poor variety of food... with the amount of money we paid for VIP, you would expect more than 5-6 selections. Was also under the assumption we could grab food anytime during the show, but did not realize they closed the food trucks early. 2. Provide some SHADE for those arriving early and standing in line! Everyone was sweating profusely before even walking into the venue... 3. Not sure if there was Kamaaina rates, but I bought 2 cans of diet coke and was charged $10... WTF? Overall it was a good experience, but since I'm local I may be biased lol... not sure if there really is much of a difference in experience with the VIP vs. General Admission though... read more

Produced by native hawaiians +++ What makes this experience truly special is that it is Native Hawaiian produced. You can feel it in every detail--from the storytelling and music to the choreography and overall flow of the evening. The show itself is powerful and immersive. It pulls you into the journey, connecting you to the stories of Hawai'i in a way that feels both authentic and deeply moving. The production quality is top-tier, but it never loses its cultural grounding--that balance is what makes Kaula so unique. Beyond the entertainment, attending Kaula is an opportunity to directly support Native Hawaiian artists, practitioners, and the broader community. You're not just watching a show--you're contributing to the perpetuation of culture and helping create real economic opportunity for local families. If you're visiting Hawaiʻi or even if you call this place home, Kaula is a must. It's more than a lūʻau--it's an experience that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Hawaiʻi and the people who make it so special. read more

Kaula Lu'au is one of the most unique, original Lu'au venues to come out of Oahu in a very long time. Well worth a trip here even if you've been to many, like us, for several reasons: originality, superb choreography, the "talk story" concept, and the respectful way the performers pay honor to heritage, monarchy, and the Hawaii culture and traditions. Additionally, it left us with hope that there are new Hawaiian generations eager to keep the traditions alive, and put in long hours of practice to achieve perfection. Please support this outstanding troupe of professionals that are at the top of their class. Non gimmicky and infused with character and integrity. Gave 5-stars but they clearly earned 10+. Would definitely return again. Mahalo. read more

Foods not all that good but the show was pretty fun. Much better than the Hilton one

Great location. Walkable from nearby resorts. Great team and show. Food was delicious. It was awesome to try so many local dishes. Highly recommend. read more

Kaula Luau - Dinner area and stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Had an absolutely wonderful evening with friends at Kaula Luau. Being from the westside it's another great option with the Ohana now or if you're visiting and definitely worth the trek if you're coming from town. We were very impressed by some of the acrobatics which I thought were a very unique aspect of the luau and of course the traditional hula and storytelling. Food was from Moanis, loved the kalua pig and poke! read more

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Kaula Lūʻau in Kapolei, located along Waipahe Place on Oʻahu's west side near the Ko Olina resort area. Lūʻaus are one of Hawaiʻi's most recognizable cultural experiences, blending traditional food, storytelling, music, and dance to introduce visitors to Polynesian heritage. Kaula Lūʻau offers an evening that combines these elements in a relaxed outdoor setting. The atmosphere begins with the scenic location itself. The west side of Oʻahu is known for its sunsets and coastal landscapes, and the open-air environment adds to the immersive feeling of the evening. Guests are welcomed into a festive setting where pre-show activities often include cultural demonstrations and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian traditions. The dinner portion features a buffet-style spread highlighting many well-known island dishes. Guests typically find classics such as kalua pork, rice, local-style chicken, fresh salads, and other foods that reflect the fusion of flavors present in Hawaiian cuisine. The meal provides a solid introduction to traditional island flavors before the main show begins. The performance is the highlight of the evening. Polynesian dance, live music, and fire knife performances bring strong energy to the stage while telling stories connected to Hawaiian and broader Polynesian culture. The performers create an engaging show that blends entertainment with cultural storytelling. Service throughout the evening felt welcoming and organized. Staff helped guide guests through the check-in, dining, and show portions of the event so the experience moved smoothly from start to finish. From a global travel perspective, Kaula Lūʻau reminded me of cultural dinner performances I have seen in places like Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa where traditional dance and storytelling preserve the history and identity of Polynesian communities. read more

Brilliantly performed and all heart. Want a taste of aloha, here it is. Amazing in every way.

One of the best shows we've seen in Oahu this year. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend!

Show was pretty good, staff very pleasant and friendly, food was ok. But I was disappointed. When making reservations they ask if you have a special occasion being celebrated that you want acknowledged. I wrote It's my daughter's bday. Jason Mamoa just so happened to take his family and mother to the show for her bday. There was such a huge acknowledgment done for her, so much said and a happy birthday song was sung as well as a cake given to her. NOTHING for my daughter at all, that I noted on my reservation. NOTHING! it made her feel pretty crappy and I honestly was so upset. It's like she was a nobody. Very upsetting. It shouldn't be asked on the reservation if they aren't going to be sure to acknowledge everyone's special day read more

Everything, from the food to venue. It' s a smaller venue from the paradise cove location but it's still within koolina, so you can never go wrong with the view. From the dancers to actors telling the stories of different polynesian cultures and just the overall production. This luau is a must see in imho. read more

The show was great. The cast was entertaining. Great time! I definitely would recommend.

We've lived in Hawaiʻi for 37 years and have been to many lūʻau, but KAULA LŪ'AU was a refreshing and authentic experience. The greeting was warm and laid-back, the location easy to find, and our guests from North Carolina were truly impressed. The show was phenomenal--emotional, beautifully done, and culturally grounded. I loved how they incorporated and highlighted the west side of the island cities of which I'm now a resident of. The food setup with multiple hales was different but cute and efficient, with short lines and plenty of options. My only critique is that some items meant to be hot weren't, which took away from the meal a bit. Still, the flavors were good, and the staff's kindness and energy stood out. Great to see Kimo again after so many years. We definitely plan to return and look forward to seeing how the venue continues to grow. read more

We were so excited to attend the Kaula Luau on the opening weekend. The staff was very friendly and greeted us warmly throughout the evening. The table settings were lovely and the food choices at the stands were varied, tasty, and plentiful. There were several pre- performances to allow patrons time to arrive, settle into their seats and eat dinner. The main performance was very professional and lively. The dancers were experts and really committed themselves to the dancing and the story telling which was led by a sweet grandmother and granddaughter sharing the Hawaiian culture with us. The location in Ko Olina on the waterfront was an added bonus. The email and text reminders were helpful as well. read more

Kaula Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

The setting is beautiful, dancer's, storytelling, singing, and a few surprises, made it a very special evening! The food was delicious w/lots of choices & most of all I could tell everybody had a great time! read more

Kaula was a phenomenal, high quality experience that we would absolutely recommend. We went with a group of colleagues and had a great time. It is also wonderful for a romantic even, fun with friends, and for sure families on vacation. We participated in the boat cruise before the show which was such a special way to experience Ko Olina and get us excited for the event. The lines moved very quickly, and the staff were extremely friendly. The show was magical with quality entertainment and a beautiful staging and setting. For those that have seen other shows, this one will for sure stand out - included traditional pieces but lots of new and innovative elements that took it to the next level. Acrobats, beautiful storytelling, and the high quality A/V were my favorites, but our group of course also loved all the hula and fire dancing! Truly incredible. Food was out of this world, and the bar had great drinks. I loved the village style food houses, where folks could get the dishes they loved. All the food was really delicious - I especially loved the kalua pig. The customer service was of the highest quality, making the entire experience one we will no doubt come back to time and again. The cost was completely reasonable given the in-depth and incredible experience. From arrival to departure our visit was about 4 hours. Without the boat ride probably about 2.5 hours. It was a enriching experience we are so glad we got the opportunity to do. Highly recommend. read more

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I'm sorry, but, we live here in Oahu and have been to most of of the luaus on the Island. The staff are very welcoming, but, this needs a lot of improvements: - they ask you to be there early, and then, there is a long wait in a line to get in, as doors don't open until 5:15; - the food is tiny samples of bland, tasteless food......we tried all the 4 or 5 food trucks.....we didn't want to go back for 2nds, so, we went to eat after the show to a local fast food place; - the tables and seating are way too tight......many people were complaining; - the show itself was good.....but the time between eating and the show is way too long; - the price is extremely high for the lack of quality and lack of quantity of food . Not worth that amount of money :( read more

Delicious all you can eat food in food truck format - which was fun because you can go anytime to get food, super fun narrative show and staff was amazing! read more

This is a beautiful show that teaches as it entertains. You'll understand and appreciate different Polynesian cultures while you learn how they are all connected. The food is terrific. The entertainment even moreso. You won't regret going! read more

Beautiful, Hawaiian produced Luau with a gorgeous backdrop of Ko Olina. Entertaining and cultural. Uniquely designed with great AV. Food was fun and different than your normal luau food. Drinks were great. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. Definitely a must see for the whole family. read more

Amazing performance that was uplifting and very joyful. Good food and a lot of fun. Only criticism is that it was a zoo getting food with everybody at once. One possibility is to have two tables at a time go for food instead of the current free for all. read more

We live on Island and have been to a bunch of Luaus around the island. I will start with the very long way to check in for the luau. We arrived at 5pm and stood in line for about 45min. When we got inside to check in (which was another line) we got our wristbands and told where we were seated. the tables were only labelled by number and not by letter so it was hard to figure out which table/seats were ours. Once we checked in, we then received leis which were so scratchy on our skin we had to take them off. we could not wear them. I'm used to shell leis or orchid leis which I loved. these were so harsh on the skin. Then we stood in yet another line for welcome drinks. I will admit the drinks were great! the whole bar menu of drinks were amazing and I loved that! After that we decided to get our food since it took so long to check in we wanted to make sure we had time to eat. We grabbed the tray and then got all the food which hardly fit on the tray (you had to constantly move things around to make space). The food was not hot, I believe it was prepared outside and brought it so it wasn't fresh. the poke was good though and so was the cocobut bread. everything else was cold and felt like it was sitting there for a while. We didn't get to do any activities because we chose to eat first and ran out of time. Maybe if we weren't in line for 40min, we may have had time to try some of the activities. The bar had conflicting info. The bartender said they close the bar once the show starts. when we left after the show, the security standing there said they were open until the end of the show. The show itself I loved! The performers were amazing and the show was the best part!! The gift shop was very tiny and not a whole lot of selection. I wish they had local vendors like paradise cove always had. They have a very small space and trying to squish everything in there. When we went, it was only the second show so I would like to try and see it again months later when they can work on a few things to improve. My opinion: 1. Figure out how to check people in faster. 40min in line is crazy! 2. Have somewhere outside to take pics with the performers before you get your welcome drink. they are beautiful and that would be a nice added touch. Don't have the photo ops wiht the back drop inside the crammed tiny check in area. 3. Figure out how to make the food stay hot if catered in. Or have a food truck on sight continuously cooking the food. 4. have the itinerary posted on your site and in an email to guests with the bar/food/activities etc so we know when everything closes. 5. use different leis that are more gentle on the skin and not scratchy as i would have loved to wear it the whole night. 6. label the tables with the letters as well. even if its table top signs until the show starts so people know which letter they are going to or have someone at each table help guests know where to sit. 7. I love the food stand idea, but that is a lot of waste! every dish in its own paper plate and when you go multiple times, thats a lot of garbage or even recycling. I wish there was a way we could dish out our own food or have the staff dish it out on to our plate and have 1 plate to put everything on. Could still be fun to go to each stop and hold out our plate for them to put the food on, then we can ask for smaller or large amounts. not pre portioned out and trying to fit it all on the tray at the same time. read more

Amazing production, authentic story, and unreal setting! Iʻm not normally a "show" type person but this was really unique and special. From the creative way the unlimited food was distributed pupu-style from old store faces (rather than a boring buffet line) to the kids (and adults!) learning how to throw fish nets next to the ocean, to the chemistry between the tutu and her granddaughter who form the center of the story and history of this show it was all really top notch. Definitely worth the drive and the price! Iʻll be back with friends. read more