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Queens Waikiki Luau

4.2 (539 reviews)
Ultra High-EndDinner Theater, Hawaiian, Polynesian
Closed • Closed

Queens Waikiki Luau Photos

QUEENS WAIKIKI LUAU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Touristy
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Queens Waikiki Luau

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Cherie P.

Entertainment was amazing! Being able to interact with the performers was so awesome! The energy is intoxicating! Recommend!

Service was fast. Got our drinks before the show start.

It was great experience and had a lot of selection of food provided. If anyone is thinking of what to do when you checked in Waikiki, Lu'au should be added on your itinerary. It rained that night but staff provided ponchos for everyone. Performance was spot on and we enjoyed all night. Much mahalo

cultural tattoo activity
Cristina P.

Location: Queens Waikīkī Luau is located in a prime, centralized location which is perfect for those staying in the area. It was very easy to find in the international marketplace and being in the mall was not a distraction like one may be hesitant to think. The setup was perfect in which you can hear and watch the entertainers with no distractions and they kept us very engaged. I came to the luau with friends and family and experienced the luau in the first row, middle table. This was a prime spot to experience the performances and worth it. Entertainment: In the beginning, they held interactive stations that allowed the guests to learn and participate in different cultural activities, like dancing. Everything was timed perfectly and participation was optional so no one is forced to do anything! Food + Drinks: We then proceeded to eat dinner which we lined up and they served you. They had tons of vegetarian options and their kalua pork + stir fry noodles were my favorite. They had a wide menu of signature cocktails which were all amazing. They served pineapple appetizers to munch on while watching the entertainers. Service: Workers were very attentive and interactive. They were great at reading the crowd and moving the crowd, cracking jokes, inviting participants to the stage, and inviting guests for seconds during dinner. Overall I would recommend this luau to my friends, family, and visitors who want to participate in Hawaiian culture. It's a great activity for all ages and can also see this as a great activity to do for those on business trips with their team or with family and friends!

fire spinner
Mike L.

If you're in a rush for time or don't have the means to drive to another luau, this is the best option located in Waikiki. You really get what you pay for - I paid for the cheapest seat and during the show, it was hard to see what was going on stage (although I ended up standing to watch). Seating in between tables can get tight as well. Food was not bad and had an assortment of options. You could even go back for seconds! There were some activities such as temporary tattoos, learning how to spin some of the instruments, and learning how to Hulu. Overall, great performance. You can also watch it from the 2nd and 3rd floor of the mall for free but highly recommend going in.

Awful food and drinks

Do yourself a favor and skip this luau. It was one of the biggest disappointments of our Hawaii trip and an absolute waste of both our money and one of our vacation days. It is extremely overpriced for what you get. The luau is held inside a shopping mall, where people on the second and third floors can watch the entire show for free. That completely takes away from the experience. We kept asking ourselves what we were even paying for when people who didn't buy tickets could see the same performance. We even paid extra for front-row seating, only to be placed off in a corner. I politely asked if we could be moved closer to the middle for a better view, but they refused because the seats had already been assigned. Paying extra for "premium" seating shouldn't mean getting stuck in a corner. The food was by far some of the worst we've had. It was bland, lacked flavor, and most of it was left untouched at our table. The photos I'm including with this review show how much food we left because it simply wasn't enjoyable. Even the welcome leis were shell leis--I think fresh flower leis would have made the experience feel much more authentic and special. The entertainment also didn't live up to the price. The emcee, Jackson, kept repeating the same joke about how to pronounce his name over and over, and it quickly became old. There were also moments, like twerking during the performance, that didn't feel appropriate for what was advertised as a cultural Hawaiian experience. Overall, the performers didn't come across as polished enough to justify such an expensive ticket. The host kept emphasizing how convenient the location is because it's close to the hotels. But convenience means very little when the quality of the experience is so poor. I'd much rather travel a little farther for a truly authentic luau than spend this much money on one held in the middle of a mall where anyone walking by can watch for free. Overall, this was a huge letdown and one of the biggest regrets of our trip. There are far better luaus on Oahu that offer a more authentic experience and much better value. Save your money and go somewhere else.

Fire dance
Vincent S.

This was an amazing luau dinner and show! We were undecided about attending any luau, while taking our first to Hawaii, but decided to try one out. We didn't want one that was on the pricey side or seemed poorly put together. This one seemed reasonable. We attempted to book online but the doors were already about to open. Once we arrived, we were directed to call the box office and make our reservation. The venue isn't large so any seat option would have a great view. We went with the back tables. This came with dinner and any beverage of choice. Within minutes of purchasing the tickets, we made it back to the entrance and were taken to our seats. The venue may seem misleading, since it's located inside the International Market Place. They begin with live music followed by small activities for everyone to participate in (if they'd like). Dinner would then begin going in the order of tables. This helped to keep the lines organized and short. Dinner was surprisingly good, full of flavor and was plentiful. Ours had a serving of chicken, pork, salad, macaroni, and another side. Later, desert was brought to the table. The show consisted of various dance routines from different islands. They also explained the culture that went along with the dance. Towards the end, they include a fire dance too. This isn't a large luau but it was just perfect. Everyone who attended the luau seemed to have a fun time. The entertainers seemed pleased and into what they were doing as well. I'd recommend this luau.

This was the end they closed out the show with an amazing hula
Cynthia L.

honestly, me and my grandson had an amazing time. No complaints at all between the shows and the food It was all great. Service was amazing and the ambience was top-notch. I would definitely recommend this luau. The MC was amazing. Kept everyone engaged and his one liners were a hit !!!

Celebrating my husband's 40th birthday love you baby.

Excellent customer service and very friendly and welcoming. Appreciate seeing the cultures of Hawaii.

Brenda C.

If you're looking for a luau and don't want to travel far, this is it. It's inside of a shopping center but still feels intimate. All the staff is super friendly and the show itself is very entering and interactive. The food is great. There's a lot of options for everyone and it's well seasoned.

Carla R.

Honestly my family and I had a great time here! We knew before hand it's in the mall we've passed by it several times before booking. Not a big deal to us others can see it. We did the cheapest tickets which was worth it compared to other luaus which are farther away from our stay and more expensive. I think it was a great first luau to go to. They staff does their best to have everyone enjoy the show. It's interactive with activities in the beginning all the dancers are extremely friendly and sweet. The host was really funny and lively. We checked in around 4:30 obviously our seats were further since that's what we paid for but the view was still nice. Yes other mall goers can see but I think being seated in the venue definitely makes it more intimate I don't mind. The food was honestly so good I am still thinking about the pork that was there. I'd definitely recommend it because the location is very convenient if you're staying around the area. I think it's a great experience and seems like the audience had a great time as well.

Exciting Colorful Dancing
Pete N.

Outstanding ! Visiting from Texas and wanting to experience the Local Culture, I was Impressed. For me the Hospitality of the Staff and Quality of the Food is everything. The Queens Waikiki Luau provided that, plus an immersive show that grabbed my attention and didn't let go. Leaving me with memories which will last a Lifetime. From my first phone call, I was greeted with a friendly and knowledgeable voice that answered all my questions. Glad I chose the Front Row Package and arrived early for registration. This included 3 drinks of my choice, first line up for the tasty buffet and a seat close enough to feel the heat from the Fire Sticks. Show started on time with a warm greeting and some traditional music. The dancers were young and energetic, changing their colorful costumes after every song. Finishing with a fantastic Fire Finale. Loved that local traditions, crowd participation and family values were a big part of the show. This set the bar VERY HIGH for my next Luau. Mahalo Y'all, Chef Pete

Great experience! Love it must try when in Hawaii. See the culture and food was amazing!

People watching it for free second floor of the mall.

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the friendly and attentive staff, engaging entertainment, and good food and drinks.

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1 month ago

It was a great experience! perfect date night while on our honeymoon! Great food and drinks

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1 month ago

Awesome time!! Food and shows were great to watch. Sunny is the best bartender on the Island! Would recommend to anyone visiting Waikiki.

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1 month ago

Service and entertainment was excellent! Very interactive and a fun end to the evening

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1 month ago

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4 months ago

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12 days ago

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

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1 month ago

Great experience, i love how interactive everything was! highly recommend. came our last day visiting and they made it worth it

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3 months ago

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9 months ago

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2 months ago

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6 months ago

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2 months ago

The food was great . The mai Tais were AMAZING . I loved getting to learn dances and cultural practices. It was so great!

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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3 months ago

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1 month ago

Super fun and entertaining. Intimate and convenient :) everyone's so friendly and helpful.

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1 year ago

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1 month ago

The food and entertainment was great! Sunny the bartender was the best!!! We had a blast! Highly recommend!

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1 month ago

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1 month ago

Everything about this place is amazing, the food. The drinks. The culture. It's fantastic!

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4 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 months ago

Fun atmosphere and great food. Loved the Mai tais and seeing all the dances and being able to participate in activities.

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2 months ago

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2 months ago

Great vibe and awesome experience! I would definitely recommend for someone staying in Waikiki

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9 months ago

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6 months ago

The service was good very good energy. It's in the center of the mall. The food was good, they had a variety. I would recommend.

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Queens Waikiki Luau Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Queens Waikiki Luau

Do they serve adult beverages (alcohol) or only soft drinks?

They serve Mai Tais and other alcoholic beverages. One drink (MaiTai or soft drink) is included in the basic luau price. You can get a 2nd MaiTai or soft drink if you complete a review of the luau while you're still attending, using a QR code.… 

Outside food allowed? My daughter has multiple food allergies and a picky eater.

Aloha! Unfortunately, we do not allow outside food or beverages. But we do offer a gluten free menu and can discuss specific food allergies.

Are there Vegan options?

Luaus are like island BBQs, not really the vegan scene. Half the plate was meat when I went. There were rice and pasta sides.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Queens Waikiki Luau

“Kudos to this man (the MC), that made the Show so entertaining & fun!, He welcomes us all like his Óhana /family/.”

Mentioned in 39 reviews

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5.0 mi•Kalihi

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Tia’s Taste of Samoa - Sapa Sui.

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Tia’s Taste of Samoa - Sapa Sui.

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Talofa Polynesian Market - Apr 2026 tilapia :D. Excellent if you know how to get the meat and take the bones out.

Talofa Polynesian Market

3.8(26 reviews)
3.9 mi•Kalihi
•$$

I never review this early lol. Sometimes it takes me months tbh. My on time review is probably bias…read morelol as I am Samoan lol. We were driving around searching every market that pops up on yelp saying they sell hot Samoan food, my mom grew up in Hawaii and remembers a market on the corner in her old neighborhood somewhere that sells Samoan food. I search yelp & end up here first, this wasn't the market, we eventually found the one she was speaking of, but of all the ones we visited today, this one stood out to us the most, as we tried food from every market we visited. They definitely had the most options from the other markets we tried , even sold Vaifala in mason jars. The 4 stars really is for the price. What we got here we would usually pay $100 off top for in the mainland. So to us, the pricing was reasonable. It's only missing a star because the lack of flavor in what I wanted the most lol. The palusami being $7 was def, uhm, questionable. The second market we visited had theirs priced at $3. I feel so many things come into play when you price food. Like ....do it taste like $7? My pops is the cook in our family & early on he tried steaming his luau before baking it. This creates a more soft texture in the luau kalo creating an easier tear when you dip your kalo or fa'i in lol & a better chew. I realized how much that made a difference when I ate the palusami from here today. The luau was tough, hard to tear into with my kalo and when I went to take a bite it was rough. Idk how to explain but I wish it was softer. The faalifu inside also could've used more seasoning. However I'm here for more than that lol , because I HATE Turkey tail. I've always been able to do oxtail because I feel like there's more meat than fat there, But with Turkey tail I feel like it's all fat, little meat. However the Turkey tail from here, best I've had to be honest. I only tried because my mom said I'd like it. She was right. So tasty. I didn't even mind the fat because it was marinated and seasoned well. I also had the vegetables and mamoe lol I mean, we killed that in the car on the drive back to the hotel lol. I kept telling my mom wait I need to take a picture for my review lol but Lol we couldn't stop eating it after tasting it. That should say enough lol. Also, they sell canned spaghetti here lol. The kind they don't sell it in reg grocery stores on the mainland anymore. I have to order it on Amazon for my parents, so it was so cool to see they sell it here lol. So lucky lol. They had sweets too. Pankeke, half moon pie, banana bread. I had the banana bread and it was good, your typical Samoan banana bread. Other than that, this place is def. Worth the time & money. My parents would love to not have to cook Samoan food anymore because it's sold just down the street LOL. But until then our annual Hawaii trips will include Talofa Polynesian Market from now on.

I love this place. Every time you visit, if you don't want to cook but have a fat wallet, you know…read morewhere to go even early as 8am you get nice hot Poly food fresh and very delicious! Whoever the Chef is, you're doing a great job. So get ready to go and enjoy this Yummylicious hot Polynesian food! MAHALO

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Talofa Polynesian Market
Talofa Polynesian Market - Palusami

Palusami

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Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Inside the shop

Inside the shop

Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

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Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

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3.0(6 reviews)
5.2 mi•Kalihi
•$

use to be my favorite store bt they barely restocks , some chips are stale n their prices are so…read moremuch expensive now

I like this place better than the old Dot's that was in the corner a while back. Its much more…read moreorganized and all in stainless food warmers. Corned beef and cabbage, palusami (luau leaves with coconut milk and onions. Looks like a little laulau), taro, banana and fe'e (squid w/coconut milk and onions) just permeates the air when you walk in. Being able to free range in here is a bad idea if your familiar with the food. The plate starts to get heavy, you run out of space on the plate and theres still other stuff to get. If its not that, its the sticker shock when you pay for your stuff. Single items like the palusami and food by the pound like the poke and the fe'e has its own price while the others in the warmer get weighed together. So when it gets rung up and $27.00 and some change later, you learn to get one staple and two main and get out. Apparently, I still haven't learned that. The food here is obviously expensive. It is definitely worth the price though. The plate I made could feed three people easy and no I didnt eat it all, lots were taken home with me. The workers here are really nice and helpful. The parking is small but never did I have a problem getting one. The stalls are angled down towards the stream so if you reverse or pull straight in, it would be wise to use your parking brake just so you know your car will be there when you come out and not in the stream.

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Queens Waikiki Luau - dinnertheater - Updated October 2026

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