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    Rock-a-Hula

    4.2 (256 reviews)
    Open 12:30 pm - 10:30 PM

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    Harmony D.

    Hmm, I booked this through the chase portal. I would have skipped the dinner and just done the show. You are seated at long tables with strangers and have to wait at least 30 + min to get food. After dinner three dancers do a little dancing in the middle aisle. The food was just ok, the fish was the best. 530-730 for dinner was too long. The show started around 8 so another wait once you were in the theater. I was surprised how much I liked the Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators. They were really high energy and it seemed like they were singing themselves. I was impressed. This is not a traditional luau like the one I went to in Maui, but I enjoyed the show and would skip the dinner.

    Haupia pudding for dessert
    Ashley C.

    We wanted to take the kids to their first luau, and I came across this one in my research. It's definitely not a traditional one by any means but it was a super entertaining show for the whole family! The luau takes place on the 4th floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, so I liked that it was walking distance from our hotel and we didn't need to stress about parking or being on time. The seating area is covered, and the actual show is inside the theater, so you don't need to worry about getting canceled for weather. Our tickets included a mai tai (you can choose non alcoholic or alcoholic) for all of us! This was actually one of the better buffet spreads I've had at a luau! They had a carving station for roasted pig AND prime rib! My plate was stacked with food, I couldn't even see what was on the bottom. I couldn't even finish my plate and I only went through the buffet once! They even had a couple of dessert options - haupia pudding, fruit, chocolate cake, and build your own sundaes. They had live music and some dancing throughout the meal time. They also did a hula lesson which our kids enjoyed. I do wish they had some more activities especially for the kids since it was a long time for them to sit for 2 hours during the meal. Even if they had some themed coloring pages or lei making, that would have been something more to keep them occupied for a bit. After dinner they moved us into the theater for the show. It was a little bit of a wait until the actual show started. The show itself is about an hour to 1 hr 15 mins. The singers were all singing live and they were so talented! Like I mentioned it wasn't a traditional hula show but went through the history of music and even had impersonators for Elvis and Michael Jackson who both were awesome. The staff were all amazing and helpful, the dancers were so sweet to our kids as well. Awesome service from the moment you walk in until you leave! Overall I thought this was a fun experience for the whole family, and appreciated the great variety of food! I would say this probably isn't a great choice for a first time luau goer but if you've been to a couple already then this is a nice change of scenery and something unique to try out.

    Mai Tai. Very good!
    Angela N.

    A fun twist to the traditional luau! We really enjoyed our experience. It's located in the Royal Hawaiian Center on the 4th floor. Upon arriving, you get to take a picture with Elvis lol and then they lead you to your seats. There were fresh pineapples on the table to start off and then they give you your complimentary Mai Tai which was delicious btw. Once everyone was seated, they had hula dancing and a singer playing a ukulele. Then they started calling everyone by tables to get food. The food wasn't amazing but still pretty good. The roasted pork, chicken, and mac salad were my favorites. There was also a variety of fruits, cake, and an ice cream bar for dessert. After dinner, they had some fun activities like hula lessons. Then they led us into the theater for the show. This was my favorite part of the night. The show had a theme of periods in time. It was a nice mix of pop hits throughout the decades and traditional Hawaiian music. There were also appearances from Elvis and Michael Jackson. Overall, it was a great show.

    Yuria G.

    The show had a period theme, taking us on a journey from the past to the present, which made it a great way to experience Hawaiian culture. The live dances and performances were super energetic and really inspiring to watch! The food was okay. It was a family-friendly setup with a buffet and a hula dance performance, creating a nice atmosphere overall.

    Violet B.

    Parking at Royal Hawaiian Center, first hour free, 2nd and 3rd hour is $3 each hour. We arrived by 5:30 and were seated right away. Dinner started around 6:00. It was a good spread of buffet with Hawaiian food and prime rib and roast pork. Followed by the show and we all enjoyed it very much!

    Stage
    Will C.

    Food was great. Show was definately entertaining. Service was excellent and over the top. Would do again

    ows a bar with blue lights
    Crystal F.

    9/10 best Vegas style Luau on the island! I parked in parking garage. Took elevator up one floor and then walked for about 5mins until we arrived there. We already ate so we didn't do the luau. I will check the luau out before I leave the island. (Whenever that is lol) After that we checked in and went to the bar and ordered some drinks. Then headed inside to watch the show. The show is theater type seating. It was a great temperature inside so you won't need your jacket. I was in shorts and a tee shirt. The show was amazing they told the Hawaiian story throughout. I love how they incorporated Elvis and Micheal Jackson. Everyone did a great job! I was really pleased. I just wished Micheal Jackson would moon walk more. He only did it for one song at the end. Which was a little disappointing. When you leave a lot of the restaurants will be closed. That's why it's best if you do the luau with the show or come early to eat before the show. To avoid being hungry after. I did however find Fire Grill Wakiki which was right outside the parking garage. The food was great and you could walk there.

    Doug G.

    This show is way more fun than I expected. The band was the star they are outstanding. Elvis does a great job as well and Michael Jackson is good not great. The theater and video footage played during the show make the experience even better. We did the show only package and had center seats.

    Kaire P.

    Had such an amazing time! Loved the staff and the show was epic ! But.....food was extremely disappointing. The experience was great met new people and had an overall great experience. The guy playing Micheal Jackson just needs alittle more energy as he seemed at little annoyed or nervous but he did good just could tell something was bothering him mentally. Rest of the cast did absolutely amazing loved every minute! I also feel like the male dancers need more time to shine , I love the women they did great but would like to see the males shine as equally as they are definitely talented.

    Dong Wook C.

    Wonderful variety show with fire dancer, singers, Michael Jackson and Elvis impersonators. Voices were spot on. The main woman singing had the voice of an angel. Good production value. Very entertaining. Located in the Royal Hawaiian Center on the 4th floor of Bldg. B. You can't miss it once you get off the escalator. Bathrooms in the theatre were clean. Bartender on site serving drinks. Located in a building with a food hall and many restaurants. Parking (not cheap) available in a garage across the street.

    Luau buffet; Follow me @RimyEats on Instagram
    Amy Z.

    We got the Original Luau ticket that came with the buffet and the show. Right when you check in you sit down and they come with a Mai tai. Then within ~30 mins you get up to get the buffet. I got a little bit of everything. I didn't love the crusted fish. The chicken was tasty. They cut the pork and beef but wished they gave a larger portion the first time. The noodles were good, and the Mac potato salad was good. The dessert was also tasty, I loved the coconut haupia. I got two of the vanilla ice cream and topped it off with Oreo crumbs. You could totally go up for seconds. The staff were friendly throughout. There was dancing throughout the dinner. We paid $117/pp after a discount. Now onwards to the show. We went into a nice theater. We were about 4 rows away so that was perfect. The show was awesome, they had Elvis and Michael Jackson and classic Hawaiian songs. Then the fire performance came out and that was lit. Highly recommend this part. Overall was a great experience, the food was decent but the show was amazing!

    Main stage drum
    Heather K.

    We paid for the green room for our honeymoon. We were the only ones that purchased the green room so it was like a private booking! Becky gave us a backstage tour, educated us on the pieces they use during the show, and showed us all the behind the scenes. It was really cool and personal. She took lots of pictures and videos of us during our tour and was overall such an amazing person. We got to enjoy the green room with champagne and a charcuterie board...again, all to ourselves! We had our own private table which was 5 4ft tables put together for just the two of us haha. We also had reserved seats in the theater. They made us feel so special. The food was great. They had so many options to try and the pig was really cool. The best was the passion fruit potatoes. The show was amazing. It's not your average hula show which is amazing. The girls really know how to dance and the men are super impressive. The Elvis personator was amazing. He knew how to work a crowd and his gestures were so on point with Elvis. Michael Jackson was good. Elvis gave me his red scarf that smelled like him with a kiss in the face. Michael came and shook our hands while performing. I love how involved the cast members were to us. This was the funnest part of our honeymoon and we loved everyone we met. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I definitely recommend booking Rock-a-hula for you and your family!

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    Rock-a-Hula Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rock-a-Hula

    We have a 2 year old which is free entrance, but will there be a seat included?

    Don't know. Call them.

    Can you go back to the buffet 2 times?

    You can go back as much as you want although if that's the plan, make sure you get there when they open as they send each table up one at a time. We were the last table so we had time to eat, get dessert and go to our show. Barely got to have my… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Rock-a-Hula

    The performers are true pros, Elvis transports you to the 60s and 70s with his great vocals and dancing.

    Mentioned in 97 reviews

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    Blue Note Hawaii

    Blue Note Hawaii

    3.8(886 reviews)
    0.1 miWaikiki
    $$$

    This was a great venue with an intimate setup to have a great view of the musicians…read more The show was short at only about an hour, but it was packed with great music from Iam Tongi's band. The food was less than average and quite pricey so I would recommend eating beforehand!

    I've been to the Blue Note multiple times over the past years, and this is my first review of it. I…read morerealized that the overall experience may change, based on your excitement and enjoyment of the show being watched, so I decided to rate it based on just the food and service as a venue, without regard to the show that I attended. The menu does change (both food and drinks), depending on the artist performing, so that's a positive. At least management knows that the audience demographic, and their tastes in dining, changes, based on the artist. The food is prepared by the Sheraton chefs and is fairly average, especially for the premium prices being charged. The prices equal what you'd pay at a high-end restaurant, but, due to the layout, and venue showtime, it is difficult for the staff to provide the level of service that would be expected. The food preparation and taste are good, but not great; same with the bar drinks. If I included the enjoyment of the show, I'd add another star (or two), but that's too random, especially because you're paying separately for that ticket. If you want to enjoy the food experience a bit more, I'd recommend arriving and waiting in line to be one of the first to enter, to have as much time to order, get served, and eat, before the show starts. Even then, the quality of F&B service is a bit overpriced, imo. Also, I've always parked at the Outrigger East hotel on Kuhio, and they usually charge $6 for up to 4 hours, with validation. This night though, I was charged $10. Just another annoying glitch.

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    Blue Note Hawaii
    Blue Note Hawaii
    Blue Note Hawaii

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    Waikiki Shell - Kalapana... 50 years of memories

    Waikiki Shell

    3.9(87 reviews)
    1.0 miWaikiki
    $$

    I have always heard about this venue and was excited when I could finally check it out. I was…read moresuppose to have my college graduation here but was also pregnant with my daughter at the time and she decided she was ready to come out the day before we were set to graduate! Upon entry into this venue back in October 2025 for the Kolohe Kai concert I was very impressed overall with the organization and flow of foot traffic with all the vendors spread out, the bathrooms near the entrance and the food vendors all in the back by the lawn sitting area. The auditorium like venue was great in a sense that no matter where you sat (maybe save for the lawn location) you could get a good view. HPD was on site for the event and the sound quality was pretty good. Overall we had a wonderful experience here & even saw some friends along the way. Did I mention the beautiful view of Diamond head?

    I almost can't express how grateful I am for the "Shell". I…read morelive in the area and am grateful for my closeness. I hear others in the Neiborhood complain re the concert noise level but I am grateful to have this snippet of joyous Hawaiian life in our Hawai'i nei. The food has been better in the past but I am grateful that some sort of food offering is there and the local vendors are fun loving and make the best of "fast food". I remember the last night the Cazimero Brothers played at the Shell. Everyone just stood there in the front and didn't leave. We were all sort of transfixed and couldn't move along. After about 20 years of premium entertainers and Robert and RolandmCazimero performing on clouds on some of tahe most beautiful Hawaiian nights to groups of approximately 10,000, it was truly over... But, I think Robert did perform one night again in particular with his lovely white piano! Robert announced that he is an "activist. We were all mesmerized. I used to check with Tom Moffat if I saw infractions in the neighborhood after a show and he would always put extra police on a trouble spot etc. Now they are all gone... But we are still here not to abuse our privilege to attend a concert at the "Shell" which is not in Waikiki BTW. The end of Waikiki Special District is at the corner of Monsarrat Av and Kalaukaua Av. by the "Wall". The City completed an upgrade of the Shell with new comfortable seats, a slimmer and higher reconfigured "stage" area, etc. and the local security get the long line thru in a hurry! When you go for an evening at the Shell, pls. don't parade back and forth on the WALKWAY in back of the "pool" (front) area and fronting the second set of seats, ESPECIALLY during a live performance! Everyone didn't attend to watch you blurring everyone's view So, the next time you are lucky enough to attend the Shell at night with hopefully a moon, it's beautiful swaying palm trees, stars, and Diamond Head in the background please count your blessings as the "Shell" is one of them!

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    Waikiki Shell - Atsushi on 10-4-25

    Atsushi on 10-4-25

    Waikiki Shell - Music of Star Wars summer concert

    Music of Star Wars summer concert

    Waikiki Shell - Entrance on 10.4.25

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    Entrance on 10.4.25

    Oceanic VIP Music Hall - Chills at how awesome they sound!

    Oceanic VIP Music Hall

    4.9(11 reviews)
    3.7 miKalihi
    $$

    Mahalo to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for another unique and educational experience! My +1 and I had a…read morechance to go to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall to see Ka'imi Hanano'eau who is the lead singer and guitarist for the band, HiRiZ. We got free validated parking across the street at the Dole Cannery parking structure! We waited in the lobby of the Castle & Cooke Building where our Escort checked our names off the list and led us to the 4th Floor. Along the way, the walls were filled with portraits of previous performers such as Jim Brickman and Na Leo Pilimehana. Impressive! After walking around to what seemed to be the back of the building, we entered a large living room full of sofas, ottomans, barstools and tables. We were warmly greeted and invited to partake in refreshments of shrimp platter, croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, pasta salad and bottled water. The Emcee, Kevin Jones of Star 101.9, kept things lively by introducing the band members, asking engaging questions , and adding interesting trivia. He really helped make this event a more comfortable and intimate one. My friends and I sat in the first row where we could check out the jewelry and shoes (and bare feet) of the band. We enjoyed watching them communicate through gestures and eye contact and how they pressed the buttons of the amplifiers with their feet! I truly enjoyed watching Ka'imi's fingers glide over the frets of his guitar so effortlessly. ..He's a very talented songwriter even though he sang songs from the Doobie Brothers, Prince, and the Pixies, too. I was also amused by his playfulness as he approached the electric fan which blew his long hair wildly around his face! We're grateful to be invited to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall. It's a very special place! Hope to get another chance to return!

    Ah the Road Runner Music Hall, they renamed it, it's now called the Oceanic VIP Music Hall! Yeah…read moredifferent but i guess Road Runner wasn't fast enough. This has to be my FAVORITE part of Clear Channel! Posters on the wall from previous artists that have performed to the couches you can chill on, how can anyone not like it here? Sometimes it can get cold, it just depends. I don't know what else to say, if I had to pick watching an artist at the music hall or at a venue, I'd rather it be here. It's just cool like that.

    Photos
    Oceanic VIP Music Hall - The band took photos with the audience!

    The band took photos with the audience!

    Oceanic VIP Music Hall - The stage!

    The stage!

    Oceanic VIP Music Hall - High rise

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    High rise

    Lewers Lounge - Doxy & Paper Doll Speciality Cocktails

    Lewers Lounge

    4.4(297 reviews)
    0.2 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Very niiiiice. I love the ambiance here. Feel free to dress to the nines and bring someone special…read more This place is a stylish, low-lit jazz lounge with a cool atmosphere and smooth vibe. I immediately felt calm and relaxed here, much like everywhere else at Halekulani. The pūpū and drinks we ordered were special, thoughtfully prepared, and professionally delivered. We also ordered the hamburger, which was excellent, followed by two French press coffees and coconut cake. The staff was unpretentious and welcoming from the start--nothing stuffy despite the sophisticated setting. The musicians are so talented it felt more like a private concert or dinner theater. The pianist, Maggie, is a singer-songwriter who taught us a few things and kept us engaged the entire time. We caught up on our day, ate, and enjoyed the show. Reservations are for two hours, so there was no rush at all. Overall, this is a classy spot for a relaxed night out. Prices are about what you'd expect but even stopping in after dinner elsewhere would be nice. Reservations are not needed for the bar. The only thing I would do differently is arrive earlier to enjoy the grounds more before sunset. Valet park and enjoy your night!

    Lovely anniversary evening here. Came for the live jazz music and they were stellar as usual. The…read moreambiance is lovely and service excellent Why I demoted them a star was the pretty cocktails I saw in Yelp are gone. There's no: "Moonglow" (Benny Goodman) or "That was my heart" (honor to Ella Fitzgerald), so I asked for my favorite aperitif, "Dubonnet" , no. But, they came up with my other favorite, sambuca Mist. I have to agree with another reviewer that the French baguette served with the charcuterie was hard as could be and inedible. I did not enjoy the choice of cheeses as they were both of the same hard boring tastes, unimaginative, mix it up. They olives should be pitted. The tiramisu dessert was very delicious, even though very small, but expected--after all its fine dining. I have no other way to tell new manager to up their game in the food and beverage department. Just wouldn't expect Halekulani to slip in these departments. Also, manager never came around or was seen checking in his or her patrons, not very 5 star there. Just being honest. The complimentary valet parking was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

    Photos
    Lewers Lounge - Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny

    Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny

    Lewers Lounge - Paper Doll

    Paper Doll

    Lewers Lounge - Live jazz.

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    Live jazz.

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

    Hawaii Theatre Center

    4.3(259 reviews)
    3.0 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!!

    Rock-a-Hula - theater - Updated May 2026

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