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Waikiki Starlight Luau

2.9 (287 reviews)
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Updated 2 months ago

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Melanie M.

We reserved seats just for the show due to having dinner plans. The buffet looks great from a distance as far as presentation, not sure how the food was though. Drinks were ok. The show is what we went for and it was absolutely amazing. I have only been to one other luau so not much to compare to but we had a great time!

Jessica S.

Outstanding experience and one of the best luau meals I have ever had!! Can't recommend coming here to experience a Luau, enough! You are greeted promptly at 5:30pm, take a nice professional photography photo, given a delicious drink upon arrival, and taken to your seat. The timing and pacing of the event was great. You are given three drink tickets per person for nonalcoholic and or alcoholic beverages. We did the Friday evening luau with the fireworks and highly recommend, such a great experience!

Net A.

Reserved this LUAU experience on the second night upon arrival !! Located on the roof top of the 3 floor parking structure in the Hilton Vacation Village ! When Doors opened few of the stage performers gently placed a painted black and white Kukui nuts lei on our necks! We were handed out a Mai Tai cocktails for the adults while kids a cup of juice ! There was a center stage and white long tables with a beautiful colorful tablecloth. Next stop was a pose for souvenir photos ! It was handed out later for purchase in a nice hard cover folder! We were escorted to our table for 6 which had a nice center view of the stage!! Before lining up for the buffet a whole roasted pig was paraded and made it to the center stage for everyone's mouth watering appetite!! Deliciously lavished prepared luau buffet dishes were plenty!!Just the shredded Kalua pork needed more seasoning it was bland. I loved the flavorful BBQ Pork Belly Slice!! An exclusive buffet kiosk was also avaible for toddlers who prefer french fries, nuggets, or hash browns!! TheiPolynesian dance numbers depicting the Hawaiian legends and history were entertaining! The fire dance was the show stopper and wonderfully choreographed !!!

The tattoos with permanent markers was a hit!
Myrna Y.

If you're in Honolulu and don't want to travel too far this luau will do. I've been to many other luaus not located at a hotel and were much better for the price. With that said, due the convenience this luau marks all the boxes. Food was good, MC entertaining, dancers and entertainers were great! The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. I do wish there was more engagement and activities for the kids. We went on a Tuesday evening and it was held on the front lawn next to the lagoon which made for pretty sunset views. Overall, decent luaua, but for the price I wish there was just more interaction and activities.

Jennifer T.

we decided to try out the Waikiki starlight luau because we were staying at the Hawaiian Hilton Village and it was super convenient for us and it was just right out on the front lawn. So the prices for the golden Circle seating was $ 185 for adults and $120 dollars for childrens for 4-11. So the doors open at 5 PM but try to get there 30 to 45 minutes before because the line wraps around so long and you want to get good seats! when the doors open you'll be greeted with a lei, and also a welcome beverage and live music!! everyone was so nice and welcoming, and it really made the experience so cool!! we really love luau, no matter how the experience was. We just like the atmosphere and watching the different dances and shows and fire dancing and all the other things that come with it was a little hard since we had babies with us but thats okay it was still an awesome dinner and luau!! if ur staying at hilton hawaiian village its a perfect luau since its at the same resort!

Fire dancing
Serena M.

My daughter and I recently went with family to the Starlight Luau in the Hilton. It was a fun experience especially since we're from Hawaii so we don't really go to luaus on our own. It was my daughter's first experience too so she had a great time. My husband's family is from California and they wanted to go to the luau. This is how the luau evening went. You buy your tickets online but even if you buy your tickets online it doesn't reserve your seat, just what section you will be in. So go early if you want to get a good seat up front. We got there pretty early and was standing at the door waiting for it to open. There were a lot of people with the same idea. Once the doors open, you're taken to get a lei and get a group photo taken. Then from there you can go and get your seat. We got really good seats, right in the front. It was a super sunny day that day so we were in the direct sunlight for a bit. But it was okay because soon the sun went down and it was perfect. Perfect temperature and perfect weather. After everyone was seated they had a little intro show with the host and then we were able to get our food. The food is on a buffet line. There's a line on each side of the facility. They had quite a selection. Was hoping for Lau lau but I knew it wouldn't be there. Could end up just wasting that laulau since most tourists don't know what that was. Instead they had kalua pig which was very good. It wasn't dry and it was very juicy. They also had chicken and other things. My favorite was a the kalua pig. The desserts they had mini malasada (mini donut) and haupia square. The haupia was pretty good. After dinner the show began. The show was great. The host was very charismatic and you could tell he enjoyed what he did night after night. He was basically the storyteller. They were traveling to different parts and sharing the culture of their dances. It was so interesting to see the different styles of dances and different outfits. In the end they call for volunteers "brave souls" to come up to learn how to hula. Of course my daughter raises her hand. I swear I don't know where she comes from because I would never raise my hand to go on stage. The first round was the men going up and being taught by the women dancers. She didn't know that but she was disappointed she didn't get chosen. But then the men started going out and she raised her hand again. And one of the men chose her. She was so excited. He took her to the back of the stage and she learned some moves. You can see her shake her hips in my video, she's hilarious and brave. She loved every minute of it. Great show and we had a lot of fun. If you ever get the chance, come and watch this show.

Michael A.

From what I heard, Waikiki is a very popular and overrated place according yo many locals and Hawaiians. I find it hilarious because it's true. However, as expensive as it is here, the convenience is nice and you are surrounded by plenty of people, mostly Asian people. The show however is a very inconvenient experience. We paid about 400$ total with the discount of participating in the most ludicrous tour of some time shares around waikiki, honolulu. Unfortunately, you are forced to take this 2 hour time consumer to get the 500$ discount I which the total price was about 950$. Luckily, since we did the 2 hour tour we were able to get this 500$ discount. We booked this luau on Sunday, before our vacation came to an end. The food inside is a buffet like setting. The food overall was average in my opinion. I had some decent food such as the taro sweet potatoes, the salad, some fruit like: pineapple, strawberries, Blueberries, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and kiwi. These were the highlights. The shredded pork, teriyaki chicken, BBQ beef brisket, pasta, tater tots, corn and desserts were awful. Unfortunately, majority of my family thought the same. As I was eating, there was this downpour of rain just splashing all over my food and luckily for us, we received some ponchos to mitigate the irritance of the cold water coming from the sky. One of the biggest issues is that the people from the hotel and outside the ropes get a free show. The location is also located next to a parking garage and can get crowded due to the tourists coming in and the polluted air from the cars drifts to the tables. The show was pretty good. Very enjoyable with great performers and a variety of unique colors, dances and music. It was loud. The female belly dancers were hot and the male dancers looked silly. To be honest, I laughed at the male dancers because they all had long hair and were out of control. In fact, the people next to our table laughed at them as well. Most of the tourists are families from California. Near the end of the show I am typing this review because after that things got boring real quick. At night, there was barely any light and it was difficult to maneuver around with a ton of people nearby. The drinks you receive in the beginning as well were too sweet. They didn't even show cooking of the pig at any point, which was disappointing. Overall, very silly experience.

Polynesian dancers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Luau
Helene S.

When in Hawaii, check out a luau. Easy to walk to this luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village from our beach walk Hilton Grand Vacations Hotel. In February, each family had their own table. After being greeted and given a fresh orchid lei, you could choose your table. While waiting for the show, you could try a hula dance or grab a fruity drink. No buffets, but generous servings of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts were brought to each family. Although it was a limited menu, service was great and there was plenty of food. The appetizers and salads were delicious. Edamame, generous bowls of fresh ahi poke, and a beef jerky started the dinner. The fresh salad with a papaya dressing and the cold ube salad were also very good. Choices for the main meal included huli huli chicken, mahi-mahi and pork. We skipped the pork and the mahi-mahi was inedible. The chicken was good with the rice and veggies that came with the main meal. For dessert, we were given a huge bowl of fresh fruit, so good, and a plate of sweet coconut macaroons with chocolate, brownies and haupia coconut jellies. Thanks, Robert, for the to go boxes for later. Two drink tickets could be used for sodas, beer or cocktails. Coffee and tea were available on a back table. The show was really great. Hula dancers, fire twirlers and a hostess with a lovely voice. Being able to sit outside, enjoy a meal and a show while enjoying a magical sunset was so nice. I am not sure that I would have paid the $160 price tag to come here, but it was a perfect perk of our Hilton Grand Vacations package which included 6 days and 5 nights in a beautiful Waikiki hotel. Mahalo!

7/8/22 The kids food!
Lee D.

I have been to many Luaus, so I do NOT go out of my way any more, but we were invited to this as guests. So when in Oahu... Quality/Quantity - We ended up sitting in the center back near the bar. :) Better than I expected, especially the food. The food was so good that I over ate, probably ate myself sick, why do I do this to myself. Told the family that the two buffets we had this year were two too many!! Drinks Okay, I drank too much also. Mai Tai Punch - Sorry I can not recommend, but they did put generous alcohol in it. Pineapple Margarita - Yes, this is the one!! It was too good. Kona Beer - Most popular HI beer, especially in the mainland, so nothing special to me (just because I have drank too much of it in my life). Show was good, but again I really did not pay too much attention as I have been to so many Luaus. Atmosphere - Convenient location as we are staying at the Hilton. :) Tattoo (sharpie pen) station, Orchid lei station for wrists, they give you a real floral orchid lei necklace when you enter. There was also an area where they sold souvenirs. Luau 5 days a week, see website for specific days. Service - 6 stars, team was friendly from check in to seating to waiters, etc. Thank you. Price - $160 a person if we paid. $210 premium seating which gives you closer seating (further away from the bar) and first dibs on the food; don't worry when I went for seconds, there was more than enough food to feed everyone again!! Owner Comment - Congrats on your success! I had a much better time than I expected.

The MC.
Dino D.

09-22-24 This was our first Luau, really did not know what to expected. I've researched other Luau companies via google maps and they appear much larger and on the grounds near water. This one is located on top of a building on cement. The footprint is small compared to others. Might be a good thing since the call you up by table to get buffet style food. The alcohol drinks are watered down. I recommend getting a bottle or can of something. The food is good. The entertainment I enjoyed very much. This Luau is pricey. The MC was funny.

These times are incredibly inaccurate
Heather R.

If I could give this luau negative stars I would. I've been to many luaus over the years and was beyond disappointed and even angered by this pathetic excuse for a luau. We showed up at 4:45pm to line up outside for the luau (begins at 5:30pm). I'm so glad we got there early, because the line wrapped all the way around the lagoon. So what? That means that if you didn't get a decent spot in the line, you'd be waiting until right before 7pm to get inside and seated. Online it says dinner begins at 6:15. This was not the case, as food was served around 7. The food was mediocre and the pork was dry (they don't even have the actual pig out there, nor do they have poi - a typical luau staple item). There was an expectation of possible rain, so what did Hilton do to accommodate this? Ponchos. That's right, they KNEW about rain and basically said "here is a poncho and if it rains good luck with everything else on the lawn." By that, I mean it started POURING right as food was being served and they didn't even have coverings for the buffet food. No cover AT ALL for the guests who are all spending $170 to $210 a person before taxes, so we all had to eat in the pouring rain as our plates filled up with rain water. Absolutely disgusting and unbelievable how little they care about guests at this place. With a ticket you also get a second drink, but with the rain, nobody could even drink it. The luau show (which online says it starts at 7) started after we ate (no entertainment during dinner, although the rain was entertaining enough), and ended shortly after 8pm. No interacting with the performers before or after, and you have to grab the lei yourself instead of them putting it on you, but if they cared about covid one bit they wouldn't be doing a full buffet with hundreds of people in attendance and no masks, so the excuse that covid is the reason why they have a terribly planned, poorly serviced luau is not an excuse. It's pure laziness and a money grab with complete disrespect for guests. By the way, that cute picture you take at the beginning which holds up the line is a whopping $45, so make sure to take your own photos (or honestly spend your money at literally ANY other luau).

Luau
Charles M.

So this was my first luau! I have no other luau to compare it too. The price is a bit high at $200 a ticket. And that's the cheap seats. But this is average for luau's around the Island. I chose this experience because this was literally at the hotel I was staying at and it was most convenient. Upon arrival you have to stand in line for about 30-40 minutes. Once they open the gate you are presented with either a lay or in our experience some Hawaiian Tree nuts ( also referred to as kukui nuts). I was happy with the necklace because I bought a few to bring back to Maryland but not enough for my neighbors and parents. The official state tree of Hawaii is the kukui nut tree or kukui tree. They began with telling us about the buffet serving drinks and explaining how the night would proceed. The weather held up and watching the sunset over the lagoon and the ocean was beautiful. The artistry and beauty was breathtaking. The food was phenomenal. I honestly could not eat $200 worth of food. But the experience was worth $400 and I got an education about the importance of Hawaii and the first people on the islands. It was beautiful and a great experience overall.

Lauren S.

This is a must do when you are visiting Hawaii! Yes Luaus are very expensive but when you recognize the work that goes into it, the price makes sense. I had planned to attend at least one Luau while visiting Hawaii. There were other places in the area that had Luaus but obviously it would be ultimately convenient to attend the one at our resort. We were very fortunate that staff my husband was working with provided us with tickets to the Luau! Not only that, but it was also VIP access! I was and am so eternally grateful for that! The Luau is somewhat complicated to get to. You have to go up an elevator to a specific floor and then walk up a flight or two of stairs. Luckily there are signs to guide you. We arrived and our tickets were checked and then we were guided to enter through the VIP entrance. Upon entering, we were then greeted with a lei and choice of tropical drink. We then had our photo taken l, followed by being ushered to our seats. We were seating right in front of the stage, which was amazing! We had this very nice Asian couple sitting with us. Although we didn't speak each other's languages, they were still very nice and we all had fun together. A plate full of snacks (or maybe Pupus) were set on the table for the four of us to share. I have no idea what some of the items were but I tried it all. The MC came on the microphone, introduced himself, and provided an itinerary of the show. He was awesome because throughout the entire Luau, he educated the crowd on everything. The dancers came out and not only danced but there were different outfits they modeled that the MC educated us on. There was even a part of the show where the dancers grabbed people from the crowd to learn and dance with them. Hubs was chosen and of course he was totally awkward lol. The last part of the entertainment was the fire portion-so friggin awesome! There was this massive buffet we were provided with and although I was unfamiliar with several items, I still grabbed some so I could try. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh! The photographer came around showing everyone their photos (printed out) and was selling them for some ridiculous amount of money. We declined of course. I think it was $40 for 1 photo! I tried after the show to negotiate because they are just going to throw them away but he didn't budge. Instead, upon leaving, people were able to take photos with the dancers, which of course I took advantage of. I commended the dancers and thanked them for an amazing show. I highly, highly, highly recommend attending this Luau!

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9 months ago

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5 months ago

The show is good, except the fire knife is a pathetic 3 minutes when other shows are 6 to 8 minutes,

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9 months ago

Nice Luau in Waikīkī. The dancers were very good. The food was served buffet style and was ok. Come for the dancers and show.

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11 months ago

Sow was great. Food was adequate. I paid extra for premier seating and wound up sitting further back than regular admission tickets.

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Great show and good food. Service was good and the interactions with the cast/crew was excellent

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Waikiki Starlight Luau Reviews in Other Languages

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Review Highlights - Waikiki Starlight Luau

Each and everyone of the Tihati performers definitely make sure they give it their all while on stage!!!!!

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Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

4.7(129 reviews)
0.7 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

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

Hawaii Theatre Center

4.3(259 reviews)
2.5 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.

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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!!

Ka Moana Luau - Making flower bracelets

Ka Moana Luau

4.4(489 reviews)
2.5 mi
$$$$

Is this touristy? Yes!! Are we tourists?? Also, yes!!…read more We had a great time at this luau. We got the higher of the mid package, Splash premium. The classic package includes a shell lei and one cocktail and seating along the edge. Our package gets a fresh flower lei, 2 cocktails and better seating. There is a celebrity package with has a separate check-in line, 2 cocktails and servers bring you your food, while everyone else goes through the buffet line. We were lucky and were seated in the celebrity package seating. We had a great view of the dancers. After you've checked in, they place a lei around your neck--fresh flower lei or shell lei, depending on your package. Then they take a picture of your party with people in traditional Hawaiian costume. You can purchase the picture later if you would like. You are given your drink tickets to use at the bar. There are activities this do before the show starts--lei making, passion friend crown making, and dancing lesson. There was a Polynesian band playing in stage the entire time. The tickets get you either a basic cocktail --i got two mai tais decorated with flowers--or you can upgrade for premium cocktails. We went through the buffet, which was really good. There was salad and kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, mahi mahi, poy, rice, chow mein noodles, great pineapple, veggies, rolls, and dessert if chocolate cake and coconut gelatin. While we were eating, a man climbed up the coconut tree, which was fun to watch. As we finished dinner, the traditional dancers performed with traditional drummers. It was all great, especially the fire dancers. It's really was a fun night. Who cares if it is touristy?

My wife and I were excited to attend and experience a Luau. Everyone was saying "you have to go to…read moreone on your first trip!" Or "the food is so good!" Or even "the performances alone are worth it"... So we let my brother find and book one for the three of us since he had already visited Hawaii multiple times and took my mom to one a few years back. What a let down, you guys. First of all, expensive for what it really was. Location wasn't all that. We didn't get the traditional pig roasting experience either. When we got there it was disorganized. We noticed there was a very long line and then a shorter one which we soon found out was for the ones who paid even more! As we entered the venue it just looked cheap - the way the tables were set up, the stage - I don't know, I guess I was expecting something more. Moving on to the food now; It was also not the best. Buffet style with flys flying around landing on it. It just didn't look appetizing. And like others have said on here, it was cold and mushy/soggy. The performances later were fine but I sadly agree with a yelper who had said it felt like a cheesy "high school play." The sound would go in and out too at times, whenever they'd start talking to the audience. We did get photos taken but damn, even that they charged us as well. Like we already spent a lot on tickets alone just to attend... Overall, this was definitely NOT the highlight of our Hawaiian trip, but it's okay because everything else we did was amazing.

Photos
Ka Moana Luau - This is my table.

This is my table.

Ka Moana Luau - Dinner buffet

Dinner buffet

Ka Moana Luau - View from the Splash seating

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View from the Splash seating

Experience Nutridge - Performers

Experience Nutridge

4.9(524 reviews)
2.5 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)
2.4 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!

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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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Medici's - Basket of mixed bread

Medici's

4.2(39 reviews)
2.4 miManoa
$$

I enjoyed my one time I went there to see Johnny Valentine and am sad to hear they closed the venue…read morepart. I loved arriving at this shopping center and going through the music classrooms, almost like a speakeasy. Cute older couple that runs the place. Very...Italian decor? Moody, night club vibe on the upper level, older crowd mainly. The food and drink were not too bad. Would I go just for the food? No. But the ambiance was really cool to experience, I'll miss it!

Medici's is a special little gem in Mānoa transporting you to a magical space filled with music,…read morefood, and happiness. The club opened in April of 2014 and features jazz, blues, classical musicians in Hawaii. This was our second time here and loved it. Tim and Carolyn (owners) are very welcoming couple who work in tandem to operate this place. Tim is the chef, artist, and manages the music events upstairs. Carolyn is the musical director for the school downstairs. All proceeds from dinner/shows help support the Manoa School of Music and the Arts downstairs. The ambiance is beautiful and well-decorated with plants, art, paintings. Tim is an artist, so you will find his paintings for sale too. We took one home during the NYE event and admire it everyday. Your ticket includes live music and a tasty 4 course gourmet meal who is cooked by Chef Tim. Just a word of warning is that the meal is on the smaller side. The dishes are served on mostly paper plates but I assume that's how they also keep the costs lower. Most of the attendees seem to be 50+ so the food might be catering to those who are older and don't eat as much. Although we ended up being content by the end with drinks. You will likely end up sitting with strangers since the tables are large, circular, and can seat up to 6-8 people. This can be a good way to socialize and make some new friends. They also have a bar that has very reasonable prices. $25 wine bottles and only $7.50 for beer/wine glasses. Cocktails available too. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the beautiful tunes of jazz. Hard to find places like this anymore!

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Medici's - Dessert of the night - Mochi icecream, macaron, edible flowers, fruits, whipped cream, dark chocolate ganache syrup

Dessert of the night - Mochi icecream, macaron, edible flowers, fruits, whipped cream, dark chocolate ganache syrup

Medici's
Medici's - Rachel Gonzales and Honolulu Jazz Quartet

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Rachel Gonzales and Honolulu Jazz Quartet

Waikiki Starlight Luau - theater - Updated May 2026

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