Guide to the Best Luau in Oahu

While on vacation in Oahu, a traditional Hawaiian luau has to be on your itinerary. Read our guide to discover what is a luau as well as where to go to find the best luau in Oahu.

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You could save on admission to Oahu attractions with a Go Oahu Card. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.

Top Luau Facts

• The luau party originated in 1819 when King Kamehameha II removed the religious laws that Hawaii practiced, such as men and women eating separately.
• The word ‘luau’ refers to the taro leaf, which is often eaten at these feasts.
• Luaus celebrate major events like birthdays, weddings and graduations.

Where is the best luau in Oahu?

Ali’i Luau & Dinner Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular luau choice with Oahu visitors. Experience a traditional Hawaiian buffet coupled with entertainment including hula dancing and a 90-minute show featuring over 100 dancers. In short, here’s what you need to know about Ali’i Luau:

• The Ali’i Luau & Dinner Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center is included with the Go Oahu pass.
• It’s open 12 PM - 9.30 PM with shows at 7.30 PM – 9 PM Monday to Saturday.
• The Polynesian Cultural Center is closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet with traditional luau dishes.
• There will be Polynesian entertainment and live music, including hula dancing.
• Watch the “HA”: Breath of Life Show – a 90-minute spectacular with 100 dancers and special effects.
• Admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center is also included – see cultural presentations, learn about customs and traditions and shop for souvenirs in the marketplace.
• Reservations are required – call ahead of time and mention your Go Oahu pass.

Getting in: Admission to Ali’i Luau & Dinner Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center is included with the Go Oahu pass.

What is a luau?

• Firstly, a luau is a traditional Hawaiian party with a feast and usually entertainment.
• A luau is a way of celebrating an event like a birthday or wedding.
• The entertainment at a luau often includes Hawaiian music and hula dancing.
• The feast at a luau consists of traditional Hawaiian food like kalua pig and poi.
• Hosts will present their guests with leis which they then wear.

What is luau food?

Firstly, a luau consists of traditional Hawaiian food. Notably, some of the dishes included in the buffet at Ali’i Luau are:

• Imu Pork– pork roasted in an underground pit then shredded
• Island Chicken with Huli Huli Sauce – chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki-style sauce
• Baked Chicken – Hawaiian-style baked chicken
• Poke Bar – Ahi Poke, Spicy Ahi Poke & Clam Poke, a raw fish dish.
• Lomilomi Salmon – a salmon and fresh tomato salad
• Teriyaki Braised Beef – beef cooked in a teriyaki sauce
• Kalua Pork – similar to Imu pork but cooked in an oven
• Vegetarian Chili – Hawaii’s take on a veggie chili
• Poi – food staple made from taro leaf
• Haupia – a coconut-based dessert

What to wear to a luau?

• Aloha wear, especially classic Hawaiian floral shirts and dresses
• A mu’umu’u dress.
• Similarly, a sarong.
• Usually, hosts will gift a lei to their guests upon arrival.
• Additionally, accessorize with a Puka shell necklace
• Wear a flower behind your ear. If you are single, then wear the flower behind your right ear. Otherwise, if you’re in a relationship, wear it behind your left ear.

In summary

There's our guide to the best luau in Oahu. We hope you consider using these tips on your Hawaiian vacation. Remember, you could save on admission to Oahu attractions with a Go Oahu Card. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.

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