Oahu Luaus – Explore The Rich Culture Of The Islands

I once knew someone who said she’d go to the ends of the earth. Now that’s dedication.

How about you – is there a party for which you would go to the ends of the earth?

How about a luau in Oahu, Hawaii?

You cannot go to Hawaii without going to an Oahu luau. A Hawaiian Luau is the traditional Hawaiian event that everyone who visits the island must absolutely check out!

For your convenience, we’ve created a comparison table of the top rated Luaus on Oahu, which you can find below:

TOUR 

DETAILS

What’s a luau?

A luau is more than a dinner party: it’s family; a feast with traditional food and traditional entertainment; a celebration; a cultural experience. The best luaus are the ones that excel in bringing all of these things together in the form of an elaborate spectacle.

But most of all, luaus are fun.

There are many places in Hawaii with these experiences. Diamond Head was probably the first one I ever went to.

The biggest problem is which ones to recommend because if you go to just one, you’ll think that’s the best one. It’s difficult to pinpoint which is the best.

For more of our top Oahu tours and activities, check out these popular articles:

They’re all fun because they all have similarities and they all have their unique differences. You need to experience more than one. So let me tell you about three of them.

1. Polynesian Cultural Center (Ambassador Ali’i Luau Service)

Simply the best all round package.

At the Ambassador Ali’i Luau Service, you get a full day experience. With different package options to suit different tastes, this is more like a theme park where you can enjoy activities throughout the day and learn about Polynesian history and luaus. This tour is an award winning event that ranks as one of the best Oahu Luaus on the island.

6 Mini Cultures in One

One of the main attractions, you get to see the Islands of Tahiti, Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa, and Samoa … all without leaving the confines of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

These six are the main islands of Polynesia. And the Polynesian Cultural Center preserves, displays and shows the cultures of these islands.

Entertainment second to none

If you want a Polynesian show that encompasses love and tradition, family and culture; all combined with a strong story line that’s jam-packed with action; then the Polynesian Cultural Center is the place to be.

The Hā: Breath of Life show will take your breath away.

Imagine over 100 native Polynesians coming at you from all sides in surround sound, dancing, and singing, with the use of animation and special effects. All are acting out the symbolic love story of Mana and Lani.

This is the life story of a young couple’s journey through the Polynesian Islands. The show is all about the different aspects of life: growing up, being in love, getting married and going through life and all its struggles.

And at the Polynesian Cultural Center, they tell you a story in a way that you can identify with. The lifestyle is similar to most people.

So you could be watching it and smiling to yourself, saying, “Yep, that’s me … and that … and that …”

It is unique and unlike anything else you’ve seen before even if you’ve been to other Oahu luaus before.

Like coconut?

Good. Because at the Samoan cultural center you get to learn to climb a coconut tree – it is an unusual skill. Then you get to husk a coconut.

Once you’ve finished husking the coconut, you will learn how to open one … wait for it … with just a stone. Wouldn’t that be a neat trick to show your friends and family back home?

And if that wasn’t enough, you even get to make coconut milk. Yummy.

Talking about yummy…

How about the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center?

Well, there’s plenty to choose from. But what I want to talk to you about is the … We advise trying out the Kalua pig cooked in an underground oven if it’s available.

Amazingly enough a lot of the food available is farm to table; as is traditional Hawaiian style.

The Taste of Polynesia

This is like a snack bar where they put together a few of the local dishes from the different islands and luaus.

You can stop off at these snack bars, as you make your way from village to village, and enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

At each cultural community, you’ll find a menu with their unique delicacies. If you’re not familiar with the lomi salmon, we highly recommend giving it a try as it’s awesome!

For example, you’ll be salivating when you try the Panipopo in the Samoan community. It’s a very popular sweet snack made up of a bun that’s dense yet soft and fluffy.

Served with a generous serving of coconut cream sauce poured all over it, once you taste the Panipopo you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. Every Hawaiian Luau should offer some of this!

That’s just one example from one cultural village. And there’s plenty more.

So what do you get?

For an all-inclusive price starting at $139.95, your Polynesian Cultural Center Package includes the full VIP experience.

After the initial shell lei greeting, you will visit all six of the island villages – sampling the culture along with the food.

You’ll get a grand tour of Laie on the tram and get involved in the activities of the traditional Hawaiian natives.

And let’s not forget the Hawaiian Journey.

Here you see the canoe pageant, the Taste of Polynesia, wood & tiki carving, the Hawaiian mission settlement, cooking demonstration and the Iosepa “voyage of discovery.”

I wish I could tell you everything you experience on this journey, but there’s just way too much to tell.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, you get to sit in individual seats for the Ha: Breath of Life show. Like sitting in the box at a football match.

And if that’s not enough, you also get a backstage tour and a DVD to take away as a souvenir of your time there.

Need transport?

Depending on which hotel you’re staying at, round-trip transport starts at just $25 for each person.

Seating for the Ali’i Luau begins at 4.45pm for the early show and 7 pm for the evening show.

Need to cancel for any reason?

No problem. Just give them 24 hours’ notice so they can allocate your seat to someone else.

2. Chief’s Luau, Oahu

Consistently voted the best luau venue in all of Hawaii, most people consider Chief’s Luau at Sea Wet’n’Wild second to none. By far a top favorite of the Hawaiian islands due to the high level of entertainment.

If you want fun, as in fun-ny, this is the luau to be at. On a scale of 1-10, Chief’s Luau is an 11.

You are guaranteed a Luau experience you’ll never forget.

You’ll laugh till you cry.

But don’t expect it to be a show where you just sit and watch. The program is very much audience participation, so the Chief just may call you out.

You won’t just be watching the show. You’ll be part of it.

And there’s something for everyone, of all ages.

Some of the activities include farm to table kalua pig, award winning dance, fire knife dancing, and other luau events that showcase Polynesian culture.

Who is Chief Sielu Avea?

Born and raised in Samoa, Chief Sielu Avea is regarded as the top entertainer in Polynesia. There’s no one funnier in all of the South Pacific.

When you watch the way Chief Sielu engages with the audience, as I have, you will understand what makes him unique in comparison to other luaus on Oahu.

With his hilarious jokes and spectacular world championship winning fire-knife dance, you’ll be dazzled.

The location with its fantastic views of the ocean and Rabbit Island just adds to the atmosphere. The Chief’s luau may just be the best part of your entire trip. (Check for additional information from Paradise Cove)

And let’s not forget the food you’ll be feasting on. In fact, ‘feast’ may just be the right word for it.

You’re spoilt for choice.

You’ve got a buffet of mixed island greens and diced Pineapple; the taro & assorted dinner rolls; steamed white rice and Hawaiian sweet potatoes sometimes cooked in an underground oven; succulent butter & garlic braised vegetables and vegetarian chow mein; the roasted guava barbecue chicken and island sea life – Asian style; pineapple cake … and …

And that’s not all.

Throughout the activities, there’s also coffee, tea, drinks and Poi & Lomi Lomi Salmon. Maybe you’re vegetarian or have allergies. No problem. Just ask for the special menu. This all makes it great fun for the whole family. When it comes to fun on the island of Oahu, this is a great luau you won’t want to pass up.

After all, everyone who attends the Chief’s Luau is special.

And considering all you get, the price may just surprise you.

But before I get to that, here’s what’s included:

• Check in at the check-in table at 4.30pm.
• At 5 pm you’re greeted in typical Hawaiian style with interactive fun, including hula lessons, headband weaving, and fire making. And for the brave among you, there’s tattooing and spear throwing.
• The Imu ceremony starts at 5:40pm, followed by …
• The Luau feast at 6.15pm. Hawaiian style Oahu Luaus in Royal Hawaiian style.
• At 7.30pm the Chief takes you through the ‘Journey through the Polynesian Islands’ show, which takes you through to the end at 8.30pm.

3. Germaine’s Luau

As with all the rest, if you only go to Germaine’s Luau, you’ll say this one is the best of the lot. And in its way, it is.

It’s certainly the best luau in Oahu.

Called a backyard style luau, it has a homely feeling. Like a big party in your backyard with just enough guests. It’s a perfect deal if you prefer a smaller luau.

Did I mention the property is on the beach, a stone’s throw away from the ocean? Meaning the whole show happens right there on the shore.

Definitely one of Oahu’s best luau given the location, Royal Hawaiian features, and of course Hawaiian food!

Unique Hawaiian culture

You’ll experience Hawaiian culture in a way that’s specific to Germaine’s Luau, with delicious authentic Hawaiian food and plenty of options like island fish, pig dishes, and more.

And let’s not forget the show. This is an action packed event bringing you top-tier traditional Hawaiian entertainment and fun, making it one of our favorite Oahu Luaus.

With amazing dancers, the hula and the fantastic fire thrower – the highlight of the show – it’s an evening in Oahu that’s not to be missed. I have to say, if you want a luau with an authentic family atmosphere, Germaine’s Luau is the one to go for when picking a Hawaiian luau.

Did we mention the delicious Hawaiian food? If so let’s just remind you about it one more time.

There are three packages to choose from:

The Original Luau Package:

• You’re greeted with a shell lei as is customary in Hawaii
• Seating is in an open dining area – sit anywhere you want here. No reservations needed.
• There’s an American and Hawaiian style buffet. Eat and drink all you want. No limits on tea, coffee or soft drinks.

Hibiscus Luau Package:

• You’re greeted with a shell lei.
• Seating is in a reserved area.
• American and Hawaiian style buffet. Eat and drink all you want. No limits on tea, coffee or soft drinks.

Plumeria Luau Package:

• When you arrive, you’re greeted with a Kukui Nut Lei by a Polynesian Model who is also your guide to luau activities. You also have your photo taken with your guide so you can remember Oahu’s beauty forever.
• You’ll sit in the best seats – front center in the dining area.
• You’ll have a Plumeria Hostess attending to you.
• American and Hawaiian style buffet. Eat and drink all you want. No limits on tea, coffee or soft drinks.
• And more entertainment than you can shake a stick at…