Modern-day lūʻaus capture the spirit of a Polynesian gathering. Set outside in beautiful venues – many with ocean or sunset views – they offer a fun and engaging evening filled with traditional singing, dancing, and other performances (like fire-knife dancing) that’s appropriate for people of all ages.
Table of contents
- What is the best luau for …
- List of luau shows on Kauaʻi
- What to expect at a lūʻau
- 4 Tips for picking a luau
Table of Contents
- What is the best luau for …
- List of luau shows on Kauaʻi
- What to expect at a lūʻau
- 4 Tips for picking a luau
Below, we break down everything you need to know about attending a lūʻau on Kauaʻi.
Lūʻau Suggestions on Kauaʻi
To help you on your way we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our Luaus below:
All lūʻaus on are family friendly, but the Lūʻau Kalamakū has a variety of great add-on activities that families will enjoy. Smith’s jungle setting is also great for families.
The ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau is beloved for its dancing, and the Smith Family Lūʻau has been running for four generations.
We like the ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau and the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau for their pristine settings.
The Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau is revered for its menu, while those who love poke will appreciate the poke bar at the (currently closed) Hawaiʻi Alive Lūʻau.
Lūʻaus on the south shore in Poʻipū will have the best views of the sunset. See e.g. the ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau and the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau.
List of Lūʻau shows on Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi has one of the shorter selection of lūʻaus, with six taking place most nights around the island. In this section, we run through what each lūʻau has to offer.
- ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau
- Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau
- Lūʻau Kalamakū
- Smith Family Garden Lūʻau
- Hawaiʻi Alive Lūʻau (currently closed)
- Lūʻau Makaʻiwa (currently closed)
ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau at the Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort and Spa
Boasting a beautiful beachfront location, the ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau takes place on the south shore in the heart of Poʻipū. Along with the traditional dances of numerous Polynesian cultures, the performance also includes a nod to 1950s style hula dancing, when pop culture and artists like The Beach Boys made the Hawaiian dance a hit in Hollywood.
When? Thursdays
Where? Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort and Spa
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $187 (adult standard) to $213 (adult VIP)
Website: ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau
Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau
Held in a garden setting beside the ocean, the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau takes place twice a week. It posts strong reviews for its quality and selection of food, which includes imu kalua pork, grass-fed local beef (New York Strip cuts), “volcano spiced” fresh catch, and huli huli chicken.
When? Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Where? Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort.
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $204 (adult standard).
Website: Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau.
Performers at the Grand Hyatt Luau on Kauaʻi. Image credit: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Lūʻau Kalamakū
Families will love all the different options offered at Kalamakū. Tickets for the lūʻau can be packaged with other activities at the complex, such as a ride on the Kauaʻi Plantation Railway and/or round-trip transportation to the event. There’s also an option to make it an upscale evening with a four-course dinner at Gaylordʻs Restaurant prior to the show. You can see all the available packages here.
When? Tuesdays and Fridays.
Where? Kilohana Plantation.
Shuttle available? Yes.
Price Range: $159 (adult standard) to $184 (adult VIP that includes four-course dinner).
Website: Lūʻau Kalamakū
Smith Family Garden Lūʻau
The Smith Family Garden Lūʻau is one of the easiest to slip into your schedule because it runs up to five nights a week. It’s not on the water, which may deter some, but its “garden setting” is more like a “jungle setting” adjacent to Wailua River State Park. While most lūʻaus are set up so you watch the show from the same table you eat at, Smith’s does it a little differently; guests eat under a shared pavilion and then walk over to a venue with stadium seating for the show.
When? Three to five days a week, depending on the season.
Where? Kapaʻa near Wailua River State Park
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $25 (adult, show only) to $140 (adult standard).
Website: Smith Family Garden Lūʻau
The last act of Smith’s Tropical Luau on Kauaʻi. Image credit: Jennifer Kramer on Flickr.
Hawaiʻi Alive Lūʻau (currently closed)
It’s not often you see a lūʻau with a poke bar, making the Hawaiʻi Alive experience rather unique (and pretty exciting!) in that regard. However, it is also rare in that it does not offer an open bar; your ticket includes just one drink, and the rest must be purchased at a cash bar. Doh!
When? Currently not operating.
Where? Marriott’s Kauaʻi Beach Club, Līhuʻe
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $145 (adult standard)
Website: Hawaiʻi Alive Lūʻau
Fire dancers at the Hawaiʻi Alive Luau on Kauaʻi. Image credit: the Hawaiʻi Alive Luau Facebook page.
Lūʻau Makaʻiwa (closed without planned reopening date)
If you’re looking for the value buy, check out Makaʻiwa at the Sheraton Kauaʻi. It’s located beachfront and, despite the low prices, still includes a partial open bar (it lasts about an hour and a half, from doors opening until the show starts) and fire-knife dancing.
When? Currently not operating.
Where? Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $99 (standard adult) to $129 (adult VIP)
Website: No website available.
What to expect from a lūʻau show on Kauaʻi
The Hawaiian lūʻau is a family-friendly “dinner and a show” experience. Here are 6 things that are good to know about Luau shows on Kauaʻi:
1: Lūʻaus are two to three hours in total
Doors open about an hour before dinner for family-friendly, pre-show activities (such as lei making or wood carving). The bar usually opens at this time as well. The dinner buffet kicks off next, and about 45 minutes are given for everyone to eat before the show begins, which lasts about an hour and a half.
2: Lūʻaus vary in size, but most are more than 100 people
Lūʻaus are hardly private events, and shared tables are common. Purchasing a VIP ticket package can get you closer to the stage, or in some cases, you can even book a private table. Inquire with your lūʻau of choice to see about seating options.
3: Lūʻaus usuall cost more than $100 a person
Lūʻaus are not cheap, although they are a complete evening out, include free drinks, and are an experience to remember. Tickets for teens and kids are usually about three quarters the price of adult tickets, and children less than 5 years old are often free.
4: Parking is not always included with the ticket
Lūʻaus at hotels may charge extra for parking. Others include free parking or shuttle transportation. Check the details when buying a ticket so you’re not surprised.
5: Lūʻaus sell general seating and VIP packages
There are usually two ticket options at lūʻaus, VIP and general admission. VIP tickets include extras like premium seating, lei greetings, or professional photos. The perks of VIP vary by lūʻau, so look closely before purchasing.
6: Your meal is based on tradition
The dancing you’ll see at a lūʻau is rooted in Polynesian tradition, and the same can be said for the food.
The meal – almost always a buffet – includes Hawaiian staples like kalua pork, fish, and poi. Most lūʻaus demonstrate traditional cooking methods by uncovering a pig from a ceremonial imu, or underground oven, that uses hot rocks as its heat source. Imus were once the main method of cooking for Native Hawaiians and other Polynesian cultures.
Things to consider when choosing a lūʻau
Before you pick a lūʻau, you’ll want to consider the goals of the evening. Good questions to ask yourself are:
- Are you deeply interested in Polynesian dance?
- Are you looking for the best food?
- Do you want that classic lūʻau photo in front of the sunset?
- Will you be happy with anything so long as there is an open bar?
Mulling over these questions will help you decide which lūʻau to attend. For most people, price and convenience will play the major roles in deciding, but some with specific desires or interests may be willing to go out of their way or pay more.
There are many lūʻaus to choose from on every island, so being honest about what you want to get out of the evening can help you narrow down the field.
Below, we list the lūʻaus on Kauaʻi and provide some information about them to get you started.
Luau shows on Maui, the Big Island, and Oʻahu
Lūʻaus are so popular and typical to Hawaiʻi that you can find them on any island. If you are also visiting other islands and would rather (also!) visit a Luau there, you should have a look at our guides to Maui Luau shows, Lūʻau shows on the Big Island and Lūʻau shows on Oʻahu to get our recommendations for those islands.