Book the best Big Island luaus in Hawaii, and have an authentic experience at both Kona and Waikoloa luaus. Hawaii Big Island luaus feature traditional Polynesian entertainment with music, song and dance, as well as delicious island favorite foods. Choose family-friendly Big Island luau options, group bookings for family and friends, or romantic VIP tables for two, and have a night to remember at any of the Big Island's top-rated luaus including the Royal Kona Luau, Island Breeze Luau, and more!
Complete your visit to the Big Island of Hawaii with an evening at a traditional Hawaiian luau. Some of the best luaus in Hawaii are located in Kona and Waikoloa on the Big Island, and each one offers a unique Hawaiian experience that you won't want to miss. Luaus provide an immersive experience that allows you to learn about Hawaiian culture and history, while also enjoying a mix of traditional hula dancing, fire knife performances, and live Hawaiian music with a Polynesian feast with dishes like Hawaiian pulled pork kalua pig, taro root poi, and fish poke. Choose from our carefully selected and highly rated Big Island luau options that range from a relaxed backyard-style luau, to grand ocean-front hotel resort luaus, and get ready for one of the best things to do on the Big Island!
An authentic Hawaiian luau is a traditional feast and celebration that got its name in 1819 by King Kamehameha II from a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro leaves, coconut milk, and either fish, chicken, or pork. This festive occasion has continued over the years, and is now used to celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations, family reunions, or as a way to bring the community together, and will normally feature a wide variety of food, music, and dance. The top Big Island luau strive to provide this feeling of celebration and aloha with some of the best luaus in Hawaii.
All of the Big Island luau offer amazing dinner menus that will often feature delicious local island favorites including Polynesian and Pan-Pacific cuisine, and you will want to bring your appetite since Big Island luaus often feature all you can eat buffets! If you get thirsty, sip on a rum-based Mai Tai as you watch the sunset, have a coconut and pineapple filled Pina Colada, or try some wine or beer from a local winery and brewery. There are also many non-alcoholic drinks like virgin Lava Flows, refreshing soft drinks, and tropical fruit juices.
Luau attendees will also enjoy some of the best performances at a Big Island luau show which will showcase the rich culture of Hawaii, including traditional Polynesian dances like the Hawaiian hula, Tahitian ori, and the thrilling Samoan fire knife dance. Local performers who have been dancing for years will tell stories with their hands and their hips, as they gracefully perform to the sound of the ukulele and Polynesian drums.
- Big Island luaus like the Island Breeze Luau, Marriott Big Island luau, and Outrigger Kona luau, are some of the most popular activities on the island, and it is highly recommended that you make your reservations two to four weeks in advance.
- Aloha shirts, Hawaiian-print dresses, and casual resort attire are the perfect things to wear to a luau. Flower hair clips and lauhala hats are perfect accessories to go with your outfit, and can be found in shops all around Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo.
- Most Big Island luaus are held in areas that that have sandy or grassy ground, and for your safety high heel shoes are not recommended.
- Many of the Kona and Waikoloa luaus offer pre-show Hawaiian and Polynesian activities, so you will want to show up on time or a little early so you can participate. Activities often include hula lessons, temporary tattoo art, playing Hawaiian instruments and dance implements, and more.
- Read over the different packages available at each luau since Big Island luau packages will have different prices, inclusions, and seating assignments.
- If you are celebrating a special occasion, let us know ahead of time and we will inform the luau. Depending on the luau, you could receive a small gift, get a shout out from the MC, and more.
- Guests with dietary restrictions should carefully go over menu details to make sure that there is food that you will be able to enjoy.
- If you are planning on having alcoholic beverages at the luau, consider booking a luau that is near where you are staying so you can easily utilize a taxi or rideshare service.
Although no Big Island luaus offer transportation, all of the luaus are located in areas that are easily accessible by car, or depending on where you are staying, by walking as well.
You should be aware of where your luau is located when booking so you can be aware of how long the travel time will be. For instance, the Kona luaus are approximately 15 to 20 minutes away from each other, but for guests staying in Waikoloa, it can be a 45 minute drive, or even a 2 hour drive for those in Hilo.
Q: What is the best Big Island luau?
A: The best luau on the Big Island will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a luau experience. Somethings that you may want to consider when choosing a luau on the Big Island include the location, the dinner menu, and the types of cultural activities and entertainment. Some might prefer a smaller backyard-style luau with a focus on Hawaiian culture and history, while others may prefer a more modern luau at a Big Island resort. Feel free to contact our Hawaii island specialists if you ever need any assistance in choosing your Big Island luau.
Q: What should I wear at a Big Island luau?
A: For a luau, many guests enjoy this opportunity to wear Hawaiian-themed or tropical attire. For men, this may mean an Aloha shirt or a loose, comfortable shirt paired with shorts or pants. For women, an Aloha-print dress or resort casual attire are great choices that showcase the Hawaiian feeling of Aloha. Also be aware that high-heeled shoes are not recommended since luaus are held in areas where you may walk on grass or sand. The most important thing is to be comfortable and to embrace the festive and relaxed atmosphere of the luau.
Q: Are luaus in Kona and Waikoloa on the Big Island wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all luaus on the Big Island are wheelchair accessible with ADA approved facilities. Depending on the luau, there could be certain areas inaccessible by wheelchair due to beach sand or uneven grassy surfaces.
Q: What happens if it rains at a luau on the Big Island of Hawaii?
A: Depending on the luau, the event will either be moved indoors, or will be cancelled depending on the severity of the storm. You will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund for any cancellations made by the luau activity provider.
Q: What performances will we see at a Big Island luau?
A: There are a number of traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian performances at a luau. These performances will normally include live music with ukulele and the steel guitar, Hawaiian hula dancing, the Tahitian ori, and a Samoan fire knife dancing.
Q: What kind of food is served at the luaus on the Big Island?
A: Luaus in Hawaii will often serve local island favorite foods that are a staple at any luau. These dishes include Hawaiian cuisine like kalua pork (Hawaiian-style pulled pork cooked in an imu, underground oven) and lomi lomi salmon (fish ceviche with sea salt, tomatoes and onions), as well as Pan-Pacific dishes including teriyaki chicken and steak, a variety of salads, and steamed white rice. Traditional Hawaiian food like poi (steamed and pounded taro) and baked ulu (breadfruit) can also be found on many luau menus.
Q: What drinks are served at a Big Island Luau?
A: Traditional drinks served at a luau in Hawaii include the rum based Mai Tai, colorful Blue Hawaiian, and fruity Pina Colada, as well as beer and other tropical cocktails. Non-alcoholic options such as the popular POG (passion fruit, orange and guava juice) and pineapple juice are staples at most luaus, and you can also order virgin cocktails like a Lava Flow.
Q: What do you do at Hawaiian luau parties?
A: Luaus will usually have activities featuring traditional Polynesian arts, crafts, and games. A number of Big Island luaus will also have a imu ceremony, where they will bring out a slow roasted pig from an underground oven. Big Island luaus will of course all showcase performances from the Polynesian islands of Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and Tahiti, and finish with a the breathtaking Samoan fire knife dance.
Q: Are there family-friendly Big Island luaus?
A: Yes! Luaus are some of the most family-friendly activities to do in Hawaii, and luaus in Kona and Waikoloa are great for all ages. Depending on the age of the children, you may want to choose luaus that offer kid-friendly menu items, cultural activities, and other options.
Q: What is the most affordable Big Island luau?
A: Each of the luaus on the Big Island offer different pricing and package options, so there will be something to suit every Hawaiian holiday budget.
Q: Are there Big Island luau ticket discounts?
A: Some luaus will offer specials and discount and they will be listed on each of the activity pages. HawaiiActivities.com also offers a variety of exclusive discounts and coupons that can be used for your luau on the Big Island.
Q: What is the average cost of a luau on the Big Island?
A: Big Island luaus cost range from approximately $90 for children, and up to $240 for adults.
