All Reviews for Luau, Shows & Entertainment

I feel like overall this was a good experience. The original booking was cancelled due to weather, but they were great about rescheduling (or cancelling altogether if we wanted) since it was weather. We went with another couple and were glad that we did. However, we did this more as a surprise and didn't have as much info as we should have (like someone not being great on boats). Despite that it was a fun experience. Like many things, it is what you make of it. The food was fine and the drinks were apparently good (I can only speak for the ones I tried but I enjoyed them). Once you get out on the water you kind of have to make your own activities since you are on a boat and that's the whole point of the experience.

If you want to have an enjoyable time on a boat, its a great experience, but if you come hoping to be entertained or something then you will be disappointed. For the price its not terrible (with the rebate). Going with a positive mindset makes for a good time. Good company also helps.

A friend and I both took our ladies on a surprise sunset cruise with Makani Catamaran and it was fantastic. It was definitely one of those experiences that was so much fun time flew right by.

The great thing about this catamaran cruise is that you launch out of Kewalo Basin on a slip, not off of a beach like some Waikiki cruises. This means that if you want you can really dress however you like- shoes, jeans, dresses.

Once you get on the boat, you're introduced to the crew and they go through the obligatory house-keeping topics: Crew introductions, location of bathrooms, safety items, where you can go on the boat, etc. Then they go over how food and drinks work.

Food for us was a buffet of five items: Veggie/tofu wraps, rice, potatoes, shoyu(soy sauce) and ginger chicken- which was the best in my opinion, and beef stir fry. Each item had one tray's worth of food, which was easily enough to satisfy everyone on board, although I don't believe there were any left overs. I've read reviews stating the food was a little nicer than Panda's Express, and that seems like a very fair statement.

The cruise came with one free drink. On the boat non-alcoholic drinks are $2 and alcoholic drinks are $6, and the more alcoholic ones like Long Island Iced Teas are $8. You can buy a commemorative cup for $8 which holds about twice as much as the disposable cups you would get otherwise. Our bartender made good recommendations based on what flavors I told him we were looking for.

The best part is just being out at sea with the people you're with. Aside from the crew instructions at the beginning, it's very hands-off. You just wander around the ship enjoying your company and great views. Although it can get a little windy, it's quiet enough that you can converse at a normal volume easily. If you get cold you can spend a few minutes on the inside of the boat to warm up a bit.

If this is within your budget, I highly recommend it. It's simple, clean, and fun.

The Capt and crew made the experience so much fun! The water, the weather, the skyline- the drinks! Highly recommended the specialty of the boat. Again - can’t say enough about the crew - very personable and engaging!

I went sailing around Waikiki on the yacht Makani! I had been on several dinner cruises with the Star of Honolulu, but since it's a large ship, I didn't really feel like I was on the ocean. However, the Makani is much closer to the water, which gives you a real sense of being at sea. Once we got out a bit, it became a quiet and comfortable sailing experience.

Additionally, I had a surprise encounter with a whale! It was just a fleeting moment, so I couldn't capture it on camera, but it was truly moving to see it in such a setting. I definitely want to board again next time.

ヨットのマカニ号でワイキキ周辺をセーリングしました!
スターオブホノルルで何回かディナークルーズをしましたが、大型船なのでイマイチ海にいる気がしませんでしたが、マカニ号は海面とも近く、海にいる実感が湧きます。ある程度海に出た時点でヨット走行になるので静かで快適です。
さらにサプライズが、なんとクジラと遭遇しました。一瞬だったので、カメラに抑えられませんでしたが、こんな所でもっと感動しました。
また次回も乗船したいと思います。

The green room experience is a must do experience, especially for those that enjoy theater shows! The family all loved it and the opportunity to meet the stars of the show, talk with them and take pictures while sipping champagne and eating hors d’oeuvres was fun and insightful. Elvis was especially friendly and personable! The food was very good, especially the tender steak and creamy mashed potatoes. The Polynesian dancers were exciting to watch and the sword and fire welding dancer was amazing! A good mix of the Hawaiian culture with the feel of a rock concert that the whole family can appreciate and enjoy! We would definitely recommend it if you have not been before!

The Polynesian Cultural Centre consists of the villages of the various people from the surrounding islands of Polynesia. Each village had a presentation which gave an insight into their culture - family and community mindedness. One of the highlights was how to make fire by "rubbing together 2 sticks of wood". There is a lot to see and do so you may not have enough time to see all of the villages. The Luau was great - food, show, drinks (no alcohol though) however we were allocated the 4pm time slot (I suspect the more expensive packages allow you to eat later). Afterwards, the night show was spectacular. Unfortunately, we chose a day where the heavens opened up and continued to rain for the whole time. On a "feel good" note, the centre was set up to employ students from the surrounding Polynesian islands so the money raised helps them fund their education.

I was expecting a ship for about 100 people, but it turned out to be a boat for about 30 people. The food tasted good, but there were few options and it felt cheap for the price. Alcohol was unlimited up to two drinks, but for those who don't drink, it didn't matter. I was really disappointed that it was so different from what was advertised on the website.

100人程度の船と思っていると30人程度のボートでした。食事の味は良かったですが種類が少なく値段の割にチープです。アルコールも2杯までが、飲み放題となっていましたが、酒を飲まない人には関係無く、どこまでもホームページと違うのにはほんとガッカリです

We departed while there was still daylight and enjoyed the view of Diamond Head and the streets of Waikiki from the sea as the sunset transitioned into the night. It was a wonderful tour where I could enjoy various drinks like Mai Tais, beer, and champagne, creating great memories. The captain and staff were very friendly and accommodating, making me feel welcome even when I asked for refills multiple times. I have been to Hawaii more than ten times, and if I have the chance to go again, I would love to do this tour once more.

まだ、日のあるうちに出発して、夕日が沈む時から夜景まで海からダイヤモンドヘッドやワイキキの街並みを眺めつつ、マイタイやビール、シャンパンまで色々と楽しめて、とても良い思い出に残るツアーでした。
また、船長やスタッフの方もとても気さくで良い方で、お代わりを何度もしても気持ちよく接してくれて良かったです。
これまでハワイには１０回以上行ってますが、次回行くときがあればまた行きたいと思います。

Dinner was decent, but the show was fantastic! I definitely recommend you all to go! The kids were really happy!

夕飯はまずまずでしたが、ショーは最高でした！皆さんも是非行ってみてくださいね！子供はかなり喜んでいました！

You will wait for about 30 minutes at the meeting point. After taking a group photo with your boarding pass, you will board the boat. Since you will be wading in seawater up to your knees, please wear shorts or a skirt and bring a towel to dry your feet. The explanations will all be in English, but I think you'll manage even if you don't understand everything. It can get cold on the boat when the sun goes down, so it's good to have a proper jacket, especially for Japanese people. I found it tough in a thin shirt during the second half. The restroom is quite basic, so it's better to take care of that beforehand. It was a lot of fun to enjoy drinks and chat with people from various countries. I would like to participate again next time on a Friday.

集合場所で30分程待ちます。搭乗券名目でグループ毎に写真を撮ってから乗船。膝下まで海水に浸かるので、短パンやスカート着用、足を拭くタオル持参下さい。説明は全て英語ですが、出来なくても何とかなると思います。船上は日が陰ると寒いため、日本人的にはしっかりした上着があると良いです。薄手のシャツで後半辛かったです。お手洗いは簡素なものなので、事前に済ませておく方が良いかと思います。色々な国から来た人と飲みながら盛り上がり、とても楽しいひと時でした。次回は金曜に参加したいです。

My daughters and their families and I all went on the Mai Tai sunset cruise! The boat captain let my 13 year old “drive the boat” for a couple of minutes so we could get a picture! The Mai Tais and sodas for the young ones were unlimited. The sunset views were spectacular! Take this cruise! It’s great for all ages!!!

I have watched shows in Hawaii multiple times, but the show at the Polynesian Cultural Center was the best. It's not just a dance show; it has a story and is very moving. It's inconvenient because it's far from Waikiki, but I think it's worth visiting at least once.

ハワイで何回もショーを観ましたが、ポリネシア　カルチャーセンターのショーが一番でした。単なるダンスショーではなくストーリーがあり、感動的です。ワイキキから離れているため、不便ですが一度は訪れるべきだと思います。

We purchased the five star sunset dining and jazz. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxed. The staff was very polite and kind. The food ( 7 course) was magnificent! This was my second time for this cruise~ I will purchase another in the future

Even though it was the rainy season, it was pouring when we arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The buffet dinner in the hall featured thick slices of roast beef that were so juicy and delicious they almost overflowed from the plate! I was very satisfied with the other dishes as well.
As for the evening show, it couldn't quite compare to the Hilton Luau.

雨のシーズンとは云え、朝から雨の一日、ポリネシアン文化センターに
着いた頃には土砂降り。
ホールでのブッフェ・ディナー、給仕のスタッフに頼んで厚めに切って
もらった皿からはみ出しそうな分厚いローストビーフ、ジューシーで美味！！
他の料理も大満足でした。
イブニングショーは、ヒルトン　ルアウには敵わないか。

We love it! The crew are friendly and the performance was very interesting!! The food was stunning too!!! Love the lobster and the steak!! Thank you for this wonderful experience!!

I reserved a guaranteed seat in the front center, but today (the 24th), we were all together, and we had to line up for entry, ending up in seats at the end. However, the hula dance was significantly more wonderful and powerful than the dance I saw later at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, Star of Honolulu. The music and the emcee were truly American entertainers.

While I was dissatisfied with the seating, I was very satisfied overall, including the meal.

前方中央席確約で予約しましたが、今日（２４日）は、皆一緒とのこと、列に並ばされ、入場、端の席になってしまいましたが、フラダンスは、そのあと見たハワイアン文化センター、スターオブホノルルのダンスより格段にすばらしく、大迫力でした。音楽も、司会もアメリカのエンタテナーそのもの。
席は不満でしたが、食事も含め大満足でした。

I participated with my 3-year-old child. Even though I can't drink alcohol and this was my fifth time in Hawaii, I felt it was a shame I hadn't participated before because it was absolutely amazing. I didn't bring my camera because I was worried about getting it wet, but I don't think you'll get wet unless something really unusual happens. If you have a phone, there's a chance it could slip and fall into the ocean if you drop it, so I think a camera that you can hang around your neck is more practical.

3歳の子供と参加しました。
自分自身もアルコールは飲めない・ハワイは5回目でしたが、今まで参加しなかったのが勿体なかったと感じるほどに最高でした。
濡れるのを心配してカメラは持って行っていませんでしたが、よっぽどのことをしなければ濡れることはないと思います。携帯などの方が、万が一床に落とすとそのまま海に滑り落ちてしまうかもしれないので、首から下げるカメラの方が使い勝手はいいと思います。

Salmon we ordered could have been better. Dress code was not being implemented. Only few people followed the instructions.

The fireworks were smaller than I imagined and ended quickly. The Hawaiian food was delicious, but the crab was disappointing. I would have been satisfied with the cheapest course. Since it was December 22, it was cold, and I didn't want to go outside.

想像した以上に花火が小さくてすぐに終わる。
ハワイ料理は美味しかったがカニは残念。
1番安いコースなら満足出来た。
12月22日だったので寒くて外に出たくなくなる。

After enjoying a delicious dinner with crab and a buffet, we were thrilled by the dance show. The story was well-developed, and the quality was surprisingly high, making it a show definitely worth watching.

料理もカニとビュッフェで美味しいディナーを満喫したのち、大興奮のダンスショー。
ストーリーもしっかりしていて、クオリティーが予想以上に高く見る価値ありまくりのショーでした。

We attended this cruise on 2017/12/24 Christmas eve and it was a wonderful evening from start to finish.The star of Honolulu is an amazing evening from the coach "Royal Star" transferring us from the hotel to the ship and back with great care. Upon arrival, the 5 star guests were ushered to the boat and boarding was separate from others. A photo, drink and canapes were offered on the top deck. We were then shown our seats - private 2 person table along the window - and drinks were served. The menu was a 7 course meal with the Beef with Foie Gras being the highlight of the dinner! Tender and melts in your mouth. Overall the dinner is a 9/10. Wait service was amazing, very helpful, explained all courses and never stopped smiling. Drinks were well made and presented nicely.
The cruise it self takes you along Waikiki beach with some great views of Diamond Head and all of Waikiki. The ambiance the sunset creates is great for all couples and a very romantic backdrop to take photos and video.
Live entertainment was a nice touch, with a Jazz show. The singer had an amazing voice along with the pianist and sax player.
This is truly an amazing dinner evening with your spouse or partner.

My only disappointment with this cruise is the actual time to spend on the deck enjoying the ocean breeze. Dinner is served shortly after leaving the dock which having a course dinner is hard to get up and leave between each course. We did manage after the salad to leave for a few minutes. The waiter kindly waited to serve us the 4th course when we got back.

Overall this cruise is an amazing romantic and wonderful cruise for couples celebrating. Make sure to pay attention during dinner to get great photos of Waikiki, Diamond Head and sunsets.
Thank you to all the staff of #The Star of Honolulu for your professionalism making our experience a wonderful night.

I could only get the appetizer course on the upper deck due to it being fully booked, but I was fairly satisfied with the food and drinks. The view of Waikiki from the upper deck was pleasant, and overall, I was reasonably satisfied.

満席で上甲板でのアペタイザーコースしかとれなかったが、食事と飲み物もそこそこ満足。上甲板からのワイキキ風景は気持ちよく、それなりに満足。

The overall excitement of the venue and the interactions between guests created a great atmosphere. However, the location of the venue was a bit difficult to find, which caused some confusion.

会場全体の盛り上がり、客同士のふれあいなど、雰囲気つくりがうまかった。
会場の場所がわかりにくい場所にあるため、少しまごまごした。

Just awesome it was my friends birthday, and she loved it.

I participated in early December. Unfortunately, it was cloudy, so we couldn't enjoy the sunset sailing, but the night view of Honolulu from the sea was beautiful, and both the crew and passengers were cheerful, making for a fun time.

12月はじめに参加しました。
生憎の曇りで、サンセットセーリングとはいきませんでしたが、海上から見るホノルルの夜景は綺麗でしたし、クルーも乗船客も陽気で楽しい時間でした。

We had dinner first, and then the show started after we finished eating. I was very satisfied with both the meal and the show. I would like to go again if the show content changes.

先にご飯食べてから、食べ終わってからショーが始まる流れでした。
ご飯の内容、ショーの内容も非常に満足です。
またショーの内容が変わったら行ってみたいです。

Chief Rob was the best driver he was funny and kept everyone happy. The tour we learned so much the show Hai was so good I could not take my eyes off of it everyone needs to go to this

This was my third visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, but it was my husband's first time, so I was hoping for explanations in Japanese. I chose this tour because it also included visits to Hanauma Bay and the HITACHI tree in half a day. During the transfer, our guide, Kerina, shared a lot of local information about Hawaii, which was very enjoyable and informative.

Once we arrived at the cultural center, we were divided into small groups, and a Japanese-speaking university student guided us around the center. However, there wasn't much explanation, which was disappointing.

Additionally, I had signed up for a dinner course while watching the show, but due to a mistake by the guide, we missed it. I was surprised when I was told, "Please check for availability for the next session yourself. If there’s no availability, please return to the regular buffet." If it was a mistake, shouldn't they take responsibility to secure seats for the next session? I felt that the overall response was quite lax, considering it was a university student part-time job.

However, I am always overwhelmed by the shows at the cultural center! They are incredibly powerful and beautiful. Despite the issues during the tour, everything was forgiven after watching the show.

ポリネシ文化センターは私は3度目でしたが、主人が初めてだったので説明を日本語でしていただけるのを期待し、ついでに半日でハナウマベイやHITACHIの樹なども見れるこちらツアーを選びました。
移動中、ガイドのKerinaさんがハワイのローカルなことも含め、ずっとお話して下さり、とっても楽しく、ためになりました。
文化センターに着いてからは、少人数グループに分かれ、日本語を話す大学生が付いてセンター内を案内してくれたのですが、説明があまりなく…残念でした。
あと、ショーを見ながらのディナーのコースに申し込んでいたのですが、ガイドさんの手違いとかで逃し、「次の回に自分で言って空きを確認して下さい。空いてなければ通常のバフェに戻って入って下さい」と言われたのはビックリしました。ミスならば次の回で席を確保するまで責任を持つべきでは？大学生のバイトなので…といった感じで対応が全般的に甘いと思いました。
然しながら、文化センターでのショーには毎回圧倒されます！すごい迫力で、しかも美しいです。ツアー中、不備はありましたがショーを観た後はすべて帳消しになりました。

Observations:
- I thought the price was high for what was offered.
- The meeting place was hard to find.
- The food was at the level of school lunch menus.

気づき
・内容の割には料金が高いと思った。
・集合場所がわかりにくい。
・料理は学校給食メニューレベル。

When I arrived just before the reception time, there was already quite a long line. There are reserved seats, and since I ended up in the back, I recommend arriving earlier if you want to sit closer to the front. The buffet food was tastier than I expected. Guests are guided in order from the front. It was very impressive to see the sunset over the ocean from my seat before the show started. The show features modern hula, traditional hula, Polynesian dance, and fire dance. There is a scene in the middle of the show to celebrate birthdays and honeymoons, so it might be good to let them know in advance. I felt that the talk between the dances was a bit long, and there seemed to be less dance time. I can't compare it to other luau shows, though... All the dancers were very beautiful. The fire dance was the highlight and very powerful. Children up to 5 years old were free. Overall, I was quite satisfied.

受付時間ギリギリに行ったら、もうすでにかなりの列ができていました。リザーブ席などもあり、後ろの方の席になってしまったので、少しでも前のいい席で見たい方は、受付時間よりも前に並んだ方がいいです。ブッフェの食事は思ったよりは美味しかったです。前から順番に案内されます。ショーが始まる前に、席から海に沈む夕日が見れたのがとても印象的でした。ショーは現代フラや古典フラ、ポリネシアンダンスやファイヤーダンスが見れます。ショーの途中でバースデーやハネムーンの人たちをお祝いするシーンがあるので、伝えておくといいのかも？と思いました。ダンスとダンスの間のトークが長くて、ダンス時間が少ないような気がしました。他のルアウショーとくらべていないので比較はできませんが…
ダンサーさんはみなさんとてもきれいな方たちでした。ファイヤーダンスが一番の見もので大迫力でした。
5歳までの子供は無料でした。全体的には、概ね満足です。