All Reviews for Luau, Shows & Entertainment

The Smith family really made you feel like “Ohana”. They were very welcoming and embraced and welcomed each and every guest with a pooka lai; photo, tram tour, exhibition on how pig was prepared and cooking process; unlimited buffet style meal with authentic cultural entrees, desserts and “poi”; and evening entertainment.

We enjoyed all aspects of this luau and highly recommend it. The host was phenomenal, as were the dancers. And the food was incredibly tasty.

I highly recommend this cruise! This is the 2nd time we’ve done it and it is always a great time. The crew is awesome and the drinks are great. Watching the sunset from the katamaran is just gorgeous! Great price! Just do it!

The Chief was entertaining and the show was great. I always wanted to see a Luau. Highly recommend

We are meeting at 6:30, so I plan to enjoy the sunset before heading to the meeting point. After confirming the members who made the reservation, we will be guided to the yacht (sandals are the best choice). Once on board, the excitement builds. After a safety briefing, drinks will start. It seems you can drink as much as you want, so don't hold back. The atmosphere gets even more lively when the fireworks begin. There is no meal provided, so it's advisable to consider a restaurant for after disembarking.

18;30に集合との事で、その前にサンセット堪能してから集合地点に向かう。
予約したメンバー確認後は、ヨットまで引率してもらう。(サンダルがベスト)
乗船後はテンション上がる。セーフティ関連の説明後にドリンクスタート。ここは何杯でも飲めるようなので遠慮せずに飲むべし。花火が始まると一層盛り上がる。
食事はないので、下船後のレストランは事前に考慮すべし。

My kiddos had a blast, it was so worth it if you do have kiddos as Chief S really incorporates everyone in the crowd!

Great evening, very funny night and good food as well. Make sure to get there early as your seats depend on so!

Decided to try this luau after researching luau options on the big island, and unfortunately it fell short of expectations.
There are three main areas I judge in a luau, and I'll expand on each category for this place; location/setting, food/drinks, and entertainment.
First the location setting. Although located at the Fairmont orchid resort, a beautiful and well kept property, the luau itself was "makeshift" utilizing cheap plastic chairs and tables and placed between the golf course and tennis courts, over a mile away from the coast with no sunset or real ocean view. Most other luau's I've been to are more like restaurants with permanent structures set right on the coast.
I had read rave reviews about the food, and while it too fell short of expectations - it wasn't all bad. I'll definitely give it credit for a large selection and variety, but the food was overall "meh." The poke, fish, shrimp and chicken were good but the beef and pork were awful. There was no actual hog roast; the pulled pork they served was clearly not from a recently dug up roasted pig - and it tasted disgusting; this was the biggest let down as you expect amazing pulled pork when you goto a luau. They lacked variety in drinks, so not much to choose from in terms of wine (only "red" or "white") or beers (a few cheap varieties in cans, no IPAs), and the mixed drinks were also limited in ingredients (for example, they couldn't make me an old fashion), but they had the basics to make most decent cocktails. My biggest complaint with the drinks is that the line was long and clearly a bottleneck only having 2 bartenders making drinks for the entire group. Other luaus I'd attended always had the basic drinks ready to go so you could grab a basic drink at anytime if you wanted.
As for the entertainment; also very meh. Not a big production (again, due to the "makeshift" nature of this luau), but it contained all the basic elements to not fall completely short.

The Dole farm and factory were a lot of fun. The ocean was beautiful as well. For lunch, a sandwich lunch box was provided. No Japanese guidebook was handed out. However, at the Dole plantation, there was a staff member who spoke Japanese and explained important parts in Japanese (it might have been a coincidence). Additionally, the guide could speak some Japanese, so there were times when they communicated using Japanese words. During the transfers, the guide explained various things about Hawaii in English. Unfortunately, I couldn't understand most of the explanations, but I still enjoyed each of the places we visited.

ドールの農場も工場もとても楽しかったです．海もきれいでした．お昼はサンドイッチのランチBOXが配布されました．
日本語の案内書は渡されませんでした．しかし，（偶然かもしれませんが）ドール農園では，日本語を話せるスタッフの方が同行してくださり，重要な部分を日本語で説明してくださいました．また，ガイドさんも多少日本語が話せる方でしたので，日本語の単語でコミュニケーションを取ってくださることもありました．
移動中はガイドさんが，英語でハワイの様々なことを説明してくださいます．
残念ながら，私はその解説の大半を理解することができませんでしたが，それでもそれぞれの訪問地を十分楽しむことができました．

There are many fireworks tours to choose from, and I was unsure, but it was the right choice! We gathered at the Outrigger, which was easy to find. There was a bit of wind, but the night sailing was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks, the full moon, and the night view of Hawaii. Thank you very much! ♪

花火ツアーはいくつもあって、悩みましたが、正解！です。アウトリガーに集合で、わかりやすく、ちょっと風はありましたが、夜のセーリング最高でした！花火に満月にハワイの夜景を満喫できました。ありがとうございました♪

Highly recommend this evening out . The captain and his first mate are absolutely professional and also a lot of fun. We felt very looked after and safe on the adventure . The wind was pretty rough and the sea was the same but they did an excellent job ensuring our safety and comfort.

Cheers to the crew and the sunset experience.

Would recommend to anyone .
Thank you

Impressive entertainment, great service, a fun experience!

The weather could have been better but we made the most of it.
The cruise had free flowing drinks and staff were great fun.

Aloha!
There is nothing left to say other than the Chief and his team made the luau experience magical on the date of my wife’s 50th birthday. We were right up front and the entertainment from park entrance to finale did not disappoint. Well organized and timed to an almost military precision the multiple events were educational, mystifying and steeped in traditions that we were taught throughout the performance through music dance and some well timed humour. Food was amazing.
This is 5/5 and a MUST DO on a visit to Oahu.
Thanks again
Mahalo

Had an idea, but kept expecations low. It was an unique experience in doing some agriculture work on hawaii land. Something i truly never can replicate from where i am from. Great time as a date.

It was interesting to say, enjoyed the environment and the food. Was with my girlfriend and she loved it. Was at a table on the edge to the starboard side. What topped it all was doing it on the night of the fireworks! Would do again.

When I think of a Luau, I think of the movie with Adam Sandlin, Jennifer Aniston, and Nicole Kidman in Just Go With It - in Maui.

The Luau we attended here was different than my expectations. The arboretum on the property was beautiful and full of a variety of plants, trees, animals, and some sea life.

The buffet style food approach was ok, but nothing exceptional unfortunately.

After dinner, there was a show to reflect the Hawaiian history and culture through dance, which culminated in a one-man fire stick show.

Again, all okay. Probably the coolest thing to me was the fact that it's a family business of more than 5 generations. Hats off to them!

This was my third and final visit to the PCC over a period of thirty years . Unfortunately I was not feeling well on the day with a head cold . But I did manage to do all I wanted to.The film was great as also was the evening show
I will continue to have happy memories of my visits .You continue to provide the best

What an amazing time! We got picked up a minute away from our hotel and the bus driver even shared some Oahu history during the ride! We opted for the five star dinner and it was incredible. We felt like VIPs! Incredible food, the BEST steak I have ever had and delicious champagne. Live Jazz music on our deck and stunning views. Definitely going to do it again next time we visit! I recommend bringing a jacket as it can get pretty windy on the outside deck and indoors is air-conditioned.

Best experience EVER!!!! The music was amazing, the drinks were good, and the boat was spacious!

The crew was nice. The cost was to include 3 Mai Tais. Whatever they served us was not Mai Tais. They didn’t look or taste like Mai Tais, no juices or dark rum.
We had fun but they need to improve the drinks and actually provide Mai Tais not something they concocted with white rum
And ginger ale. What we got was not what we paid for.

Hello everybody,

Let me share our experience (honeymooners) on the 5 Stars Course of that Dinner Cruise with you.

In terms of hospitality, starting from the pick-up crew, to the captains and waitress (many thanks to lovely Jordan), it was just great.

We had an super easy pick up with a bus, where everyone received a sticker depending on the course they’ve booked and then took around 15-30 minutes to get the harbor.

Everyone had a warm welcome with local dance and music in front of the boat while boarding. Once we have taken our seats, we were welcomed with nice champagne and some cheese and ham plate with crackers.

In terms of the food in that day, it was simply amazing and tasty. ESPECIALLY the served meat. Whoever cooked that: genius!

Anyhow, besides food and drinks we got the chance to explore the boat between the food breaks. We had an amazing view on Waikiki/Diamond Head/other boats, even though it was cloudy. It was still very enjoyable. And also we had the great luck to see whales! That was the cherry on top.

Well, besides all of that going on, we had live entertainment (pianist, some Saxophon and some singer - all just awesome). They’ll also take a picture of you, so for 30$ you can purchase them.
In the end, everyone with some special occasion was asked to dance in the middle of the room, which was pretty romantic.


Overall, it was really worth it.

Minus points for:
- photo only available as data file for another 20$ (why?!)
- pretty chilly inside the boat (but guess this depends on the season)


Overall, just great! Would love to board once more in the future.
Thanks everyone!

This activity is so much fun! Round trip it took about 2 hours from getting on to getting off the boat, so it's perfect if you're looking for a quick boat ride while in Waikiki. The fireworks show were great and the perfect start or ending to a Friday night. The crew we had was amazing - very quick bar service, very stiff drinks, and they were the most helpful and fun! You can tell I was having a good time by the attached photo lol. FYI you will get a bit wet if you choose to sit on the catamaran's net seating at the front, but the boat is very comfortable and everyone had a good view from anywhere they were seated while the fireworks were going on. Also FYI they don't let the sails down during this night boat trip. Definitely recommend for just an easygoing and cool experience.

I purchased the Rock-A-Hula Luau Dinner with Green Room VIP Package as part of an early Valentines trip to the Island of Oahu. We are a couple who have been to each of the main Hawaiian Islands and look for unique experiences each place we travel. We have participated in other Luau's in Hawaii and similar other events in other places we have traveled. Upon arrival we were greeted with flower lei's. Then had Champagne and appetizers in the Green Room which had furnishings from Elvis's home. Cameron the manager who gave us the tour was very informative and could tell he had a passion for the production and the crew. The entire staff was very friendly and welcoming and during dinner came around and performed various songs, dances, and even did a "Hula Lesson" for anyone who wanted to participate. The food and drinks were very good as well. Following Dinner we went back to the main theatre for the show which was a good blend of history and entertainment. We appreciated the screens showing the history and how it coordinated with the entertainment on stage. Overall the Green room/Backstage tour experience was very good and we are glad to have opted for this option but also would recommend just the dinner and show experience.

The staff & crew aboard boat were amazing! All the good vibes & energy were there from the moment we walked up to departure. Drinks were flowing, DJ was playing great tunes, opportunity for amazing photos & videos, and ability to take advantage of all parts of the boat. There were other boats full of people looking at ours that were jealous because of how much fun we all were having!! Highly recommend & would book again when we travel back to Hawaii….10/10!!!!!

This time, since it was my first visit to Hawaii in a while, I booked a dinner cruise for the last day. We were guided to the fourth floor, which featured a gorgeous space and a spacious deck. You can immediately tell it’s a special setting. The sunset view across the sea from the window, combined with the magical beauty of the sunset, creates the perfect location. I didn't have high expectations for the food, but everything was delicious with delicate seasoning. By the time we reached the main course, I was usually quite full, and even if they served a steak with an overly marbled texture at that point, I could only manage a bite. However, the steak had a good balance of texture, which I personally rated highly. There was piano music, saxophone, and live jazz singing, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that matched the dress code. The captain greeted each guest, and the staff's attentive service was refined. Since I participated with my spouse, I imagined how wonderful it would be to spend this special time with all our children as well. I definitely want to participate again. T.K

I have participated in sunset cruises several times, but this was my first sunset cruise on the Honolulu. Perhaps because it was a weekday, all the middle seats were empty, and we were seated by the window with a view. The atmosphere was very nice, and the guests, wearing bright red dresses, added a touch of elegance to the space. The course meal included an appetizer of assorted cheeses, a salad (with lobster), a sorbet in between, thick-cut roast beef with truffle mashed potatoes, cheesecake, and coffee. Everything was truly delicious, and I could really feel the quality of 5A. With live performances, it was a dinner cruise that left me completely satisfied. S.K

今回は久しぶりのハワイという事で、最終日にディナークルーズを予約。
4階部分に案内され、ゴージャスな空間と、広めのデッキ。
特別な空間とすぐにわかります。
窓から見れる海を挟んでの夕景は、日の入り時の幻想的な美しさと合わさって、最高のロケーションに。
食事はあまり期待していませんでしたが、繊細さを持つ味付けでどれも美味しい。
メイン料理に辿り着く頃、大抵満腹近くなり、そのタイミングで霜降り過ぎる肉質のステーキなど出されても到底一口しか食べれないが、バランスの良い肉質のステーキで、個人的には◎。
ピアノ演奏、サックス、ジャスの生歌があり、ドレスコードに合った演出に、非日常感があります。
キャプテンが一人一人に挨拶され、スタッフの方の丁寧なもてなしも洗練されたものがあります。
今回夫婦で参加したため、子供たちもみんな連れてこの特別な時間を過ごせたらと想像した程素晴らしい時間を過ごす事が出来ました。
是非また参加したいです。
T.K

サンセットクルーズは何度か参加しましたが、
ホノルル号でのサンセットクルーズははじめてでした。
平日という事もあってか、真ん中の席は全て空いていて、景色が見える窓際に案内されました。
雰囲気もとても良く、来てるお客さまも真っ赤なドレスなど一流の雰囲気を醸し出され、空間に華を添えています。
コース料理も前菜チーズ盛合わせ、サラダ（ロブスター付き）、一度シャーベットを挟み、
厚切りローストビーフにトリュフ入りマッシュポテト、チーズケーキとコーヒーでした。
どれも本当に美味しくて流石5Aだなと感じました。
生演奏ライブもあって大満足のディナークルーズでした。
S.K

It was a senior trip with three friends, and we were blessed with great weather; the sunset and location were perfect. I was able to listen to Hawaiian music live for the first time in a while, and I had a wonderful time enjoying the elegant dance and meal. Recently, it seems like luau shows have been focusing mainly on hula and fire dancing, so I was really happy to hear Hawaiian songs live. If I get the chance again, I plan to visit.

友人3人のシニア旅でしたが、天気にも恵まれて、夕陽もロケーションも最高でした。
久々にハワイアンを生歌で聞く事ができ、優美な舞と食事に満足した時間を過ごせました。
最近のルアウ・ショーはフラ＆ファイヤーダンスだけに重きをおいている感じがしていたので、ライブでのハワイアン・ソングは嬉しかったです。
またチャンスがあれば、訪れようと思います。

The event began on time with a glass of champagne. I must admit that the food was better than expected. The staff waited to serve each course until we were at the table, as we often went out to take air between courses and take pictures. Would recommend to anyone looking for a short dinner cruise with romantic/relaxing ambiance.

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

Nova Five Star package should be renamed to, 'Ten Star.' The reason being this package was over the top elegant, professional, and accommodating. Each table had their own charcuterie board, which was perfect snack to get the evening started.

The meal was served in an order that was so unique. I had never had sorbet in the middle of a meal, and I'm still dreaming of the texture and flavor. The presentation/ quality of food was very impressive. Each course amazed me more and more!

The music throughout the meal was so relaxing, and set the mood for a delightful evening. If you are looking for an intimate evening with your loved one, this is the package for you!

Mahalo to SOH for going the extra mile to create a magical space!

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

We did the dinner cruise with the Nova Five Star on the 4th deck of the boat and it was a treat and we really had a great time. Their table set up at the Super Nova Room was so beautiful, clean, so organized, and elegant! We had our own private table seating next to the window and we enjoyed the night view even without having to explore the boat.

We thoroughly enjoyed the delicious dinner. The steak was exceptionally tender, and the fresh fruit sorbet was our favorite. The servers provided excellent service as well, and the entertainment complemented the rainy weather, creating a more relaxing atmosphere.

Anyone looking for a romantic celebration on Valentine's Day, Anniversary, or any special occasion, the NOVA Five Star aboard the Star of Honolulu is an ideal choice.

For those seeking for a smaller crowd and more privacy, I would recommend booking the Nova Five Star cruise on Thursdays as it is not as busy as on the weekends.