All Reviews for Luau, Shows & Entertainment

We booked a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center to watch hula dancing during dinner with our family of three. We departed Waikiki at 10:30 and arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center just after 11:30. On the bus, we were the only Japanese people among mostly foreign guests (from the mainland United States, Australia, China, South Korea, Russia, etc.). During the approximately one-hour bus ride, the local guide spoke continuously in English, and it was so fast that we could hardly understand anything. We managed to confirm the return bus time and parking lot number just barely. However, upon entering, a Japanese guide was assigned to us, and she kindly showed our family of three around the center for about five hours. Lucky us! She provided detailed guidance on the shows in each village, hula dancing, and greetings. I had heard that video and camera use was prohibited for the night show since last year, so it was disappointing, but after the show, we were able to take photos with the performers and safely returned to our hotel on the waiting bus. On the way there, my anxiety peaked, but the kind guide during the indoor tour at noon led us, and we were able to enjoy the final show, ending a fun day. I recommend the luau course. We also got to try samples of Samoan breadfruit and taro.

家族3人でポリネシア文化センターで夕食時フラダンスを見るルアウを申し込みました。10時半ワイキキを出発して11時半過ぎにポリネシアカルチャーセンターにつきました。バスに乗るとなんと日本人は私たち３人のみで、あとは外国の方ばかり(アメリカ本土、オーストラリア、中国、韓国、ロシアなど)でした。約1時間のバス内では、現地ガイドが英語でしゃべりっぱなし、しかも早口でほとんど聞き取れませんでした。帰りのバスの時間と駐車場ナンバーをかろうじて確認することができました。でも入園時日本人ガイドを案内してくれ私たち家族３人に一人の日本人ガイドがついて、店内を約5時間丁寧に案内してくれました。ラッキー！。各村のショー、フラダンス、挨拶言葉など詳細に案内していただきました。ナイトショーは昨年からビデオ、カメラ禁止と聞いていましたので残念でしたがショーが終わって出演者と写真を撮らせていただき、駐車場に待機しているバスに乗り無事ホテルに帰着できました。行のバスでは不安が最高に達し、12時からの店内ツワーは親切なガイドに案内され、最後にショーを見ることができ、楽しい1日を終わりました。ルアウコースは推薦します。サモアのパンの実とタロイモの試食も試みさせてもらいました。

I participated in a company trip with my colleagues. We also attended a cruising show, but unlike the audience participation shows, this one had a much more relaxed pace, and there were moments when I felt a bit sleepy just watching. Since we had premium seats, we were the first to eat, but the food was quite bland, so I didn't enjoy it much. I was left with the impression that the fruit was the most delicious part, which was disappointing. The climax of the fire dance was very impressive, but considering the food and the price, I can't say I was completely satisfied.

会社の旅行で同僚達と参加しました。
クルージングのショーにも参加しましたが客席参加のものとは異なり、かなりゆったりした進行で、ほとんどがショーを見だけで若干眠くなる場面もありました。
プレミアムシートだったので、食事は一番乗りで食べられたのですが、内容が大味すぎて今ひとつ食はすすみませんでした。フルーツが一番美味しかったような印象なのが残念に感じました。
クライマックスのファイアーダンスは見応え満点でしたが、食事、値段なども合わせると大満足とはいきませんでした。

It was a trip with three middle-aged men. Last time, we spent our time playing golf on a trip that was postponed for a year due to 9/11. This time, one of the companions, who is from a certain prestigious yacht club, expressed a desire to go sailing, so I searched online.

Fortunately, we managed to book the fireworks for Friday. We parked the rental car in the parking area and arrived at the yacht harbor in just three minutes on foot. While looking for the ticket booth, I found two Hawaiian girls at the far end inside the booth. When I asked them in my broken English, it turned out to be a lucky coincidence. I wish they had provided a bit more information in the instructions.

Before departure, I took a picture of the sunset. Other participants included only us Japanese and a newlywed couple. The rest were about twenty Americans. The explanations were in English and were quite brief.

We set sail and navigated around Waikiki and Kahala. The view from the sea was breathtaking. I had an unpleasant memory of being swept away while windsurfing off Kahala when I was younger. We spent time until the fireworks with beer and light snacks, which were quite nice. I was surprised by the strength of the Hawaiian girl crew when they raised the sails.

We went back and forth in the bay until the fireworks, and everyone was in a state of "Are the fireworks really going to happen?" Gradually, as they lowered the sails and we were just floating around, the fireworks went off with a bang. I expected Japanese fireworks, but the fireworks off the coast of Hawaii were quite impressive as well. The older Americans danced to the music.

It lasted about ten minutes. I highly recommend it. As stated, a windbreaker is essential. We, the middle-aged men, were satisfied and headed back home.

おっさん３人の旅行でした。
前回は９、１１で１年延期の旅行でゴルフ三昧で過ごしました。今回は同行者が某大ヨット部出身でヨットに乗りたいとの希望が有りネットで探しました。
運良く金曜日の花火を申し込みました。
レンタカーを駐車エリアに停め徒歩３分でヨットハーバーに到着。チケットブースを探していると一番端にハワイアンガール２名がブースの中に。
つたない英語で聞くとラッキーな事にビンゴでした。
もう少し説明書に書いてくれたらなー。と
出発前夕日をパチり。
参加者は日本人は我々の他新婚？カップルのみ。
あとはアメリカン２０名程度。
説明は英語でさっぱりでしたが。
出航しワイキキ、カハラ沖を航行。
海からの景色は絶景でした。
以前若からし頃カハラに宿泊しウィンドサーフィンでカハラ沖に流されたイヤーな思い出とともに。
花火まではビール、軽食で過ごしましたがなかなか
でした。
クルーのハワイアンガールがセールを張る時の力の有る事に驚き。
湾内を花火まで行ったり来たりで皆「本当にはなびがあがるのー」状態
徐々にセールを降ろしチャップチャップした頃花火がドーン。
日本の花火を期待したらですがハワイ沖での花火も
中々なもの。
老齢のアメリカンはミュウ一ジックにダンス。
時間的には１０分程か。
お勧めしますよ。
説明通りウインドブレイカーは必須ですよー。
我々オジンも満足して帰路へ。

A wonderful experience from start to finish.

From the moment you board, as a couple, family, or with friends, you truly
relax and unwind with fantastic crew, hospitality and the most amazing scenery you could possible wish for.

Certainly a must to do do whilst in Waikiki.

We bought tickets from the site in Australia and thought we were getting a "Sunset/fireworks cruise" however when we got there we were on a moonlight cruise. (Which is the one we wanted. I think your site needs to clarify the differnece in the two tours a bit better. The sunset cruise went out at 5.00 and the one we were on was 6.30. Having said that we were placed on the right one as we wanted to see the fireworks which were fantasic.
The staff were amazing and we had a very memorable time. I would highly recommend this activity to all but just get clarification as to what cruise you actually want to be on.
D&D, Melbourne Australia. October 2012

Since I attended alone, I chose the cocktail and show-only course. Everything was in English, but even as someone who doesn't usually listen to Western music, I recognized most of the songs, and rather than just impersonations, the entertainers were fantastic, so I enjoyed it until the end.

However, the more expensive course has seats on the first floor (I was on the second floor), where the stars come closer, and it feels like you're participating in the show. I thought I would like to choose that course next time.

Still, even with the cocktail-only course, I was able to take photos with the performers after the show.

一人での参加だったのでカクテル＆ショーのみのコースにしました。
全て英語でしたが、普段洋楽を聴かない私でも知っている曲ばかりだったし、モノマネと言うよりエンターティナーとして素晴らしかったので最後まで楽しめました。

でも高いコースの方が1階席で(私は2階でした)スターも近くに来てくれるし、ショーに参加してるような気分になれそう。
次回はそちらのコースにしたいと思いました。

でも、カクテルのみのコースでも終了後に出演者と一緒に写真を撮れました。

It was a long wait from when we entered until the show started, and since we went on the day of our arrival, I ended up feeling sleepy towards the end of the show. We had to go up in turns to get the food, but our seats were towards the back, so we had to wait quite a bit and had nothing to do in the meantime. It was a bit disappointing. However, we made some good memories.

入ってから、ショーが始まるまでが長く、到着日に行ったので、ショーの終わりの方は睡くなって、しまいました。
料理も順番に取りに行くのですが、私たちの席は最後の方だったので、かなり待たされ、ずっとする事もなくダラダラでした。
少し残念。
でもいい思い出ができました。

I attended on October 30th, and the weather was great that day, making me feel very rich.

I definitely want to participate again next time.

It's perfect for couples!

10月30日に参加しましたが、当日は天気も良くとってもリッチな気分になれました。

ぜひ、次回も参加したいと思います。

ｶｯﾌﾟﾙには最高～

I signed up for the deluxe package starting in the evening. There were many restrictions during the show, such as no photos allowed and needing to hurry back without stopping at the restroom, which made it a bit hectic. The return bus was going really fast, so my husband and I were quite anxious about it. The dance show was enjoyable, and the dessert ice cream was delicious.

I was glad I chose the deluxe meal. If I had only gone with the standard meal, there wouldn't have been much to eat. I think it's worth attending the show at least once.

The tour guide lady was very energetic. However, I got a bit tired of her saying that if we didn't cheerfully say "Aloha," she would make us do it again and again.

夕方からのデラックスで申し込みました。ショーの最中は写真NG、帰りはトイレに寄らず急いで戻るように等制約が多く、あわただしかったです。
帰りのバスは凄くスピードを出していたので、旦那と二人でハラハラしていました。
ダンスショーは楽しかったです。あとデザートのアイスも美味しかったです。

食事はデラックスにしておいて良かったと思いました。
スタンダードだけの食事だと食べられるものが少なかったので。
ショーに関しては一度は行った方が良いと思えるものでした。


案内人のおばさん。元気でしたとにかく。
でもアロハ―と元気に言わないと何度でもやると言われちょっとうんざりでした。

Good

I was picked up at noon, and we arrived at the hotel at 10:30 PM. I was physically exhausted, but the experience was quite enriching.

The dance performances on the boat were impressive, and the fire dance was also quite entertaining.

Among the activities, we made roses from thinly sliced bamboo. A kind staff member taught my 5-year-old daughter, and she created a beautiful rose. We are now displaying the roses we all made together at our entrance.

The meals were diverse and delicious.

The guide was very kind. However, I felt that this plan might be tough for those with young children in terms of time and physical stamina.

お昼に迎えに来て、ホテルに着いたのが夜１０時半でした。体力的にはぐったりでしたが、中身はなかなか内容が濃いものでした。
船の上で踊るダンスは見ごたえがありましたし、ファイヤーダンスもなかなか面白かったです。
中でも、竹？を薄く切ったもので、バラを作りました。５歳の娘に、お姉さんが優しく教えてくれて、素敵なバラが出来き、今我が家の玄関に全員で作ったバラを飾っています。
食事も種類が豊富で、美味しかったです。
案内のガイドさんは優しかったです。
ただ、幼児連れでのこのプランは、時間と体力的に辛いと思いました。

What an amazing experience!!!! I will be back :-)

I have been here before, so this was my second visit. Just as amazing as the first time I was there. The students who run the programs are so friendly and knowledgeable. The day is very busy, but so much fun. Definitely worth having the tour guide. The center is kept spotless and all of the shows are enjoyable. The best place to visit to learn about the culture you are visiting. Would visit here every time I am on the island. Great trip! Luau is fun and upbeat. The night show is the best!

Amazing sunset and smooth ride! Loved the net seat!

I felt the pleasant Hawaiian breeze, and the cruise was very enjoyable. On this day, the ship hardly swayed, making for a comfortable cruise. The cocktails served were also delicious. While listening to upbeat music, I was able to see a very beautiful sunset, which was the best part.

As for precautions, I think it was important to stay inside the red lines of the hammock once we were out at sea and to avoid sitting in the areas painted blue. I felt the cheerful spirit of the Americans. Bringing snacks along is also fun.

心地の良いハワイの風を感じながら、クルーズは、とっても気持ちよかったです。
この日は、船はほとんど揺れず快適なクルーズでした。出された、カクテルも美味しかったです。
乗りの良い音楽を聴きながら、とても美しい夕日をみることができて、最高でした。
注意事項は、恐らく沖に出たらハンモックの赤いラインの内側にいること、ブルーに塗ってある場所に座らないことだったと思います。
アメリカ人の方が底抜けの陽気さを感じました。
お菓子なんかを持って行くのも楽しいです。

We were greeted by a friendly lady that was identified by the sign she was holding with our names and she had a card with congratulations on our 50th anniversary. She took the time to take pictures of us with our leis and then was very hepful in directing us to the areafor taxi pickup. The leis were beautiful, fresh, made complely from flowers with no bead fillers, and lasted the week. I would highly recommend them.

This was a full day. Prepare to be exhausted by the end of it. BUT it was well worth it. We paid the extra to use our guide for the day (cousin Cissy) which for sure was the best plan since we would not have seen half of the exhibits and demonstrations that he took us to had we gone it alone. Well worth the extra expense. Cousin Cissy was the best guide - he was totally passionate for his culture and very knowledgeable. He genuinely cared that we saw the best of his people. A perfect day out which ended with an amazing show - a must to see. Our only compaint was the food - it was disappointing and bland. But plenty of it so we did not go hungry.

The Quintessential Hawaiian Experience

If you're looking for a pleasant, relaxing dinner on the water this is the option for you - I would highly recommend the the three star option - the slight price difference is worth it.

Although there are a lot of guests on board it's not loud nor do you have a feeling of being over crowded. The lobster is wonderful and they have staff that come and around crack the shell for you! you can get as messy as you want though once she's revealed the majority of the crayfish for you

Steak is a small serve but very satisfying and in between meals popping up to the top deck is fantastic - the Honolulu skyline is gorgeous and the fresh warm air simply wonderful - it's a great way to start or end any Hawaiian Vacation or celebrate a special occasion.

Mahalo Star of Honolulu Team!

This Catamaran outting was definitely worth the price for anyone. My wife and I enjoyed the staff courtesy during the whole trip. They provide all you can drink choices which was great during the beautiful sunset ride. They played nice music from beginning to end which was relaxing. The Sunset is beautiful from out in the water coasting along. I would definitely go on this ride again when visiting here.

This was my sixth trip to Hawaii, and I participated in a dinner show for the first time. While a similar show can be enjoyed at the Polynesian Cultural Center, I chose this one because my accommodation was at Hilton and I was traveling with my 5-year-old child, allowing us to enjoy it without wasting travel time.

When making the reservation, I debated between regular seating and the Golden Circle seats. I opted for the Golden Circle seats, hoping to arrive early and sit in the front row. As planned, we arrived early at the meeting point, maintained a good position during the move, and entered the venue ahead of time. However, the seat assigned to us by the staff was a somewhat awkward spot with a few people in front of us. Many front-row seats in the Golden Circle were available, but I believe they were reserved for group guests. Since we were a party of three, we ended up sharing a table with other smaller groups.

The venue had large square tables for eight set up on three sides of a big stage, with the closest tables to the stage designated as Golden Seats. The regular seats were located about two meters behind the Golden Seats, separated by an aisle. The seat at the very back of the Golden Seats was only about two meters different from the regular seats. Additionally, if you are an owner of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club, you could upgrade to the Golden Seats for free at the regular seat price. I ended up spending unnecessarily without knowing this.

In terms of cost performance, I would rate the regular seats three stars and the Golden Circle seats two stars. The luau itself was very good.

通算6回目のハワイで、初めてこのようなディナーショーに参加しました。
ポリネシアカルチャーセンターでも同じようなショーが楽しめますが、宿泊先がヒルトンだったのと、5歳になる子供が一緒のため、移動時間のロスなく楽しめるこちらにしました。

予約の際、普通席かゴールデンサークル席か迷いましたが、早めに行って最前列で観れれば、と思い、ゴールデンサークル席にしました。結果、予定通り早めに集合場所に行き、移動中も良い位置をキープし早めに会場入りできましたが、係りの方に案内された席は前に数名いる中途半端な席でした。他のゴールデンサークル席の最前列は沢山開いていたのに、団体客用に取っておく必要があるのだと思います。うちは３名参加だったので、他の少人数の参加者との相席になりました。

会場は四角い大きな舞台の３辺に８名掛けのテーブルが並べられ、舞台から一番近いテーブルがゴールデンシートになっていました。ゴールデンシートから２ｍほどの通路を挟んだ後方のテーブルが普通席です。ゴールデンシートの一番後ろの席になると、普通席と２ｍほどしか変わりません。
また、ヒルトン・グランド・バケーション・クラブのオーナーなら、普通席の料金でゴールデンシート席へ無料アップグレードできました。知らずに無駄な出費をしてしまいました。
コスパは普通席なら☆３つ、ゴールデンサークル席なら☆２つ。
ルアウ自体はとても良かったです。

Food was very good. Took the cruise on Friday and saw fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village which were spectacular. Also, took the city lights tour which was spectacular as well.

This was our 21st visit to the islands but the first for our grandsons fiance. The greeting was for her and it was everything we hoped for and more. We were very satisfied and she was estatic. Thank you for a wonderful experience once again.

The Lindhorsts

Everyone was nice almost to the creepy extreme if you are from NY or Chicago. Big BYU influence may have been the reason for the overly dressed female workers. Very child friendly environment. Would defiantly take a young family there.

I felt安心 with the Japanese-speaking staff. Additionally, snorkeling was a valuable experience, and I was lucky enough to see a sea turtle. What surprised me the most was how delicious the food served on the boat was when we were all hungry after snorkeling. Overall, it was a tour that was packed with value.

日本語スタッフで安心でした。また、シュノーケリングも貴重な体験で、ウミガメも運良く見れました。何より意外だったのが、シュノーケリング後のお腹ペコペコな時に出された船上での料理が凄く美味しかったです。全体的にボリューム満点なツアーでした。

The Polynesian Culture Center was a great experience. The representations of the countries were great. The canoe ride, the canoe parade, and the activities were very well done. Our guides, Hannah and Saydie were awesome. They really made our tour special, and were very informative. The HA fire show was amazing !

The only thing that was disappointing was the dinner. There wasn't much of a variety. I went back for seconds and there was barely any food left, and no fruit. It seemed that we were rushed throught dinner. I was very disappointed in what I thought would be an "authentic" luau.

The highlight of my trip to Hawaii was the Polynesian Cultural Center. The show was of a high standard and I was very satisfied; it made me want to see it again.

The staff (students) who picked us up had a somewhat amateurish charm, which was actually quite nice. I was torn between the standard and deluxe options, but I chose the deluxe. The activities, meal options, and seating for the show differ between standard and deluxe, so I recommend going with the deluxe.

During the day, the staff communicates in Japanese from the hotel pick-up to the departure for the Polynesian Cultural Center, allowing you to enjoy the activities, meals, and show with peace of mind.

今回のハワイで一番楽しみにしていたのが、ポリネシアン文化センター。
ショー内容は、レベルが高く大満足で、また観たくなる内容でした。

迎えのスタッフ（学生さん）は、素人ぽく逆に感じが良かったですね。
スタンダードとデラックスの選択で迷いましたが、デラックスを選択しました。スタンダードとデラックスでは、アクティビティ、食事内容、ショー座席までスタンダードと違うので、デラックスをお薦めします。

昼、近くのホテルでピックアップから、ポリネシアン文化センター出発までスタッフが日本語で対応してくれるので、安心してアクティビティ、食事、ショーを満喫できます。

I attended the Chief's luau with my husband, siblings/spouses, and my elderly parents. A great time was had by all....even got my parents (temporary) tattooed at the event! We enjoyed the pre-show activities and the food was delicious. Chief and his group of entertainers put on an excellent show. This was my first luau, but my siblings had been to others on previous visits and said Chief's luau was their favorite.

I participated in the VIP room plan with meals included. The impersonations were fantastic, aiming for perfection. However, it became boring. The time spent was excessively long. Starting with drink time in the green room, followed by waiting, and finally the show after finishing the meal. It was over five hours from the meeting time to when we were finally released. I was quite sleepy during the event, battling drowsiness. I felt bad being in the second row from the front... However, taking a commemorative photo with the impersonators was a nice memory. The food was surprisingly decent for the price. If you haven't seen it before, I think it's worth going, but the enjoyment may vary depending on your interest in the era and music.

食事付きVIPルームのプランで参加しました。
ものまね自体は完璧性を求めて素晴らしかったです。
ただ、飽きます。拘束されている時間が非常に長すぎる。
グリーンルームでのドリンクタイムから始まり、待機時間、食事を済ませてやっとのショー。集合時間から開放される時間まで5時間以上。
かなり、途中で睡魔が襲ってきて 睡魔との戦いでした。
前から2列目だったので、申し訳なかったのですが……。
ものまね芸人さんとの記念写真は思い出になっていいと思います。
食事も意外と、値段相応にそこそこいけます。
一度見たことがなければ、行くのもアリだとは思いますが、
年代と音楽に関しての関心度で、楽しさが変わると思います。

When staying at Hilton, I will take my children because they want to see the show, but I think the short stay is quite expensive. The dining arrangements vary depending on the price of the seats, so I recommend the more expensive seats. With the cheaper seats, it feels like the show starts just as you finish your meal. However, since it's a major show, I definitely recommend making a reservation in advance for those who want specific seats on their desired viewing date.

ヒルトンに宿泊すると子供が観賞したがるので連れて行きますが、ショートしてはかなり割高だと思います。
シートの値段によって食事への案内が変わるので、高い席がお勧めです。安い席だと食事を取り終える頃にはショーが始まってしまう感じです。
ただメジャーなショーなので希望の席を希望する観賞日でという方は是非事前に予約をお勧めします。

I ordered this for my 6 year old daughter, who it was her first vacation to Hawaii and on a plane. When we got off the plane we were greeted by a woman in a hawaiian dress holding a sign with my daughters name on it.. My daughter was SO excited! She loved her Lei which was perfect and not too big for her little neck. The flowers stayed beautiful during our week long vacation and my daughter loved them hanging off the lamp shade by our bed. An extra bonus was the lei greeter had 2 extra lei's and gave them to us at no charge so we got lei's for the whole family. I would reccomend this for any one who wants to start thier vacation out right!! My daughter loved it and I loved seeing her so happy!