All Reviews for Dinner Experiences in Oahu

On July 19th, during our trip to Hawaii, my family and I (a party of 12) attended the Waikiki Luau with All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, Fire Dance & Rock-A-Hula. Unfortunately, it was one of the most disappointing experiences of our trip.

From the start, the event felt more like a tourist trap than a cultural celebration. The performers wore plastic grass skirts and danced on astroturf, which cheapened the experience and made it feel like a stylized imitation rather than a tribute to Hawaiian tradition.

The buffet was just as underwhelming. The meats were dry and chewy, and several of us left our meals half-eaten. We all ended up searching for food elsewhere after the show.

When purchasing tickets, we noted that they included premier seating for the show—something we specifically chose so the younger members of our group could engage and see the performance clearly. However, we were seated near the back with no explanation. The seating appeared entirely random, and there was no effort to honor the premier designation.

The show itself was bizarre. It was supposedly a journey through Hawaiian music and culture, but the execution was confusing. While we expected an Elvis tribute, it felt like a full concert with song after song. Then came a Michael Jackson impersonator performing Thriller and several other full-length songs. We learned during the show that he once performed at Aloha Stadium, but the connection felt forced and irrelevant. A few of us dozed off, while others sat in disbelief trying to make sense of it.

The performance dragged on far too long. With a tighter runtime and focus on authentic Hawaiian culture, it could have been enjoyable. The fire dancer was the highlight, but came too late to redeem the evening.

Overall, this luau was inauthentic, overpriced, and not worth it. We wouldn’t recommend it.

We did several activities in Hawaii but if I had to choose one as my favorite, it would be this one. You get to do a little bit of everything, it’s like the whole Hawaii experience. This is great family tour. I loved it so much! Plus the buffet dinner is included which was amazing! The night show for me was the best part. I can’t describe how much I loved it!

They put a lei around my neck and took photos for me! After a delicious meal, the hula show started, and I really felt like I was in Hawaii. I was taught a simple hula dance and was able to participate as well. It became a wonderful memory.

レイを首にかけてくれて、写真も撮ってくれました！！
美味しい食事の後、フラショーが始まり「ああ、ハワイに来たんだな～」と実感しました。
簡単なフラダンスを教えていただき参加もさせて頂きました。
とても良い思い出になりました。

Starting with Hawaiian music and dance from the 1920s, and moving through the historic concerts in Hawaii featuring Elvis in the 1950s and 60s, and Michael Jackson in the 1980s and 90s, you can enjoy a performance filled with song and dance. After the show, you can interact with the performers and take commemorative photos. The two lead roles may be played by different artists than those shown in promotional photos, as they are likely double or triple cast. I believe even those who are not familiar with that era will find it enjoyable.

1920年代のハワイ音楽とダンスから始まり、1950〜60年代のプレスリー、1980〜1990年代のマイケルジャクソンと、ハワイで歴史的なコンサートを行なった事実をベースに歌とダンスで楽しめます。ショー終了後は出演者たちとの触れ合いや記念写真が撮れます。主演の2人はダブルキャストかトリプルキャストだと思うので宣伝の写真とは違うArtistが出演する場合があります。当時を知らない世代の方でも楽しめると思います。

The seating is way to close they are cramming as many people as they can on the boat . The food was not good the meat was not appetizing looking or tasting . The view from the top deck is nice but they really really need to work on the food if they are going to charge you so much we had to get food after still because we couldn’t eat the food from the buffet

Dinner was delicious with a good variety of Hawaiian favorite dishes. We had rear seating, but still had a clear view of the stage and all the action!

The performers at Mauka were truly amazing—especially the thrilling fire knife finale!!

The buffet had a decent selection with carved roast beef, chicken, and sides. It’s not a luxury gourmet meal, but for the price it was solid and filling.

The fireworks we paid for were only 4 minutes long. The food was alright. The staff was friendly.

I had experienced Rock Aloha once before the pandemic, but I wanted to experience it again, so I participated. Even the second time, I had a great time. Both Elvis and Michael Jackson were a lot of fun, and the Hawaiian atmosphere was really nice. I plan to come back to see it again.

ロックアフラは、コロナ前に一度体験済みでしたが、今一度体感したく、参加しました。二度目でも、大変楽しく参加出来ました。プレスリーもマイケルジャクソンもとても楽しかったし、ハワイアンの雰囲気もとても良かったです。また見に来ようと思っております。

This is perfect for those riding a horse for the first time. Children as young as two can ride, so I think it's safe for small kids. The horses are all gentle, but if you are experienced, it might feel a bit lacking.

初めて馬を乗る方にはピッタリです。2歳から乗れるし、小さい子供も心配ないと思います。ことなしい馬ばかりで、もし経験者であれば少し物足りないかもです。

Loved visiting each village and getting to learn about the unique traditions they hold! Fabulous put on.

I was surprised by the aesthetics, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, the quality of the performances, the abundance and taste of the food!

the Polynesian show was lively and engaging with great music and dance, my favorite part of the evening by far!

An amazing full-day experience - the island villages were interactive and educational, dinner at the Gateway Buffet was solid

The show was spectacular! The dancers were powerful, the storytelling was rich, and the fire knife performance was jaw-dropping.

We did the Royal Package with front row seating, and it was worth every penny. From the moment we arrived through the end of the show, the energy was amazing

Not suitable for families with children. That's why I give it ⭐️3. It might be good for those who like Elvis and Michael Jackson. I don't think the show would fit well for families with kids or for younger people who aren't familiar with those two. Given the timing, the kids were asleep the whole time. The live music and singing were very good.

子連れには向かない。という事での⭐️3です。
エルビス、マイケルジャクソンがお好きな方には良いかも。子連れや上記の2人をあまり知らない若い方にはあまりフィットしないと思われるショーでした。時間帯的にも子供は終始爆睡でした。生音と生歌なのはとても良かったです。

We were the last table to get the food, while many trays already empty and no deserts. When we wanted to have more food in second round, all trays were removed. We pay the same amount of money but we didn’t receive the equal service. Such a bad experience.

The show has a storyline and is very impressive. It is available in English. Even if you’re not a VIP, you can get good seats if you line up early! The food is a buffet, and you can eat a lot. Having meals included is a plus. This show is a must-see!!

showがストーリーになっていてとても見応えたっぷりです。英語対応です。VIPでなくても早めに並べば良い席をゲットできるのでは！？食事もバイキングで沢山食べれます。お食事付きが◎。このshowは必見！！

Dinner tasted great. Portions were on the small side. Firework show was good, but everyone crowded to one side and it was harder to find a space to look. Lots of people, but still romantic.

We come back often from California and always have a luau at the Hilton . It’s fun, great story telling. Great performances and food! Highly recommend

We enjoyed the dinner and of course the main Show ..we definitely will come back again.

We were staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. I would look down from our room and see the small area the luau was being performed in. I was skeptical because any luaus we had previously been to were done in large areas. We were all pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the staff were! The show itself was very well done and the acts were both beautiful and memorable. The setting was small and intimate. There were 9 of us total and we were all very pleased! Music and singing were great!

Food was great
Staff was courteous helpful very professional
The entertainment was awesome
The view was breathtaking
Thank you

First of all, Mason Captain's Japanese is incredibly good! I was surprised at how well he speaks, to the point where I thought he might be better than some Japanese people, as he learned it by ear.

We were the only Japanese people there, but he provided translations for all the announcements without slowing down the tempo, keeping everyone engaged. He is truly amazing.

The clientele was also great; there were elderly gentlemen and ladies who surprised me by snorkeling down to about 5 meters deep. Additionally, they opened the restrooms that were only for park members for us when we urgently needed them, which was very kind of them.

Before COVID, it seems that about 30-40% of the guests were Japanese, but after COVID, it appears that hardly any Japanese people have returned. However, even for those who are not good at English, there is really no trouble at all, and the food was delicious. It was the best activity, so I really hope everyone gets to experience it!

To Mason,
Wishing you and your fiancée happiness!
Thank you!

まず、メイソンキャプテンの日本語がめちゃくちゃ上手い！
耳で覚えたとのことですが、日本人より上手いんじゃないか、ってくらいのレベルでびっくりしちゃいました。

日本人は僕らだけでしたが、全部のアナウンスに和訳も添えてくれて、なのにテンポ落とさずに全員を盛り上げていて、本当にすごい人です。

客層も良く、高齢の殿方とご婦人もいらっしゃいましたが皆さんシュノーケルで5mくらいある底まで潜っていらっしゃったりしてびっくりしました。
あとパークメンバーオンリーのお手洗いを急を要していた我々のために開けてくれたりして、素敵な方々でした。

コロナ前までは3-4割は日本人のお客さんだったそうですが、アフターコロナはほとんど日本人が戻ってきてないそうです。
ただ、英語苦手な方でも本当に全く困らないし、ご飯も美味しくて最高のアクティビティだったので、是非みんな行ってみて欲しいです！

toメイソンさん
婚約者の方とお幸せに！
ありがとうございました！

Since I am learning hula dancing, watching an authentic hula show was very informative and I had a wonderful time. It was a highly satisfying event.

フラダンスを習っているので、本場のフラのショーを観てとても参考にもなりましたし、
楽しいひとときを過ごさせていただきました
大満足のイベントでした

Whole family enjoyed this experience. Small crowd so made it even more enjoyable. Food, alcohol drinks, drinks for the kids, food, watching the sunset out at sea, and the fireworks. The crew were welcoming and friendly, glad we made this part of our trip.

What a fantastic Luau! The emcee had the audience participating, laughing & entertained. The dancers and the music was outstanding! Food and drinks were simply yummy!

We purchased this event with no expectations good or bad, After a terrific meal and such a variety of good food next came a amazing show well choreographed and just plain goodtime for everyone in attendance
100% We will be back