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Planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii? You’re in the right place!
Attending a traditional Hawaiian luau is one of those must-do experiences while you’re here. It’s the perfect mix of culture, food, and entertainment, and Oahu has some incredible luaus to choose from. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which one is actually worth your time and money.
We’ve attended quite a few luaus on Oahu over the years, and we can tell you that the right one makes a huge difference. Low-quality experiences really aren’t that much fun, so we’ve narrowed down our three favorite options to ensure that you have the best evening on Oahu.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The luau we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE luau is the Mauka Warriors Luau! We were impressed from the start with easy transport from Waikiki, pre-show activities like cooking demos, Polynesian tattoos, and hula lessons, and an amazing buffet dinner. Then we were treated to a showcase of Polynesia’s history with the best hula and fire dancers we’ve ever seen!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Why attend a luau on Oahu?
- 3 Best Hawaiian Luaus on Oahu
- When should I book my luau?
- Do luaus include transportation from Honolulu or Waikiki?
- Are there luaus in Honolulu/Waikiki?
- Should you book a luau on Oahu?
- Top Activities to do While on Oahu
- Where to Stay on Oahu
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Why attend a luau on Oahu?
A luau is a quintessential part of Hawaiian culture, so experiencing one of these iconic celebrations is a must. And as a popular tourist destination, Oahu has more luaus to choose from than any other island! Here, they tend to be well-produced, theatrical affairs with lots of drama and flair, so if you want the wow factor, you’re in the right place.
Attending a luau is not just about having a good time. You’ll get to learn about Hawaii’s history through super-skilled dance performances, often involving hula and fire. We’ve also had the chance to watch cultural activities like weaving headbands, traditional cooking in an underground oven, and Polynesian tattoos. It’s fun for all ages!
And don’t forget about the food! Dinner is usually served buffet-style, so you can try tons of different dishes and find your favorites. You’ll almost always find kalua pork, poi, grilled pineapple, as well as chicken and fish dishes. And don’t forget about dessert, which typically features coconut and or pineapple – yum!
3 Best Hawaiian Luaus on Oahu
1. Mauka Warriors Luau
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Hands-on cultural activities like lei making, Polynesian temporary tattoos, and hula lessons, traditional Hawaiian buffet featuring kalua pork and island favorites, immersive Polynesian show with hula, haka, and fire dancing, hosted outdoor luau experience with storytelling and live music
- Inclusions: All-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet dinner, cultural activities before the show, live Polynesian performance, optional round-trip transportation from Waikiki, welcome lei greeting
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’ve attended several luaus on Oahu over the years, and the Mauka Warriors Luau firmly remains our top pick. It’s the best luau we have been to anywhere in Hawaii because it just felt so immersive and interactive.
You can opt to include transport from Waikiki, which is what we did to make life nice and easy. On the bus there, our guide even taught us a few Hawaiian words and kept us entertained for the drive!
Then, when we arrived, we got to participate in lots of cultural activities before dinner. It was so much fun walking around and trying different experiences! We got hand-painted Polynesian tattoos, learned how to weave coconut leaf headbands, and watched the traditional cooking demonstration in an underground oven. This is what really set this experience apart for me, and I think it’s such a great choice for families.
The buffet was also excellent – and I’m not always a buffet fan! But the real standout was definitely the show itself. The performances were incredible, with world-class dancing and storytelling. This was the best fire dancing I’ve ever seen, and my jaw was on the floor when the performers set fire to the ground!
Seriously, we cannot recommend this luau experience enough. It really does check all of the boxes, and the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews definitely back us up on this.
Book our FAVORITE Hawaiian luau here, before it sells out!
Related Read: Curious how we fit this luau into our trip? Our 5-Day Honolulu Itinerary covers all the highlights – with this luau planned for Day 2!
2. Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
- Time: 12:30 pm or 5 pm
- Highlights: Luau set in beautiful Waimea Valley on the North Shore, free admission to explore the botanical gardens and Waimea Falls before the show, opportunity to swim at the waterfall, traditional Hawaiian plated dinner, Polynesian dance performances including fire knife dancing
- Inclusions: Admission to Waimea Valley and waterfall, Hawaiian meal, Polynesian cultural show, lei greeting
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you haven’t had a chance to explore the beautiful Waimea Valley, then the Toa Luau might prove to be the perfect one for you! Instead of being held at a hotel or event space, this luau takes place in one of the most beautiful spots on the island, right in Waimea Valley on the famous North Shore.
What we love about this luau is that your ticket includes free admission to the valley before the luau begins. If you book this one, we highly recommend arriving early and turning this into a full day at the beautiful North Shore! You can walk through the lush botanical gardens and make your way to Waimea Falls, which is absolutely stunning. And if conditions allow, you can even swim there, so bring a change of clothes and a towel just in case!
Because it’s on the North Shore, this luau also pairs perfectly with a day exploring Haleiwa or visiting the area’s famous beaches. It really made us feel connected to Oahu because we got to immerse ourselves in both the lush scenery as well as the traditional culture – what more could you want?
As well as the setting, you’ve got a generous dinner with classic Hawaiian dishes and lots of fresh, fruity cocktails. The performers are super talented, too, and the fire knife finale definitely had us cheering, but the setting is what truly makes this luau stand out!
The Toa Luau is very popular, so grab your spot here before it’s too late!
Tip: If you can, don’t book this luau for a Monday, as Waimea Valley is closed that day. You will get a voucher from the luau to return and visit the valley on a different day, but we like to do them at the same time!
3. Chief’s Luau
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Interactive pre-show activities and games, traditional Hawaiian buffet dinner, high-energy Polynesian show led by Chief Sielu, comedy, storytelling, and an epic fire knife finale
- Inclusions: Hawaiian buffet dinner, live Polynesian show, cultural demonstrations, lei greeting (varies by package)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re in the mood to laugh, do yourself a favor and book this Chief’s Luau, ASAP. We turned up expecting incredible knife skills from Chief Sielu, who’s the original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, but we were not expecting to laugh until our sides hurt!
What sets this luau apart is Chief Sielu himself. As the host of the evening, he brings so much personality to the show and builds in a lot of audience participation, which had all of us in stitches. And we just love how a lot of the staff are actually Chief Sielu’s family members. The hospitality gene definitely runs strongly through this family, I can tell you that much.
We went for the Royal Experience here, which meant that we were greeted with leis and mai tais, and got three additional drinks throughout the evening. For this reason, we also contacted the company after booking to arrange transportation, as we didn’t think driving ourselves was the best idea!
Chief Sielu is actually pretty famous here in Oahu, and after attending his luau, we understand why. We also just loved how this luau felt a little more authentic compared to some of the more polished productions on the island. But you don’t just have to take our word for it, because you can read over 3,000 glowing reviews here!
Grab your tickets to Chief’s Luau here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
When should I book my luau?
We recommend booking your luau 4-6 weeks in advance to make sure that you get the tickets that you want. This is especially important if you’re traveling during peak holiday seasons, as the most popular luaus almost always sell out during these times!
A lot of luaus offer different packages and seating tiers, so it’s worth booking early if you want better seats or more inclusions. We always do this with Viator because they tend to offer free cancellation until 24 hours before the show. This way, we always get the tickets that we want, but we have the flexibility to change our plans or get a refund right up until the day beforehand.
For our last trip, we booked the Mauka Warriors Luau about two months in advance. There were still some last-minute tickets available closer to the date, but the premium seating options were more limited, and we almost missed out! If you’re traveling with a larger group or celebrating something special, booking early definitely gives you more flexibility.
Related Read: Another must-do tour to see more of Oahu is a Circle Island Tour. We go over our favorite island tours here so you can find the one that visits the areas you want to see most!
Do luaus include transportation from Honolulu or Waikiki?
Some do, and some don’t. It really depends on the luau you choose!
Personally, we always prefer to do a luau with transportation to make the entire experience stress-free. I mean, we’re on vacation, after all! When we did the Makua Warriors luau, for example, we opted to include transport from Waikiki, and it made life so much easier, and helped us to avoid those hefty hotel parking fees – no thanks.
The Toa Luau is a self-drive experience, and the Chief’s Luau doesn’t include transport as standard, but you can contact them after booking to arrange it.
The upside of having transport handled for you is that you don’t have to deal with Honolulu’s rush hour traffic on the way there, but with the Toa Luau, you’ll probably want to leave earlier to make the most of your time on the North Shore anyway, which would make renting a car totally worth it in my book!
Related Read: If you are heading to the other side of the island, check out our 1-day North Shore itinerary to plan the perfect day!
Are there luaus in Honolulu/Waikiki?
There are, but in our experience, they’re not the best luaus that Oahu has to offer. For us, it’s definitely worth travelling a little further afield to find a more authentic experience!
For one thing, luaus in Honolulu and Waikiki tend to be located in smaller venues, and they usually feel pretty crowded. We’ve been to luaus in shopping malls and hotels before, and they just feel a bit too gimmicky for our liking. Still, if you’re staying in Waikiki and are short on time, attending a luau in town definitely offers more convenience, just be aware that you’re in for quite a different experience from the ones we’ve talked about in this blog.
Should you book a luau on Oahu?
Yes, 100%! A luau is a must-do Hawaii experience in our opinion. If you choose a high-quality show, you’re in for an amazing evening of laughter, tradition, and stunning performances – not to mention yummy food and cocktails.
Attending a luau is definitely a more expensive Oahu activity, so make sure that you book a great one! All of the luaus we’ve talked about in this blog are very highly-rated, and they include fantastic food and a jaw-dropping show. They also offer fun extras like temporary tattoos and headband weaving or admission to the beautiful Waimea Valley, to help you really get the most out of your time.
Top Activities to do While on Oahu
Once you’ve booked your luau, don’t stop there! Oahu has so many other incredible experiences that you can only do here. From snorkeling with sea turtles to soaring above the island in a helicopter, these are some of our favorite experiences on Oahu. Be sure to book early—these tours are popular and often fill up weeks in advance!
- Ride a Glass Bottom boat – See some of Hawaii’s best wildlife without getting wet on this glass bottom boat tour! Look through the glass viewing ports to see fish and coral, and then look up to spot turtles, seals, dolphins, or even humpback whales!
- Discover Oahu’s highlights – You’ll see Oahu’s most iconic sights, from scenic lookouts to the North Shore’s surf beaches, on this Circle Island tour. It also stops at the famous Dole Pineapple Plantation and the charming town of Haleiwa for a taste of the island’s rich culture.
- Explore Pearl Harbor and historic sites – This comprehensive tour offers a thoughtful visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor, diving deep into WWII history. You’ll also explore Honolulu’s iconic landmarks, like Iolani Palace, with convenient hotel pickup.
- Swim with sea turtles – Gliding through crystal-clear waters alongside green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, this Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour is an unforgettable experience. The crew provides all the gear you need, and it’s close to Waikiki. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins and whales!
- Soar above Oahu – For an unforgettable thrill, this doors-off helicopter tour lets you soar above Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Fly over Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and lush valleys with the wind in your hair and nothing but sky between you and the island’s breathtaking views.
Where to Stay on Oahu
With booking a luau checked off your list, it’s time to find a great place to stay on Oahu. We suggest staying in Waikiki, so you’re close to all the action, but since it’s THE place to be, finding a hotel from the hundreds of choices can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have standout picks for all budgets – including our favorite beachfront hotel where we stayed for our last trip!
All the hotels below are in Central Waikiki for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe and put you close to the beach and the best restaurants and shopping. Our biggest tip is to book early – Waikiki is popular for a reason, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice!
The Royal Hawaiian – $$$
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in that famous pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, this is the one. The Royal Hawaiian is an icon, a Luxury Collection resort with its own stretch of sand and that “old Hawaii” glamour. Rooms are bright and tropical, with garden or ocean views, and the hotel’s location on Waikiki Beach makes it easy to enjoy Diamond Head views and live entertainment.
With a full-service spa, two gorgeous outdoor pools, and cultural activities, it’s a proper treat-yourself stay. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely money well spent! Rooms here start from around $500 USD per night. Check staying here off your bucket list by booking here!
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – $$ (Where we stayed!)
The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort is our favorite pick in Waikiki — we loved every minute of our stay! Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it’s steps from the sand and is home to the legendary Duke’s restaurant. We loved listening to the ocean from our balcony and watching the water turn golden at sunset. Plus, it was so easy for beach days since we went from our room to having our feet in the sand in two minutes!
Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, so you’re set up for relaxed beach days and easy mornings. We also love the little extras like free water bottles and a beach bag, and daily cultural activities (think lei-making and ukulele lessons). It’s a brilliant all-rounder in Waikiki with rooms starting around $350 USD per night. See if there’s a room available for your trip here!
Hotel Renew – $
Hotel Renew is a budget-friendly gem just one block from Waikiki Beach. This modern boutique hotel is known for its calming vibe and thoughtful touches, like beach towels and gear for guests to borrow. The bright, clean rooms are simple but comfortable, with plush beds and a 50-inch flat-screen TV for cozy nights in. Some rooms even have a partial ocean view or a balcony—perfect for sipping a morning coffee before hitting the sand.
Rates at Hotel Renew typically start at around $150–$250 USD per night, making it a great option for budget travelers who still want comfort and a prime Waikiki location. Check availability and book Hotel Renew online in advance!
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Honolulu here.
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
A luau is one of those bucket list Hawaii experiences you’ll be talking about long after you return home. It’s an evening of amazing entertainment, food, and culture – all perfectly planned for you. We’ve definitely gone to better luaus than others, so with the ones on our list, you’ll be in for a great time. We are already excited to attend our next one!
If you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii or returning again, have a look through all our Hawaii blogs for more helpful guides. We have step-by-step itineraries, recommended hotels, and the activities you shouldn’t miss. Aloha!
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