Luaus on other Islands: Kauai | Maui | Big Island of Hawaii

The majority of Oahu luaus are located far from the shores of Waikiki, where most visitors stay while on vacation. Therefore, round-trip transportation to the luau site is usually included. The only luau in Waikiki is the Royal Hawaiian Luau held every Monday evening at the nostalgic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 'The Pink Palace of the Pacific.'

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located in the tiny town of Laie near Oahu's famous North Shore. The Center's 'Alii Luau' is held Monday-Saturday and, because of its all-Hawaiian show, is with out a doubt the most authentic luau on the island. Oahu also has two quite large-scale luaus about 45 minutes from Waikiki on the Western side of the island - Germaine's Luau in Kapolei and Paradise Cove Luau at the beautiful Ko Olina Resort.

Paradise Cove is one of the largest and most respected luau shows in Hawaii, serving Hawaii's malihini (guests) and kama'aina (locals) for more than 20 years. Their 12-oceanfront acres feature spectacular sunset views nightly.

Paradise Cove Luau

Live Hawaiian music fills the balmy air as you are greeted with a tropical Mai Tai and begin to casually stroll through the Hawaiian village. There, you'll have the opportunity to learn the arts and crafts of the islands, or test your skills at some native Hawaiian games. Witness skilled tree-climbers ascend the highest of palm trees and enjoy the magical cascade of fragrant flowers.

Then it's on to the beach to participate in a hukilau - the ceremonial pulling of the fishnets to the rhythms of the conch shell and Hawaiian chants. Next, watch the Royal Court Procession and the time-honored techniques of underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony. The feast that follows is a delicious blend of the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes, local favorites and continental cuisine.

At sunset, the Paradise Cove Extravaganza will entertain and amaze you with an unforgettable display of songs and dances of Hawaii and Polynesia.

Reservations for the Paradise Cove Luau are required - Click for more info.

Photos courtesy of Paradise Cove Luau.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Alii Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, winner of the coveted Kahili Award for preserving Hawaiian culture, is considered Oahu's most authentic luau.

Participating in the luau requires admission into the Polynesian Cultural Center, named 'Hawaii's favorite visitor attraction' by the People's Choice Awards. You'll spend the day leading up to the luau exploring the 42-acre site and experiencing the many wonders of Polynesia.

The Alii Luau begins at 5:30pm with a shell lei greeting as you enter the breezy secluded site complete with a tropical lagoon and a 15-foot waterfall. After the ceremonial lifting of the pig from the steaming rocks of the imu (underground oven), the conch shell blows to announce the arrival of the Hawaiian royalty, the Alii Court.

You'll enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast as the all-Hawaiian show begins with hula kahiko, or ancient dances, that tell stories of old Hawaii. The performers will take you on a nostalgic tour of Hawaiian musical styles, including songs of the 30s and 40s and the classic sounds of the Hawaiian steel guitar. The audience is asked to participate in the singing and dancing; making the experience one that won't soon be forgotten.

After the luau, experience 'Horizons,' the largest Polynesian revue of song and dance in the world, featuring over 100 native performers from all corners of the Pacific.

Reservations for the Polynesian Cultural Center are required - Click for more info.

Photos courtesy of the Polynesian Culteral Center.

Luaus on other Islands: Maui | Kauai | The Big Island of Hawaii