Searching for the best Kauai luau?
Well, “best” is subjective. Luaus in Kauai are plentiful, and each one is unique. Some are tailored to families. Others are theatrical, traditional, or immersive. We’re here to help you find the best luau for you!
On top of analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve attended many of these Kauai luaus. Below, you’ll find our top Kauai luau picks, why we love them, and where they’re located, so you can narrow down the best choice for you!
Why & Where?
Luau Kalamaku — Most Theatrical — Lihue
Aulii Luau — Best Location — Poipu
Grand Hyatt Luau — Family-Friendly — Poipu
Smith Family Garden Luau — Family-Owned — Kapaa
Luau Ka Hikina — Best Food — Kapa’a
Luau Kalamaku
Luau Kalamaku offers a fresh take on the luau experience. Held at the stunning Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, this luau blends Hawaiian elements with an epic theatrical show. Unlike other luaus, which often feature a succession of cultural dances, Luau Kalamaku follows a powerful narrative, chronicling the arrival of the first Polynesian voyagers in Hawaii. Similar to a dinner theater experience, Luau Kalamaku wows with dramatic costumes, pyrotechnics, and a state-of-the-art media system.
But before the show even begins, guests are encouraged to explore the Kilohana Plantation, which is half the fun. Come early to hop aboard the 2.5-mile Kilohana railway line, browse crafts at the artisan market, and explore a piece of Kauai history.
Know Before You Go
● The show runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, with additional showings on Mondays in high season.
● Great choice for families.
● Buffet, open bar.
● Book in advance; seating goes quick.
● Premium seats are available!
Aulii Luau – Sheraton Kauai Luau
Aulii Luau is Kauai’s only oceanfront luau, set steps from the sand in Poipu. But it’s not just the location that makes Aulii Luau great, it’s the performances, food, and warm hospitality that sets this performance apart.
Native Hawaiian-owned, Aulii Luau features some of Kauai’s top performers, who take pride in sharing Polynesian culture with guests. This luau underscores Hawaiian traditions, mythology, and culture, featuring tales of the first Polynesian voyagers and both hula kahiko and auana (traditional and modern). While Hawaiian elements and local Kauai traditions are emphasized, this luau also shares dances from around the Pacific, including New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa (yes, that means fire dancing!).
Know Before You Go
● Show runs on Mondays and Wednesdays.
● Great choice for couples and families.
● Buffet, open bar.
● No imu unveiling ceremony.
● Book in advance; sells out quickly.
● Premium seats are available!
Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau offers an immersive journey through Polynesian culture. Set in a breezy courtyard in Poipu, this luau showcases ancestral dances through interactive performances. Guests are welcomed with a shell lei and a mai tai, setting the stage for an evening filled with the songs, dances, and cuisines of Polynesia culminating in an epic Samoan fire-knife dance.
Indulge at the deluxe buffet, featuring a spread of local eats like kalua pork, huli huli chicken, and purple sweet potatoes. Don’t leave without snapping a pic next to the giant ‘ALOHA’ sign!
Know Before You Go
● Show runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
● Seating is first come, first serve.
● Buffet, open bar, welcome beverage.
● General admission only.
Smith Family Garden Luau
Located in the lush 30-acre Smith’s Tropical Paradise within Wailua River State Park, Smith Family Garden Luau offers a warm, family-style celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The evening begins with a shell lei greeting and a narrated tram tour, followed by the traditional imu unveiling ceremony. Dig into a buffet of local favorites like kalua pork, chicken adobo, and sweet and sour mahi mahi.
After the feast, find your seat in the open-air Pele Amphitheater for a multicultural show highlighting Hawaiian hula, fast-paced Tahitian dance, and a Samoan fire-knife finale. The Smith family’s hospitality and cultural preservation have made this luau a cherished tradition since 1946!
Know Before You Go
● Offered on weekdays with seasonal changes.
● Great for groups!
● Buffet, open bar.
● Option to book only show, no dinner.
● No premium seating.
Luau Ka Hikina – Sheraton Coconut Beach
Luau Ka Hikina at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort offers an intimate and authentic celebration of Polynesian culture. Set against the backdrop of Kauai’s historic royal surfing grounds, this beachfront luau unfolds in the open-air Halau Ho’okipa pavilion, where guests are greeted with a shell lei and a welcome cocktail. The evening features a lavish buffet of island-inspired dishes, complemented by an open bar.
As the sun sets, the torch lighting ceremony signals the start of the performance, directed by an award-winning kumu hula (master teacher), featuring an exciting lineup of dances from around Polynesia.
Know Before You Go
● Offered Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and seasonally on Mondays.
● Good for couples and families.
● Buffet, open bar.
● General admission only.
