Kauai offers some of the best luaus in Hawaii. The island features a variety of restaurants and venues that offer delicious, authentic Hawaiian cuisine and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.
Luaus in Kauai typically feature a traditional imu (underground oven), where kalua pig is cooked to perfection over hot coals; hula dancers who will entertain you with stories and dance; and a variety of delicious Hawaiian dishes.
1. Kauai: Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show
Price: $167 per person
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Location: Lu’au Kalamaku, Kauai
Rating: 4.6/5 (430+ reviews) Best Tour
Includes: Begin your captivating evening with a traditional lei greeting and drinks from the open bar at Kilohana Plantation’s 60-acre orchard and agricultural park. Explore the craft fair of local artisans, as you savor an exquisite buffet dinner. Be astonished by a 45-minute main show chronicling an epic sea voyage between Tahiti and Kauai along one of Polynesia’s longest routes. Prepare to be mesmerized when they unearth the pig with a traditional imu ceremony!
Indulge in a delicious luau buffet of poi, fresh salads, and Kalua pork baked in an imu. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food like teriyaki chicken, noodles, fruits galore (including pineapple upside-down cake!), haupia coconut pudding, and banana crème tart for dessert! After dinner is finished off with live Hawaiian music, you won’t want to miss the graceful hula dancers or traditional fire knife and fire poi ball dancing; they will be sure to mesmerize you!
Journey back to the days of ancient Polynesia and be captivated by a story of courage, seduction, and fire. Witness the remarkable migration between Tahiti and Kauaʻi on one of the longest sea roads in all of Polynesia as it comes to life through an immersive interactive stage design. Enjoy laughter, fear, and love – watch how a new legacy is created from cherished seeds sown by their ancestors! And don’t forget to take your own lasting memento with you at the end; snap a photo with cast members just before you leave.
2. Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show
Price: $150 per person
Duration: 4 Hours
Location: Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI, USA
Rating: 4/5 (480+ reviews)
Includes: Luau Kalamaku has been crowned ‘Best Luau Show’ on Kauai by Lonely Planet, and now it’s your turn to find out why! Start the evening off at Kilohana Plantation – a historic site that needs no introduction. As an added bonus, opt for hotel pickup or take advantage of the amazing 104-acre (42-hectare) estate with Kauai Plantation Railway before dinner. Explore exotic tropical gardens while learning traditional Hawaiian crafts and playing fun island games. Come discover what makes this luau so special…you won’t regret it!
Make your evening a special one with an imu ceremony and lighting of the tiki torches – watch as the roast pork is removed from its underground oven! Afterward, feast on scrumptious island favorites such as mahi mahi, teriyaki chicken, lomi lomi salmon, and other local vegetables. Afterward, top off your meal with fresh fruit alongside delicious drinks from the bar (own expense). Enjoy great company while you dine in this unforgettable experience.
Once your hunger is satiated, make sure you enter the Luau Pavilion for an unforgettable experience that narrates the history of Tahitian adventurers who first encountered Hawaiian shores. Spectators will be entranced by twirling fire performers and elegant choreography from Polynesian dancers adorned in ornate costumes. Live music blending with handmade drums adds to this mesmerizing show. Afterward, don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet these gifted performers and snap some pictures before venturing back into a balmy Hawaiian night!
3. Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner’s Dinner & Show
Price: $220 per person
Duration: 4 Hours
Location: Lu’au Kalamaku, Lihue, HI, USA
Rating: 4.5/5 (110+ reviews)
Includes: Indulge in an unforgettable evening of delectable island cuisine along with a lavish luau. Depending on the transportation selected, you’ll be collected from your accommodation or travel to Kilohana Plantation by yourself, where you will receive a flower lei and glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. Make yourself comfortable in the attractive atmosphere at Gaylord’s Restaurant for an exquisite four-course dinner made up of Hawaiian specialties.
After an exquisite dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic plantation home that has been transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination. Browse one-of-a-kind galleries, shops, and stores, or experience the Koloa Rum Company! If desired, take a break at Mango Bar for an exotic cocktail (at your own cost). Be sure to follow our torchlit paths towards Luau Pavilion where you can find some of the best seats in this incredible establishment. While being seated here comfortably, enjoy as talented performers bring alive Hawaiian history through their riveting interpretation of Tahitian voyages across these islands.
Transported to a mystical paradise, you will be mesmerized by the entrancing performances of flame twirlers, knife dancers, and traditional Polynesian hula dancers. Accompanied by the captivating sounds of drummers and musicians alike, this epic tale comes alive! For added convenience, those with round-trip transport packages need not worry about transportation as they’ll be dropped off back at their hotel doorsteps when night falls.
4. Kauai: VIP Ticket 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show
Price: $220 per person
Duration: 4 Hours
Location: Kilohana Plantation
Rating: 4.6/5 (30+ reviews)
Includes: Treat yourself and your loved ones to a one-of-a-kind experience at Kilohana Plantation’s 60 acres of orchard, gardens, and agricultural park. Indulge in an exquisite four-course island dinner, then sit back as you watch the most remarkable 45 minutes that chronicles the ocean voyage between Tahiti and Kauai along Polynesia’s renowned longest roadways!
Upon your arrival at Kilohana Plantation, you will receive a warm lei greeting. Enjoy an exquisite four-course dinner overflowing with island flavors with foods like taro. As the sky darkens, saunter along the torchlit path that leads to the luau pavilion and take in your premier seating for Luau Kalamaku’s captivating main show – paying homage to Kauai’s mythology and honoring Hawaiian legend of Kalamaku “child of the new land.”
Escape to the past with live Hawaiian music and a breathtaking cast of entertainers, featuring graceful hula dancers and impressive fire knife and fire poi ball dancing. You’ll be mesmerized by our interactive stage design that will take you back in time to ancient Polynesia as if you were partaking in the remarkable migration of people who first arrived on these Islands.
From the shores of Tahiti to Kauaʻi, take a thrilling journey with islanders on one of Polynesia’s most legendary sea roads. Experience the highs and lows as they boldly create an inspiring legacy from their ancestors’ cherished seeds. Witness a captivating story come alive, then snap photos with the cast at its end!
5. Only Oceanfront Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting
Price: $179 per person
Duration: 3 Hours
Location: Kapaʻa, HI
Rating: 4.5/5 (20+ reviews)
Includes: Visiting Kauai is incomplete without attending a traditional luau, and for an unforgettable experience you must come to our latest, most authentic luau on the island. Located in front of famous royal surfing grounds!
Kick-start your evening with a stunning torch-lighting ceremony and be mesmerized by the award-winning kumu hula, Leilani Rivera Low’s captivating hula kahiko dances, and complimentary mai tais. Luau Ka Hikina invites you to be part of an exclusive evening celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast prepared from locally sourced ingredients combined with modern techniques plus live music for extra entertainment.
6. Shore Excursion: Wailua River and Luau Cruise with Polynesian Dinner and Drinks
Price: $221 per person
Duration: 6.5 Hours
Location: Kauai Cruise Ship Terminal
Includes: When your cruise ship docks on Kauai, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Garden Island’s beauty and Polynesian culture with this combo shore excursion. Glide down Wailua River and marvel at Fern Grotto while delightful Hawaiian musicians serenade you with traditional songs.
When night falls, be captivated by a Hawaiian luau featuring an array of delectable dishes, spellbinding hula performances, and a breathtaking Samoa fire knife dance!
Is it Worth Going to a Luau in Kauai?
Absolutely! A traditional luau is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii. You’ll get to enjoy a delicious feast, and exciting Polynesian entertainment, and learn about the island’s history and heritage. Plus, with Kauai’s unbeatable scenery, you can take in some incredible views while you’re there. It’s definitely worth a visit!
No matter what type of luau you choose, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. From spectacular shows and traditional feasts to interactive activities and scenic drives, a luau in Kauai is the perfect way to enjoy some Hawaiian hospitality. So don’t miss out on this unique island experience!
If you are looking for something adventurous to do then check out these zodiac tours of Kauai!
What is the Most Authentic Luau in Hawaii?
The Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation is renowned as one of the most authentic luaus in Hawaii. Featuring an epic 45-minute show chronicling a sea voyage between Tahiti and Kauai, you’ll get to experience live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and fire knife dancing.
The interactive stage design will transport you back to ancient Polynesia, during the time of the people’s remarkable migration to the Islands. Plus, you can take photos with the cast at the end of the show!
The Luau Ka Hikina at Wailua River is also a great option if you’re looking for an authentic luau experience. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast with a modern point of view, blended with live music and hula kahiko (ancient hula dancing) performances.
This luau is truly a sensory experience that offers something for everyone. So don’t miss out on these two amazing luaus in Hawaii!
If you are looking for some other luaus in Hawaii then check out these cheap luaus in Maui!
How Much is a Luau in Kauai?
The price of a luau in Kauai varies depending on the type and location of the luau. Generally, you can expect to pay around $150-$250 per person for an authentic experience with a traditional feast.
Prices may be higher when booking through cruise lines or resorts, so it’s best to shop around and compare prices. Remember, with luaus, you’ll usually get what you pay for – so don’t forget to consider the quality and breadth of activities offered when choosing a luau. Happy feasting!
Related Articles:
- Kauai’s Best Tours for Individual Groups
- Boat Tours of Sea Caves in Kauai
- The 6 Cheapest and Greatest Luaus in Maui
- Are There Dollar Stores in Hawaii?
- The Great Private Maui Boat Tours
Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.