There are lots of reasons why Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. Its vast beauty, surreal beaches, laid-back vibe, and gorgeous scenery are just a few.
However, one thing I love most about Kauai is its commitment to culture and overall lack of commercialism, especially when compared to Oahu. Kauai keeps it real by honoring its culture and traditions, and there’s no better way to experience that than with an authentic Hawaiian luau.
There are so many things to do in Kauai, and I highly recommend that you make sure that attending a luau is one of them. I’ve put together this list to help you decide which is the best luau in Kauai for you.
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Best Luau in Kauai
If you want to learn more about Hawaiian culture, see hula dancers' hips sway to traditional live music, watch a mesmerizing fire, and while eating authentic food, there's no better experience than a luau.
You can find luaus all over Hawaii but I'd argue that the best luaus are in Kauai because they're less commercial than the ones you'll find on Oahu and the shows are much more authentic and intimate.
That said, there are quite a few to choose from so to help you decide which one you should go to, here's our list of the best luaus on the island.
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR KAUAI VACATION?
This guide provides some of the best things you can do in Kauai in 3 days.
1. Auli’i Luau
To experience the real deal, you won’t be disappointed with the Auli’i Luau, the best luau in Poipu located at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. For starters, it’s the only oceanfront luau on Kauai, so that scores huge points!
The Auli’i luau prides itself on being a Hawaiian family affair, 100% owned and operated by locals. Its authenticity resonates in every beat of the traditional music to every step of the Polynesian dances. Speaking of dance, you’ll see so much more than the hula — spirited performances range from siva afi (fire dance of Samoa) to kahiki (drum dance of Tahiti).
What’s a traditional luau without amazing local food and drinks? Guests are pampered with the many flavors of the Hawaiian island, far beyond poi and Kalua pork. The flowing buffet features delicacies like fresh poke, huli huli chicken and teriyaki beef.
Whether you’re more of a mai tai or Blue Hawaii type, you’ll enjoy the free pours of each. At the end of the day, sitting on the beach and soaking in the scenery and live entertainment makes for an amazing way to spend an evening in Kauai.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, United States (Sheraton Kauai Resort)
Schedule: Thursday and Saturday 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Start Times: Check-in at 5:30PM
Price: They list their prices pre-tax and fees. These prices are for standard seating. Premier seating is a $25 upgrade.
- Adult: $178.69
- Teen (13-17): $139.12
- Youth (4-12): $114.38
- Child (0-3): Free (must sit on lap)
Main performance features:
- Shell lei greeting
- Hawaiian hula
- Fire knife dance
- Dances of New Zealand and Samoa
- Tahitian drum dance
Tables: Outdoors, no cover, round tables. Shared seating. This is the same seat between the dining and show part of the luau.
Food: Buffet style with pre-prepared drinks and selection of wine and beer (not fully open bar).
FAQ:
- What is premiere seating? These include seating within the first 4 rows. You also get to use the premier check-in line.
- Are gratuities included? Yes
- Is the luau wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What is the cancellation policy? If you cancel more than 24 hour in advance, there is no fee. Within 24 hours is 50%.
- Can you book the show only? No
- Is seating fixed? Yes, seating is assigned.
- Are photos included? No, photos are $20. They are taken by a professional photographer that roams around.
Parking: There is ample free parking on-site but it is not by the entrance and a bit far for the dedicated luau parking. Free valet parking is available.
2. Smith Family Garden Luau
The Smith Family Garden Luau gets consistently rave reviews from guests as the best luau in Kauai — and for good reason. Though it doesn’t take place on the beach with an ocean view, the garden location is nothing short of spectacular.
Made up of 30 acres of lush park located within the stunning Wailua Marina State Park, the Smith Family Garden is packed with natural wonders ranging from free-roaming peacocks to thriving fruit orchards and bamboo forests.
All luau guests are treated to a tour around the estate to enjoy these sites before the luau.
The luau celebrates the main cultures of Hawaii by incorporating music and dances from Hawaii but also includes traditional performances celebrating Japan, China, New Zealand, the Philippines, and New Zealand.
The real show stopper is the feast that includes authentic Kalua pig roasted in the earthen imu oven, a secret family recipe for teriyaki beef, chicken adobo, a Smith family bowl of poi, plus a variety of salads and desserts.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States
Schedule: 5:00PM – 9:00PM
- February – October: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
- June – August: Monday to Friday
- November – January: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Start Times:
- November – February: 4:45 PM
- March – October: 5:00 PM
Price: You can add a Shaka Gold Membership in the cart for $30 to get $15 off each adult ticket (up to 4)
- Adult: $125
- Jr. (7-13): $35
- Child (3-6): $25
Main performance features:
- Lei greeting
- Narrated tram tour or stroll through their 30-acre garden
- Kalua big roasted in imu oven with special imu ceremony
- Hawaiian hula
- Samona fire knife dance
- Tahitian drum dance
- Erupting volcano
Tables: Dining is on rectangular/square tables for the dining part and the performance is done in an open air but covered amphitheatre (no awkward turning your seat around to watch the show).
Food: Food and drinks are unlimited. Buffet style.
FAQ:
- What is the cancellation policy? If you cancel more than 24 hour in advance, there is no fee. Within 24 hours is 50%.
- Can you book the show only? Yes
- Is seating fixed? No, it is first-come-first-serve.
- Are photos included? No, photos are $26. They are taken at the beginning and you can purchase them at the end (think amusement-park style)
Parking: There is ample free parking on-site.
3. Luau Kalamaku
Set in an open-air pavilion at the impressive Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Luau Kalamaku is another solid choice to get a true Hawaiian experience.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and stroll through the Plantation’s grounds to enjoy all of the natural splendors and browse the Kauai crafts made by local crafters. The show that awaits is a spectacle of traditional flame twirlers, Polynesian dancers, and the story of the Tahitian voyagers that traveled to Hawaii, told through beautifully choreographed dance and music.
For an extra special treat, you can book the Luau Kalamaku with Plantation Owner's Dinner and Champagne Reception. Why not get your evening started in style with a lei greeting and champagne reception? Then feast on the four-course Hawaiian dinner at popular Gaylord’s restaurant. Finish off the night with prime seats for the Luau Kalamaku performance.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 5PM – 8:30PM
Start Times: 4:45PM – 5:30PM check-in (5:15 PM – 5:25 PM for the Plantation Owners Evening)
Price: There is standard and premiere seating for the buffet luau and there is also The Plantations Owners evening package. Prices listed are pre-tax and fees.
Luau Kalamaku (Buffet)
- Adult: $146/$171
- Teen (13-17): $98/$123
- Child (3-12): $56/$83
- Infant (2 and under): Free
The Plantation Owners Evening (4-Course Meal at Gaylord's Restaurant)
- Guest: $205
- Infant (2 and under): Free
Main performance features:
- Optional Kilohana Plantation Train ride
- Lei greeting
- Imu ceremony
- Hawaiian hula performances
- Fire poi ball twirlers
- Fire knife dancing
- Crafts fair with local artisans
Tables: Circle tables in a covered huge tent that's the same between dining and the show. Ventilation can be a bit poor when there is no breeze so it might get hot.
Food: Buffet style for Luau Kalamaku and 4-course meal for the Plantation Owners Evening. Open bar.
FAQ:
- What is the difference between the Luau Kalamaku and the Plantation Owners Evening? The Plantation Owners Evening is a VIP experience with a 4-course meal at Gaylord's Restaurant and other bonuses such as champagne toasting, fresh flower lei greeting, and premier seating. The Luau Kalamaku is more of the traditional experience with buffet dinner.
- Do they offer round trip transportation? Yes, you can book transportation for an extra cost.
- What is the cancellation policy? If you cancel more than 24 hour in advance, there is no fee. No shows will be charged the full price. There is no mention of cancelling within 24 hours.
- Can you book the show only? No
- Is seating fixed? Yes, seats are assigned. Premier seating gets you in the first few rows.
- Are photos included? No, photos are $25. They are taken at the beginning and you can purchase them at the end (think amusement-park style).
Parking: There is ample free parking on-site.
Looking for a place to stay in Kauai? Learn about the neighbourhoods and where to stay in Kauai.
4. Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show
If you’re looking for an entertaining show with a more intimate, community feel that’s not as grandiose as the luaus at the big resorts, then you’ll want to take a closer look at the Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show.
The show is put together by a local family, making it as authentic and unique as it gets! Through fire and dance, the mesmerizing performers tell the story of the Polynesian islands. Everything about the show is real — the fire, the drums, ancient chants, and the Tahitian-style dancing.
The Ahi Lele Luau is more about the fire show, so don’t expect the grand buffet you’d find at larger luaus. If you want to have dinner before the show, you can purchase a “dinner Luau box” plus an option of beer, wine, or mai tai.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States
Schedule: Wednesday 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Start Times: 6 PM
Price: Prices are pre-taxes/fees
- VIP Ticket (all ages): $104
- General Admission: $89
- Child (12 and under): $47
- 2 and under: Free
Main performance features:
- Coconut demonstration
- Performance focused on fire
- Polynesia drumming
Tables: Open air Porter Pavilion with pods of chairs. There are no tables. The performance occurs on a stage outdoors and you can see it through the opening in the pavilion.
Food: Luau box with standard and vegetarian option. Drinks are a-la-carte.
FAQ:
- What is the VIP ticket? This is essentially a table in the front row and includes a drink. This is the same price regardless of age.
- What is the cancellation policy? If you cancel more than 24 hour in advance, they retain a $15 per party ($30 if a party of 5 or more). Otherwise, no cancellation allowed.
- Can you book the show only? No
- Is seating fixed? VIP gets chairs near the front, otherwise first come-first serve.
- Are photos included? There are no professional photographers here.
Parking: There is ample free parking on-site.
5. Havaiki Nui Luau (Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau)
For the whole deal — all-you-can eat buffet, open bar, hula, and entertainment on a grand scale, the Havaiki Nui Luau at the Grand Hyatt Kauai in Poipu is another top luau in Kauai. This is why another name for this experience is called Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau.
One thing’s for sure, you won’t go hungry at this luau! The buffet includes appetizers and salads made with fresh, local fruit and produce plus scrumptious entrees like traditional imu style kalua pig, huli huli chicken, volcano spiced local fish, seasonal vegetables, and more. Make sure to leave room for dessert, as you don’t want to miss the pineapple upside down cake, guava mousse cake, haupia and other sweet Hawaiian treats.
As for the show, you’ll hardly be disappointed here either. Enjoy the story of Hawaii’s culture through ancestral dances of Polynesia, Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, and, of course, Hawaii.
Insider Tip: Consider splurging for premier admission that grants you reserved seats in the first two rows for prime viewing and a take-home souvenir tiki glass. At the moment they do not offer this anymore but they may bring that back.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii, USA, 96756
Schedule: Wednesday and Saturday 5:30PM – 8PM
Start Times: 5:30 PM
Price: Prices are pre-taxes/fees. Total fee includes a cover fee and gratuity.
- General Admission: $175
- Junior (13-20): $117
- Child (5-12): $80
- 5 and under: Free
Main performance features:
- Shell lei greeting
- Cultural activities
- Hawaiian hula dances
- Traditional dances
- Fire knife dancing
- Local vendors
Tables: Circle/square tables on the lawn outdoors which means there is no cover if there is rain.
Food: Buffet dinner with open bar.
FAQ:
- What is the cancellation policy? If you cancel more than 24 hour in advance, there is no fee. Within 24 hours is 50%.
- Can you book the show only? No
- Is seating fixed? Seating is first come-first serve unless reserved as part of the Premier package.
- Are photos included? Photos can be purchased for $35.
- Is the performance in a different location? In some instances, they might have to move the show to the downstairs part of the restaurant. This may be due to COVID or weather. Some have complained about obstructed views downstairs.
Parking: The Grand Hyatt has a number of large parking lots that are free to use. Valet parking is $5
So Which is the Best Luau in Kauai?
If you've gone through every single luau that's available in Kauai, you'll see that there are some differences. The details are easily lost so to make it easier, we'll highlight the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the best kauai luaus.
Auli'i Luau
- Pros: Scenic outdoor location, perfect location for those staying at the Sheraton, and cheapest photo options. The only show that runs on Saturday.
- Cons: No traditional imu ceremony, prone to being rained out, expensive, complaints of not being truly open bar.
Smith Family Garden Luau
- Pros: One of the most affordable, includes Imu ceremony, separate locations for dining and performance, and has the option to book just to show without dinner. During high season, they have shows 5 days a week.
- Cons: Free for all seating may be awkward, large capacity may feel overwhelming (400+ at full capacity).
Luau Kalamaku
- Pros: Has an upscale dining option for those that are seeking a VIP treatment, offers a transportation option, includes an imu ceremony
- Cons: Feels like there's an additional cost for every thing, and open air tent can be hot when there is no breeze.
Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show
- Pros: Local production that has a more intimate and authentic feel, not your traditional commercial luau, fire-focused show, has mini golf and playground near the community center.
- Cons: Food is not quite at the luau level you expect from other venues and is simply a food box, drinks are extra, no imu ceremony, and not as large-scale of a show. They only run on Thursdays which may be limiting.
Havaiki Nui Luau (Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau)
- Pros: Children 5 and under are free (most luaus only include 2 and under) so this is particularly friendly especially for families that are staying at the Grand Hyatt, and the outdoor oceanside space is beautiful.
- Cons: No imu ceremony, price is on the higher side (not a fan of the Cover Fee for adults), and outdoor venue is susceptible to rain.
There are a lot of choices for luaus on the beautiful island of Kauai. And while this is true of most of the Hawaiian islands, the experience you’ll get at a luau in Kauai will surely be a memorable one. Pick one that best suits your style and schedule, and let the spirit of ohana do the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
For families with kids, Luau Kalamaku is great for families with the option of train ride and many other activities. Smith Family Garden Luau is also a fantastic choice because of its great value with bonuses such as the tram tour and walk through the garden. Lastly, Havaiki Nui Luau uniquely is free for any kids 5 and under.
If you're travelling with a large group, Smith Family Garden Luau is great because it's such a large venue and you'll like that they split up the dining and performance part of the show so everyone can have a great view in the amphitheater.
Overall, Smith Family Garden Luau is the best when you factor in all areas.
The cheapest luau in Kauai is the intimate Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show.
On balance, Luau Kalamaku serves the best food.
The following includes an imu ceremony (underground oven to cook shredded kalua pork) in their luau: Smith Family Garden Luau and Luau Kalamaku.
Only two luaus in Kauai has shows on Saturday: Auli’i Luau and Havaiki Nui Luau.
For the luaus in Kauai that offer premier seating, it's worth upgrading because you get reserved seating and get unobstructed views which means you'll be able to really feel the fire (in a safe way).
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