The Best Luau in Kauai: What’s the Difference Between Them?

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. 

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.

1. Auli’i Luau (Sheraton Kauai Resort)

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.

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.

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 Manor House Dinner and Champagne Reception. Why not get your evening started in style with a lei greeting (for women) and champagne reception? Then feast on the four-course Hawaiian dinner at popular Gaylord’s restaurant (drinks not included). Finish off the night with prime seats for the Luau Kalamaku performance with pre-show drinks. 

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. 

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.

6. Luau Ka Hikina (Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort)

Located in Kapaa and locatred inside the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort, this is considered to be one of the smaller luau’s but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a big punch. It is also relatively new as it opened after the pandemic.

When you first enter, you’ll be welcomed with mai tais and fresh skewers. You’ll also be given kukui nut leis. This is when you’ll secure a seat at a table. You’ll also see how the stage has the ocean setting behind.

Before the show and dinner, there’s entertainment on the grass where you’ll be able to see , and you can try swinging poi balls.

The show itself is excellent as it was created under the direction of award-winning hula master, Leilani Rivera Low. The music and singing is superb and they do a fantastic job of weaving in a story to celebrate both Hawaiian and Polynesia culture.

Make sure to stay after the show as the dancers are open to taking photos with guests!

Insider Tip: Seating is first-come, first-serve so make sure you show up early so you can grab a table. This is especially important for larger groups.

7. Hawaii Alive Luau Show (Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort & Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club)

Created by the Punua family and running for 6 decades, they’ve moved from several locations but today have landed in a space between Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort & Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club.

Directed by Wallis & Shana Punua, the highlights of this show are the dancing and the fire dance during the show.

Unfortunately, the overall sentiment is that this is one of the lesser luau experiences on Kauai, mainly because it doesn’t feel as authentic as the others, being located in a hotel patio, poor organization, mediocre food, and disappointment with not having a welcoming ceremony, lei, or imu.

Currently reservations aren’t taken on the website as they are making upgrades but should be available again soon. The best way to book is to call or email them at [email protected].

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 (Sheraton Kauai Resort)

• 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. This is the cheapest luau in Kauai.
• 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.

Luau Ka Hikina (Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort)

• Pros: Excellent food with tons of variety and more intimate open-air setting. Also has a fire dancer component which everyone raves about. Has an open bar.
• Cons: Not all tables and seats are made equal so many guests have come out felling disappointed because they were sitting on the wrong end to see the fire show. Some might also be disappointed about not getting flower leis (available to purchase instead). There is no imu ceremony.

Hawaii Alive Luau Show (Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort & Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club)

• Pros: There aren’t many luau’s in Lihue except Luau Kalamaku so this could be a good option if you’re staying in the area. This is often an easier booking as well especially if the more popular ones are booked.
• Cons: Probably one of the most poorly reviewed luau’s as it isn’t open bar, isn’t in a purposely-built space, has been known to have poor service and organization, and average food. Sadly, it’s a bit expensive for the value you get.

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!

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