When you think of Hawaiian culture, a traditional Poynesian luau is one of the first activities that come to mind. Great food, dancing, a beautiful sunset, music under the stars and live theatrics fill the night of a Luau and bring traditional stories to life. Kauai’s rich culture lends to creating beautiful luaus.
Finding the perfect luau can be a bit daunting since there are so many luaus’s held around the island. The great thing about Kauai luaus is that there are options and prices to fit every family’s wants and needs. This guide will highlight the various luaus so you can see the differences and choose the best luau for your family.
As a side note: when weather is not permitting, some Luau’s are held in a ballroom. This may not be the experience you want, so check the weather ahead and find out what the provisions are when you book your luau.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Location: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Price: Includes buffet, open bar and entertainment
Adults: $103.12 including tax
Children aged 5-12: $64.58 including tax
Children 4 and under: Free
Luau’s take place Sundays and Thursdays from 5:45pm-8:00pm. You are welcomed by a conch shell, followed by cocktails and musical entertainment. Buffet includes traditional luau recipes, including the kalua pig, cooked in an ima, which is an earth oven. Live entertainment is provided by their production group Tihati Productions, a famous group featured in television and movies. You can make reservations ahead of time through the hotel or online.
Smith Family Garden Luau
Location: 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, HI 96746
Price: Includes buffet, open bar, and entertainment
Adult: $88 but if you book online ahead of time the price is $78
Junior 7-13: $30
Child 3-6: $19
Show Only (arrive at 7:30pm): Adult $15 Children 3-12 $7.50 Infant 1-2 Free
Smith Luau’s are a family affair and feature traditional Polynesian as well as Asian influences. The shows run Monday through Friday where festivities begin at 5:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm. Traditional foods are served and music is the heart and soul of the evening.
http://www.smithskauai.com/luau.html
Luau Kalamaku
Location: The historic Kilohana Plantation
Price: Includes buffet and entertainment, not sure about open bar
Adult: $104.11
Teens 12-18: $83.28
Children 3-11: $57.24
Under 2 is free
Enjoy a different kind of Luau, telling the story of one family coming to Kauai. Play traditional Hawaiian games and watch a traditional Imu ceremony. A live theatrical show follows dinner. During dinner, enjoy a beautiful hula and entertainment. They offer an optional train ride as well as the option to go the show only.
Reservations: Call 877.622.1780 or visit www.luaukalamaku.com
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau seems to be the most traditional experience. They will move you indoors if the weather is bad, which some guests do not like. Both the Smith Family Luau and Luau Kalamaku offer tickets for the entertainment only, which is nice if you do not like the buffet or want a Luau experience at a reduced cost. The Smith Family Luau is truly family run, which is a nice tradition. The Smith Luau is also offered five days a week. Luau Kalamaku is featured in Kauai guide books and is known as the most theatrical Luau on the island.
No matter which one you decide, you are sure to have a great time. Check out our vacation rentals to find the perfect location and home for your trip! For more information, please call us or check out other activities here.