6 Best Luaus on the Big Island + Which One to Choose!

Are you planning a trip to the Big Island and wondering where the best luau is?

The Big Island offers a variety of luaus that cater to different tastes, and trying to decide which luau will provide the most authentic experience or the best entertainment can be a challenge for any traveler.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the different options for Big Island luaus, including everything you need to know about price, duration, experience, and more. I’ll also answer frequently asked questions about luaus to help you make an informed decision for an unforgettable experience!

We personally visited the luau at the Royal Kona Resort and loved it, but there are plenty of other options depending on where you are staying and what you are looking for.

Keep reading to discover which is best for you!

Overview of Big Island Luaus

A luau in Hawaii is more than just a dinner show — it’s a celebration of Hawaiian history, storytelling, and food, all rolled into one evening. There’s a reason it’s not just one of the most popular things to do on the Big Island, but across all the Hawaiian islands!

On the Big Island, most luaus take place at hotels and resorts around Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and the Kohala Coast. Unfortunately, luaus are not common at hotels in Hilo.

Each luau offers a slightly different vibe, but they all include some combination of local dishes, cultural demonstrations, live music, and Polynesian dance performances.

A few things you can almost always expect:

• A buffet dinner with traditional foods like kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, poi, and fresh tropical fruits
• Live music and storytelling, often accompanied by hula or fire knife dancing
• A scenic setting — many are held outdoors with ocean or sunset views
• Optional upgrades for reserved seating, leis, or cocktails

Some luaus feel more authentic and low-key, while others are larger and more theatrical. Prices can range anywhere from $150 to over $200 per person depending on the location, what’s included, and whether you upgrade your ticket.

If you’re trying to decide which luau is best for your trip, I’ve broken down all the top options below, with pricing, pros and cons, and who I think each one is best suited for!

For a better understanding of where each luau is located, check out my guide on Where to Stay on the Big Island for a full breakdown of the island’s main areas!

Here is a quick overview of luaus to come! 

History of Luaus on the Big Island 

Before luaus became a must-do tourist activity in Hawaii, they were an important tradition for Native Hawaiians — a way to celebrate milestones like births, harvests, victories, and major community events.

The word “luau” itself refers to a dish made with taro leaves and coconut milk, usually served at these feasts. Over time, the word became synonymous with the whole event.

One of the most notable things about ancient luaus is that they broke down social barriers. In 1819, King Kamehameha II ended the long-standing kapu system (a set of religious laws) by eating with women, which was previously forbidden. That act marked a turning point and helped shape the more inclusive, communal luaus we see today.

Modern luaus are definitely more staged — geared toward visitors, with buffet lines and photo ops — but the essence is still there. They’re meant to share the story of the islands, and many luaus include chants, music, and dances from across Polynesia, not just Hawaii. This was our favorite part of attending a luau!

So while today’s luaus might look different than those held hundreds of years ago, they’re still rooted in celebration and storytelling.

And when done right, they offer a genuine glimpse into the traditions that shaped life on the islands.

Option #2: Sunset Luau at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort

Price: Ranges from $180 for adults ($225 for premier seating), $91 for kids 6-12, children 5 and under free!
Duration: 3 hours. Lasting from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 
Days of the Week: Mondays and Wednesdays
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐

If you’re staying in Waikoloa or nearby, the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is a solid choice, especially for its oceanfront location. The luau takes place on a grassy lawn near the beach, so if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a full sunset during dinner.

The evening starts with a traditional imu ceremony, where they lift the roasted pig from the underground oven — something not every luau includes. From there, it’s a buffet dinner featuring staples like kalua pig, poke, teriyaki chicken, and island-style sides.

Drinks are included with general admission, and the bar stays open throughout the show.

For the performance, expect a mix of Hawaiian and Polynesian dance, including fire-knife dancing. The energy here feels more relaxed than some of the larger resort luaus but still polished and entertaining.

The setting feels spacious, and premier seating does get you a better view and early access to the buffet.

Their website states it’s the Big Island’s most authentic luau, and it was voted the best luau in 2022 by Hawaii Magazine!

Unfortunately it only runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, so if that works for your schedule, I say book it!

Option #4: Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha’s Beach Hotel

Price: Ranges from $175 – $210 for adults & $87 – $122 for kids. Children 3 and under are free!
Duration: 2.5 hours Lasting from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.
Days of the Week: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐

If you’re staying in Kona and want a luau that blends solid food, cultural storytelling, and a prime waterfront location — the Island Breeze Luau is a strong pick.

Held on the historic grounds of King Kamehameha the Great’s former estate, now the Marriott Beach Hotel, this luau takes place right on Kamakahonu Bay, with views of the water and the reconstructed Ahu’ena Heiau temple nearby.

Kamakahonu is considered one of the most historically significant sites in all of Hawaii, as it’s where King Kamehameha spent his final years.

What makes this luau even more meaningful is that a portion of each ticket sale goes toward preserving the Ahu’ena Heiau temple.

Dinner is a buffet of Hawaiian and Polynesian staples — kalua pork, fresh island fish, teriyaki beef, poke, poi, and a bunch of sides and desserts.

There’s also an open bar included in the general admission ticket, and a VIP upgrade (called the Ali‘i package) gets you perks like front-row seating, expedited check-in, a welcome cocktail, and a fresh flower lei.

The performance itself is well-paced and engaging, telling stories from across Polynesia through hula, song, and fire dancing. This luau has been voted “Best of West Hawaii” for over two decades!

The show here runs Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, so if you’re based in Kona and want a luau that balances entertainment, history, and convenience — this is a great option to book!

Option #5: Feast & Fire Luau at Outrigger Kona Resort

Price: Ranges from $175 – $210 for adults & $87- $105 for kids. Children under the age of 5 are free.
Duration: 3 hours. Lasting from 5pm-8pm.
Days of the Week: Mondays and Thursdays
TripAdvisor Rating: N/A

If you are looking to experience the epitome of Hawaiian hospitality, look no further than the Feast and Fire luau at the Outrigger Kona Resort.

The show blends traditional Polynesian storytelling and dance with some truly engaging performances, including fire knife dancing.

One unique thing about this luau is how interactive it is. Guests are often invited to join in some cultural activities before the main show, making it feel a little more hands-on and immersive.

Dinner is served buffet-style and includes local favorites like kalua pork, huli huli chicken, and island-style sides. Dessert includes their signature malasadas — sugar-dusted, doughy goodness that you don’t want to miss.

Tickets include a full bar with beer, wine, and their signature Mai Tais.

Option #6: Legends of Hawaii Luau at Hilton Waikoloa Village 

Price: Ranges from $215-$245 for adults & $124-$142 for kids. Children under 5 are free!
Duration: 3 hours. Lasting from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Days of the Week: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.8/5 stars ⭐

Finally, to finish off our list of the best luaus on the Big Island, prepare for an unparalleled celebration at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Also known as Legends of Hawaii, this top-rated luau is acclaimed by Hawaii Magazine readers as one of the finest on the Island of Hawaii.

This is definitely one of the more highly-produced luaus on the Big Island, with a large performance stage, linen tables, and the traditional pig in the ground!

Tickets include unlimited Mai Tais, Blue Hawaiians, Beer, Wine, Mango Infused Iced Tea and POG juice. P.S. If you haven’t had POG juice – it’s just Passionfruit, Orange, and Guava juice and it’s AMAZING.

Also included is the opportunity to learn about and interact with Hawaiian culture before the show, including a lei greeting, practicing Hawaiian words, and learning a seated hula!

The open-air setting of this luau, set against the backdrop of the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the ocean, enhances the atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable evening.

What to Wear to a Luau on the Big Island

Dressing for a luau is half the fun! Most luaus are outdoors, so wear something breathable and bring a light layer in case it gets breezy after sunset.

Flat sandals or casual shoes are ideal — you’ll be walking on grass or sand at most venues.

One important thing: check the dress code on the luau’s website before you go. Some upscale resort luaus may ask for resort-casual or collared shirts, while others are more laid-back.

For women, flowy dresses like this one are always a good pick. Floral prints or bright tropical colors are totally on brand, and anything too formal or tight will probably feel out of place.

I saw lots of maxi dresses, casual sundresses, and I wore a matching floral two-piece set that. If dresses or skirts, aren’t your thing, a nice pair of linen pants or shorts with a tropical top works just as well.

For men, aloha shirts (aka Hawaiian shirts) are the go-to. Pair one with khaki shorts or lightweight linen pants and you’re set. If you don’t have an aloha shirt, anything with a tropical print or color feels festive enough! My husband wore a collared shirt with Hawaiian flowers on it and looked great!

Shop My Hawaii Favorites Here!

Frequently Asked Questions about Luaus 

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped you understand what you’ll experience at a Big Island luau and decide which is right for you!

No matter which luau you choose, it’s going to be one of those Big Island nights you won’t forget. From the fire dancing to the sunset views, attending on a luau is just one of those classic experiences you have to have while in Hawaii!

And once you’re finished up exploring the Kona side of the Big Island, make sure to check out the east side as well by making the drive from Kona to Hilo.