A luau is a joyful and vibrant Hawaiian celebration centered around the best things in life: food, music and fun. Feast on traditional dishes and drinks, and satisfy the rest of your senses with dance, music, fire and folklore.

Book luau show tickets in Kauai to see why no trip to Hawaii is complete without a such a mesmerizing and entertaining experience.

Here's all you need to know about luau shows, one of the most captivating nightlife activities in Kauai.

What will you see at a luau?

Spend an evening experiencing Polynesian traditions. A luau is an outdoor celebration encompassing the essence of Hawaiian culture. Festivities include dancing and drumming, ceremonial food presentation and storytelling.

Hosts will welcome you by presenting you a lei made of flowers or shells as you arrive. The customary dinner starts with the opening of the “imu”, the pit oven where a kalua pig has been cooking all day. Sit down to a meal of roasted pork, seasonal fish, poi and local fruits crafted into delectable desserts.

During dinner, performers will entertain you with dances and music. Even if you have dietary restrictions, you will have delicacies to sample. Try a cocktail made with the rum produced on-site or choose other refreshments at the open bar.

Relax and digest as the festivities continue with storytelling through movement and song. Learn the legends of “the child of the new land” Kalamaku and the historical journey that brought ancient Hawaiians across the Pacific to the islands from Tahiti.

The evening concludes with the “Fire Dream.” Let the flames mesmerize you as you witness the fire knife dance and poi ball twirlers. Leave with a photo of the performers and your lei to add to the memories of your outing.

Schedule some time before the show to explore the rest of the plantation. Browse the shops featuring locally-sourced crafts and art, taste rum at the Koloa Rum Tasting Room and take in the scenery on a 40-minute train ride around the estate.

How much do luau tickets cost?

There are several luau shows available on different locations in Kauai. Luau Kalamaku is one of the most famous and requested shows on the island. If you wish to attend a luau show at Kalamaku you will find different ticket prices.

In general, there are two classes of luau tickets: standard and premium.

Premium seats afford the best views of the stage, transfer from your hotel and a plantation train ride. The price of the packages that include transfer from hotels varies according to your location on the island.

Standard tickets

Adults (18+): US$165 per person
Youth (13-17): US$110 per person
Children (3-12): US$65 per person
Infants (under 3): free

Premium tickets

Adults (18+): US$290 per person
Youth (13-17): US$225 per person
Children (3-12): US$150 per person
Infants (under 3): free

Are there any luau combined tickets available?

Luau show tickets with train ride

Add a 40-minute train ride around the Kilohana Plantation to your evening. Most package tours include the option to pre-arrange and pay for a train ride, but it’s possible to purchase train tickets on site. Ticket prices start at US$20 per person.

Plantation owner’s dinner and luau performance

Book an elite experience with a dinner at Gaylord’s Restaurant in the Plantation House and premier seating for the performance. Included are a champagne reception, round-trip transportation and gratuities.

Wailua River cruise and luau show

If your cruise ship docks at Lihue, don’t miss the opportunity to travel up Hawaii’s only navigable river to reach a spectacular setting for a luau. This is the only luau not located at Kilohana Plantation.

Embark on a boat tour up the scenic Wailua River to Fern Grotto, a natural amphitheater in Wailua State Park. Savor the beauty of the lava rock amphitheater, verdant surroundings and smaller crowds that add to the intimacy of the meal and performances.

When is the best time to see a luau?

Any time during your visit to Kauai can be pleasant for a luau. In the case of rain, the celebration will take place in a pavilion. A luau can be a wonderful start or end to your Hawaiian getaway.

How to get there?

Luau Kalamaku is located 5 kilometers to the west of Lihue. Rideshare service is available in the area, and some ticket packages include pickup and drop-off from various resort areas on Kauai.

By car, take Highway 50/Nawiliwili Road west from central Lihue for about 3 kilometers. The luaus take place at the Kilohana cultural complex. Turn right at the signs and follow the road to the parking lot.

What time does it start?

Luaus take place in the evening. Starting time options are every 15 minutes, starting at 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM. If you’d like more time to ride the plantation train or shop at the artisan boutiques, arrive as early as 10:30 AM.

Transfers from local hotels begin at 3:30 PM, and tours request that you arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

What is the dress code?

Dress code for a luau ranges from casual to slightly dressy. Shorts and sandals are perfectly appropriate for anyone, but it can be a fun occasion to dress up a bit.

It’s common and acceptable to see tourists wearing Hawaiian shirts and dresses to get into the luau spirit.

What is the cancelation policy?

You may cancel your tickets for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.

Travel tips

Tickets sell out quickly, so book your tour early.
Bring a hat and/or sunglasses to wear before the sun sets.
Carry rain gear in case of rain.
Observe etiquette for receiving a lei: always accept a lei when it is offered, and never take it off in front of the person who gave it to you.

Luau Shows in Kauai: Tickets