Luau Shows in Oahu: Tickets

A sacred ritual offering fantastic Polynesian entertainment and mouth-watering tropical cuisine, Luau shows in Oahu offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This much hyped-up dinner show features dances, songs and chants from across Polynesia.

Watch a spectacular performance of fire twirlers, hula dancers and Hawaiian musicians against a breathtaking backdrop of the sun sinking into the ocean. Tuck into a delicious buffet of authentic Hawaiian fare, play games and partake in interactive cultural activities native to the island

Grab your Luau show tickets in Oahu to dive straight into the culture, history and magic of this small tropical island.

You'll find on this page everything you need to know about Luau shows, one of the most traditional shows in Oahu.

What are Luau shows about?

Luau is a traditional Hawaiian dinner show that combines food, drink and entertainment. The spectacle is often held against a vibrant, jaw-dropping backdrop and typically features a spread of tropical delicacies and flavors, including poke, lomi salmon, poi and kalua pork.

Historically, Luau shows were held to celebrate special occasions and were primarily focused on food. In ancient Hawaii, men and women would eat meals separately. Women and the remainder of society were also prevented – under religious law – from eating foods that were rare.

In addition, they were forbidden from eating foods that were merely consumed at special celebrations. Other traditional foods were reserved for gods and ceremonial displays.

However, this changed in 1819 when King Kamehameha II removed the temples of worship and the religious kapu (taboo) system being practiced. The King performed a symbolic act by eating with both women and entertainment present, thus signaling the start of the Luau parties.

In a typical Luau show, you’ll dine on fish and poi, as well as sweet potato chips with delicious Kahlo hummus dip, leafy green salads and honey-guava butter. Eat to your heart’s content, as you watch a performance of Hawaii's dancing legends, singing sensations and award-winning musicians.

Many Luau parties occur in the late afternoon or early evening so that you can enjoy the mesmerizing sunset view against the gorgeous natural landscape.

How much do Luau show tickets cost?

Ticket prices for a Luau show in Oahu start at US$73 per person. Standard tickets include a superb performance of Polynesian dance coupled with an all-you-can-eat buffet of authentic Luau cuisine.

For a more intimate Luau experience within a scenic setting, expect to pay between US$100 to US$200 per person, depending on the type of service, the time of day and the position of seats you choose.

Are there any Luau show combined tickets available?

Make the most of your stay in Oahu and embark on an adventure filled with entertainment, then booking a combined ticket is a great choice.

Some Luau show tickets also include visits to the Sea Life Park, the Coral Crater Adventure park, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the International Marketplace – an open-air shopping market in Waikiki.

When is the best time to see a Luau show?

Due to Hawaii’s tropical climate, the best time of the year to see a Luau show is between March and September. This is when Oahu sees the least amount of rain and boasts balmy temperatures that are ideal for an outdoor ceremonial performance.

A popular time of the day to book a Luau show is during the afternoon or early evening, just before sunset. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy an authentic Laua show against a delightful pink and orange-hued background.

How to get there?

Luau shows can be found at a variety of locations in Oahu. You’ll find some of the most popular performances at Paradise Cove Luau in Ko Olina Beach, about a 35-minute drive from Waikiki.

The only prominent east-side Luau show is at Sea Life Park Hawaii, located north of Hanauma Bay and nestled on the extreme east coast of Oahu.

Many guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off to the Luau show of your choice, for a smooth and hassle-free journey.  

What time does it start?

Luau shows typically start in the afternoon, around 5 PM, and just in time for dinner. If your tour includes a pickup from your accommodation, you should be ready at around 3 PM so that you arrive in ample time before your show commences.

What is the dress code?

Hawaiian attire, such as colorful aloha shirts, skirts, leis, shorts and flip-flops, is the way to go for a Luau show. These choices of clothing perfectly represent the island of Oahu, although there is no strict dress code for a Luau show.

What is the cancelation policy?

You can usually cancel your Luau show ticket booking up to 24 hours in advance before the show commences for a full refund. However, each tour has its own cancellation policy, so it’s best to check the specific tour that you have booked beforehand.

Travel tips

• Bring a passport or photo ID card with you if you plan on consuming alcohol at the show.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the many attractions Oahu has to offer.
• Pack sunscreen for Oahu’s famed hot weather if you don’t want to sizzle.
• Bring a light jacket in case the temperatures get a little chillier later on in the evening.
• If seating is not assigned to you at the time of booking, it’s best to arrive as early as possible to score yourself a front-row view of the wonderful spectacle.