How to have Aloha fun at the best luau in Oahu

Food is one of the most important part of the luau and it relies on the bountiful tropical ingredients found on the islands of Hawaii. So you know what to expect, here’s a guide to the most traditional luau dishes so you can prepare yourself for the feasting ahead. 

The centerpiece of any luau feast is kalua pork. An underground wood oven, known as an imu  is used to slow cook a whole pig wrapped in ti leaves for 8-10 hours. The meat remains in the oven for so long it comes out tender, juicy and flavorful. Kalua pork is traditionally served with poi (a thick, purple paste made from taro), pineapple and fresh rolls made from taro.

Of course the islands of Hawaii are famous for their fish and seafood so you’ll also find poke – diced raw fish served with condiments like soy sauce – baked mahi-mahi (whitefish fillets) and lomi-lomi salmon – a salad made from fresh salmon, tomatoes and onions. If you’re luck you might also try lu`au a dish made from taro leaves baked with octopus and coconut cream.

If you love eating chicken, there are plenty of luau dishes to try. Chicken Long Rice is made with bean or thread noodles served with pieces of hot chicken while huli-huli chicken is made using Hawaiian brown sugar, fresh ginger and soy sauce. 

And don’t forget the famous pipi kaula – Hawaiian style beef jerky made with strips of flank steak marinated in water, red peppers and soy sauce before being dried.

When it’s time for dessert your sweet tooth will be satisfied with a variety of tropical cakes such as coconut, pineapple and banana cakes. You can also try haupia a coconut pudding with the consistency of a firm jelly and kulolo – a fudge like dessert made from taro corms and coconut.  

Hungry now? You should be! But don’t worry, generous hospitality is all part of the Hawaiian culture so your bellies won’t be rumbling when you leave the luau. 

While you enjoy feasting on delicious Hawaiian foods, relax and enjoy traditional entertainment and learn exactly how the locals like to party. Traditional Hawaiian songs on ukuleles or a slack key guitar accompany hula dancers who tell the stories of the islands – of love, loss and battle. If you’re lucky you’ll see some super cute keiki (child) hula dancers and the awe inspiring fire dancers.

Many luaus put on Hawaiian games for your entertainment so prepare to be challenged.  Hawaiian limbo is when two people hold the ends of a long stick or broom at different heights. At first, the stick is held high so it easy to bend beneath it to reach the other side. As the stick is lowered, the game becomes a lot harder.

For those that have extra eating skills a poi eating contest is always a lot of fun. You have two minutes to eat as much poi as possible without using any utensils or your hands.

If you want to join in the fun the best luaus make sure there is plenty of crowd participation. So you may go home from vacation with a new skill – hula dancing or limbo!

The best luau in Oahu: Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The best authentic luau in Oahu is at the Polynesian Cultural Center. From the moment each guest is welcomed at the Ali’i luau with a fresh orchid lei, the fun and feasting begins.

A traditional Hawaiian dinner is served buffet style while the entertainment takes place on stage. Highlights include the ceremonial uncovering of slow cooked kalua pig, welcoming the royal court of Hawaii and special on stage activities for people visiting Hawaii for special occasions and members of the US armed forces.

This award wining experience is actually only a small part of a huge package of entertainment that you can enjoy over three days entry to the Polynesian Cultural Center included in all luau ticket offers.You can read more about what to expect at the center below. 

Luau pricing and information

• Price: from $122.95 (adults) There are also premium food and experience packages available – more info
• Duration: luau dinner – 1.5 hours, full experience 1- 2 days
• Best for: families, couples and friends wanting a fun cultural experience with food, activities and entertainment

Tip – buy your tickets up to 10 days in advance to save 10% on luau packages

Review: What to Expect at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The best way to experience the Polynesian Cultural Center luau is to make a day of it or stay overnight. This is because the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center experience is much more than dinner and a show.

Your luau ticket also includes 3 day admission to the park and access to cultural displays and a spectacular on water parade as well as the award winning Ha: Breath of Life evening performance.

Arrive well before the luau to make the most of the cultural park and stay for the evening show. You won’t be able to see everything in just one day so we recommend staying close by on the North Shore to make the most of your ticket.

Sample itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time at the PCC. 

Day one

• 12:00 – arrive as the center opens for the day and get your bearings 
• 12:30 – 13:30 – take a canoe tour on the tropical lagoon and visit one of the six island villages
• 13:30 – watch the Hawaiian Journey presentation then grab a snack 
• 14:30 – 15:00 – enjoy the colorful all singing and dancing canoe pageant
• 15:00 – 15:45 – visit another village and try some activities before making your way to the luau
• 16:00 – 17:15 – Ali’i luau
• 17:30 – stroll around the park and 
• 19:00 – 21:00 – take your seats for the Ha: Breath of Life show

Day two

• 12:00 – visit the villages you missed the previous day and try all the activities
• 14:30 – 15:00 – see the pageant again – it’s so much fun! 
• 15:00 – find your favorite souvenir of a memorable few days exploring Polynesia!

Island Villages

At the Polynesian Cultural Center one of the best things to do is explore the island nations of the region by visiting six villages celebrating local traditions and  rich cultural history. Each of the villages offers a unique insight into the beauty and differences across the South Pacific. You can easily spend up to an hour at each village watching performances, taking part in activities and learning about the customs of the local people.

Stop by the Hawaii village to learn why dance is so important to the culture, learn the skill of lauhala weed weaving, taste Hawaiian poi and play ancient games.

At the village of Tahiti offers a chance to go pole fishing, experience a wedding ceremony or see the famous Tahitian hip shaking dance. You might even want to try it for yourself. Tip – it’s harder than it looks! In Tahiti you can also learn about underwater pearl farms and taste coconut bread. 

The Island of Aotearoa is all about the culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Here you can watch traditional weapons being carved by artisans and learn the meaning of their striking facial tattoos. Make sure to visit during one of the regular shows where the power of the Haka warrior cry will run through your body. 

Visit the village of the island of Samoa and learn how to twirl a fire knife or crack open a coconut. You will even discover the ingenious Samoan technique for making natural air conditioning. Are you an adventurer? You might want to try shimmying up a coconut tree to cut down some delicious fruit.

There are presentations throughout the day in the Fiji village featuring the fearsome (but very friendly) warriors. You can learn about the traditional bamboo or derua instrument, take a tour of the six-story temple or choose a temporary tattoo. In happy go lucky Tonga learn how to dance while seated and marvel at the energetic drummers. See if you have what it takes to throw spears and paddle an outrigger canoe or learn to play the Tongan shuffleboard.

A series of dances and songs are performed while you eat followed by recognition of special occasions and hula lessons for those who want to get up on stage.

Now you’ve decided on your luau, you want to look the part and have a great time. So let’s get ready! There’s actually not too much to prepare for, just come with a huge smile, an empty belly and your dancing feet.

Book your tickets early

Purchasing your tickets for the Polynesian Cultural Center early can save you up to 10%. You’ll need to book at least 10 days before your visit to take advantage of this offer. Apart from the cost savings you’ll also secure some of the best seats in the house for the evening show – click here for online bookings

You can have a lot of fun dressing up for a luau. The best part is every floral pattern is acceptable, you can always wear a traditional aloha shirt and there is no such thing as too much color.

The idea is to relax and enjoy spending time with your friends and family. You also want to make sure you are comfortable so women usually choose floral patterned dresses while Hawaiian print shirts are popular with men.If you are interested in a more traditional look, women can wear a long dress with a sarong or floral print or a muʻumuʻu.

Have fun with the accessories. You can enhance any outfit by wearing a lei of fresh flowers, a pukka shell necklace or a single flower behind your ear. If you are taken, the flower goes behind your left ear. If single, behind your right.

The best footwear includes slippers, flip-flops, sandals or bare feet. But, whatever you wear, the most important part of any luau is to have fun.

How to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is in Laie Oahu about an hour and a half drive from Waikiki and Honolulu depending on traffic. If you want to rent a car we suggest searching on Rentalcars.com for the best deals.

Alternatively, you can organize a transfer directly with the Polynesian Cultural Center. They also offer full day special Circle Island tours that take you from Waikiki to Diamond Head and the beaches of the North Shore before spending the afternoon and evening at the luau and cultural park – more info

Best place to stay near the Polynesian Cultural Center

We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort which is about 15 minutes drive away but you can stay within walking distance at the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is right next door. Otherwise check out these stunning Airbnb beach property rentals on the North Shore