Best Luaus on the Big Island

Luau’s are for sure one of the most popular vacation activities in Hawai`i. Not just with tourists, but also with the locals. As we all know, there’s this kind of separation trend with local and visitor activities. I get it. Locals don’t always want visitors to know about secret spots, and sometimes locals don’t want to be associated with visitor activities. But, you know what? No matter what, locals and visitors will always be intermixed in Hawai`i. Because locals live on an island that tourists like to visit! And, guess what? No matter what anybody says, locals do go to luaus. Locals work at luau’s, and locals bring their friends that visit from the mainland to Hawai`i luaus.

Luaus are a part of Hawaiian culture, and they should always be supported by everyone. They are one of the few mainstream activities in Hawai`i that actually do promote Hawaiian cultural studies and awareness. (Soapbox statement) Anyway, here is a list of the most popular luaus on the Big Island right now…

Marriott’s King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel – “Island Breeze Luau“

The Island Breeze Luau at the Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel has the highest reviews for Hawai`i luau’s on TripAdvisor. Rated #1 Luau in Hawai`i by kama’aina, surely all guests will enjoy this authentic Hawaiian luau. Here, guests will love the lei greeting with a picture, the open bar, and Polynesian arts and crafts; basket weaving, how-to open a coconut station, hula dance lessons, a booth where guests can get a temporary Polynesian tattoo, and more. This is a great Big Island luau to choose for families, large groups, and couples.

The luau buffet at the Marriott Kona offers a traditional luau feast with traditional luau fare like kalua pig, steamed lau lau, poi, haupia pudding, and more. The bar offers complimentary drinks including mai-tais, wine, beer, soda, and non-alcoholic tropical punch.

The Island Breeze Luau performances at the Marriott provide a glimpse into Hawaiian, Fijian, Samoan, and Maori cultures. Guests favorites are always the beautiful Hawaiian hula performances, storytelling, and the Samoan fire dances.The Island Breeze Luau at the Kona Marriott takes place on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights.

For more information about the Kona Beach Hotel luau, please visit www.konabeachhotel.com.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa | Sunset Luau

The Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Spa and Resort is definitely one of the most popular luau’s on the Big Island. This luau stands apart from the rest for so many reasons including the breathtaking views from ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay. This Hawaii luau offers live music, traditional dance from all over the South Pacific, an open bar, and a feast that combines traditional luau fare with elements of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine.

For more information about the Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Marriott, please visit www.sunsetluau.com.

Royal Kona Resort | Royal Kona Luau

The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort is also sometimes referred to as the Royal Kona Luau, just to alleviate any confusion. This Big Island luau is famous in its own way for their unique rendition of the traditional Hawaiian luau fused with an incredible location, spectacular views, and an expert level luau performance production. Over the shores of Kailua Bay, all guests will love this ‘Tihati’ production as they watch it come to life.

A freindly shell lei greeting is the first traditional Polynesian experience guests will be introduced to at this Hawaii luau. The warm Hawaiian greeting continues with arts and crafts demonstrations, an Imu unearthing, and an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian-style luau buffet. Towards the latter part of the event, all guests will be completely enthralled in Polynesian music, dance and storytelling; Hawaiian hula dance, Samoan fire dancing, Polynesian chants and storytelling, drumming, and more.

For more information about The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort, please visit www.konaluau.com.

The Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i | Gathering Of The Kings Luau

“A Polynesian Feast…A Dramatic Performance…A journey through the Pacific you will never forget.” E ola mau ka lokahi.” (May our unification be boundless) www.gatheringofthekings.com.

The “Gathering of the Kings” at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii is award winning for both the luau feast and the entertainment. This weekly Big Island luau event shares so many Polynesian treasures with their guests. Here, guests can enjoy glimpses from throughout the Pacific including the Hawaiian Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand.

One of the greatest things about the Gathering of the Kings is the professional level of the overall production. The choreography is without a doubt the best of all the Big Island luau’s, and the evening focuses on historic stories of Polynesian creation stories. This luau is truly a great experience for all.

For more information about the Gathering of the Kings Luau at the Fairmont Orchid, please visit www.gatheringofthekings.com

Mahalo for reading our Best Big Island Luau’s post! What is your favorite Big Island luau? Let us know what makes it unique… Please share this article with your friends and family, and leave us a comment below.