Where to Feast, Dance & Experience a Waikīkī Lūʻau
A lūʻau isn’t just a party—it’s a cultural experience and a way for Hawaiians to share their powerful stories through the art of dance and song.
Traditionally, Hawaiians gathered for lūʻaus to celebrate big moments in life, from victories in battle to royal birthdays. Food, music, hula, and storytelling weren’t just entertainment; they were how history and traditions were passed down. Today, lūʻaus still offer that rich cultural connection—plus, they’re just a really good time.
The Traditions That Make the Lūʻau
Hula: The Dance of Stories
At the heart of every lūʻau is hula—a form of storytelling through movement. More than just dance, hula preserves Hawaiian myths, genealogy, and natural history. Dancers train for years in hālau hula (hula schools), learning not only steps but the deeper cultural and spiritual significance behind each motion.
The Meaning Behind the Costumes
Lūʻau costumes aren’t just for show—they carry cultural meaning. Traditional garments like the pāʻū (skirt) and malo (loincloth) are often paired with lei and kupeʻe (wrist and ankle adornments) made from native plants. Each piece reflects a connection to land, ancestry, and story. While modern performances blend traditional and contemporary styles, the symbolism remains rooted in heritage and respect.
The Imu: Earth-Cooked Traditions
No lūʻau is complete without kālua pig, slow-cooked in an imu—a traditional underground oven. Wrapped in banana leaves and buried under hot stones and earth, the pig is cooked for hours until tender and smoky. The imu reveal is often a communal moment and a flavorful reminder of time-honored Hawaiian cooking methods.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
Lūʻaus date back centuries, originally called ʻahaʻaina—feasts held to mark significant occasions like births or harvests. While today’s gatherings may look a little different, the essence remains: a communal celebration of food, dance, storytelling, and the spirit of aloha. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning guest, it’s a chance to connect with the rich cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi in the most joyful way possible.
A lūʻau on Oʻahu in Honolulu is a must. Whether you want a free hula show or a full-on feast, here are some of our top picks to add to the itinerary.
Our top lūʻau picks on Oʻahu
Experience Nutridge
Tantalus Lookout, above Honolulu
Paid | Food & Drinks included | 4 PM–8 PM (Daily)
If you’re after something more intimate than the big production shows, Nutridge Lūʻau delivers. Held at a historic estate with epic sunset views over Honolulu, this backyard-style gathering keeps it cozy—think lei-making, live music, and traditional hula. Its laid-back, personal vibe—plus all the hands-on moments—make it one of the most unique lū‘au experiences on the island (not to mention the killer imu roast and sweeping ocean views).
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories
International Market Place
Free | No food | 6 PM (Sept–Feb) | 6:30 PM (March–Aug)
For an easy (and free) way to get your hula fix, head to the International Market Place for this 45-minute show. A mix of Hawaiian and Polynesian storytelling through dance, it’s the perfect pre-dinner experience—because everything is better with a good story and live music.
If you're staying at the Romer House, this lūʻau is just steps from the hotel.
Polynesian Cultural Center
45-minute drive from Waikīkī
Tickets required | Traditional lūʻau feast included
7 PM – 8:45 PM (HĀ: Breath of Life show) | 12 PM – 5:30 PM (Aliʻi Lūʻau & full-day experience)
For a dive deep into Polynesian heritage, the Polynesian Cultural Center is an all-day experience that takes you through the cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and more Carve out a day in your itinerary because outside of the lūʻau you can experience an entire day of hands-on cultural activities, live performances, and island history. Stay for HĀ: Breath of Life, a theatrical Polynesian dance and music show, or go all in with the Aliʻi Lūʻau, which honors Queen Liliʻuokalani with a feast and performance.
‘Auana Cirque du Soleil
Walking distance from most Waikīkī hotels
Tickets required | No food | 80-minute show
Hawaiian history, but with a Cirque du Soleil twist. ‘Auana takes you on a visually stunning, acrobatic journey through Hawaiʻi’s past in a way that’s anything but traditional. It’s an intimate, high-energy show that blends aerial stunts with island storytelling—no dinner included, but it’ll definitely give you something to talk about over drinks afterward.
Paradise Cove Lūʻau
45-minute drive from Waikīkī
Tickets required | Traditional lūʻau feast included | 5:30 PM – 8:45 PM
If you're looking for the classic lūʻau experience, this is it. Set right on the ocean, Paradise Cove delivers all the traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance, plus hands-on activities like Hawaiian games, poi tasting, and arts and crafts. It’s a little trek from Waikīkī, but worth it for an immersive, cultural deep-dive (and, of course, the kalua pig).
