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Attending an authentic Hawaiian luau is the perfect way to experience Hawaiian traditions and culture! If you’re not quite sure what a luau is, it’s basically a party — a Hawaiian feast with celebratory music, games, and cultural performances.

Most luaus serve traditional Hawaiin food, such as Kalua pig, huli huli chicken, and poi, and it’s often served buffet style. Performances range from mesmerizing hula dancers to knife and fire dancers who tell a story through movement. And if you want to see an authentic Hawaiian luau, there’s no better place to go than Kauai.

Kauai has a lack of commercialism and dedication to cultural traditions that really stand out when compared to the other islands. So although luaus can be found on every Hawaiian island, the luaus in Kauai are just a step above the rest (in our opinion). But which one is the best luau in Kauai? Let’s find out!

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The Best Luau in Kauai

If you’re looking for the best luau in Kauai, you’ve come to the right place. We’re comparing Kauai’s top six luaus side by side so you can decide which one (or two!) is right for you. No matter what you decide, be sure to buy your tickets as soon as possible. Many luaus sell out weeks in advance! After you’ve experienced one of Kauai’s luaus yourself, you’ll understand why.

1. Luau Kalamaku [Our Top Pick!]

Luau Kalamaku is not your average luau — it’s a theatrical performance that tells the story of the original Hawaiian voyagers and their journey from Tahiti to the islands. This luau has more performers than any other luau in Kauai, and it was even named “Best Luau Show” by Lonely Planet. This is our top pick for luaus in Kauai and it’s one of the best performances we have ever seen!

Luau Kalamaku takes place at the historic Kilohana Plantation near Lihue. Guests can upgrade the tickets to include a train ride through the plantation lands before dinner begins. The train ride will pass by taro and sugarcane fields and stop to feed some wild animals along the way. Dinner is then served buffet style and includes traditional Hawaiian delights, such as Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and purple sweet potatoes.

After dinner, the show begins. It’s performed in a tented pavilion on a circular state-of-the-art stage that’s set in the center of the audience. The immersive stage design truly pulls the audience into the heart of the story as it unfolds. And while it’s different than other luaus in so many ways, the show is still filled with mesmerizing hula dancers and fire dancers. It’s a spectacular performance and we highly recommend it!

What You Need To Know About Luau Kalamaku

Location: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Performance Days: Tuesdays and Fridays (and Mondays during the summer)
Check-In Time: 5:00 p.m.
Price: $171 and up
Standard Seating: Shared seating at round tables
Premier Seating: Shared seating at round tables in first row
Food: Open bar, buffet dinner; 4-course meal for Plantation Owners Upgrade
Parking: Plenty of free on-site parking
Show Only: Not available, dinner is included with all tickets
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Luau Kalamaku Tickets

2. Smith Family Garden Luau

Smith Family Garden Luau Imu Oven Kauai Hawaii

The Smith Family Garden Luau is another great choice for a true Hawaiian experience. The Ultimate Hawaii Guidebook: Kauai Revealed even called it the “Best Luau on the Island” in its Fifth Edition. Smith Family Garden is made up of 30 acres and is located in the stunning Wailua Marina State Park. The luau includes a tour of the estate, followed by a buffet-style dinner before the show.

The garden is packed with lush greenery, bamboo forests, fruit trees, and free-roaming peacocks. The coolest part of the Smith Family Garden Luau is the authentic Kalua pig roast. A Kalua pig is roasted in a traditional earthen imu oven (an oven created by digging a hole into the ground) at each event, and you’ll get to see the cooking process during your tour.

After dinner, the show is performed in an amphitheater next to the dining area. Traditional music and dances are celebrated, and performances include the Hawaiian hula, Somona fire knife dancing, and Tahitian drum dancing. A special erupting volcano closes out the show. And if you just can’t get enough of this beautiful property, they also offer a Fern Grotto Wailua River Cruise.

What You Need To Know About Smith Family Garden Luau

Location: 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Performance Days: Weekdays (June – August), Weekdays except for Tuesdays (February – October), Weekdays except for Tuesdays and Thursdays (November – January)
Check-In Time: 4:45 p.m. (November – February), 5:00 p.m. (March – October)
Price: $140 and up
Standard Seating: Shared seating at rectangular tables for dining, Amphitheatre seating for show
Premier Seating: Not available, all seating is first come first served
Food: Open bar, buffet dinner
Parking: Plenty of free on-site parking
Show Only: Yes, but must be booked over the phone
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Smith Family Garden Luau Tickets

3. Auli’i Luau

The Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu is guaranteed to be a great experience! It’s actually Kauai’s only oceanfront luau! The show is vibrant and family-oriented, with traditional musical performances, Samoan knife and fire dancing, and Tahitian drum dances. Food is served buffet style and includes all the traditional fare.

Auli’i Luau is timed perfectly with the sunset, so guests will have the best of daylight and darkness. You’ll have plenty of daylight for the outdoor feast, then the show will begin just before sunset. As the show begins you’ll find yourself in a true paradise, sitting near the warm sandy shore with a tropical breeze and the sun lighting up the horizon. Once darkness falls, the tiki torches burn brighter, the drums pulse louder, and the dancers become electric with knives and fire!

What You Need To Know About Auli’i Luau

Location: Sheraton Kauai, 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Performance Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Check-In Time: 5:00 p.m. (October-February), 5:30 p.m. (March-September)
Price: $190 and up
Standard Seating: Shared seating at banquet tables, Pre-assigned based on reservation date
Premier Seating: Shared seating at round tables in first 4 rows facing the stage, Pre-assigned based on reservation date
Food: Open bar, buffet dinner
Parking: Free parking on-site, free valet parking
Show Only: Not available, dinner is included with all tickets
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Auli’i Luau Tickets

4. Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show

The Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show is mesmerizing. It’s performed by a local family and feels more intimate than the other luaus offered in Kauai. The production here is simple and the seating is limited. Dinner is served as a pre-plated “luau box” with a sampling of some classic Hawaiin luau dishes, followed by the show. This is the only luau on this list without a buffet style feast.

The show itself is spectacular and thrilling to watch. Anything that can be done with fire is done — the dancers are juggling fire, swallowing fire, walking on fire, you name it! The simple drumming and ancient chanting that accompanies the show only draws the audience in further. If you’re looking for an exciting show and you’re okay missing some of the traditional luau dances, the Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show is for you.

What You Need To Know About Ahi Lele Luau Fire Show

Location: 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
Performance Days: Wednesdays
Check-In Time: 5:30 p.m.
Price: $119 and up
Standard Seating: Open seating, chairs lined up in front of stage
Premier Seating: VIP seating in first row
Food: Pre-boxed meal, drinks and alcohol for purchase
Parking: Free parking on-site
Show Only: Not available, dinner is included with all tickets
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Ahi Lele Luau Tickets

5. Tahiti Nui Luau

The Tahiti Nui Luau is another good choice for a luau experience. This one has a bit of a different vibe though since it’s held in a restaurant/bar. It feels more like going out for drinks and entertainment than experiencing an authentic Hawaiian Luau, but it’s still a great show and deserves to be on this list!

Tahiti Nui is a very popular restaurant and bar in Hanalei known for its amazing Mai Tais. George Clooney actually filmed a scene here in the movie The Descendents. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the bar offers a traditional luau buffet followed by an indoor performance. And while the show is simpler than the other luaus on the island, you’ll still get to see classic hula dancers and fire dancing.

If you’ve already picked a different luau to attend while in Kauai, this would still make a great stop for lunch or dinner during your trip! Plus, you really don’t want to miss out on one of their famous Mai Tais. No reservations are needed for non-luau nights, and you can enjoy live music nightly from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

What You Need To Know About Tahiti Nui Luau

Location: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Performance Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Check-In Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: $145 and up
Standard Seating: Shared seating at banquet tables, first come first served
Premier Seating: Not available
Food: Open bar, buffet dinner
Parking: Limited on-site parking, overflow parking across the street
Show Only: Not available, dinner is included with all tickets
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Tahiti Nui Luau Tickets

6. Luau Ka Hikina

Luau Ka Hikina is held at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (not to be confused with the Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort). Although this isn’t our top pick, this luau is still a great and authentic experience. From lei greetings to a torch-lighting ceremony to hula masters, this luau has it all! Dinner is served buffet style and the Mai Tias flow all night.

Before and during dinner, you’ll be entertained with plenty of pre-show activities. Activities may vary, but you can expect things such as learning poi ball dancing, learning to drum, hula hooping, and even shopping at various vendor booths. After dinner, the show begins with a torch-lighting ceremony. The show includes many traditional Hawaiian dances and yes — fire dancing. This performance is especially convenient if you’re staying at the property!

What You Need To Know About Luau Ka Hikina

Location: 650 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Performance Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (February – August), Tuesdays and Thursdays (September – January)
Check-In Time: 5:00 p.m.
Price: $209 and up
Standard Seating: Shared seating at banquet tables, first come first served
Premier Seating: Not available
Food: Open bar, buffet dinner
Parking: Limited hotel parking
Show Only: Not available, dinner is included with all tickets
Tickets: Click Here to buy tickets!

Buy Luau Ka Hikina Tickets

Other Kauai Tours & Activities

There are so many things to do in Kauai other than luaus, it’s almost overwhelming! We’ve put together a list of the top (and highest-rated) excursions on the island. We personally did the Backcountry Mountain Tubing and the Na Pali Coast Tour, and both were fantastic!

In addition to the activities below, we also recommend downloading the GuideAlong Driving Audio Tour before your trip! We used this app the entire time we were in Kauai, and it helped us navigate to some truly hidden gems, including a red dirt waterfall that was completely off the grid!

Adventure Tours

Helicopter Tour — Taking a Helicopter Tour is a really popular excursion when visiting Kauai because of the endless waterfalls along the Na Pali Coast.
Backcountry Mountain Tubing — This thrilling experience will have you tubing right through Kauai’s thick bamboo forests!
Koloa Zipline Experience — Ziplining through the tropical jungle is another thrilling activity to do while visiting Kauai!
Na Pali Coast Tour — You can’t visit Kauai without seeing the famous Na Pali Coast, which can only be truly seen from the water. It’s breathtaking, especially at sunset!
Na Pali Coast Snorkel and Sailing Tour — To make the most out of your Na Pali Coast tour, you can combine it with a snorkeling tour!
Guided Shore Snorkel — If you want to try snorkeling but boats aren’t your thing, this shore snorkel tour is a perfect option!
Scuba Diving — If snorkeling isn’t adventurous enough for you, try your hand at scuba diving!
Surf Lessons — Have you ever wanted to try surfing? Kauais waves are the perfect place to start!
Full Island Tour — This is a great option if you’re looking for a traditional driving tour of the island. This tour is filled with secret spots and hidden gems!
Private Waterfall Repelling Tour — Kauai is covered in waterfalls just begging to be explored and rappelled down! Beginners welcome.
Food Tour — Skip the tourist traps and find the hidden gems with a guided food tour!

Photoshoots & Lei Greetings

Kauai Photoshoot — Capture the moment forever with a 45-minute beach photoshoot!
Underwater Photoshoot — If you’re feeling really adventurous, try an underwater photoshoot!
Airport Lei Greeting — Lei greetings are a wonderful Hawaiian tradition. Sadly, Hollywood has led us all to believe that hula dancers will be lined up with leis and ready to greet us as soon as we step off the plane. This is not the case. The only way to have your movie moment is to purchase this service in advance.

Where to Stay in Kauai

Choosing a place to stay in Kauai can be just as difficult as choosing the best luau in Kauai! We’ll share our top picks with you, but truthfully, our list barely scratches the surface. Check these options out or do some research on your own — just make sure to book your hotel early! Also, pay attention to whether or not your place has air conditioning, since it’s not common in Hawaii.

OUR TOP HOTEL PICKS IN KAUAI

📍Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club
Luxury Option
This swanky hotel sits right on the ocean. Oceanview rooms, thoughtful decor, and tons of amenities make this hotel the perfect place to refresh and relax. Each room has a small kitchen and dining area, air conditioning, and cable TV. You’ll find plenty of excursions to pick from and some of Kauai’s top sights just a short drive away.

📍Kuhio Shores 410
Private Apartment Option
This private apartment is simple and understated, with a view of the ocean that will make your jaw drop. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide an epic view of the sea from anywhere in the space, and the view from the private balcony is worth the trip to Kauai alone. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, air conditioning, and cable TV.

📍Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Comfort Chain Option
This hotel is perfect for those looking for a straightforward and reliable hotel in a prime location. Although the Hilton Garden Inn is a classic comfort chain hotel, you will certainly feel the Hawaiian culture in this one. The property is beautiful and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and cable TV. A mini fridge may be available upon request.

Head Here to Booking.com For More Kauai Hotels

Final Thoughts: The Best Luau in Kauai

Kauai has some of the best luaus in all of Hawaii! We consider the six luaus on this list to be the best on the island, and we hope this post has helped you narrow down your choice.

Our top recommendation and favorite luau is Luau Kalamaku. It was just such a powerful performance and offered the most authentic experience we’ve had at a luau. The performers are all incredible and the story that unfolds is entertaining, emotional, and mesmerizing.

No matter which luau you pick though, we’re sure you’ll have a great time. There are so many good things to be said about each performance on this list. No matter what you decide, just remember to buy your tickets as soon as possible. Most of these luaus sell out weeks in advance! And for good reason. You’re in for the experience of a lifetime!

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!