Best Luaus on the Big Island: 8 Shows Compared

The Big Island has eight resort luaus running right now, from Kailua-Kona down to Keauhou and up the Kohala Coast. They all serve dinner and a Polynesian show, but they are not interchangeable: some lean into culture and storytelling, some into the fire knife finale, and a couple are built for families. Here is how to choose, and which one fits your trip.

Schedules and prices change often, so check the current dates before you book. Booking links on this page may earn us a small commission at no cost to you.

Quick picks

First luau: Legends of Hawaiʻi (Hilton Waikoloa Village)
With kids: Island Breeze (Kailua-Kona)
On a budget, staying in Kona: Voyagers of the Pacific (Royal Kona Resort)
For culture and storytelling: Hawaiʻi Loa (Fairmont Orchid) or Hale Hoaloha (Mauna Lani)
For the food: Mauna Kea Luau

1. Legends of Hawaiʻi Luau

Where: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala Coast

The most polished production on the island and an easy pick for first-timers. Self-parking is included, the grounds are big enough to make an evening of it, and the show moves through Polynesian song and dance before the fire knife finale.

2. Island Breeze Luau

Where: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona

The family pick. It sits on historic Kamakahonu, next to Ahuʻena Heiau, King Kamehameha's last royal residence, so the setting carries real history. Toddlers get in free and the hotel runs low-cost daytime cultural classes like lei making and hula.

3. Voyagers of the Pacific

Where: Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona

The most affordable full luau and the easiest to reach if you are staying in Kona town. Oceanfront lawn over Kailua Bay, sunset views, and a show that traces the voyaging history of Polynesia.

4. Feast & Fire Luau

Where: Outrigger Kona Resort, Keauhou Bay

Story-driven show on the ocean at Keauhou (the resort was formerly the Sheraton Kona). Come early for the artisan village before dinner. Keauhou is also where the manta ray night snorkel boats leave, so it pairs well with a manta night.

5. Sunset Luau

Where: Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Kohala Coast

The longest evening of the group, about three hours, with a more contemporary take on the Hawaiian menu.

6. Hawaiʻi Loa Luau

Where: Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast

Built around voyaging and storytelling, with a wide buffet. A good choice if the cultural side matters more to you than the fire show.

7. Hale Hoaloha Luau

Where: Mauna Lani, Kohala Coast

Smaller crowds, a real imu (underground oven) and one of the biggest spreads on the coast. Ask about the morning imu viewing before the evening show.

8. Mauna Kea Luau

Where: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast

The food-first choice and the priciest of the group, on one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Book this one if dinner matters as much as the show.

Kona or Kohala Coast: which side to book

Pick the luau on the side of the island you are sleeping on. Kailua-Kona and Keauhou shows (Island Breeze, Voyagers, Feast & Fire) are a short drive from Kona town. The Kohala Coast shows (Legends, Sunset, Hawaiʻi Loa, Hale Hoaloha, Mauna Kea) sit 30 to 45 minutes north, and driving the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway back after dark is easier if your hotel is up there too. If you are based in Hilo, plan your luau on a night you stay on the west side.

Before you go

Book ahead in winter and summer; the smaller Kohala shows sell out first.
Arrive early for the imu ceremony, lei greeting and pre-show activities; they are part of what you are paying for.
Dress resort casual and bring a light layer; the lawns cool off after sunset.
Ask about seating: premium tickets usually mean closer seats and table service; general seating is fine at most shows.
Remember it is a show: a luau is a celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, and hula is a living tradition. Clap, put the phone down for the hula, and you will enjoy it more.

Visiting Oʻahu as well? The luau scene there is bigger and more competitive — we compare the five main options, with prices and shuttle costs, in the best Oʻahu luaus.

Frequently asked questions

Which Big Island luau is best?

For most first-time visitors, Legends of Hawaiʻi at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Families tend to love Island Breeze in Kailua-Kona, and travelers who care most about food usually pick the Mauna Kea Luau.

How many luaus are on the Big Island?

Eight resort luaus are operating: Legends of Hawaiʻi, Island Breeze, Voyagers of the Pacific, Feast & Fire, Sunset Luau, Hawaiʻi Loa, Hale Hoaloha and the Mauna Kea Luau.

Are Big Island luaus good for kids?

Yes. Island Breeze is the most family-oriented, and every show runs early enough for younger kids.