Luaus on Oahu?

What are my options regarding Luaus on Oahu?

Last time we were in Hawaii we had island hopped and did a luau in Maui. It was great but that isn't an option this trip. What is available on Oahu?
Thanks..

----Paul in Southern NJ

I've been to Hawaii 14 times. Each time we have gone to luaus.

My favorite one is Germaines Luau. The best. One of the most authentic they say and we love it.

We tried Paradise Cove Luau and did it twice. Not my fav. Lots of games and such. Great if you are a family and have kids. They would like it more, but with it always being just my mom and I, we prefer the authenticity of Germaines and don't want to play games and such.

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Even though the reviews are not always that great, it was somewhere that I have wanted to go since I was a kid and it was my first trip to Hawaii. We really enjoyed it. It was a nice drive by the north shore to get there. We stopped at the Dole Planation on the way there, and because it is very similar to a farm amusement center we have at home (DP has same train, same maze, much bigger store, bigger garden, but significantly less kids activities than our home center- ours is a horse farm-not a pineapple farm) that is the one place on our trip that I would not do again. We would stop longer at the North Shore, or spend more time at the PCC instead. DD is 10 and she really liked the PCC. There are several villages with different exhibits, mini shows and activities to explore and a water parade that happens once every day. We had a tour guide that took us around those- although you can also just explore on your own. We then went to the luau there (there are other options, but we chose the luau) and we enjoyed the food and the entertainment. After the Luau you have a little time, and then you go to a full show called Ha. It was a bit overkill with the luau and maybe ran a little long- but it was very well done and we enjoyed it- especially the fire parts. There is no alcohol there since it is now owned by Brigham Young University, so if that is an issue for you, definitely select a different luau. I was getting plenty of alcohol between Mango Mojito's at the pool and beach at Aulani and meals elsewhere, so it did not bother me at all to be at a "dry" luau.

It has been a few years since I went to Hawaii. We did the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center and the one at Paradise Cove (which is near DVC at Ko-Olina). I enjoyed both and would recommend either.

PCC has the best show, but no alcohol if that is a make-or-break feature. Paradise Cove is right next door. Others here: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/oahu/721098

Depending how soon your trip is, Aulani will now have their own in November.

We were there in August and went to the Fia Fia Luau at the Marriot Ko Olina Beach Club. We arrived late so we missed the games and activities at the beginning which was fine as our youngest is 18. We loved the show! The emcee was amazing, dancers were excellent, food was ok. Some food was better then others. We took the resort shuttle over and walked back. It was a lovely evening. I would definitely go again!

I am looking for next June so I realize things can change between now and then. My group of 5 will be age 20 and up so games and hula lessons for kids will be lost on us.

--- Paul in Southern NJ

We'll be going next May and after seeing that Aulani will have a luau starting in November, we may just try that one. Good luck with your choice!

Is there a hard start date for the November Luau?
WE are there the first week in November but have not seen any information on Aulani site about it.

Paradise Cove is nice because you can walk there from Aulani. As far as the luau goes...it was ok but the food wasn't that great. I'd probably try the PCC next.