Luau or is Starlit Hui enough?

[Princess KP]

Leaving for Aulani in 16 days!!
Trying to decide if the Starlit Hui is good enough or if we should book a luau. Our first time in Hawaii. It will be myself, DH, DS(18) and DD (15).
From the reviews I've read, the food isn't the greatest. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

We did Paradise Cove a few weeks ago, and everyone in our party (14 of them) enjoyed the experience and food...even the drinks were good too. There is a lot to do and see there, and it is a short walk from Aulani. Honestly, I was trying to talk our party out of going to the luau because of all the bad reviews I read, but my mom wanted her grandchildren to experience an actual luau. In the end, I am really glad we went. The Fire Chief alone was worth it. My one suggestion is to book the Orchid package if you can. The viewing is much better from this section.
The Starlit Hui is a nice show, but if you want a luau experience, I would choose Paradise Cove.

 

[E&Cmom]

Following along since I am going through the same dilemma. DH has been to a Luau on the Big Island many years ago but wasn't that impressed. When we went to Maui 8 years ago I wanted to book one but never did and kind of regretted it. DH says that if I want to experience a Luau we should go but the reviews are all over the place so I keep going back and forward if we should go. We have 2 girls who are 11 and 7.

 

[gonzalj1]

IMHO a luau is an experience one must have once in their lifetime. There is lots of great entertainment and activities that are simply not part of the Starlit Hui.

That being said, my family did it once and will not do it again. We did not enjoy the food much and the experience has been had. No reason to go back as far as we are concerned.

YMMV

 

[jekjones1558]

We are not enamored with Luaus. We have been to top rated ones on Oahu, Maui and Big Island thinking that we would find one that lived up to the hype but the food is just not that much to our liking and neither are rum drinks. If you have never seen much polynesian dancing or if you really like rum drinks then it might be worth it for you to book a luau.

 

[abdgeek]

Leaving for Aulani in 16 days!!
Trying to decide if the Starlit Hui is good enough or if we should book a luau. Our first time in Hawaii. It will be myself, DH, DS(18) and DD (15).
From the reviews I've read, the food isn't the greatest. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

I second the recommendation of doing Paradise Cove since it's next door, but make your own decision. I did the Starlight Hui, but no luau the first time I stayed at Aulani. When I got home, I always regretted that I hadn't done one. When I went back this year I did the Paradise Cove and Old Lahaina(Maui) luaus. Both were great but different. For Paradise Cove I did the Deluxe seating and was two chairs from the stage. Great seats and they bring your food to you. I believe the max capacity is 1200 and the night I went it was sold out. The food was ok--very few people like luau food so don't go for that-- but I thought there was enough regular food on the menu so that you didn't starve if you didn't want the Hawaiian food.

The Old Lahaina luau was more traditional and told the history of Hawaii through hula. The food here was great and you sat on a chair or pillows(depending on which option you chose) at actual wooden tables(not plastic). I think the number one rated luau on Tripadvisor is in Honolulu. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

 

[SingingMom]

I second the recommendation of doing Paradise Cove since it's next door, but make your own decision. I did the Starlight Hui, but no luau the first time I stayed at Aulani. When I got home, I always regretted that I hadn't done one. When I went back this year I did the Paradise Cove and Old Lahaina(Maui) luaus. Both were great but different. For Paradise Cove I did the Deluxe seating and was two chairs from the stage. Great seats and they bring your food to you. I believe the max capacity is 1200 and the night I went it was sold out. The food was ok--very few people like luau food so don't go for that-- but I thought there was enough regular food on the menu so that you didn't starve if you didn't want the Hawaiian food. The Old Lahaina luau was more traditional and told the history of Hawaii through hula. The food here was great and you sat on a chair or pillows(depending on which option you chose) at actual wooden tables(not plastic). I think the number one rated luau on Tripadvisor is in Honolulu. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

Hi abd geek!

So, deluxe package was worth it? Just finishing up our final reservations and decided we probably SHOULD go to a luau if we are going all the way to HAWAII ! Lol
Was the walk easy /safe enough from Aulani?

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[abdgeek]

Hi abd geek!

So, deluxe package was worth it? Just finishing up our final reservations and decided we probably SHOULD go to a luau if we are going all the way to HAWAII ! Lol
Was the walk easy /safe enough from Aulani?

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hi SingingMom...I definitely thought the deluxe package at Paradise Cove was worth it. You have a different check in area and other perks(free gift and commerative picture, $24 gift card (3 drink tickets) which could be used for drinks or souvenirs--I think the other packages get two drink tickets,--which made it worthwhile to me. The seating is right up front and you don't have to fight the crowds at the buffet. We were the first people to get our food while everyone else had to wait to be called up.

The walk over from Aulani is only about 5-10 minutes. You're basically going next door to the huge parking lot where the check in area is. There is a sidewalk, so no worries(stay on the same side as Aulani). Walking back at night was no problem. There were several people walking back to Aulani. I would say it's very safe, but as always be aware of your surroundings. Definitely make your reservations as soon as you decide to go. They do sell out.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

Going this Tuesday . What are the speciality drinks you can get for free? We have the orchid package.

Went with the middle of the road. A little cheaper and husband prefers to pick out food at buffet himself.

Thank you!

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks!! Booked the deluxe package. Sounds like it's worth it for the closer seating, too!

Will start sorting through clothes to pack this week! Although, I will probably stay on my bathing suit most of the time!

 

[Princess KP]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll most likely book Paradise Cove for it's proximity.

Going this Tuesday . What are the speciality drinks you can get for free? We have the orchid package.

Went with the middle of the road. A little cheaper and husband prefers to pick out food at buffet himself.

Thank you!

Lovetotravdltx - if you have time, can you give us your thoughts on the luau? Thanks! Enjoy your trip!

 

[abdgeek]

Going this Tuesday . What are the speciality drinks you can get for free? We have the orchid package.

Went with the middle of the road. A little cheaper and husband prefers to pick out food at buffet himself.

Thank you!

Unfortunately, none of the drinks are free. You use your "drink ticket"(gift card) to purchase drinks until you run out of money and then you pay OOP. They had sodas and non alcoholic drinks. I think the regular Mai Tais were $6. Drinks ranged from about $6-12 depending on whether or not you got premium liquor or a souvenir cup. The sodas were between $4-6. They don't serve a drink with dinner, so if you want something to drink you need to use your drink ticket, pay OOP,or go without.

 

[Pooh2]

Does anyone have the link to book Paradise Cove?
We are not drinkers, what are the souvenirs that would be available with the package?
I was on the fence about the luau but after reading this thread, leaning toward booking it. This will once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii, do not want to have any regrets!

 

[Princess KP]

Does anyone have the link to book Paradise Cove?
We are not drinkers, what are the souvenirs that would be available with the package?
I was on the fence about the luau but after reading this thread, leaning toward booking it. This will once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii, do not want to have any regrets!

I found this website that offers a discount on Paradise Cove and other tours and excursions. I haven't used it for Paradise Cove as I had purchased the Entertainment Book a few weeks ago for $5 that gives me a 25% discount for up to 4 people.

http://www.hawaiidiscount.com/oahu/luaus/paradise-cove-hawaiian-buffet.htm

 

[SingingMom]

I found this website that offers a discount on Paradise Cove and other tours and excursions. I haven't used it for Paradise Cove as I had purchased the Entertainment Book a few weeks ago for $5 that gives me a 25% discount for up to 4 people. http://www.hawaiidiscount.com/oahu/luaus/paradise-cove-hawaiian-buffet.htm

Much better rate than we got through Viator. Use this website ! Wish I had seen this first!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[abdgeek]

Does anyone have the link to book Paradise Cove?
We are not drinkers, what are the souvenirs that would be available with the package?
I was on the fence about the luau but after reading this thread, leaning toward booking it. This will once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii, do not want to have any regrets!

When I booked online, I did so on the Paradise Cove website. The link is: http://paradisecove.com. Definitely check to see if you can get a cheaper rate elsewhere. You can also book the luau through the Aulani Excursion website, but I don't remember if their cost is more or less than what I paid.

The souvenir shop had a variety of items. I believe they had shirts, postcards, bracelets, ceramics, etc.. Don't quote me on any of that, but I did buy a ceramic turtle as a gift from there. The shop isn't very large, but they have the typical things one would look for.

 

[jwgm2012]

I hope I'm not chiming in too late but I've heard great things about the Luau and show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Oahu and Breath of Life (I think that's the name) is a show not to be missed. It's been compared to a Broadway show because of it's grandeur and story line. Enjoy your trip - we're there in November!

 

[DisneyHysteria]

I found this website that offers a discount on Paradise Cove and other tours and excursions. I haven't used it for Paradise Cove as I had purchased the Entertainment Book a few weeks ago for $5 that gives me a 25% discount for up to 4 people.

http://www.hawaiidiscount.com/oahu/luaus/paradise-cove-hawaiian-buffet.htm

Hi! Can you tell me more about the Entertainment Book Paradise Cove deal? Did you buy the book locally in Hawaii? We used to buy them here in Arizona, but haven't for a few years. Do you know if I have to purchase a particular Entertainment Book to find the Paradise Cove discount? Thank you!

 

[SingingMom]

We attended the Paradise Cove Luau last night, with the Deluxe package. We enjoyed it. Picked it because it was a short pleasant walk from Aulani. It was a little campy at times, but the dancers were amazing. We were in the front row at the stage and our server brought DD up to hula with the gorgeous male dancers because it was her 21st birthday. Lol. Food was decent. Drinks a little too sweet for me, and I love a good Mai tai. :-(
The sunset was gorgeous. I did feel there wasn't enough to keep us busy until dinner was served at 7 pm, considering they asked for us to be there at 5 pm.

I would splurge for the deluxe package because we were ushered in personally, photo & cooler bag and $24 gift card to use for drinks or gift shop was included in your package. Seating was up front and dinner was served to you instead of standing in the buffet line with 800 of your new Ohana!

We hope to get to the starlit hui before we leave on Wednesday!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[E&Cmom]

What nights are the Starlit Hui on? We get there this Thursday night and are there for a week.