Luau recommendations and opinions

[Skywalker3]

Hi, I"ve been reading through other trip reports and threads, gathering opinions and info on the various luaus.
I know this can be so very subjective, but would love to just have a thread with responses on experiences, pros and cons, of luaus y'all have experienced.
We're going in March, 2025. We should have a car, but would prefer not to drive far, unless really beneficial. The traveling party consists of DH, me, MIL, older kids, 17 and 20. No little ones. Not really any super picky eaters.
Currently leaning toward just doing the luau at Aulani, for convenience.
Questions: are any alcoholic drinks unlimited, like wine and/or beer?
Food quality. Is it good, or is it 'good for Disney, ' good? I know , that's subjective. but overall, to compare to Disney, it like Hollywood and Vine: meh, or Boma,: yum
Is the experience/entertainment good, or good enough?
DH is looking for convenience, so if Aulani is a good enough experience, we'll do it.
But if someone has had a fabulous experience elsewhere, please share, and why it might be better than Aulani.
Thanks in advance.

 

[WinterSolider]

I'll let others answer specifics but in general, do not set yourself up at any luau thinking you're getting a $200 meal that happens to include a show. You're not. You're getting a $200 show that happens to include a meal. Set your food expectations accordingly.

For the money, I would do the Gold or Platinum package at the Polynesian Cultural Center but only if you think the PCC is something you'd like to do anyways, not JUST for the shows (they have two shows back-to-back, a luau and a bigger stage production in a theater). I really like the Aulani luau but feel it's a bit overpriced.

 

[laocoholic]

DW and I have been to Toa and Aulani luau and this is my experience. YMMV....

Toa
Pros
1. Waterfall hike included, you can come another day so you don't need to rush the hike and swimming at the waterfall. Plus I don't think my DW would want to get her hair messed up before the show.
2. Price is cheaper and really not a bad seat in the house.
3. The MC is great and overall experience was top shelf.
4. The fire show was phonemenal that it has to be listed as a pro in its own line.

Cons
1. Food is plated and just okay. I think it comes from the restaurant outside. You can request extra if not full.
2. Drink tickets - only a couple provided. Cocktails seemed weak.
3. Drive there and back can be a con if you are at Aulani.
4. Desserts limited
5. Can get humid since your in a rainforest.

So...now to Aulani
Pros
1. It's a disney experience. Why not while at Aulani and get to be at the only Luau in the world with Mickey.
2. All drinks included and unlimited!!! Drink is offered when you first head to your seat. You can hit the bar while everyone is doing the pre show activities. Servers bring your drink two at a time if you like when your seated and eating.
3. Food is buffet style with more options than Toa like having poke. Better quality and tasting than TOA In my opinion. The servers rotate fresh trays out often as well.
4. Tons of desserts.
5. Convenience walking downstairs and getting in lline.

Cons
1. Lots of people and not that intimate. Might be sold out... so decide quickly.
2. Venue is on the side of the hotel with not much to look at.
3. Price is high, even the keiki is expensive.
4. Disney has it set up where you can't take your own picture at the entrance. But you can take afterwards with the performers, but by then it's dark.

 

[Finerfam]

Sounds like you personally enjoyed the Aulani one better? I'm so torn between these two!

 

[laocoholic]

I, like WinterSolider, really liked Aulani.Heard good things about Paradise Cove and that might be the next one for me. But I wouldn't mind going back to Aulani 's.

 

[aboveH20]

Hoping someone might expand upon my comment because I don’t remember exact details, but we went to Aulani luau (and even longer ago PC) and it seemed SOOO long. Possibly compounded by getting in line early to get a good table.

I appreciated someone’s comment a while ago that they thought the ideal would be to watch it from your balcony. Not a practical suggestion for most, but I agreed.

Maybe it’s my (lack of) attention span, so I hope someone else will comment. (And if everyone else says the time flew by then I’ll admit it was my attention span )

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I've only done PC and Aulani Luaus. Although I liked PC, I preferred Aulanis. The convenience of on-site is worth it for me so I could enjoy the complimentary alcoholic beverage without worrying about driving.

 

[catsdad]

We attended the Aulani Luau with preferred seating two weeks ago (Mid August, 2024). To set my expectations, I wish I had known (or fully understood) ....

• The Luau is not run by Disney, so don't be surprised if a number of things are below Disney's normal customer service.
• Preferred seating gave us seating closer to the main stage, but not much more ...
  • Preferred seating was allowed to enter about a half hour ahead of non-preferred seating.
  • But, upon entry we were then held in a second line for those 30 minutes. We just waited. The general seating didn't get to join that second line until the 30 minutes ended, so at least there was some minor benefit.
  • I thought early entry meant we would have drinks and access to activities for those 30 minutes. Nope.
  • After the 30 minutes expired, the line then led to photos with two cast members, one drink per person and then a cast member took us to our seats (I think the seats were pre-assigned, so I don't know if being early mattered seating-wise).
• The main bar didn't open until virtually everyone was seated. So, after drinking our first "punch" it was a wait before getting a second drink. So, again, preferred seating was of no help. Pro-tip, there are two sides to the bar, so pick the shortest line.
• We didn't do any of the activities (poi pounding, ukulele playing, wrist lei making, temp tattoos), but they started much later than we anticipated.
• The food was decent, although as others have said, think of this as paying for the show with some food thrown in. The food is presented buffet style on steam tables. I don't know if anyone does this anymore, but they aren't pulling a roasted pig from the ground.
• I thought the show was well done, although I don't have anything to compare it against.
  • The Disney characters were brought on stage for just a few minutes. Before they appeared the children and their parents were invited to the front of the stage. That created a wall blocking the stage, so even though we were in the 2nd row of tables, we only glimpsed Minnie/Mickey on stage. Definitely not a photo opportunity.
  • The show has a made-up story line. Think of it as a Disney-ish musical. I would have preferred real history instead.
• This is a personal preference, but I wouldn't want a room facing the Luau. I can imagine others would have the opposite reaction.
• It was nice having the Luau on property.
• If anyone looks like they could be under 21 and want a drink with alcohol, they will be carded. So, make sure your younger adults bring their IDs. I saw several people return to their rooms to retrieve their IDs. Note that this isn't unique to the Luau. My 21 and 25 year old kids were carded every time they ordered a drink with alcohol in Hawaii.

The above isn't intended to steer people away from the luau at Aulani. But, I hope it saves some frustration.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I've said this before but we really, really enjoyed the Toa Luau. There were a bunch of pre-show activities that my kids enjoyed too. Yes, it's a bit of a drive from Aulani, but I really love the North Shore area and thought it was well worth the visit/drive. Waimea Falls was a great bonus. The pricing was a big sell too, Aulani luau for 5 "adults" was going to set us back over $1,000 whereas Toa came in at just under half at $481, though I see now their pricing has increased a bit, we would now be paying about $575.

Food is definitely subjective but I thought the food at Toa was great. A family we encountered who did both luaus told us they thought Toa's food was better than Aulani's, but there you go. I will agree the drinks were a bit weak and I think we got just one drink ticket but I'm not much for drinking anyway.

For convenience alone, obviously Aulani can't be beat, but having seen the show from my balcony, I'm glad we didn't pay the $1,000.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

We attended the Aulani Luau with preferred seating two weeks ago (Mid August, 2024). To set my expectations, I wish I had known (or fully understood) ....

• The Luau is not run by Disney, so don't be surprised if a number of things are below Disney's normal customer service.
• Preferred seating gave us seating closer to the main stage, but not much more ...
  • Preferred seating was allowed to enter about a half hour ahead of non-preferred seating.
  • But, upon entry we were then held in a second line for those 30 minutes. We just waited. The general seating didn't get to join that second line until the 30 minutes ended, so at least there was some minor benefit.
  • I thought early entry meant we would have drinks and access to activities for those 30 minutes. Nope.
  • After the 30 minutes expired, the line then led to photos with two cast members, one drink per person and then a cast member took us to our seats (I think the seats were pre-assigned, so I don't know if being early mattered seating-wise).
• The main bar didn't open until virtually everyone was seated. So, after drinking our first "punch" it was a wait before getting a second drink. So, again, preferred seating was of no help. Pro-tip, there are two sides to the bar, so pick the shortest line.
• We didn't do any of the activities (poi pounding, ukulele playing, wrist lei making, temp tattoos), but they started much later than we anticipated.
• The food was decent, although as others have said, think of this as paying for the show with some food thrown in. The food is presented buffet style on steam tables. I don't know if anyone does this anymore, but they aren't pulling a roasted pig from the ground.
• I thought the show was well done, although I don't have anything to compare it against.
  • The Disney characters were brought on stage for just a few minutes. Before they appeared the children and their parents were invited to the front of the stage. That created a wall blocking the stage, so even though we were in the 2nd row of tables, we only glimpsed Minnie/Mickey on stage. Definitely not a photo opportunity.
  • The show has a made-up story line. Think of it as a Disney-ish musical. I would have preferred real history instead.
• This is a personal preference, but I wouldn't want a room facing the Luau. I can imagine others would have the opposite reaction.
• It was nice having the Luau on property.
• If anyone looks like they could be under 21 and want a drink with alcohol, they will be carded. So, make sure your younger adults bring their IDs. I saw several people return to their rooms to retrieve their IDs. Note that this isn't unique to the Luau. My 21 and 25 year old kids were carded every time they ordered a drink with alcohol in Hawaii.

The above isn't intended to steer people away from the luau at Aulani. But, I hope it saves some frustration.

I agree with your assessment of the food, room view, and preferred vs. general seating. We stick with General and have no urge to upgrade. I am not a vegetarian, and I eat some pork foods, but I don't like viewing Pig Roasts, so I was happy that was omitted.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

One other observation is if you have a disabled person in your party. They were inconsistent with telling general admission people to arrive 30-60 minutes before admission, and sadly, there were a few cases of elderly or physically disabled people standing long waiting to get in, and there was no benefit to arriving early.

 

[Tigger's ally]

• If anyone looks like they could be under 21 and want a drink with alcohol, they will be carded. So, make sure your younger adults bring their IDs. I saw several people return to their rooms to retrieve their IDs. Note that this isn't unique to the Luau. My 21 and 25 year old kids were carded every time they ordered a drink with alcohol in Hawaii.

I travel a lot for work and most places I go card everybody, not just 21-25 year olds. My wife and I got carded in Branson MO this past weekend and we both just turned 60. With liabilities as they are today, it only makes sense to card everyone. Takes the responsibility off the young bartenders and waitresses.

 

[Pyxie]

One other observation is if you have a disabled person in your party. They were inconsistent with telling general admission people to arrive 30-60 minutes before admission, and sadly, there were a few cases of elderly or physically disabled people standing long waiting to get in, and there was no benefit to arriving early.

When you say there is no benefit to arriving early is that for everyone? We have general seating, no disabilities or anything, and I'm trying to figure out if we really have to line up an hour before it starts.

 

[mort1331]

As a few of the pp have said,,we too have done(sort of) both TAO and Aulani. Aulani was from our room, many nights,,so no food,,,but unlimited drinks...lol
That said, I do not think that even the with the convenience of not driving do I think Aulani was worth double the price.
Tao we loved, we did not think the drive was that bad, 35-45 mins,,waterfall and hike were great (worth about $20 per person) and the show is very small in attendance size but big in everything else. I will second the fire guys were great. If going here, tip is to have a table on the outside edge facing the lawn where the activities are being held. Not a bad seat in the house so no need to pay for better seating. Yes drinks are extra after the 1 or 2 tickets they give you. They show how the pig is cooked in the ground, but as per health ( i think for all the shows) can not serve this to customers, but is consumed by locals.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

When you say there is no benefit to arriving early is that for everyone? We have general seating, no disabilities or anything, and I'm trying to figure out if we really have to line up an hour before it starts.

My post was geared more toward the disabled or elderly because I hated seeing them wait long to enter the luau and sit at the dining tables rather than partake in the pre-luau activities. I also listened to those families rant about waiting and standing in the long line.

If this is your first time, you may want to check the line at the 60-minute mark because I hate to say that one hour is overkill, and you get there is already a long line, which shortens your pre-luau activities.

 

[Paul Stupin]

My advice would be to book a table at Longhi’s at the Marriott down the beach on a Tuesday night, and watch their weekly Luau, located on the lawn right by the restaurant, at no charge. It is a side angle that is not the greatest view in the world, and it is partially obstructed, but you’ll have delicious food and get enough of a view of the luau to understand what it is and enjoy the pageantry.

 

[DisneyDad0315]

Hi, I"ve been reading through other trip reports and threads, gathering opinions and info on the various luaus.
I know this can be so very subjective, but would love to just have a thread with responses on experiences, pros and cons, of luaus y'all have experienced.
We're going in March, 2025. We should have a car, but would prefer not to drive far, unless really beneficial. The traveling party consists of DH, me, MIL, older kids, 17 and 20. No little ones. Not really any super picky eaters.
Currently leaning toward just doing the luau at Aulani, for convenience.
Questions: are any alcoholic drinks unlimited, like wine and/or beer?
Food quality. Is it good, or is it 'good for Disney, ' good? I know , that's subjective. but overall, to compare to Disney, it like Hollywood and Vine: meh, or Boma,: yum
Is the experience/entertainment good, or good enough?
DH is looking for convenience, so if Aulani is a good enough experience, we'll do it.
But if someone has had a fabulous experience elsewhere, please share, and why it might be better than Aulani.
Thanks in advance.

I just did the Aulani Luau last month with my wife and two young children. We were staying at Aulani so walking downstairs to the Luau was very easy and convenient. We had general seating so and the sign said to arrive at 5:40PM for check in. I arrived at 4:40PM to so that my children could get the most time possible to do the activities like making a lei wristlet or making poi. My wife and kids came down about 5:20PM from the room to join me in line. A lot of dads were waiting in line while their families got ready. My kids enjoyed getting a tattoo and everything else they had for activities. We got a lot of great photos of the kids and us.

The luau is open bar. There is a drink given when you walk in, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Then you can walk up to a bar (there are two) to get more drinks. The hostess at our table got us more drinks and at last call, she gave my mother in law a double wine to go. My wife and I do not drink so my wife got POG drink and I got a soda.

I really enjoyed the food and so did my kids. I enjoyed the pulled pork, the prime rib and all the desserts they had. I have been Paradise Cove Luau and to a Luau in Maui and Aulani is my families favorite. The Disney characters are only in the show for a small amount of time so we love it for all the other factors. I love the ease of just walking downstairs. Again, I do not drink so I could easily drive my family home.

I have seen the Luau from my balcony before and that was pretty cool too.

 

[BayGirl22]

For convenience reasons, we did Paradise Cove last time and will do Aulani this trip. I've looked at PCC but its such a far drive, I just can't get myself to do it at night.
Paradise Cove was easier to get tickets to at the time, and is somewhat cheaper, and an easy walk over. We're splurging for the Aulani luau this trip but only so we can do it once, we probably won't do it again.

 

[lhoffman]

As a few of the pp have said,,we too have done(sort of) both TAO and Aulani. Aulani was from our room, many nights,,so no food,,,but unlimited drinks...lol
That said, I do not think that even the with the convenience of not driving do I think Aulani was worth double the price.
Tao we loved, we did not think the drive was that bad, 35-45 mins,,waterfall and hike were great (worth about $20 per person) and the show is very small in attendance size but big in everything else. I will second the fire guys were great. If going here, tip is to have a table on the outside edge facing the lawn where the activities are being held. Not a bad seat in the house so no need to pay for better seating. Yes drinks are extra after the 1 or 2 tickets they give you. They show how the pig is cooked in the ground, but as per health ( i think for all the shows) can not serve this to customers, but is consumed by locals.

Do they assign seating in your area picked or is seating open? I am looking to go as a solo soon.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

Aulani Luau assigns seating