Luau

[AustinTink]

Is it a must do for you? We didn’t do it last trip and still haven’t booked our luau for this upcoming trip.

 

[VGCgroupie]

It isn’t a must for us but that is due to our diet so we wouldn’t be attending any other Luaus either.

 

[AustinTink]

It isn’t a must for us but that is due to our diet so we wouldn’t be attending any other Luaus either.

I have a special diet as well with my food allergies so I’m not sure price wise it will be worth it for me as far as food goes. I guess we would do it just for the overall experience.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I have a special diet as well with my food allergies so I’m not sure price wise it will be worth it for me as far as food goes. I guess we would do it just for the overall experience.

We enjoyed watching it from the balcony of the island view room. I’m sure being there is far better. For us it’s not worth it right now, but maybe in the future.

If this will be your only trip I might not skip it.

 

[AustinTink]

We enjoyed watching it from the balcony of the island view room. I’m sure being there is far better. For us it’s not worth it right now, but maybe in the future.

If this will be your only trip I might not skip it.

This is a tough one. This is our second time to Aulani but idk if we will go again. But, $200 a person is hard to swallow when I really can’t eat anything on the menu.

 

[VGCgroupie]

This is a tough one. This is our second time to Aulani but idk if we will go again. But, $200 a person is hard to swallow when I really can’t eat anything on the menu.

Totally get it. Hopefully someone else will chime in if they thought it was worth it.

 

[Flossbolna]

We are going to Aulani for the third time in September and are still not planning on going. We just don’t see enough value for the price. The food does not appeal to us and the show might be fun, but isn’t worth that much money for us.

 

[J-Dog]

I guess it depends on your priorities. I wouldn't say that it'a "must do", but we like it and it's unique for Disney properties and somewhat unique (along with other alternatives) to Hawaii. I'm not sure that's it's necessarily worth the price either, but we don't go to Hawaii to save money, so we do it, or at least we do some luau every time.

And speaking of others, it's always an option to try a different luau (assuming that you're renting a car), they are all expensive but all slightly different, more/less authentic, better/worse food, etc. there's the Tao luau, PCC, Paradise Cove (I think is still running), and many others.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

weve gone to aulani many times and last sept did their luau for the first time it was 2 adults and a free one year old, and we loved it but not sure itd be an every time thing but for sure would do it again

 

[OKW Lover]

For us a Luau is a fun thing to do but we don't need to do it every time we go.

 

[AustinTink]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I’m such a cheapskate that $190 for me to eat the rolls and dry salad is really hard to imagine. But my husband said not to worry about the price, so I guess I’ll book it.

We won’t have a car so the other Luaus are probably out for us.

 

[AustinTink]

Is it a buffet or plated? I see both when I search online.

 

[Steelers0854]

While I haven’t been to Aulani yet, I have been to Hawaii multiple times. Going to a Luau is quintessential Hawaii, and IMO if you haven’t done one it’s like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Is it expensive? Absolutely, but they all are, you are getting dinner and a show. I have paid that much just for a Broadway show without dinner. Also, I would be shocked if you have dietary restrictions if Disney wouldn’t make accommodations for you. DW has several food allergies and again while we have never done a Luau DL, WDW, DCL have all gone above and beyond and made her food she can have, I would be shocked if they don’t do the same. We are going to book it when we go in February and DW cannot eat Dairy, Gluten or Egg, so that wipes out most of the menu, but again we aren’t concerned about it and will of course report back after our upcoming experience.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to explore other options I think you should book it once, do you need to do it every time? Nope, but much like the Grand Canyon, IMO you have to do it once.

 

[AustinTink]

While I haven’t been to Aulani yet, I have been to Hawaii multiple times. Going to a Luau is quintessential Hawaii, and IMO if you haven’t done one it’s like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Is it expensive? Absolutely, but they all are, you are getting dinner and a show. I have paid that much just for a Broadway show without dinner. Also, I would be shocked if you have dietary restrictions if Disney wouldn’t make accommodations for you. DW has several food allergies and again while we have never done a Luau DL, WDW, DCL have all gone above and beyond and made her food she can have, I would be shocked if they don’t do the same. We are going to book it when we go in February and DW cannot eat Dairy, Gluten or Egg, so that wipes out most of the menu, but again we aren’t concerned about it and will of course report back after our upcoming experience.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to explore other options I think you should book it once, do you need to do it every time? Nope, but much like the Grand Canyon, IMO you have to do it once.

We have definitely paid more for a show on Broadway or the West End. I do like the idea of looking at it that way.

We have dozens of Disney trips under our belts and I always feel safe in their hands food wise.

I can’t have seafood of any kind. Severe shellfish allergy. Any kind of fish is a risk for cross-contamination. Fish and shellfish hide in so many Asian sauces. I would need my chicken or beef prepared without sauce. I guess it’s worth a shot to talk to someone when we get there about it.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

Aulani's Luau is a must-do for us, as it is our splurge dinner for the trip since we are not fine/signature dining people. We love the outdoor atmosphere of the lawn. Additionally, we appreciate the native Hawaiian-style music, featuring steel guitars and ukuleles, played during the Luau. The food at the buffet is delicious. We enjoy the cameo appearance of Mickey and Minnie. We appreciate the complimentary alcoholic beverages and the fact that we don't have to worry about drinking and driving since we're staying at the resort. If we were unable to attend Aulani's Luau, it would be unlikely that we would attend another one unless there was one within walking distance, as we prefer not to drink and drive, take taxis, use rideshares, or take shuttles.

Since you have a seafood allergy, be cautious that the buffet has several fish foods near salads, vegetables, pork, and chicken, so cross-contamination is likely. My guess is they may accommodate by providing a bento box or plated food.

 

[AustinTink]

Since you have a seafood allergy, be cautious that the buffet has several fish foods near salads, vegetables, pork, and chicken, so cross-contamination is likely. My guess is they may accommodate by providing a bento box or plated food.

That answer my question that it is buffet style dining. Thank you.

Has anyone on here emailed them beforehand about food allergies or do you just wait until you are there?

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

That answer my question that it is buffet style dining. Thank you.

Has anyone on here emailed them beforehand about food allergies or do you just wait until you are there?

We don't have any food allergies, but I think they ask you about them when you book.

 

[AustinTink]

Update for anyone with food allergies who might be interested: I ended up calling Aulani directly. They transferred me to the Holoholo desk since that is who manages the Luau.

They told me to put my allergy in the allotted space when I book and that someone would contact me the day before the Luau on my cell phone. They will go over the meal options and put together a plated meal for me that will be delivered straight from the kitchen.

Disney takes great care of guests with food allergies. It’s scary for people with food allergies to eat most places but Disney makes me feel much more at ease. One of the many reasons I keep giving them my money year after year.